Based on Vancouver Island, Bitches ‘n Barrels is a non-profit organization dedicated to getting more women out surfing. Through community-building events in Victoria and accessible surf trips to Tofino, we are committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary to learn and progress in the water.
We run our trips on the unceded, ancestral homelands of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. In addition, we are based in Victoria and we acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples on whose stolen traditional territory we live, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
“Bitches n Barrels created a space where not only are you surrounded by so many incredible women, but in that, it is the most encouraging and empowering environment I’ve been in. You can tell that everyone who comes, is like-minded in that they are looking to have a blast while growing as a surfer; which this space is perfect for. It was an absolute privilege to witness such true passion for getting women into the water, and breaking down the barriers women face within this male dominated sport; all while simultaneously building confidence both in and out of the waves. These are only some of the reasons, on my very long list, that I’m SO stoked to come back every year!”
Our Mission:
We founded Bitches ‘n Barrels in 2017 out of our mutual desire to surf with more women. Surfing is a male-dominated sport, and after looking around the line-up and noticing we were surrounded by mostly dudes, we wanted to make a change. We started out by planning surf trips to Tofino for our friends, but as word got out we recognized that there were more women out there looking for a girl gang to learn and progress with. Our mission is to build a strong community of female surfers/adventurers throughout Victoria and Vancouver Island. We run surf trips to Tofino for all levels of experience, host community events, clinics, and fundraisers, and aim to connect like-minded women across Vancouver Island.
“Not having grown up near the ocean, it can be really daunting to learn to surf in your late-20s. I never really got past the first surf lesson because I was mostly terrified of being out in the water alone and pissing someone off. This trip was something special in that not only did we take up a big chunk of the water but the stigma of ‘doing the wrong thing’ or ‘making a fool of yourself’ was replaced with laughs, epic bails, and everyone cheering each other on. It made surfing in the white wash so much fun that you were willing to put that cold wetsuit back on for a second go the same day. Can’t wait for another trip with this ridiculous group of amazing women!”
Photos by Bryanna Bradley