Owning Your Confidence as a Woman in Action Sports
In action sports, confidence isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Whether you’re paddling into a wave, showing up to the skate park, or stepping into a space where you might be the only woman, self-doubt can be the biggest obstacle. And while confidence comes with experience, having the right support system can make all the difference.
Why Confidence Matters in Action Sports
Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself—it’s about trusting your skills, making quick decisions, and pushing your limits without hesitation. In action sports (kiteboarding, climbing, surfing, mountain biking etc.), second-guessing yourself can keep you from progressing and even lead to avoidable mistakes. The more confidence you have, the better you’ll perform.
But building confidence isn’t always easy, especially in male-dominated spaces. It takes effort, repetition, and a willingness to get uncomfortable. The good news? There are strategies to help you develop it—and the more intentional you are, the faster it grows.
1. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Every athlete, no matter their skill level, has had to push through discomfort. Whether it’s your first time dropping into a wave or learning to wingfoil in high winds, confidence comes from doing the hard things—over and over again.
One of the best ways to break through fear is by surrounding yourself with supportive people. Women’s kiteboarding and wingfoiling camps, like those led by Sensi Graves, provide an environment where you can step outside your comfort zone with guidance and encouragement. Learning alongside other women who share the same goals can shift your mindset from “I’m not sure I can do this” to “I’m not alone in this.”
2. Build a Support Network
Progress is easier when you have people in your corner. Whether it’s an experienced mentor, a group of riding friends, or an online community, having a support network makes all the difference.
Confidence doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with women who push and support each other—whether through local meetups, online forums, or structured mentorship—can help you stay motivated. If you’re looking for direct guidance, seeking out mentorship opportunities from women who have navigated the sport before you can provide valuable insights and reassurance.
3. Shift Your Mindset
Sometimes, it all comes down to how you talk to yourself. If you constantly focus on what could go wrong, you’ll hesitate. Instead, try shifting your internal dialogue. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not ready,” reframe it to, “I’m learning, and every attempt makes me better.”
This kind of mindset work is something that Sensi Graves speaks about regularly, both in her coaching and through her experiences as a professional kiteboarder. Confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent action and small mindset shifts, it builds over time.
4. Fuel Your Body and Mind
Confidence isn’t just mental—it’s physical. If you’re under-fueled, tired, or dehydrated, it’s harder to push yourself. Small things like staying hydrated, eating nutrient-dense snacks, and fueling properly before and after sessions can have a huge impact on how you show up.
Companies like Send Bars offer convenient, clean energy sources that keep you fueled on long sessions. It may seem small, but taking care of your body is a crucial part of building confidence in your performance.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Every small step forward matters. Whether you’re finally riding upwind, or just committing to getting out there more often, celebrate the effort.
Progress in action sports isn’t linear. Some days, everything will click, and others, you’ll wipe out repeatedly. Instead of focusing on what’s not working, pay attention to what’s improving. Confidence comes from stacking small wins over time.
6. Take Up Space
One of the most important things you can do is to allow yourself to take up space. Whether that means showing up at a crowded lineup, claiming your turn on a feature, or speaking up when you have something to say—owning your presence is key.
This isn’t about being loud or forceful; it’s about recognizing that you have just as much right to be in these spaces as anyone else. And the more you step up, the more you inspire other women to do the same.
You Don't 'Find' Your Confidence, You Build It
Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you build through action. Every time you push past discomfort, every time you show up, and every time you support another woman, you strengthen it.
So take that next step. Whether it’s signing up for a camp, seeking mentorship, or simply getting out there more often, the more you commit to yourself, the more confident you’ll become. And that confidence? It’ll carry you far beyond your sport.