Published Oct 26, 2022

The 20 Best Marathons To Run in the USA

Ready to run 26.2 miles? These USA marathons are the best of the best in the South, West, East, Midwest, and everywhere in between.

The 20 Best Marathons To Run in the USA

Ready to run 26.2 miles? These USA marathons are the best of the best in the South, West, East, Midwest, and everywhere in between.

Published Oct 26, 2022

Written by

Kells McPhillips

Photo: Getty Images / fotog

Published Oct 26, 2022

Written by

Kells McPhillips

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

One of the best parts of being a runner is seeing the world on foot. And when it comes to distances that really let you get a feel for a place, there’s nothing quite like the marathon. This iconic distance, 26.2 miles, has captured the hearts of the 1.1 million Americans who run marathons each year. If you’re ready to join their ranks, the very best marathons in America are ready and waiting for you.

Generally speaking, marathon season lasts from mid-August to December—but that’s not a hard and fast rule. (For example, the Boston Marathon is held annually in April.) During this stretch of time, you can sign up for a race in whatever backdrop most inspire you: the concrete jungle, the verdant Pacific Northwest, the shores of Lake Michigan—your choice.

To make your research a breeze, below, we curated a USA marathon bucket list that’s organized by elevation. Whether you’re searching for a beginner marathon, a predominately downhill race, or are ready to take on some gnarly elevation, we’ve got you.

(Mostly) flat marathons

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Chicago marathon is famously, gorgeously flat—making it an ideal race for anyone hoping to BQ (Boston qualify). Starting and finishing in Grant Park, this magical race will help you see the city as you’ve never seen it before.

Date and location: October 28, 2023; Chicago, Illinois

Elevation: net gain of 243 feet

Cost of entry: $230

Where to stay:Visit the official housing site of the marathon.

Restaurants to try:Giordano’s, Sapori Trattoria, Alexander’s

Philadelphia Marathon

This mostly flat race will take you by some of Philly’s most iconic monuments, from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell Center. While the marathon itself is fantastic, the Philly food scene is a reason to run here in and of itself. You’ll fuel up with some of the best eats the city has to offer before you lace up.

Date and location: November 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Elevation: net zero elevation

Cost of entry: $155

Where to stay: Book your hotel at a discounted rate here.

Restaurants to try:Friday Saturday Sunday, Blazin’ J’s, Buena Onda Rittenhouse

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest in the world—and famously covers all the monuments in Washington D.C. If you’re looking for a city race that also offers its fair share of natural beauty, this is the race for you. And if you have friends or family who’ve served, all the better.

Date and location: October 2023; Arlington, Virginia

Elevation: elevation gain: 630 feet; elevation Loss: 593 feet

Cost of entry: $220

Where to stay:Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, Crystal Gateway Marathon, The Westin Arlington Gateway

Restaurants to try: Ruthie’s All-Day, Preservation Biscuit, Thompson Italian

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

If you love nothing more than running on a beautiful lakefront course, you’re in luck. This marathon skates along Lake Michigan, and most of the elevation occurs at the start of the race. These views are the very best the midwest has to offer.

Date and location: October 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Elevation: elevation gain of 626 feet

Cost of entry: $115

Where to stay:Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Restaurants to try:Kopp’s Frozen Custard, Lakefront Brewery, Speed Queen Bar-B-Q

Missoula Marathon

Another Boston qualifying flat course, the Missoula Marathon offers breathtaking views of farmland, mountains, city, and more.

Date and location: Frenchtown, Montana; June 25, 2023

Elevation: max Elevation: 3256 feet; min elevation: 3041 feet

Cost of entry: $95

Where to stay:Double Tree by Hilton Missoula-Edgewater

Restaurants to try:Rattlesnake Gardens Market & Cafe, Tagliare Delicatessen, The Catalyst Cafe

Boston

No marathon list is complete without the one and only Boston Marathon. This iconic race is the world’s oldest annual marathon and attracts some of the fastest runners out there. While Boston is a net downhill race, the notoriously gnarly Heartbreak Hill (which happens at mile 20) convinced us that this race deserved to be on the “elevation” section of this guide. Note: You will have to qualify for this race, so make sure you check out the hoops you have to jump through to earn your spot at this finish line.

