The menstrual cycle can be roughly divided into four (uneven!) phases. During the first half, estrogen rises — and with it, our energy levels, curiosity, and desire for adventure. The week after your period is an ideal time to try out new surf spots or experiment with different boards. Even if the conditions aren't perfect, it feels more like play than pressure. Mistakes don’t feel like failures — they’re just part of the ride. Of course, this depends on your internal dialogue, but generally speaking, you're less likely to beat yourself up over a frustrating session during this phase.
Mid-cycle, around ovulation, many women notice a spike in their social energy and confidence. This is a great time to surf crowded spots where you need to hold your own and assert your place in the lineup. If you’ve been eyeing a popular break but hesitated because of the crowd — ovulation is your moment. (Be careful though, there is a high risk to start flirting instead of surfing!)
After ovulation, when estrogen begins to dip, your energy often turns inward. You may find your emotional responses heightened — the noise of the outside world fades, and your own feelings grow louder. At this point, even minor irritations like messy conditions or an aggressive surfer nearby can get under your skin. On top of that, your body is preparing for a potential pregnancy, which can heighten your sense of self-preservation and trigger more fear. Big (or even just decent) waves can feel especially intimidating during this phase.
Finally, in the premenstrual phase — when both estrogen and progesterone hit their lowest — your energy is typically at its lowest too. Coordination may be off, and motivation to surf may drop altogether. If that happens, it’s totally okay to skip a session and do something gentler instead.