02/03/2025 – 5 min.
Among Women - How is it to work in an all female Surfcamp business?
All-female businesses are breaking old structures, setting new standards, and inspiring women worldwide to forge their own paths. But what makes a women-led business so special? And how does it influence our daily working life at WaveSisters?
The Differences of an all female run business
Women start businesses differently – and they lead differently. Studies show that companies under female leadership often prioritize cooperation over competition, operate more sustainably, and emphasize social responsibility. All things we believe in and try to integrate!
One of the biggest characteristics of many women-led companies is their focus on community. Instead of a competitive mindset, there is often a culture of support. Women encourage each other, share knowledge and resources, and build strong networks that extend beyond their own businesses. This solidarity can make a crucial difference, especially in male-dominated industries - or sports like surfing.
At our small and familiar surf camp, we live and breathe this empowerment, and the joy of creating something meaningful together. Our team consists mainly of friends who met through surfing—women who support each other in and out of the water. What started as a shared passion has grown into a space where we can work, surf, and thrive together. And we couldn’t be prouder.
"The best part of working at an all-female surf camp? Sharing surf sessions—not just with co-workers, but with friends."
Cafe Date or Surfcamp Team Meeting?
One of the biggest characteristics of our camp is the strong sense of togetherness. Many of us have been friends for years, and this energy naturally extends to our guests. Instead of a competitive mindset, we cultivate an atmosphere of support—whether in the waves or behind the scenes. We share knowledge, resources, and laughter, building a space where everyone feels valued and encouraged.
Our team meetings often look like casual café dates from the outside. The first question we ask each other isn’t about business; it’s always: How are you? And we genuinely mean it—not in a work-related sense, but on a personal level. We believe that work should allow space and flexibility to be influenced by how we feel each day. This creates a unique, trusting dynamic where everyone feels seen and supported.
One thing we’ve realized about working in an all-female team is that there’s no need for pretense—issues are addressed directly, mistakes and knowledge gaps are acknowledged without fear, and solutions are found together. There’s no need to put up a façade. This openness creates a space where mistakes aren’t seen as failures but as opportunities to learn and grow together. There’s no shame in admitting when help is needed. This level of transparency leads to something truly special: full-on trust. We know that we have each other’s backs. It’s a collaborative space where no one has to prove anything, and that makes all the difference.
'I would like to say thank you for your trust, wisdom, freedom, flexibility and helping hand. I have a lot of respect for what you do and who you are. I enjoy working with you!’
We share everything—our thoughts, emotions, struggles, and even the (small) details, like who’s in which phase of their cycle (if we haven’t already synced up), and we take this into account in our daily interactions. This level of intimacy is unique and strengthens our connection.
Hierarchy isn’t something we feel in our camp. Everyone is a professional in their own field—whether it's surf coaching, yoga instruction, or hosting—and each person has the trust and freedom to do what they do best. While we always collaborate and support each other, there’s no rigid top-down structure. Instead, it feels like everyone is their own boss, bringing their expertise and passion to the team in a way that flows naturally. This shared trust and autonomy create a work environment that is both empowering and deeply connected.
Challenges of an all female Surfcamp
Of course, running a small, all-female business comes with challenges. Surfing is still a male-dominated world, and female-led surf camps are rare. Financial hurdles, seasonal work, and balancing business with personal life all require creativity and perseverance. But this is exactly where our strength lies: we are shaping a new way of working—one that allows for passion, flexibility, and deep personal connections. We’ve built a place where women can come together, share their love for the ocean, and create something bigger than themselves.
With all the positive aspects of our close-knit team, there is also some oversharing which can sometimes become overwhelming, as we grow so close through our work that the boundaries between personal and professional life blur. It requires awareness and respect for personal space.
Another challenge is the seasonal nature of our work. For half of the year, we are spread across the globe, living in different time zones and lifestyles. Staying in touch and not disconnecting from our team during these months takes effort, but it’s something we actively work on. Transitioning from the intense seasonal work back to a different job or adjusting to a more relaxed off-season before returning to the demanding peak season requires a period of adaptation.
Work Environment for free-spirited Surfer Women
Our work philosophy is designed to fit our lives as surfers—flexible and free. We need to be in the water when the conditions are best, and we are used to living without rigid schedules. At the same time, we’ve all grown up with the traditional 9-5 corporate model, and we’re still figuring out how to break these structures and create a new work culture. It’s not just about being an all-female business; it’s also about redefining what a successful work environment looks like for free-spirited surfer women. We are setting new standards, and we are powerful!
A Note from Jule
Owner of WaveSisters
One of the things I love most is bringing women together. The most beautiful feeling for me is witnessing connections form between team members from different camp locations—especially when I already know they are a perfect match but they haven’t met yet. Seeing these bonds develop is incredibly rewarding.
A personal highlight for me was last autumn in Portugal, where our biggest team was on-site, and several other team members came to visit. It was such a joy to see them finally meet and connect.
One special moment was when Leonie, who manages our bookings, visited with her little daughter Stella. It was amazing to have her there in person, as she is such an integral part of our team, even though she usually works remotely. These moments remind me why we do what we do—creating a space where women support and uplift each other, both professionally and personally.
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