Date and location: April 17, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts

Elevation: 891 elevation gain

Cost of entry: $225

Where to stay:Check here for a list of places to stay.

Restaurants to try:Giulia, Santarpio’s Pizza, Seabiscuit

Kiawah Island Marathon

You’re in for a beautiful tour of the South Carolina Lowcountry with the Kiawah Island Marathon. From trees heavy with moss to miles and miles of marshland, there’s plenty to see throughout this beautiful run. Plus, you’ll only gain about 129 feet in elevation, so it’s a perfect course for chasing a personal record.

Date and location: December 2023, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Elevation: elevation gain: 129 feet; elevation loss: 129 feet

Cost of entry: $130

Where to stay:The Sanctuary, Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston, Embassy Suites by Hilton

Restaurants to try:The Nest Market, Bertha’s Restaurant, Lewis Barbecue

Honolulu Marathon

Cruise along Honolulu’s oceanfront in this (semi) out-and-back race with a few mild hills. This course will serve you plenty of gorgeous ocean views before steering you inland so you can see the city. Plus, weather doesn’t get much better than Hawaii in December.

Date and location: December 2023; Honolulu, Hawaii

Elevation: elevation gain: 457 feet; elevation loss: 455 feet

Cost of entry: $185

Where to stay:Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (use code “MARATHON” at checkout for a discount)

Restaurants to try:Over Easy, Kyung’s Seafood, Waiola Shave Ice

Walt Disney World Marathon

Get running through the most magical place on earth. This race weekend is a blast for people who run all distances—so if you’re traveling with someone who’d rather run a 5K or a 10K, they will be all set, too. In all honesty, it’s hard to get a spot in this marathon. So if it’s on your bucket list, make sure to set a timer so that you don’t miss registration.

Date and location: January 8, 2023; Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Elevation: elevation gain: 351 feet; elevation loss: 354 feet

Cost of entry: $229

Where to stay: If you’re running the Disney World Marathon, chances are you will want to stay at a Disney Resort.

Restaurants to try:Topolino’s Terrace, Satu’li Canteen, Cinderella’s Royal Table

Space Coast Marathon

Florida’s oldest marathon is a zany mission through space—and it deserves a spot on your bucket list. The event kicks off in Cocoa Village and finishes on the River in Lee Wenner Park and Cocoa Riverfront Park. The whole course is inspired by the galaxy, so get ready for an out-of-this-world experience.

Date and location: November 2023; Cocoa, Florida

Elevation: elevation gain: 262 feet; elevation loss: 259 feet

Cost of entry: $130

Where to stay:Book your hotel here.

Restaurants to try: This marathon offers a pre-race pasta dinner, but you may also want to check out Brano’s Italian Grill and Simply Delicious Café and Bakery.

Marathons with elevation

Big Sur International Marathon

It doesn’t get much better than running 26.2 miles of California’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous Highway 1. This Boston qualifying race rolls through redwood trees, coastal mountains, and miles upon miles of ocean. You’ll always have something to look at—and since it’s a point-to-point race, you’ll have the absolute satisfaction of driving the long course you just ran at the end of the day when it’s time to head back to your hotel.

Date and location: April 30, 2023; point-to-point race from Big Sur to Carmel

Elevation: +2,182 feet, -2,528-feet

Cost of entry: $265 for domestic participants

Where to stay: Fly into the Monterey Airport and stay in the Monterey Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, or an Airbnb.

Restaurants to try: Dine oceanfront in some of Monterey’s best restaurants, including Nepenthe and Tides Waterfront Kitchen.

Vermont City Marathon

If you’re looking for a marathon with that small-town charm, consider your search over. While this course is considered “flat” by New England standards, it will still seem pretty hilly for most runners. Make sure your legs and mind are prepared for the elevation so you can simply enjoy the fallcore that is this 26.2 course.

