Sista Talks: Shan & Ella from Summer Sama

At Sol Sista Co., we love shining a light on women who are creating space, sharing wisdom, and building connection through surf. Shan and Ella — the duo behind Summer Sama — are doing exactly that. Their surf retreats are more than just holidays. They’re an open invitation for women to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the ocean. We sat down with them to talk all things surfing, sisterhood, and starting fresh — no matter your age or background.

How did you both begin your surfing journey, and what inspired you to start?

Shan: I always had this kinda pipe dream to be a surfer girl — it would show up on my vision boards over the years — but I was so obsessed with skydiving and living out that dream for over a decade that I kept putting other things off, including learning to surf. After COVID, I made a choice not to be so one-dimensional. I picked up aerial arts, became an indoor skydiving instructor, dabbled in freestyle flying… and then I had a bit of a life catalyst. Surfing kind of found me at a time I really needed it. I actually tried to book my yoga teacher training but left it too late — ended up at a surf camp in Bali instead. Honestly, I’m a 0–100 person, so the obsession took over — and the rest is history.

Ella: I properly started surfing at 28, but have always been an ocean-loving girly. I’d dabbled over the years, but never really committed — I didn’t see anyone like me out there, so it didn’t feel like an option. When I moved to the Gold Coast in 2022, I just thought, this is the perfect moment to commit to something I know I’ll love. Surfing gave me a sense of freedom, connection and confidence that I never thought I could have.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when learning to surf?

Shan: The frustration of feeling like I couldn’t progress. I didn’t have a community, and I didn’t know what I didn’t know — it all just felt impossible. Booking into surf retreats really changed that. I met surf buddies, joined group surfs, got coaching — and everything started to click.

Ella: Surfing as an amputee comes with physical and mental hurdles. Finding the right prosthetic setup and pop-up style is an ongoing journey. But honestly, some of the biggest challenges weren’t physical — they were internal. Not seeing representation, feeling like I didn’t belong, and having to build confidence in a space that didn’t always feel inclusive. Summer Sama changed that for me.

What motivated you to establish Summer Sama, and who are the retreats designed for?

Shan: We wanted to pay it forward — to create the kind of experience that had helped us. We wanted to be part of the solution for other women who were struggling to find their place in surfing.

Ella: Shan and I met on a surf retreat and felt the power of connection and community straight away. That experience changed everything for us. Summer Sama came from a deep desire to create something more inclusive, more nourishing, and more real.

Can you share some challenges you’ve encountered while building Summer Sama and how you addressed them?

Shan: Honestly, when I try to think of the challenges, I just keep thinking of the solutions. Our friendships and connections have solved so many problems before they’ve even become problems. But maintaining social energy, staying kind, working under pressure, and communicating clearly — those are real challenges. We’re passionate, but we always come back to connection.

Ella: There’ve been emotional ups and downs, and moments of self-doubt — but I’ve learned to trust myself and trust Shannon. Our friendship is like a twin-sister relationship, so that support is always there. Summer Sama has grown so organically, and we always come back to our why.

What valuable lessons have you learned through Summer Sama?

Shan: That people remember how you make them feel. Connection is everything. Ella has a way of making people feel seen, heard, and completely welcome — she brings hype-girl energy and real-deal warmth.

Ella: I’ve learned that being different is powerful. I used to think my differences might hold me back — now I see them as my strength. Leading Summer Sama as my full, unapologetic self has been such a personal growth journey. And the best part? Seeing how that helps other women show up as themselves, too.

Inclusivity seems central to your mission. How do you make sure Summer Sama feels welcoming for all?

Shan: We try to be totally ourselves — messy, real, kind, human. Not perfect. We don’t separate ourselves from our guests. We want them to feel safe being exactly who they are, because that’s how true connection happens.

Ella: We keep things small and personal. That helps us make sure every woman feels seen, safe, and supported. You don’t have to be anything other than yourself to belong here. We’ll meet you where you’re at — always.