Sista Talks: Candice from The Female Surfer

July 15, 2025 Britt James

At Sol Sista Co., we’re all about celebrating women who are out there doing things differently — living with purpose, surfing with heart, and supporting others along the way. Which is exactly why we knew we had to sit down with Candice from The Female Surfer. Not only is she a total powerhouse of knowledge and experience, she’s also built a platform that’s transforming the way women train, surf, and show up for themselves — no matter their age, season, or stage in life.

Candice’s mission is simple but powerful: to help women surf their best waves in this lifetime. And from world tours to weekend sessions, she’s walking the walk. Here’s what she had to say.

Candice, can you tell us a bit about who you are and what led you to start The Female Surfer? What's your background, and how did surfing become such a big part of your world?

Candice is a happy human, a mum, a surfer, and someone deeply curious about human performance. With over 20 years of study and experience in exercise physiology, she’s worked with athletes at the highest level — and still feels like a student of the craft.

Her surf journey started in Ireland (yes, really). Despite the freezing water, the energy, the people, and the adventure made it unforgettable. Surfing came into her life later — at 25 — after years of competing in Taekwon-do (even representing Australia), mountain biking, rowing, basketball, and more. Sport has always been her language, and her natural curiosity about human potential naturally led her to blend surfing and science.

Eventually, she realised something was missing in the surf world: female-specific training and care. While working with elite surfers and witnessing shifts in the WSL, she saw that women were expected to "step up" — without receiving the tailored support male surfers were given. The Female Surfer was born out of this gap — and a mission to rewrite the script.

What is it about women’s surf coaching that you’re most passionate about? Why does this work matter to you?

Candice’s whole business is built around one belief: helping women surf their best waves in this lifetime. It’s not just a tagline — it’s the filter through which she creates everything, from PDF guides to her movement programs.

She knows what it feels like to perform at her best and wants women to experience that power too. And after navigating changes through motherhood, body shifts, and a fitness industry that didn’t feel right anymore, she’s determined to make space for women to feel seen and supported.

Whether someone needs help with confidence, strength, mindset, or simply how to prep for a surf trip — Candice wants them to know they’re not alone.

What should women focus on to improve their surfing — especially if they’re starting later in life or juggling a lot?

Core stability is key. It's the unsung hero of paddling, balance, and injury prevention. It doesn’t have to be fancy — simple trunk movements can transform your surf experience.

Focused mindset is another game-changer. Estrogen makes women highly empathetic, but that can mean worrying about what others think in the lineup. Candice recommends picking one thing to work on each surf — shifting the focus inward instead of outward.

And finally? Don’t underestimate general fitness. Confidence in the water often stems from confidence in your body — and cardio or paddle drills can make a huge difference.

What holds women back from surfing their best waves — mentally or physically?

Every woman is different, but common themes pop up: guilt around taking time for themselves, fear of judgement, social isolation, and lack of support — especially for mums. Time in the water is key to progression, and when barriers stack up, surfing suffers.

Candice looks for ways to break down those barriers — because more time in the ocean leads to more joy and better surfing.

For someone who’s new to surfing or just wants to finally feel good out there, where should they start?

Start with connection. Surf with friends. Join a group session. Confidence thrives where you feel safe and seen — and nothing beats a lineup filled with people cheering you on.

Where do you hope The Female Surfer will be in five years?

Candice wants to reach more women — not just those near the world’s surf meccas. She’s planning to expand access and support for women everywhere, especially those balancing parenting, distance, or time limitations.

Her big vision? To reshape athlete care models and see gender-specific support embedded from the CT level all the way to everyday surfers. She’s building the tools and the community to get there.

Favourite surf spots?

Ireland — cold, but magical. The Maldives — warm, clear, and full of variety.

What fills your cup outside of surfing?

Adventure, camping, gym time, mountain biking, beach hangs, drawing, painting… and occasionally reading research papers for fun. (Yes, really.)

Candice, we’re in awe. Thank you for the work you do and the women you lift along the way. We’re proud to have you as part of the Sol Sista Co. community.

Want more from The Female Surfer? Find Candice at www.thefemalesurfer.com

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