Date and location: May 28, 2023; Burlington, Vermont

Elevation: elevation gain: 855 feet; elevation loss: 856 feet

Cost of entry: TBD

Where to stay:Hotel Vermont, Comfort Inn and Suites

Restaurants to try:A Single Pebble, Penny Clusé Café, Zero Gravity Taproom

Montana Governor’s Cup Marathon

This point-to-point race is a Boston qualifier with a challenging patch of hills between miles 16 and 20. You’ll run through the mining Ghost Town of Wickes and rural views for a unique marathon setting you can’t find anywhere else.

Date and location: November 2023; Wickes, Montana

Elevation: cumulative elevation gain of 638 feet throughout the race

Cost of entry: TBD

Where to stay:Elkhorn Mountain Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown

Restaurants to try:The Roadhouse Diner, Firehouse BBQ Co, Biga Pizza

Amica Seattle Marathon

This is Seattle’s hometown marathon—and it’s absolutely glorious. The course’s rolling hills will take you on a tour of the city’s bridges, waterways, and sweeping vistas. Just make sure you’re ready to take on the elevation.

Date and location: November 2023; Seattle Washington

Elevation: elevation gain: 931 feet; elevation Loss: 929 feet

Cost of entry: $147

Where to stay:The Westin Seattle

Restaurants to try:Seattle Hot Dog, The Pink Door,Bar Del Corso

TCS New York City Marathon

Take it from someone who lived on the NYC marathon race course for several years: marathon day is the most special energy the city has to offer. From the non-stop cheering to the Empire State sites, there’s an indescribable aliveness to this race. While it’s a bit tricky to get your hands on a bib, the work will be well worth it. You’ll remember running through Central Park for the rest of your life—promise.

Date and location: November 5, 2023; New York City, New York

Elevation: elevation gain: 810 feet; elevation loss: 824 feet

Cost of entry: $295

Where to stay:Book your hotel here.

Restaurants to try:Levain Bakery, Atlas Kitchen, Jacob’s Pickles

Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon

Hosted by the Maine Track Club, this race leads you through rolling hills and stunning ocean vistas. Since the race takes place in early October, this is a great foliage marathon—if you know what I mean. You can expect cool weather

Date and location: October 1, 2023; Portland, Maine

Elevation: elevation gain: 821 feet; elevation loss: 821 feet

Cost of entry: $115

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Portland by the Bay, Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Restaurants to try:Check out the race directors’ full list of recommendations

Newport Marathon

The Newport Marathon starts at Easton’s Beach and has long been considered the best marathon in Rhode Island. You’ll enjoy beautiful fall weather and many, many hills—so make sure you train elevation, okay?

Date and location: October 2023; Middletown, Rhode Island

Elevation: elevation gain: 847 feet

Cost of entry: $118

Where to stay:Newport Beach Hotel & Suites, Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, Residence Inn by Marriott

Restaurants to try:Le Bec Sucré, Becky’s BBQ, Port Pizza Middletown

Predominately downhill marathons

Los Angeles Marathon

Tour Los Angeles on foot with this lovely marathon. You’ll start at Dodger’s Stadium and finishes at Avenue of the Stars in Century City. While the course is a bit hilly initially, you’ll finish on a nice downhill grade. So put in the work at the beginning, and prepare to be rewarded.

Date and location: Los Angeles, California; March 19, 2023

Elevation: net elevation drop of 430 feet

Cost of entry: $179

Where to stay:Learn about the LA marathon partner hotels here.

Restaurants to try:Market Venice, Quarter Sheet Pizza Club, Sidecar Donuts

Salt Lake City Marathon

This high-altitude race is mostly flat and downhill. You’ll start at the Olympic Legacy Bridge, run through the Wasatch Mountains and different parts of the city, and cross the finish line in the middle of downtown.

Date and location: April 32, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah

Elevation: +918 feet, -1501 feet

Cost of entry: $70 to $110

Where to stay: Marriott City Center (walking distance from the finish line)

Restaurants to try: Grab a bite at Chunga’s if you’re in the mood for Mexican food or Banbury Cross Donuts for a pre-race donut.

