Claire Vanders - Creating Her Dream Life Around The Ocean

Following along on Claire’s socials, you’d swear she’s cracked the code - glassy waves on repeat, salty hair, sun-drenched days in dreamy locations, and that effortless kind of confidence women always talk about but rarely let themselves own.

But anyone who’s ever tried to build a life out of passion - it’s never effortless. It’s intention. It’s saying yes when it scares you. It’s showing up when you feel like you’re not quite enough. And it’s choosing, over and over again, to create a life that actually feels like yours.

That’s exactly why we wanted to sit down with Claire. Not just because she surfs like a woman completely in her element, but because she’s built a life that’s rooted in joy, community, and courage - the kind of life Sol Sistas everywhere dream about!!

Through her surf journey, her retreats, and the way she empowers women in and out of the water, Claire embodies what we’re all about: backing yourself, backing each other, and letting the ocean remind you who you really are!!

Your surfing is absolutely incredible! How long have you been surfing, and when did you start? Were you naturally good from the beginning or did it take time to find your rhythm?

I’ve been surfing for about 18 years now, and it all started in the most random, wholesome way watching my mum take a learn-to-surf lesson. I was standing on the beach thinking, wait... that actually looks fun, and immediately told my dad I wanted a go too. I was already that kid who lived in the ocean, diving under ‘big waves’ with Dad and staying in the water until my lips turned blue, so getting a board was inevitable. Once I had one, I was completely hooked. Neither of my parents surf, but Dad would still take me out and push me into waves, literally hoping for the best, and honestly, same. From there I was lucky because my high school had a pretty epic surf program.

But progressing in Perth is... well, character-building. You get whitewash, maybe a 3-second ride if you’re lucky, and a whole lot of paddling. So each summer I’d escape the city and head down the coast, where my surfing really started to grow. I went on my first proper surf trip at 18 with a couple of mates, and I swear something in me just clicked. I’ve basically never stopped since. Over time, I found my rhythm. I was never chasing the biggest turns or trying to outperform anyone. I was just obsessed with how surfing felt. That’s what kept me showing up. For me, it’s always been less about talent and more about heart, presence and being in the water because you genuinely love it. No matter how I perform, showing up in the water, again and again, is what shaped me as a surfer (and as a person).

You’re originally from WA but now travel the world running women’s surf retreats. How did that all begin?
Honestly, head spin doesn’t even cover it. I still feel like someone’s about to pinch me and wake me up. I couldn’t even tell you exactly how all of this happened. It just... did, in the most beautifully chaotic way. When Covid hit and I lost my job, surfing became my little lifeline. It was the only place I could switch my brain off and just breathe. And while I was out there trying to keep my head above water (literally), I started meeting other girls who felt the same. That’s where my community began. We were all just backing each other, pushing each other, reminding one another to dream big and stay playful. Those people carried me more than they knew.

About three years ago I booked a one way ticket to Indonesia and kicked things off by joining an all women’s surf trip in the Mentawais. Picture me, this girl from WA, suddenly on a boat with photographers, surfers and creators who were absolutely crushing it. I definitely felt a bit out of my depth, but I kept telling myself to just surf, be grateful and enjoy it. I was insanely lucky to have some incredible women behind the lens capturing those moments, and that’s when my following started to grow. I ended up spending more time in the Ments and then Sumbawa, sharing my sessions completely unplanned. People seemed to connect with the joy and the freedom I felt in the water. I didn’t expect any of it.

My first hosted trip was in the Maldives with my friend Lotta and it was honestly one of the best weeks of my life. I remember thinking, imagine if this was my real job. Imagine if I could create more spaces where women come together, surf, laugh, and just feel supported. Deep down my mission has always been simple. I want more women in the water uplifting each other. I think staying true to that is what’s allowed other women to connect with me and what I do.

And I really do think these trips are unique. It’s so rare to have 10 or so girls in your daily life who surf the same level and want to invest in themselves. So why not create it? A place where women can book solo and know they’ll instantly have a crew of sisters to surf with. There’s something special that happens on these retreats. I always tell the girls that it’s not about trying to perform or progress every second. It’s about fun, play and giving things a go. When the pressure comes off and you’re surrounded by women who genuinely want to see you win, your confidence grows without even trying. And suddenly there’s this sisterhood that forms out of nowhere.

Honestly I think the reason these trips work is because I’m just sharing who I am. I love surfing, I love women supporting women, and I love creating spaces where we can all feel more connected and confident. Surfing has given me so much and these trips are my way of giving a little bit of that back.

What lights you up the most about running your women’s surf retreats?

What lights me up the most about running these retreats is hands down the connections
between the women. It’s honestly hard to put into words the feeling after a trip ends. There’s something so special about being surrounded by women who genuinely care for each other, support one another, and lift each other up for the whole week. Everyone arrives as strangers, but by day two, it already feels impossible to imagine life without knowing them. I love watching the confidence grow in each girl, not just in their surfing, but in themselves as a whole. Women leave feeling inspired to chase their dreams, to surf more, and to stop doubting themselves. That transformation is everything.

My heart is happiest when I see the bonds between the girls. I love them all so much and feel like this is how women should treat each other, in and out of the water. We should always be each other’s biggest supporters, and these trips are just a little reminder of that magic.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building and running your own business?

Honestly, one of the biggest challenges has been dealing with self-doubt. I still catch myself holding back from launching things because that little imposter syndrome voice creeps in, telling me I’m not good enough to be doing what I’m doing. That’s me being completely raw and vulnerable, but it’s real.

