I Surfed While I Was Pregnant: My Experience as a Surf Instructor and New Mom.
"When I found out I was pregnant, one of the first questions I asked myself was: Will I be able to keep surfing for a long time?"
Like many expectant mothers who love surfing, I was worried I'd have to stop surfing for a while. However, after talking with the professionals who were monitoring my pregnancy and listening to my body, I was able to continue enjoying the ocean for much of my pregnancy.
So, can you surf while pregnant? The answer depends on each woman, each pregnancy, and the surfing conditions.
The Benefits of Water During Pregnancy
Moderate physical activity is now recommended during pregnancy when there are no medical contraindications. Water-based activities are particularly popular because the water supports our body weight, reduces the impact on our joints, and provides a very welcome feeling of lightness (to say the least).
For many expectant mothers, spending time in the water also helps relieve back pain, improve mental well-being, and maintain a regular exercise routine.
Precautions to Take
Even though some female surfers continue to surf during their pregnancy, it’s important to understand that surfing remains a sport where there’s a risk of falling. Some medical guidelines therefore consider surfing an activity that should be practiced with caution during pregnancy. In fact, your skill level is a key factor in determining how you approach your sessions. Several years of experience generally allow you to better anticipate risky situations and fall in a more controlled manner when they do occur.
If you choose to continue browsing, a few simple rules can help minimize the risks:
- Ask your midwife or doctor for approval.
- Choose only small, gentle waves.
- Avoid crowded spots and rough conditions.
- Shorten the duration of sessions.
- Stop immediately if you feel tired, short of breath, or uncomfortable.
- Be especially careful as your balance begins to change as your pregnancy progresses.
- Be sure to stay hydrated when exposed to the sun.
My Personal Experience
I was lucky enough to have a complication-free pregnancy and continued surfing until I was six months along. Then, when I returned in the middle of winter, I decided to stop to avoid the temperature shock. Of course, my surfing style has changed.
I gradually started choosing smaller, less hollow, and less powerful waves. The goal was no longer about performance but simply the joy of being in the ocean.
Photo of me with a larger surfboard while pregnant
I've increased the size and volume of my boards so I can be comfortable while paddling and, most importantly, during takeoff.
A wider board allowed me to catch the wave earlier and minimize unnecessary effort.
Which location is best to visit during pregnancy?
Living in Hossegor, I quickly came to see our beach breaks in the Landes as quite risky, despite my experience—especially in the fall, when the winter swells are just around the corner.
I decided to spend part of my pregnancy in a tropical destination so I could surf in a swimsuit while staying warm.
So I turned to break points—long, gentle waves where the takeoff was less demanding than back home. Getting in and out of the water was easier, which really reassured me as my balance changed.
Carissa Moore's experience…
Can you go surfing when you're three months pregnant?
You'll notice that starting in the third month, your center of gravity shifts.
I thought that was pretty cool, especially during my bottom turns, where I leaned more naturally than usual. Little by little, my belly is taking up more space, so I’d lean on my chest (I finally have one, hehe!) to make room for my belly when I was lying on my board.
Over the weeks, I've learned to listen to my body more.
Some days, just a quick swim or a dip in the water made me just as happy as a full session.
Most of all, I spent twice as much time fishing! That way, I always got my adrenaline fix!
When should you stop?
There is no universal date.
Some women stop as early as the first trimester, while others continue until the final weeks of their pregnancy. The decision depends on your skill level, your experience, your health, and, above all, how you feel.
Although athletes like Johanne Defay, Pauline Ado, Justine Dupont, Carissa Moore, and Tatiana Weston-Webb are particularly inspiring, they are still professional athletes with an exceptional understanding of the ocean and their own bodies.
Your safety and your baby's safety are always the top priority.
When in doubt, it's always best to opt for a gentler water activity, such as swimming or walking in the water.
The most important thing: listen to your body
Every pregnancy is unique.
What works for a surfer like me won't necessarily work for another surfer. The key is to stay safe, follow medical advice, and continue to enjoy the ocean in a way that's appropriate for each stage of pregnancy.
Because for many of us, being in the water is still one of the best ways to feel good, both physically and mentally.
Looking back now, after giving birth to my son, I'm glad I was able to continue enjoying the ocean during that very special time.
Those moments in the water are among my fondest memories of my pregnancy.
"This article shares a personal experience and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before engaging in physical activity during your pregnancy."
— Tehina Blasquiz - Surf Instructor at Hossegor Surf Rendez-vous