Napa Valley Marathon

If running through wine country sounds dreamy to you, this is the 26.2 race for you. This scenic route takes you through miles of vineyards and mountains for a beautiful course that will feel like one long day of sightseeing. Celebrate at the finish line with a generous pour of California red.

Date and location: March 23, 2023. point-to-point race from Calistoga to Napa

Elevation: The race starts at nearly 400 feet above sea level and ends about 60 feet above sea level.

Cost of entry: $175

Where to stay:Hampton Inn & Suites Napa, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, Holiday Inn Express

Restaurants to try:The Model Bakery, Pizzeria Tra Vigne, Gott’s Roadside

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Fitness Sports

Published Sep 21, 2024

What It’s Like to Bring Up the Rear on a Group Trail Run—and Have Fun Doing It

If you’re a slow trail runner or just starting out, here’s what it’s like to hit the trails in a group as a beginner at trail running.

What It’s Like to Bring Up the Rear on a Group Trail Run—and Have Fun Doing It

If you’re a slow trail runner or just starting out, here’s what it’s like to hit the trails in a group as a beginner at trail running.

Published Sep 21, 2024

Written by

Rachel Kraus

Photo: Rachel Kraus/W+G Creative

Published Sep 21, 2024

Written by

Rachel Kraus

I don’t usually go on group runs, but milling around with fellow runners for my first-ever trail run, as a total trail running beginner, I couldn’t help but catch a buzz. The atmosphere was festive and friendly, and I was positively gung-ho to try my hand (or rather, feet), at running up a mountain.

The trail “running” part didn’t last long. My run turned to a jog turned to mostly a hike, at least on the uphills. In another situation—a road race, maybe—the self-doubt and light embarrassment that began to bubble up as the gap grew between me and the rest of the group might have turned into full-blown shame. But here’s the thing about trail running: Trail runners won’t let that happen.

Because trail runs take place on, well, trails, runs will typically have organizers called sweepers. These are people specifically designated to stay with the last runners in the group so no one gets stranded on the mountain, sometimes on confusing terrain, often without cell service. On this run, two sweepers, another runner, and I hiked on the uphills, and trotted on the flats and downhills—all following my pace. We finished the three mile loop in about an hour, and I genuinely felt proud.

“I’m not a trail runner,” I confessed to one of the sweepers. “Are you running on a trail? Then you’re a trail runner!” she said.

Listen, runners love to say stuff like this to novices. It can feel cringey—patronizing, even—to be on the receiving end, when groups of runners are far ahead or lapping you. And while road races will sometimes have well meaning sweepers, too, there often isn’t room for novice or slow runners in races in particular: Pace inclusivity, with infrastructure and spectators that stay in place until the last runner has crossed the finish line, is something still severely lacking from many races.

But thanks to the sweepers on my first trail run, and their attitude that contained not a trace of the feeling that I was putting them out by making them go slow, I felt genuinely welcomed to the sport.

6 things to expect as the last runner on a group trail run

How did I find myself as a back of the pack runner on a mountain? Six months after I had my son, Hoka reached out to me to see if I would be interested in participating in a trail race training group. I told them that I was six months postpartum, that I hadn’t really been able to run since before my pregnancy, and that when I was running regularly pre-pregnancy, my longest distance was a 10K.

They still welcomed me to try out training with coaches from Sundog Running, fitness tracking from Suunto, nutritionist and mindset coaching, and Hoka gear. I was looking for a way to get back into running, and so with more than a little trepidation, I signed up. My goal: Running a 10K at the Kodiak UTMB trail running festival in Big Bear, California.

To kick off training, the trail running group met up at the Speedgoat UTMB race outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Some members of the group would be participating in the 10K and 30K races, but plenty of us were just spectating and getting to know each other.

Are you running on a trail? Then you’re a trail runner.

Despite the fact that I was not racing, I wanted to hit the trails. Hoka provided a pair of the race’s namesake shoes—the Speedgoat 6—in beautifully bombastic shades of orange, red, yellow, and purple. I learned from trail runners that it was a faux pas to have dust and dirt-free trail running shoes, so I needed to log some miles!

