Surfing after heartbreak: Nicola’s story

Wooo! We’ve got another one: a breakup that led to surfing. And it’s a good one.

In today’s episode, we meet Nicola, a 30-year-old artist, dreamer, and self-taught surfer originally from the Czech Republic, now based in Belgium. Nicola shares how a vacation surf lesson in Portugal changed everything—from overcoming her fear of swimming to paddling back out after heartbreak.

Her story is equal parts vulnerable and inspiring, with a few universal themes many of us know all too well: the panic of duck dives gone wrong, the magic of sunrise sessions, and the joy of riding your first wave all the way to shore. Oh—and she also painted a surfboard covered in octopuses. As you do.

Whether you're surfing after heartbreak or still learning to hold your breath, Nicola’s story is a love letter to the ocean, resilience, and reinvention.