Sisters of Stoke began in December 2023. Born out of cold water, baby waves and a deep need for connection. Mar and Lizzie were out in the ocean most days, just the two of them chasing swells - but they didn’t have any other women to share it with.
Mar was craving a kind of community she couldn’t find, a safe space to be yourself and try something new without judgment. It was her parents who reminded her she had the power to build what she’d always needed and wanted. A fire ignited, and Sisters of Stoke was born.
It started as an Instagram page to try to reach a few like-minded women who wanted to surf, without pressure to be good. But the response was instant. Every post reached more people. Every social brought more women who were also craving friendship, a space to just exist without having to be perfect. It grew faster than anyone expected, and what started as a small circle of surf sisters became a full-blown community!
Before Sisters of Stoke, everyone of Mar’s closest friendships started in the sea; especially with Lizzie, her best friend and co-lead, who’s been by her side ever since. And together, they wanted to give other women the same chance.
Within two months, Lizzie officially jumped in as co-founder, and the vision started to take shape. What began as two friends catching baby waves has grown into a thriving community - a chance for women to find their people. A space to feel loved, connected and confident. A sisterhood of women who show up for each other in and out of the water.
This isn’t a club. This is a sisterhood.
And if you’re here, you belong.
Love from,
How It All Started
Meet the Founders
Hey! I’m Mar, the ocean isn’t just where I grew up… it’s who I am.
Having been raised between the shores of Bournemouth and the island of Malta, I spent a massive part of my childhood in the sea; salty-haired, sun-kissed, and completely at home in the water. The ocean’s always been my anchor, where I feel most like myself.
Throughout school, I lost my confidence and struggled with my mental health. I was also learning to live with endometriosis, feeling stuck and disconnected - like I’d lost my spark. So, I threw myself into surfing – because let’s be honest, surfing is pretty cool!
I met Lizzie at a beach party in the summer of 2023, and shortly after our first interaction, I just knew she was my soulmate in friendship form.
Now, I’m the big sister of the Sisters of Stoke. I’ve been surfing for a while now, with a few years of surf experience under my belt! Nothing brings me more joy than helping other women find their fire. Whether it’s your first baby wave or your first cold dip, I’ll be right there beside you, screaming, “You’ve got this!”
This community didn’t just change my life - it gave me purpose. It inspired me to go to university and study Sports and Exercise Science, with the goal of giving even more back to Sisters of Stoke (graduating in 2027 if all goes to plan!).
I try to live my life with one rule: say yes to things. No regrets. We only get one shot at this life, and I want to help other women live it as fully and freely as they can.
Whether you’ve just joined or you’ve been here a while, you belong. And I’m so glad you’re here!
Hey, I’m Lizzie – the ocean’s always been my escape, but it gave me way more than just waves.
Originally from Milton Keynes, I spent all my summers on the South Coast in the water. My whole life I have been drawn to the waves, and always dreamed of becoming a surfer one day.
After finishing my Psychology degree, I moved to Dorset for work and knew this was finally my opportunity to learn how to surf. Moving far away from where I grew up made me realise how tricky it was to make friends and find like-minded women in my early 20s.
As soon as I paddled out with Mar, I was hooked! She showed me the ropes and supported me in catching my first wave.
When she officially asked me to join her with Sisters of Stoke, I didn’t even hesitate. I knew firsthand how much I would’ve needed a space like this when I first moved here, and the chance to help build that space for other women was something I couldn’t say no to!
This group means friendship, support, and a sisterhood of women who lift each other up. I think being an improver myself and still early in my surfing journey, I want everyone who comes to a session to know you don’t need to be “good” to have fun! I love hyping up the girls and cheering them on; from the green waves to the wipeouts.
If you’re thinking about joining a session but feel nervous – do it. I know how intimidating it can be to show up alone, but it’s also the best thing you’ll ever do. Step out of your comfort zone and come find your people!