So my first night, I decided to join a “shakeout run,” which is a short, relaxed run the day before a larger race.

The flaw in the plan? The “shakeout run” for Speedgoat racers was short for experienced trail runners, but a still challenging three miler for me. It also took place in the elite-level ski mountains of Utah, which meant steep inclines at high altitude. I had no idea what I was getting into. But if you ever find yourself as a novice or slow runner facing down a mountain, here’s what’s in store.

1. Expect to face actual hills

My preconception of trail running was that trail runs take place on flat or rolling hills. While this is certainly some trail running, it was definitely not the case at Speedgoat. So, my first lesson bringing up the rear on a trail run? Expect to get up a hill any way you can.

2. Expect to hike as well as run

It turns out that a lot of trail running is actually “speed hiking.” Sure, trail runners will run up hills. But even the most experienced will power hike rather than run, because it’s actually a more efficient use of energy, explained my Sundog coaches.

The sweepers told me that hiking was a big part of trail running, so bringing up the rear in this way felt like I was still participating in the race.

3. Expect to switch up your paces

Both running and hiking on a run was an adjustment, because I have a bit of a mental block about walk-runs “counting” as a run. That was a notion I had to get over during pregnancy and my postpartum recovery. So I applied it to my trail run: Hiking the challenging uphills, and jogging the flats and downhills. Switching between the paces and terrains felt natural, especially because my group followed my lead.

4. Expect to talk!

My next lesson was that trail running in the back of the pack is not a solitary endeavor. I have never, ever completed a three mile run chatting the whole time. But even during the moments of huffing and puffing, the sweepers and other last participant kept me company. We talked about trail running, sure, but also our careers, travel memories, issues like sexism in outdoor sports, and more. I got to know my group to the point that we hugged and exchanged contact information at the end.

5. Expect to stop and smell the roses

There were also moments for reflection and fun. Because I wasn’t worried about making a race time, I got to stop and take photos, even just taking a moment to marvel at a waterfall. A great thing about trail races? They take place in nature. Basking in where you are is part of what it’s all about.

6. Expect to feel a quiet sort of pride

Coming to the end of the trail wasn’t a big showy moment—it was a shakeout run, not a true race. But the accomplishment I felt at being the absolute last person to “cross the finish line” surprised me nonetheless. There’s just something about knowing you’ve gone up a mountain that gets you high on life.

I knew training for a 10K—which was more than twice the distance of my three mile loop—would not be easy. The road ahead would include struggles finding time for myself, postpartum joint pain, logistical issues, and so much more. But my first trail run, as the last runner in a far more experienced group, was a golden start.

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Fitness Sports

Published Sep 18, 2024

Trying a New Sport Might Be the Confidence Boost You Need—It Was for Me

I never dreamed I'd surf—now it's my new favorite sport. Here's how I conquered waves and built confidence my first time surfing.

Trying a New Sport Might Be the Confidence Boost You Need—It Was for Me

I never dreamed I'd surf—now it's my new favorite sport. Here's how I conquered waves and built confidence my first time surfing.

Published Sep 18, 2024

Written by

Ciara Lucas

W+G Creative

Published Sep 18, 2024

Written by

Ciara Lucas

“I want you to believe that you’ve been doing this your whole life. You’re an athlete. You can do this,” said Kainoa McGee, my surf coach and waterman in Oahu, while holding down my board so I wouldn’t get carried away by waves. I was 30 minutes into my first-ever surf lesson off of Waikiki beach, and the taste of salt water had started to become overwhelming—my attempts to get up on the board for the past half-hour had me crashing back into the ocean with each try.

We’d only just met, but somehow McGee could tell I was the overly ambitious, critical, and overthinking type. As a paddled back after (another) failed attempt, he told me “Get out of your head.” And he was right. My fear of falling off the board was literally making me fall off the board. In that moment, McGee felt like more than just a surf instructor and closer to a life coach. His words could easily be applied to so many areas in my life. I just had to get out of my head.