Another big challenge is learning to balance the trips with my personal life. Traveling so much for work is incredible, but it also means I spend a lot of time away from family, friends, and loved ones at home. Then also add my own desire to travel and explore for personal reasons too which adds even less time at home.
I’m someone who finds it hard to stop and rest. When I’m on a trip, I want to show up 100% for the girls, which sometimes means I can neglect myself a little. It’s all a learning process, though. Each trip and each month I understand more about myself, my limits, and my business, and I’m grateful for that. It’s not always easy, but the growth and the rewards make it all worth it.

You seem to live such a fit, healthy, and balanced lifestyle. Is health and wellness a top priority for you, and what does that look like day-to-day?

Absolutely yes. Health and wellness have always been important to me, but as I steer closer to 30, It’s really become a top priority. I know that without making it a focus, there’s no way I could do the job I do and travel as much as I do.

I have to admit, I was a little in denial about how seriously you can injure yourself surfing. Sure, a reef cut here and there, no big deal. But then I tore my MCL in the water, and that was my wake-up call. Since then, I’ve really understood the importance of strength training, mobility, and keeping my body in check.

When I’m home, I usually train about five times a week, mostly strength and pilates. When I’m away, training takes a back seat, but I’ll throw a resistance band in my bag and do what I can, whenever I can (depending on how much surfing I’m getting in ofcourse).
Food-wise, I eat what feels right and what fuels me. It can be tricky with all the different cuisines I switch between while traveling, since my body thrives on routine and consistency. I always bring powders and supplements with me for a little extra protein or greens when needed.

For me, food is fuel. It keeps me strong, moving, and ready to surf.
The health and fitness world is definitely something I want to share more of because it is such a huge part of my life and really interests me. It’s actually what most of my podcasts focus on. Also, we can’t forget the importance of mental health within all of this. Not going to lie, it can be tough with so much unknown and stimulation for large parts of the year. My friends and family are what keep me grounded and help me through the challenging times. I couldn’t be more grateful for them.

Have you ever struggled with mental health or mindset challenges? If so, how have you learned to navigate or overcome them?

Ohhh yep. Mental health fluctuations have been a part of my life for around ten years now. I’ve definitely had my fair share of struggles, and to be honest, I still do at times. The difference now is that I’ve learned to live with it without letting it define me or how I see the world. We aren’t perfect, and that’s okay.
Yoga was a huge saving grace for me when things really hit rock bottom a few years ago. I have so much I owe to yoga. It’s something I keep close to my heart, and it’s one of the few things I feel compelled to share because it means so much to me personally.
Surfing, more specifically the ocean, has also been my saviour. The ocean teaches us so much if we let it. When I tore my MCL, it happened right at the start of a longer stint in the Mentawais.

Imagine finally being at your dream surf destination, living your dream job of surfing every day, and then suddenly being unable to do it at all. However, instead of flying home, I decided to stay and see what else the Mentawais could offer me when surfing wasn't part of the equation. That was really tough, and injuries honestly suck. But looking back, I don’t think I’d be where I am now without that experience. It came at a time I needed to slow down, reconnect with myself, and realign with my purpose.
That injury taught me that surfing doesn’t define me. Up until that point, I wasn’t entirely sure who I was without it. It reminded me that connections with others are ultimately what’s most important in life and that the energy we give to the people around us is what truly matters.

‘Yoga saved me, surfing taught me, and the ocean reminded me of what really matters.’

What’s next for you? What’s in your five-year plan that you’re most excited about?

Honestly, considering my job, this is kind of ironic, but I’ve never really been much of a planner, and I don’t particularly like to be. Most of my life I’ve just trusted that I’m on the right path and gone with what shows up. That approach has allowed me to be open to opportunities and learn from the occasional wrong turn too.
That said, now that I have my own business, it’s important to have goals and a vision for the future. I’d love to keep running these women’s surf trips for as long as it feels relevant and as long as people continue to resonate with them. I’d love to explore new destinations and uncover waves where women can come together, surf, and support each other creating more spaces for sisterhood and confidence in the water.
I’ve also got some really exciting collaborations coming up next year that I can’t wait to share, and I’m buzzing to see how they evolve. I want to continue partnering with female-led brands who share similar values, creating experiences that uplift and inspire.

On a personal note, there’s so much travel I want to do. So many waves, cultures, and
adventures I’ve yet to experience, and I’d love to keep exploring what’s out there, both for
myself and to bring those experiences back to the women who join me on trips.
Ultimately, I hope to continue building a community where women feel supported, inspired, and confident whether that’s in the water, on the beach, or in their everyday lives. That’s what keeps me going, and honestly, it’s just the beginning.

You’ve built such a strong, authentic social media following. Do you have any advice for women wanting to grow their presence or progress in surfing?

I feel really grateful for the community I’ve built online. It’s not massive, but it’s authentic,
engaged, and so supportive. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to stay true to yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but it really is true. Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you (and vice versa). Be yourself, and the right people will connect with that.

I’m so lucky that the women who join my trips are aligned with each other and share similar values, and I think that comes from me choosing authenticity online. I’ve never tried to be the best or portray some picture-perfect image. I just share what I want to share, the good and the messy. I like to think that resonates with people.
The same goes for surfing. It’s about accepting where you’re at that day and knowing that’s enough. Focus on how it feels rather than how it looks. Surfing, and life, are meant to be fun. Allow yourself to make mistakes, fall, and laugh it off. It’s all part of the process, and it’s that process that makes it so worth it.