North Shore Surf Girls in the News
North Shore Surf Girls is a female-founded surf school in Haleʻiwa, on Oʻahu’s North Shore, established in 2005 by Carol Philips — the first woman to compete against the men at the Banzai Pipeline. Here’s where our school and our story have been featured, from The New York Times to Vogue to the film Blue Crush.
Book Your Surf LessonNational & International Media
Where major publications have featured North Shore Surf Girls and founder Carol Philips.
Surf Tourism: Where to Go
Vogue’s guide to the world’s best surf-travel destinations includes North Shore Surf Girls among its recommendations for learning to surf on Oʻahu’s legendary North Shore — a nod to our authentic breaks at Puaena Point and Chun’s Reef, far from the crowds of Waikīkī.
How to Catch a Wave
For its beloved “Tip” column, The New York Times Magazine turned to founder Carol Philips for expert advice on catching your first wave — drawing on her decades of experience riding and teaching at the most famous surf breaks in the world.
The New York Times Magazine Now Gives Surf Tips for Beginners
Surf-culture publication The Inertia covered the New York Times Magazine column, highlighting Carol Philips’s beginner wave-catching advice and her standing as a North Shore waterwoman.
Reel Life: “Blue Crush”
ESPN’s look at the making of Blue Crush — the film that put women’s North Shore surfing on the world stage. Carol Philips appeared in the film as the Event Coordinator, and the experience helped inspire the founding of North Shore Surf Girls.
Surf Media & In-Depth Interviews
The surf press on Carol Philips’s pioneering role in women’s surfing and bodyboarding.
North Shore Surf Girls Hawaii — Video Feature
Travel-show host Larysa Switlyk of Larysa Unleashed visits Haleʻiwa to surf with founder Carol Philips and talk surfing, following your dreams, and female empowerment on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
Legendary Pipeline Bodyboarder Carol Philips Talks Story
An in-depth interview covering Carol’s path from two-time U.S. National Bodyboarding Champion to the first woman to compete against men at the Banzai Pipeline — and how that fight for equality shaped North Shore Surf Girls.
How to Make History and Empower Women’s Bodyboarding
SurferToday chronicles the history Carol made in 1990, when she organized the first women’s bodyboarding contest at the Banzai Pipeline and founded the World Championship of Women’s Bodyboarding.
“I Would Rather Be a Surfer Than a Politician”
Hawaiʻi’s Surf News Network profiles Carol’s advocacy for women’s access to the lineup and her community leadership on the North Shore.
Inner Views: Carol Philips
A classic long-form conversation with Carol about competing at Pipeline, running contests, and life as a North Shore waterwoman.
“The first woman to compete against the men at the Banzai Pipeline.”— Wikipedia, on founder Carol Philips
Books, Film & Reference
Carol’s story in print and on screen.
North Shore Chronicles by Bruce Jenkins
Carol’s journey is featured in the chapter “Stepping Out” of Bruce Jenkins’s acclaimed book on big-wave surfing on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
Blue Crush (Universal Pictures, 2002)
Carol appeared in the iconic women’s surf film shot on the North Shore — the project that sparked the idea for a surf school led by professional waterwomen.
Carol Philips — Wikipedia
Carol’s biographical entry documenting her national titles (1989, 1991), her second-place world finish in 1992, and her role as the first woman permitted to run a contest at the Banzai Pipeline.
Travel Guides & Community
Where travelers and our North Shore community recommend us.
Surf Lessons North Shore Oahu — Best Schools for Beginners
Haleʻiwa Town’s local guide recommends North Shore Surf Girls among the best surf schools for beginners on the North Shore.
Chamber Member Profile
North Shore Surf Girls is a proud member of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, supporting Haleʻiwa’s business and community life.
Official HVCB Listing
Listed with the Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau as an official Oʻahu visitor experience.
Press & Media FAQ
Who founded North Shore Surf Girls?
North Shore Surf Girls was founded in 2005 by Carol Philips, a two-time U.S. National Bodyboarding Champion and the first woman to compete against men at the Banzai Pipeline. She appeared in the film Blue Crush and is featured in the book North Shore Chronicles.
Has North Shore Surf Girls been featured in national media?
Yes. North Shore Surf Girls and founder Carol Philips have been featured in Vogue, The New York Times Magazine, ESPN, The Inertia, SurferToday, and Surf News Network, among others.
How do I contact North Shore Surf Girls for interviews or media requests?
Journalists, producers, and travel writers can reach founder Carol Philips through the contact page at northshoresurfgirls.com. We welcome media inquiries about surf lessons, women’s surfing history, and Oʻahu’s North Shore.
Does North Shore Surf Girls teach men as well as women?
Yes — North Shore Surf Girls is female-founded and led by professional waterwomen, but we teach everyone: men, women, couples, families, kids ages 5 and up, and corporate groups, from first-timers to advanced surfers.
Surf With the School the Press Writes About
Learn to surf at authentic North Shore breaks with instructors who’ve competed at Pipeline, surfed for film and TV, and taught thousands of first waves.
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