Upcoming Events & Programs

Our events welcomes ALL WOMEN & non-binary people who are comfortable in a space centered on women's experiences. You must be 18 years or older to attend.

Please sign our 2026 Waiver Form and Photo & Video release here
*form needs to be on file before attending events

Portland Chapter: Sat, July 11th @9am - Oregon Coast Community Surf at Indian Beach
Join our monthly surf meet-up along the beautiful Oregon Coast. Connect with your Community Events Volunteer, Mel Tran.
RSVP here!

Virtual: Wed, July 22nd @12pm PST: How to Read a Surf Report & Surf Safety Checklist"
Join our virtual meet-uo on reading a surf report and learn about our easy-to-follow checklist designed to build surf safety awareness before entering the water.
RSVP here

San Diego Chapter: Sun, July 26 @9am - North Country Surf Meet-up
Join our monthly surf meet-up with Waves of Color Founder, Helen and co-hosts in San Diego to learn about a surf injury prevention topic and a community surf session.
RSVP here

Portland Chapter: Thurs, July 30th @6pm - Book Club, Location TBD
Join our community member, Catie for a monthly in Portland, Oregon. We will be reading "Sharks Don't Sink," a memoir by marine biologist Jasmin Graham, detailing her journey as a Black woman in shark science, her challenges with academia, and her co-founding of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) to support women of color in the field. Don't have time to read or watch the film. Connect with other women surfers in PDX! No RSVP required!

Year 0 | 2025 - 2026

Funding & Development

  • Fundraising Campaign
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Helen & Steph attend ISA surf coach training
  • Launch Waves of Color Shop
  • Host surf education meet-ups in California & Oregon
  • Launch surf coach scholarships
  • Collaborate with surf brands & organizations

During Year 0, Waves of Color will focus on organizational development and growth. We will also be filing for non-profit status and work with community sponsors & donors to help grow our programs and initiatives.

Founders, Helen and Stephanie will travel to the UK to attend surf coach training. They will obtain their ISA Level 1 surf coach certification to better support scholarship recipients.

Fill out our Volunteer & Scholarship Interest Form if you want to get involved!

  • Program 1

    Surf Coach Certification Scholarships

    Raise funding to send founders Helen & Steph to get International Surf Association (ISA) Level 1 surf coach training.

  • Program 2

    Launch Scholarships for Judging & Surf Competitions

    Fund judging course for women and entry fees for Women of Color (WOC) entering local surf competitions.

  • Program 3

    Surf Education

    Host in-person and virtual surf education sessions around surf etiquette, ocean safety, ocean conservation, and more!

  • Program 4

    Telling Stories of our Surf Sisters 

    We want to commit to sharing stories of our community members through our social media channels and newsletter.

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Year 1 | 2026 - 2027

Organizational Growth

  • Continuation of Year 0 activities
  • Sponsorship and collaboration growth
  • Launch surf competition scholarships
  • Host first surf retreat

Waves of Color will be building on Year 0 initiatives and expand during Year 1 to further support inclusivity and resources for Women in surfing. We want to build more capacity for in-person meet-ups and host our first retreat. We hope to create a team of riders and bring more organizations together to support one another.

  • Program 1

    Surf Coach Certification Scholarship 

    Raise funding to help women obtain their ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor Certification.

  • Program 2

    Launch Team Riders

    Build support for a team of riders to support WOC in local competitions.

  • Program 3

    Surf Education

    Host 1 to 2 per month by certified ISA instructors that received scholarships through Waves of Color.

  • Program 4

    Surf Meet-Ups & Retreats

    Host in-person surf meet-ups & retreats in California, Oregon, and beyond.

  • Program 5

    Bring Surf Organizations together

    Digital summit to engage surf organizations helping to make surfing accessible for women.

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Join us in making waves of change!

Support our mission to empower women in surfing by donating to Waves of Color. Every contribution helps fund scholarships, training, and community programs.

Donate Now