The Surfing Sisterhood
Words: Rachael Tilly
The Rise of All-Women Surf Groups Across Australia
Photo Credit : Stephanie Teixeira
Surfing amongst a crowded line up is not always the most fun experience. I’m sure most women can relate to me when we add to that crowded line up the factor that we are majorly outnumbered by men.
At this point, I’m used to surfing on my own or having the majority of my surfer friends be guys. However, it is refreshingly nice when I do see another woman out surfing with me. Whether we know each other or not, having another woman present in the line-up doesn’t make me feel so singled out.
I noticed this even more when I made the move from my home in California to the Gold Coast of Australia. At least when I surf my local spot of San Onofre at home, I know most of the people in the line-up and, in fact, most of them have watched me grow up. When I started surfing the line-ups of the Gold Coast, I suddenly noticed my awareness of being an outsider. Through the adjustment of getting used to living in Australia and making these surf spots become my local, seeing other women in the line-up always added a bit of familiarity that I craved during my time of change.
Photo Credit : @hannahjessupphotography
Now with the rise of all women’s surf groups, this outsider feeling is becoming less present for many women around Australia. The concept of these groups stems from the idea of making women feel more comfortable and at home in the line-up by providing a community of other women to surf with. These groups are open to all levels and all ages. While some might add a form of a boardriders competition element, most are just about making friends so that any time you paddle out, you’ll see a friendly face. More often than not, these relationships end up growing past the line-up and into friends through everyday life.
Dr Rebecca Olive, a Senior Research Fellow in the faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland, has spent a lot of time researching into gender dynamics in the line-up and how the gender difference in surfing can affect someone’s confidence to even try the sport of surfing. As an avid surfer herself, she has found herself a part of women’s surf groups all around the world.
“I love seeing all the groups of women that have emerged to encourage new women to learn, to cheer their whitewater triumphs, and answer their questions about pop-ups, swimwear brands and managing fear,” says Rebecca. “These groups are super honest and open and vulnerable, and they have the kinds of conversations that used to be taboo in surfing.”
Photo Credit : @hannahjessupphotography
With gender equality becoming an increasingly relevant topic in society, as well as the surf industry (with the WSL’s move to equal pay for women, for example), this rise of all women’s surf groups does not come as a shock. However, as much as I want to say these groups make the line-up turn into all rainbows and butterflies for all, sometimes the whole “party wave” attitude surf groups encourage can make life hard for other surfers in the water. Women surf groups are about making other women feel included, but this shouldn’t excuse making the rest of the line-up then feel dominated and excluded.
With that said, the pros most definitely outweigh the cons and these women surf groups are encouraging more women to join in on the fun. Areas all around Australia are continuing to pop up with more groups so don’t let this be your definitive list but hopefully this can guide you to a group near you!
Photo Credit : @hannahjessupphotography
Gold Coast
Surf Witches
Gold Coast
Their tagline states, “never surf without friends again”, and the Surf Witches are all about increasing the number of friendly faces you see in the Gold Coast waters. The group has over 1000 members since starting in March 2019 and organizes weekly surf meetups as well as fun trips and surf clinics. Each member wears a blue wristband when surfing so it’s easy to identify all the women you’re surfing with. Joining this group will definitely ensure you see someone you know nearly every time you surf along the Gold Coast stretch.
Groove Girls
Location: Gold Coast
Also based on the Gold Coast, the Groove Girls are “all about challenging gender stereotypes, facing our fears and creating a safe environment for women to come together and have some fun”. All boards types and all abilities welcome, the Groove Girls want you a apart of their girl gang to surf, paddle, or even just watch!
Northern NSW
Salty Girls Surf School
Location: Hastings & Cabarita
Declared as Australia’s first all-female surf school, Salty Girls Surf School encourages women to join the fun in the line-up by providing a comfortable and fun environment for women to learn the ins and outs of surfing together. Run by a former professional longboarder, Belen Kimble-Fuller knows what she’s talking about and is infectious with her passion for the sport and lifestyle.
All Girls Surfriders
Location: Lennox Head
Around for nearly 30 years, the All Girls Surfriders club caters to all levels in both free surfing and competition style surfing. With club rounds on the 4th Sunday of every month, the club competition adds a fun and competitive spirit where members can compete in one of the 7 divisions offered depending on their ability as well as learn how to judge heats and overall ocean awareness. On top of that, the club organizes 2 professional coaching sessions for each division –junior and senior beginner, junior and senior intermediate, longboards, open or advanced and Wahine Masters. The fun also extends from monthly fun to organized weekend camp outs and tag team events for all the members to work together and have fun.
Byron Bay (+ more locations)
Surfing Mums
Location: Started in Byron but now has numerous locations all around Australia
These surf groups around Australia are designed to get mums who surf back in the water after they have kids. The ultimate goal is to help enable mums to get in the water without having to set up alternative childcare every time they want to surf. Mums will all meet up at a time and take turns in watching the kiddos as the other mums get their turn to surf and continue to swap so all mums have their time in the water. Best of both worlds: fun beach day for the kids and wave time for the mums!
Sydney
Surf Girls Australia
Location: Sydney’s Northern Beaches
This group is all about meeting new friends and encouraging each other to have fun in the line-up. The fun doesn’t just stop in the water, the group also coordinates skating sessions, surf coaching, as well as social nights out altogether. If that doesn’t sound like enough fun, the group has a special relationship with The Surfers Gym which aims to help members in improving their general surf fitness such as takeoffs and paddle stretch to help your potential in the water.
Bondi Girls Surfriders
Location: Sydney’s Eastern Beaches
The Bondi Girls Surfriders are more competitive, with their fun and friendly monthly competitions. Don’t let the aspect of competition scare you off, the club is still welcome to girls and women of all levels who love encouraging and sharing waves with each other.
Chix Surf School
Location: Sydney
Sydney’s only all girls surf academy provide lessons to first time beginners as well as coaching for those looking to improve their already established skills. On top of classic lessons, they also offer a range of classes such as father and daughter programs, mothers group sessions, classic longboarding, as well as competition coaching. They use a mix of water training, land training, movement classes, as well as wave simulation programs and video analysis to help their students progress.
South Australia
Surfer Girls SA
Location: South Australia
Surfer Girls is for women and girls in South Australia to come together and share their passion for the waves. They meet up monthly for organised surf sessions as well as a range of other activities like surf trips, surf education, coaching, surf competitions and social events.
Perth, WA
Swell Sistas
Location: Perth
Previously known as Perth Surfer Girls, the Swell Sistas rep the women surfers on the west coast of Australia. Along with fun surf days and trips together, they organize lessons as well as night events such as dances and dinners. They’re passionate about supporting women in business within the community and encouraging each other in living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.