Prestel Surf Like a Girl — Inspiring Women Surfers in Stunning Photography

Experience a vibrant tribute to women who ride the waves with skill, grace, and grit. Prestel's Surf Like a Girl collects intimate portraits and candid words from thirty surfers worldwide, capturing the energy of the sea and the strength of these athletes.

What you’ll see are candid moments and theatre-grade photography: the shimmer of water on skin, wax on a board catching the light, a spray of salt as a wave folds, and the quiet intensity in a surfer’s gaze as she sets her next turn. The book pairs these images with personal reflections that illuminate resilience, focus, and the joy of riding a wave. It’s a celebration—not of stereotypes, but of skill, curiosity, and the shared language of the sea.

Beyond the glamour of big feats, Surf Like a Girl spotlights real-life stories that readers can relate to: surfers who are over sixty who still chase a set; athletes who surf while pregnant; women who captain boats, teach yoga, or craft films. Each profile is set in some of the world’s most visually arresting locations, from sunlit beaches to misty headlands, offering a sense of place that makes the images feel immediate and tactile.

What makes this collection special

• Global lineup: thirty surfers from diverse backgrounds and ages, photographed in dynamic, evocative settings.
• Personal voices: quotes and narratives that reveal motivation, balance, and the everyday courage behind the sport.
• Rich photography: artful compositions that convey motion, texture, and the sensory feel of the ocean.
• Inspiration with nuance: stories about training, travel, mentorship, and community that invite reflection without hype.

Who this book speaks to

• Surf enthusiasts looking for artwork that doubles as storytelling.
• Fans of photography and travel, seeking compelling visuals from remote and iconic locations.
• Gift shoppers searching for a unique, uplifting coffee-table book for family and friends.
• Readers who enjoy empowering, relatable narratives from athletes and artists alike.

Surf Like a Girl is not a guarantee of results, but it offers a window into possibility—the idea that the thrill of riding a wave can belong to anyone who approaches it with curiosity, practice, and respect for the ocean.

Immerse yourself in the photography and words, and let the salt-spray imagery spark conversations at home, in classrooms, or studio spaces.