Surfing While Pregnant & Postpartum: Staying Connected to the Ocean Through Motherhood

Pregnancy changes your body, your priorities, and sometimes even your relationship with the ocean — but for many surfers, it doesn’t take away the desire to paddle out. At Do Good Surf Club, we believe motherhood and surfing can coexist beautifully, whether you're taking mellow longboard sessions during pregnancy, cheering from the beach for a season, or rediscovering your strength postpartum.

For many women, surfing becomes less about performance during this chapter and more about connection: to the ocean, to movement, and to yourself.

And the truth is? Some of the world’s most inspiring surfers have returned postpartum stronger, wiser, and more grounded than ever.

Can You Surf While Pregnant?

Every pregnancy is different, and surfing while pregnant should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. Many surfers continue surfing in early pregnancy with modifications depending on energy levels, nausea, balance, and comfort.

As pregnancy progresses, most women naturally adjust by:

• Choosing smaller, gentler waves

• Surfing less crowded breaks

• Avoiding heavy waves and heavy wipeouts

• Transitioning to longboarding/ knee paddling, ocean swimming, or beach walks

• Listening closely to their bodies and surfing for shorter periods if needed

For some, surfing throughout pregnancy feels empowering. For others, resting and pausing is the right choice. Both are valid.

The ocean was there when you got pregnant, and it will still be there when you're back. If you're in need of inspiration, the next section showcases a few amazing surf mamas that showed you can return to the sport better than ever.

 

Famous Surfers Who Returned Postpartum Stronger Than Ever

Motherhood has not stopped elite female surfers from returning to competition, adventure, and athletic excellence.

Carissa Moore

Olympic gold medalist and world champion Carissa Moore has openly shared her evolving relationship with femininity, strength, and identity in surfing. Her journey has inspired many women to see that athleticism and womanhood are not opposing forces. Many surfers look to athletes like Moore as examples that performance can deepen with maturity, balance, and life experience.

Alana Blanchard

Alana Blanchard continued surfing through parts of pregnancy and later documented her postpartum return to surfing and movement. Her journey highlighted the realities of rebuilding strength, adjusting expectations, and embracing body changes while staying connected to surfing.

Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton famously surfed while pregnant and returned to professional-level surfing after becoming a mother multiple times. She has spoken often about trusting her body, staying active, and adapting through each stage of motherhood.

These women remind us that motherhood is not the end of adventure — it’s often the beginning of a new relationship with strength.

The Emotional Side of Surfing During Pregnancy & Postpartum

Many surfers experience complicated feelings during pregnancy and postpartum:

• Feeling disconnected from their body

• Missing their normal surf routine

• Fear of losing athletic identity

• Navigating rapid body changes

• Rebuilding confidence and strength (especially core strength) after birth

Postpartum healing is not linear. Some women return to surfing quickly; others take months or years to feel physically or emotionally ready.

There is no timeline you need to follow.

The goal is not to “bounce back.” It’s to feel at home in your body again.

What to Look for in Sustainable Swimwear During Pregnancy & Postpartum

Your swimwear should support you — literally and emotionally.

At Do Good Surf Club, we design surf swimwear for real movement, real bodies, and every stage of life, including motherhood.

Here are some features that matter most during pregnancy and postpartum:

Adjustable Straps

Bodies change quickly during pregnancy and nursing. Adjustable straps help accommodate fluctuating bust size and changing rib cages without sacrificing comfort.

Look for:

• Tie-back tops

• Adjustable shoulder straps

• Flexible band support

Supportive Thicker Straps

Thicker straps can help distribute weight more comfortably, especially for fuller or nursing breasts. They also provide better support in the water compared to thin fashion-style straps.

Scoop & Square Necklines

Scoop and square necklines can make breastfeeding or pumping easier while still feeling supportive and secure.

They also:

• Offer comfortable compression

• Accommodate changing chest size

• Feel less restrictive postpartum

Why Compressive Fabric Matters Postpartum

Let’s normalize this: postpartum bodies are supposed to change.

But many women still want swimwear that helps them feel secure and confident while healing.

Compressive, high-quality fabric can:

• Provide gentle support for the abdomen

• Help swimwear stay in place while surfing

• Offer a smoothing, secure feeling

• Support confidence during physical recovery

Not because there is anything wrong with a postpartum belly — there absolutely isn’t — but because feeling physically supported matters.

Some of our top picks:

The Megan One piece for neckline and compression

The Mahina Long Sleeve Surf Suit for coverage/ compression, Emily and Shelley Top for adjustable straps and Holly High Waist for compression, and our Angie Surf Suit for adjustable straps, comfortable wear, and easy access for breast feeding. 

 

At Do Good Surf Club, we love sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® and REPREVE® because they combine durability, performance, and compression while helping reduce reliance on virgin plastics. 

Why Sustainable Swimwear Matters for Moms

Motherhood often changes how we think about consumption, the environment, and the future we’re leaving our children.

Choosing sustainable surf swimwear means investing in:

• Long-lasting quality over fast fashion

• Recycled materials like ECONYL® and REPREVE®

• Reduced waste

• Mindful consumption

• Products designed to last through seasons of life

We believe swimwear should move with you through all of it:

• pregnancy

• postpartum

• surfing with toddlers on the beach

• nursing between surf checks

• building back confidence in the surf

• rediscovering yourself in the lineup

Surfing After Motherhood Looks Different — And That’s Okay

Maybe your sessions are shorter now.

Maybe you surf softer waves.

Maybe you spend more time watching sunsets from the shore with your baby than chasing swell.

That still counts.

Motherhood doesn’t make you less of a surfer.

If anything, it often deepens your relationship with the ocean - teaching patience, surrender, resilience, and presence in ways no perfect wave ever could.

And when you do paddle back out, you may discover something surprising:

You’re stronger than ever.

From one surf mama to another,

Jas