A Surf Directory for Beginners That Actually Gets You
The All Things Surf Directory is a resource hub for beginner surfers who want to find lessons, gear, shops, events, and communities—without having to decode bro-speak or dig through outdated listings. Whether you’re brand new to surfing or just looking for something more beginner-friendly, this directory was built for you.
Created by the team behind The Wipeout Weekly and Girls Who Can’t Surf Good, we designed the directory to feel like the surf buddy you always wanted: one who actually tells you which surf schools are chill, where to rent boards without getting scammed, and what events are worth your time.
The directory covers three main areas: Surf Listings (coaches, camps, shops, indie brands, meetups, online groups), Surf-Side Lodging (hotels, hostels, budget-friendly beach stays), and Surf Retreats & Events (from women-led intensives to local beach cleanups and film nights).
Everything listed has been reviewed, recommended, or hand-picked by our community. We prioritize businesses that are beginner-friendly, inclusive, and not just trying to sell you a pro package with a GoPro add-on and dreams of Pipe.
Some listings are paid. Most are not. If we love it, we’ll list it. If it’s helpful, it stays. If it’s not beginner-friendly, it’s out. No exceptions.
If you’re looking for a surf directory that actually speaks your language—no gatekeeping, no elitism—All Things Surf is here for you.
Browse based on your location, vibe, or needs. New entries are added regularly—some global, some local, all beginner-approved.
We believe surfing should feel welcoming, not overwhelming. That’s why we built this directory—to connect the dots between where you are and where you want to surf next.
The All Things Surf Directory: a surf directory for beginners who want to explore more, spend wisely, and paddle out with confidence.
who we are
born to drop in, and hold hands
why we're here
Girls Who Can’t Surf Good started as a search for surf buddies.
It became a very, very big global community.
Now it’s turning into something even bigger.
how it started
2008–the accidental beginning
Zuz Wilson—the original girl who can’t surf good—falls in love with surfing while watching Riding Giants.
She learns to swim (important), takes her first lesson in Porthcawl, Wales, and spends weekends chasing waves across the UK with London surfers.
2012–california dreaming
Zuz moves to surfing’s mecca—California. Falls in love with Bolinas and longboarding.
2016–socal calling
Zuz lands in LA and makes Venice Breakwater her local break.
why "can't surf good"?
Because it’s a nod to Zoolander.
Because “Can’t Surf Well” is bloody boring.
Because not taking ourselves too seriously turned out to be the whole point.
Like, seriously.
how it's going
2017–surf buddies needed
Zuz creates a meetup for girls who can’t surf good in LA.
2019–hello facebook
The rules of the private group are simple:
Girls only
No promotions—commercial or self
Help each other out, because surfing is hard
Girls only
No promotions—commercial or self
Help each other out, because surfing is hard
2023–going global
By the end of 2024, the group has more than 70,000 members across the globe.
now what. what now?!
After eight years, we realized we were onto something good.
🦈 It looks like strangers smiling at each other in the lineup.
🦦 It sounds like someone whooping for your wave.
🐓 It feels like asking a “stupid” question and not being laughed at.
The question: how do we make this real beyond a Facebook group? How do we carry this spirit into lineups around the world?
The answer:
surfing for the rest of us
to be useful to surfers and those getting into surfing.
are we there yet?
It’s nice to have something to shoot for.
We want The Wipeout Weekly to be in a position to give back—to help keep the ocean clean, marine life safe, and coastal communities supported.
People say surfing is easy to get into, and free.
It’s not. Not for everyone.
We want anyone—regardless of means or circumstance—to be able to enjoy this gift of utter wonder that is surfing.
there’s enough ocean for everybody.