Trying surfing for the first time

Before an end-of-summer family vacation to Hawaii, I had never surfed a day in my life. I had also never even dreamed of trying the sport until the trip was planned. There aren’t a ton of black female surfers to model after (at least none I’d heard of or seen before), so it’s never been an activity I saw myself doing. But I’ve always been drawn to new experiences, and you can count me in for basically anything that has to do with fitness. I got my first chance during a week at Waikiki and becoming one with the water and waves.

I’m not particularly the strongest swimmer. I know a few basics for survival—treading water, doggy paddle, and I can float on my back…so basically, I know how to not drown! But swimming “athletically” and efficiently isn’t my strong suit. But I’m a six-time marathoner, personal trainer, running coach, indoor cycling instructor, and I dabble in yoga—there’s got to be some athletic capabilities that are transferable, right?

Surfers look so cool, confident, and strong. In my head, I felt like I could replicate that.

My inexperience (and teetering confidence) with water sports wasn’t stopping me from the challenge. Surfers look so cool, confident, and strong. In my head, I felt like I could replicate that in some way. I am a Virgo, after all! Trying new things and learning to master them is kinda my thing. Plus, research shows that new experiences are good for our emotional health, according to UW Medicine. They can gives us a hit of dopamine (those feel-good chemicals) and give us a sense of satisfaction. So I knew it would be hard—but I also knew that if I could pull it off, it would be worth it.

Surf’s up at surfing school

Anytime you want to try something kind of scary for the first time, it’s best to set yourself up for success. So for surfing, the first step was finding the perfect place to take a lesson. On Oahu there are plenty, but finding the right fig was important to me: I’m a pretty hands-on learner, so I was looking for an instructor that would be patient with me and happily answer the wave of questions I knew I’d have. During my first day in Hawaii, I went for a run and ran past a bright, eye-catching yellow school bus that was labeled “surf school bus.” Yes, please. I wanted to know which surfing school on Waikiki was going to bring me back to the days of boarding a yellow school bus (I loved the nostalgia!).

Turns out it was the Ohana Surf Project—an organization that prides themselves on having a “family-oriented approach” and aims to improve the lives of others, just like family. I was sold. I booked a two-hour private lesson for the following day (my birthday) and packed up the essentials: bathing suit, towel, and a good attitude for a day of trying something new, with the very high possibility of failing.

I arrived at the Ohana Surf Project homebase 15 minutes before the start of my lesson. I was given a long-sleeve shirt to throw on top of my bikini and some water shoes to protect my feet from rocks and the reef on the ocean floor. A group of us sat down for a quick orientation and water safety presentation. Turns out, you don’t have to be a strong swimmer to surf (per one of the instructors), and I was elated. Things you do need: balance, upper-body strength, and an aloha attitude. Then we loaded on the surf school bus to head to the beach.

The water on Waikiki beach is so beautiful it looks fake. Crystal clear blue, white sand, and soft waves crashing in the Pacific Ocean…a total dream. I couldn’t wait to jump in. But first, it was time to meet the man that was going to make my surfing dreams come true.

Meet my coach, Kainoa McGee

After hopping off the bus I was introduced to Kainoa McGee. Born and raised in Hawaii, McGee has been a surf instructor and competitor for more than a decade. I could tell he knew what he was doing: McGee just has that look, like yeah, that man can dominate some waves.

When he was assigned to me, another instructor leaned over and said, “You’re in good hands,” and my teetering confidence felt a little stronger. McGee gave me a warm, friendly greeting and we walked over to a shady spot in the grass before heading to the water. The first thing we did was a few exercises to activate our surfing muscles. Warming up? Now this is something I know how to do! We did arm circles to wake up our arms and shoulders (essential muscle groups to paddle) and twisting lunges to get the legs and core ready to go.

From there it was time to practice my surfing stance. I laid in the grass pretending there was a surfboard under me, and McGee instructed me how to lift up into a standing position. It’s almost like a burpee, with a few modifications. Your hands stay close to your chest, squeezing your core, then you pop up, parallel with the board, with your feet wide and knees slightly bent. On land, I was nailing it! But could I replicate it in the water?

