North Shore Surf Girls was born from a lifelong love of the ocean—and a deep belief that surfing should be accessible, empowering, and unforgettable for everyone.
Long before I started teaching lessons, I was simply a girl drawn to the waves on Oʻahu’s North Shore. That passion grew into something much bigger. I had the honor of organizing the first women’s bodyboarding contest at Banzai Pipeline in 1990, at a time when opportunities for women in ocean sports were limited. Creating space for women in one of the world’s most powerful waves shaped not only my career—but my purpose.
Years later, I found myself involved in the making of Blue Crush—a film that brought the spirit of the North Shore to the world. Watching that story unfold reminded me how powerful surfing can be. It’s not just a sport—it’s confidence, healing, connection, and joy. That experience helped spark the vision for what would eventually become North Shore Surf Girls.
With a degree in business from the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu, I had the tools to turn that vision into something real. But more importantly, I had the heart for it.
North Shore Surf Girls was built to be different. We focus on creating a safe, supportive, and uplifting environment—especially for women and beginners—while still welcoming everyone who wants to experience the magic of surfing. Whether it’s your very first wave at Puaʻena Point or building confidence in the ocean, our goal is simple: help you feel strong, capable, and connected to the water.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of teaching students from all walks of life. Some of our favorite students have been members of the military—not just for their strength, but for their ability to listen closely and apply detailed instruction with focus and discipline. That kind of attentiveness often leads to incredible breakthroughs in the water, and it’s always a joy for us as instructors to witness.
Every lesson we teach is rooted in gratitude.
Gratitude for the ocean that continues to teach us patience and respect. Gratitude for the North Shore community that supports and uplifts this small, family-owned business.
And gratitude for every student who trusts us to be part of their surfing journey.
This isn’t just where we work—it’s home. And it’s an honor to share it with you.
Aloha! My name is Carol Philips, and I believe surfing is Hawaii’s gift to the world. I love sharing this gift by offering surf lessons to people from all walks of life. Growing up in Hawaii, I discovered my love for the waves at 14, bodyboarding on Oahu’s North Shore. That love blossomed into a career, where I competed professionally, winning two National Championships (1989, 1991) and placing second in the world in 1992. In 2000, I ranked 7th in bodyboard surfing at the World Surfing Games.
As the first woman to compete at Pipeline and the founder of the Women’s Pipe Championships, which celebrated its 20th year in 2009, I’ve dedicated myself to breaking barriers for women in surfing. My journey is also featured in the chapter “Stepping Out” in North Shore Chronicles by Bruce Jenkins, and I played the Event Coordinator for the movie Blue Crush.
Beyond the waves, I’m committed to my community, currently serving as Vice President of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. I’ve also served on the North Shore Neighborhood Board and as Chair of the Hawai’i State Commission on the Status of Women. Though I’ve even run for political office, I’m happiest in the ocean, sharing my love for surfing with those experiencing it for the first time.
Aloha, my name is Aimee. I was born and raised on the Island of Kauai and moved to the North Shore of Oahu in 2010. My love of the ocean started at a very young age! As a kid growing up in Hawaii was the best! Always at the beach, playing, swimming & surfing with friends and family. As a young adult, I moved to California to spread the aloha spirit and wings of adulthood. While there I met some amazing woman surfers, who introduced me to an all-women surf school called Surf Diva (La Jolla, California). They asked me to teach at their surf school as their first Hawaiian Surf Instructor. This was back in the early 2000s when woman surfing was getting big in the industry. I said yes and loved it! I ended up doing surf camps, and surf retreats in Mexico and teaching women from the very young to the young at heart. After my time in California, I came back to Hawaii (Kauai) and continued to teach surf lessons and travel the world to surf. I have been to Costa Rica, Bali, Sayulita, Mexico & Australia. Then, I decided to move to Oahu, where I met Carol (owner of NSSG) in this surfing community. We instantly became friends and she offered me a job! Now, I am a mother to a beautiful daughter that also loves the ocean, For me to teach someone how to ride a wave is the best feeling! Mahalo for reading my story and see you soon!
Aimee with daughter
Aloha and Welcome to the North Shore surf girls surf school. My name is Janna, and I have been enjoying a life of surfing since age 10. Born and raised here on Oahu’s North Shore, I am more than happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. Any sport in the water has been a common theme in my life since I was a small child; I have competed as a collegiate NCAA swimmer & water polo player, I enjoy paddling boarding, stand up paddling, and of course, surfing, anything in the water and I am hooked. Surfing is my passion, and I would love to share that with you.
Aloha, and welcome to the North Shore! My Name is Christian; I am an all-around water woman and first leaned to surf from my lifeguard parents when I was 2 years old. I was raised on Maui and moved to the North Shore of Oahu in 1990 to study marine biology and train Hawaiian monk seals at the Waikiki Aquarium. I have been surfing and competing on the North Shore since then. I have also traveled to Fiji, Indonesia, Australia, and Mexico to surf and dive. My specialty is teaching children, and I am the proud mother of a five-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy, both of whom started surfing before they could walk and have won numerous trophies. I love living and surfing on the North Shore and love teaching people to surf!
Aloha, I am Gypsy. Welcome to our surf school. I grew up surfing and competing in the big waves of Sunset beach on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii. Here the warm waters, friendly surf girls, and waves made of perfection
will send you to a place you have only dreamed of…surfing Hawaii! Whether in Waikiki or the North Shore, surfing is more than a board and a body in the wilderness; it is a mindset and a cleansing. Teaching surf is our love. We use Hawaii’s gift to the World to live the best that life offers us by surfing Hawaii! I want to share the amazing feeling of surfing through our surf school. There’s more to life than concrete blocks and pollution, there’s surf, ocean, more surf, and our Hawaii home.
BE FREE AND COME SURF WITH US, WE’LL TAKE YOU FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!
