Hi everyone!
I realized I’ve never properly introduced myself here and I think this is the perfect time to finally do it. It’s Mother’s Day season after all, even if this post is a day late. But hey, that’s motherhood, right? Juggling being a mom, running businesses, trying to take care of yourself, and squeezing in surf whenever you can.
So hello💛
I’m Marja, co-owner and co-founder of Kudo Surf and KS Boardriders Surf Shop.
Kudo Surf was born from our love for surfing, island life, and the surf community. KS Boardriders Surf Shop came naturally after years of being surfers ourselves and wanting to carry gear and brands we genuinely use and love, which was so hard to find on the island. But more than business, both have always been about community for me, especially creating spaces where women (and moms) can feel inspired, supported, and stoked.
This past month reminded me exactly why we do what we do.
I’m so happy about the amazing turnout of Queen of The Point 2026, an event we are proud to sponsor. Even though I wasn’t able to be there personally with all the queens this year, I still had the absolute best time with another group of queens, the shortboard queens during the all-girls surf clinic with power surf mom Nilbie Blancada last April 11–12.
This was something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. And Im so glad I was able to do it in my island home- Siargao, Philippines.
Surfing with other moms and women who simply want to improve their surfing, challenge themselves, and have fun in the water together felt so special. We were incredibly lucky with beautiful weather, fun surf sessions, and one of the most helpful parts of the clinic, surf video analysis right after each session.
And wow… video analysis is HUMBLING.😂
I cringe when I watch myself surf. In my head, it always looks so much better.
But as brutal as video analysis can be on the ego, and sometimes the stoke, it's also one of the best ways to improve. You instantly see what you actually did on the wave, not what you thought you did in your head. And with Nilbie’s coaching, you get a clear picture of what you need to work on.
After the surf clinic, our run of luck was still going and the swell just kept delivering. I immediately felt and saw improvement in my flow, and my stoke level went up another notch.
It reminded me that surfing is such a difficult sport to learn and be good at. There’s always room for improvement. Always another challenge. Another wave to figure out. Another fear to overcome.
This is one of the reasons why I love surfing. And it also keeps me young :)
Even if I still haven’t made the cutback of my dreams or ridden the barrels I imagine in my head, just being out there in Siargao with my island surf mom friends, being coached by one of them, already felt like such a precious gift.
And this clinic isn’t just for moms, of course! I highly recommend it to all women shortboarders who want to level up their surfing. The amazing women behind this experience- Rich Spirit Yoga, Cheeky Titas, and Ocean Rider Siargao, are creating something really beautiful for the women’s surf community, and I know they’ll be doing more events soon. Definitely give them a follow on Instagram and stay tuned for future clinics.
During the clinic, I was also using some of my absolute favorite surf gear:
My fave reef break boardFRK from Slater Designs
EndorFins from Slater Designs
Kudo Surf leash and dry bag (lifesaver on the boat!)
All available at KS Boardriders Surf Shop 💛
Thank you to everyone who has supported Kudo Surf and KS Boardriders through the years whether through our events, surf shop, online support, or simply sharing waves with us.
This little surf community means so much to me.
And to all the moms out there trying to balance motherhood, work, passions, friendships, and self-growth, I see you. We may arrive late sometimes, but we still paddle out.
See you in the line up,
Marja🤍
Gorgeous photos by: https://rachelknowlesphotography.pixieset.com/ , Jac of Palante Yoga and @stone.ps