On land, I was nailing it! But could I replicate it in the water?

McGee and I each picked up one end of a surfboard and carried it to the edge of the ocean. It was finally time for me to be put to the test—and the only options were to surf, swim, or sink. I was buzzing with excitement and nerves. We waded in and immediately got crashed by a wave. I didn’t even get a chance to ease into the water and feel out the temperature, but I took it as a sign that it was time to dive in. It was a hot and sunny day; the water felt cool and refreshing. I climbed onto the surfboard and paddled into the water.

More lessons than just surfing

As expected, the first few attempts to get up on the board were a total fail. McGee would give me a big push when a wave was coming, so I didn’t have to paddle too hard. Then I’d try to do what we practiced on land—push up and bring my right leg to the front of the board, stand parallel and balanced. Easier said than done.

The water felt good, but I was determined to get up on that board. Thirty minutes into my lesson, as I paddled back to McGee for another try, he spoke the words to me that I’ll never forget: You’re an athlete. You can do this. Get out of your head.

Get out of your head.

The next wave came rushing toward us and he gave me a push. The sound of water whooshing under my board rang in my ears. It felt like I was floating. Then I heard McGee yell, “Up!” I carefully lifted my chest, swung my leg forward, and stood up.

I was surfing!

I rode my first wave all the way. I could hear McGee and the instructors cheering for me. The feeling was enthralling, and from that first wave to the end of my session, I was catching waves and taking names.

Imposter syndrome hit me in waves, too

After my private lesson I felt encouraged to keep practicing. Plus, there were plenty of surf shops that offered board rentals. I found the closest shop to my Airbnb and walked in with the intention of picking out a board for the day. Immediately the vibes felt off. The two men working in the shop didn’t acknowledge I walked in or as I browsed the shop’s gear. Finally I asked how much it cost to rent a board. The employee looked me up and down and said, “Have you ever even surfed before?”

I was shocked. That didn’t answer my question, and what exactly does a surfer “look like,” anyway? I told him yes, I have surfed before. Then he tried pushing me into buying a surfing lessons package, instead of answering my original question. After explaining to him that I’d taken a private lesson earlier in the week, he dismissively said, “Oh. Well I guess you can rent one,” before walking away.

There was no way I was giving them business. I walked out of the surf shop pretty discouraged. Did I belong in this space? Am I in over my head to get out there and try on my own? I felt imposter syndrome taking over and headed back to the Airbnb.

Did I belong in this space? Am I in over my head to get out there and try on my own?

I told my mom about the exchange, and naturally, she went into outraged mom mode. “You’re getting back in that water! You’re a surfer!” she exclaimed. She made it her personal mission to help me find another surf shop that was more welcoming. After a short walk, we stumbled upon a board rental stand at Billabong.

A woman at the front desk greeted us with a friendly smile. I explained to her that I was a beginner, but hoping to rent a board so I could keep practicing. She chatted with me for 20 minutes to explain which board would be the best fit, previewed wave conditions with me, and encouraged me to get out in the water early so I could have a good session. This was the kind of interaction I needed.

Catching waves and building confidence

For the rest of my trip, I rented a surfboard from the Billabong stand. Taking her advice, I woke up around 8 a.m. to eat some breakfast then get out into the water where the more experienced surfers gathered. I made sure to stay out of the way as I watched their technique—the way they paddled, positioned themselves to waves, and so seamlessly got up onto their surfboards.

After “studying” for 30 minutes, I felt ready to catch my own waves solo. There was no push from McGee, but I could hear him saying, “Get out of your head. You’ve been doing this your whole life.”

When a wave came, I paddled hard. I listened for that whooshing sound, and that feeling of water surging beneath my board. I carefully lifted my body, standing up on my surfboard and holding the position. I was doing it.

I rode the wave until it died and my board became still. Plopping back down, I could hear a round of applause from some beach-goers on the sand. Take that, surf shop guy. I am a surfer.

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