Welcome to the first edition of Surf Like a Girl in 2026. We received such an overwhelming response to our 2025 gatherings that we had to plan more for 2026. This longer format retreat is dedicated to women who are looking to dive deeper into new experiences within a supportive group. One of the things that makes our retreats unique is the emotional support we aim to provide each & every one of our participants.
Join us (Ana Mae & Kaye) for 3 days of surf, yoga, surfskate & community in the island that we are grateful to call home. As teachers of two movement-based practices, we have a unique appreciation of how beautifully supportive surf & yoga can be of each other. Now, to improve your flow, we are adding in surfskate.
The purpose of this mini retreat is to guide women in expressing themselves authentically both in the water & on land. We will explore this through a balance of movement through surf & skate and stillness in meditation. This gathering is inspired by the endless ocean, the Siargaonon people and a sustainable way of living that protects nature. This is an experience to help us remember the true spirit of surfing & yoga- reciprocity with nature and the community. At its heart, this retreat also carries the intention of preserving Siargao’s nature and its cultural practices.
It is pure magic when women gather together with a beautiful, shared intention. We look forward to surfing, moving and spending time with you very soon.
This retreat is designed for those that want a balance of group bonding time & free time to do their own thing. While we have scheduled activities for each day, we have also carved out solo time. We are here to encourage you to explore out of your comfort zone - while still supporting you all the way.
This mini retreat is for you if …
You are a seeking a supportive community of women to experience surf, skate & yoga with in Siargao
You are an advanced beginner, intermediate to advanced surfer looking to gain confidence in & refine your surf skills
You are looking to understand the importance of generating speed to polish your foundational maneuvers and to master your flow & style ; cross stepping, hang 5 & taking bigger waves with grace
You want to learn how yoga & meditation can support your surf progression, recovery & overall mindset
You’re keen to integrate your surfing & skating skills together
Please note that this day retreat is for advanced beginner, intermediate to advanced surfers only. This means you must be able to already independently catch your own waves without being pushed by a coach. We highly suggest you bring a board you are comfortable riding to support your progression.
Inclusions
2 sessions holistic surf guidance from Ana Mae & the Ulap Surf team
2 surf analysis sessions
2 yoga & meditation classes at Little Shell
1 surfskate lesson
2 nourishing lunches & 2 light breakfasts
1 special farewell dinner
Surf photography & videography by talented Filipino photographers
Retreat goodies including gifts from Purple Seaweed Studio
Lots of chats & laughs over our signature snacks (Ulap’s famous biko & Little Shell’s well-loved banana bread + pimento cheese bread)
Honest discussions on surf culture, surfing as a woman, recovering fro injury or trauma and so much more
Exclusions : accommodation, transportation, surfboard rental, boat fees (if needed), 2 dinners
Recommended Accommodation
As many of our joiners are based in Siargao, we invite all our participants to arrange their own accommodations. We are here to empower- which means giving everyone flexibility & independence. Here are some trusted accommodation partners should you need them.
Helios Residences- For those who prefer to stay closer to main General Luna town, we recommend staying at head coach Ana Mae’s cosy accommodations near Ulap Surf
Villa Aurora - For those who prefer to stay on the quieter side of town, we recommend these chic Airbnbs which are walking distance to Little Shell
Day Retreat Flow
Sunday, Feb 22
1PM | Opening Circle over snacks at Little Shell, Malinao
2.30PM | Yoga Nidra at Little Shell
4PM | Surfskate Lesson
Everyone is free to arrange their own dinner plans
Monday, Feb 23
7AM | Board meeting over biko, coffee & tea
8AM | Surf Morning
12NN | Healthy lunch at Little Shell
3PM | Surf Analysis over snacks
4PM | Restorative Yoga
Everyone is free to arrange their own dinner plans
Tuesday, Feb 24
7AM | Board meeting over biko, coffee & tea
8AM | Surf Morning
12NN | Lunch at a local cafe
3PM | Surf Video Analysis
5PM | Closing Circle at Little Shell, Malinao
6PM | Farewell Dinner
The flow may change slightly due to the tides & weather conditions.
Investment [6 of 8 spaces available]
Standard Rate | 18,000php
Early Bird Rate [limited number] | 16,000php
Local Siargaonon (born & raised) Rate | 12,000php
*We accept cash, GCash, or bank transfer to reserve your space. We also accept PayPal, HSBC UK & Revolut subject to a 5% processing fee.
Please note that a minimum deposit of 60% of your rate is required to book your space. All payments are non refundable for any reason. Your slot is transferable to a friend of the same surf level should you become unable to attend.
Meet Your Guides
Ana Mae Alipayo
Professional Surfer & Surf Coach
Founder, Ulap Surf
Ana Mae grew up in Siargao, becoming Cloud 9 Masters Champion in 2019 and earning her place among the Philippines’ top three professional surfers. She represented the country in the Olympic Qualifications and studied General Psychology at St. Paul University in Surigao, where her understanding of people and human connection deepened.
She believes in closing the gaps that divide people by teaching them to embrace one another and celebrate every culture. With two decades of surfing experience, Ana Mae shares not only the technical side of surfing but also its core values: awakening consciousness to protect the ocean, practicing compassion within communities, and preserving culture and nature — leaving a legacy of care so that future generations may flourish on a thriving, living earth.
Kaye Aboitiz
Yoga & meditation teacher
Founder, Little Shell Yoga Shala
Kaye is a yoga teacher and the founder of a community-centered yoga & meditation space, Little Shell Yoga Shala. Much of her current yoga practice centers around deep rest meditations & their ability to unwind deeply ingrained mental obstacles. Over the last few years, her yoga & meditation practice has intertwined with her surfing to create a cohesive, joyful way of living.
Now, she aims to build spaces, communities & gatherings where people can feel a sense of belonging. She believes that to belong & to be accepted is one of the most life-altering human experiences anyone can have.
Her story of connection with Siargao began in the early 2000s when she visited the island for the first time. That connection with the land & its people has continually deepened through the last few years of living, working & being in community here.
Kaye will be present throughout the entire day retreat for any emotional support & listening needed, drawing from her Level 1 Counselling | Basic Helping & Trauma-Informed Yoga training.