The world of surfing has seen significant changes and progress when it comes to gender equality and diversity in recent years. Historically, female surfers faced marginalization and were severely underrepresented in the sport, from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s (The Conversation). However, the tireless efforts of pioneering women and advocates have gradually begun to shift the narrative and create more opportunities for women in this traditionally male-dominated arena.
These trailblazing women have made great strides, working towards equality in surf competitions, prize money, and representation in the media. Combining activism with their passion for surfing, individuals like former world champion and surf feminist Cori Schumacher have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo (World Surf League). Today, the celebration of diversity among female surfers is at an all-time high, reflecting the evolving nature of surfing as a global sport that empowers athletes and fosters inclusivity.
History of Women in Surfing
Ancient Hawaii
In ancient Hawaii, women played a significant role in the cultural practice of surfing. Hawaiian culture embraced both men and women as active participants in wave-riding, with women often associated with Hawaiian medicine, goddesses, and Polynesian royalty. Surfing history has deep roots dating back centuries in the Pacific region, and women’s presence in the sport had a divine significance in traditional Hawaiian society.
Surf Feminist Movement
The feminist movement in the 20th century played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights in various aspects of society, including sports. In the context of surfing, the feminist movement helped pave the way for women to have greater access to the sport and compete professionally. Pioneers of women’s professional surfing often earned a fraction of the prize money that men did and had to fight for equal pay and recognition in their respective fields. These trailblazing women were essential in promoting gender equity in surfing and breaking down barriers for future generations.
Visibility and Sponsorship
Over the years, visibility and sponsorship opportunities for women in surfing have increased, helping promote the growth of the sport among female athletes. According to Lauren Hill, a professional surfer and author of the book ‘She Surf’, women now account for 20 to 30 percent of surfers, and this proportion continues to increase.. As girls are given the opportunity and support to engage with the sport, accessibility to boards and beaches has also increased, encouraging more women to take up surfing.
Sponsorships have played a crucial role in helping female surfers gain the visibility and financial support needed to train and compete professionally. With growing visibility and sponsorship opportunities, women’s surfing has continued to make strides towards gender equity, empowering female surfers and inspiring others to challenge stereotypes and embrace the sport.
Professional Female Surfers
World Champions
The world of professional surfing has seen many outstanding female surfers, with athletes such as Carissa Moore and Tyler Wright leading the charge. Carissa Moore is a four-time world champion, known for her powerful style and strong competitive spirit. Tyler Wright, an Australian surfer, has won two World Surf League championships, showcasing her incredible talent and passion for the sport.
Big-Wave Surfers
In the realm of big-wave surfing, Maya Gabeira and Keala Kennelly have carved out remarkable careers. Maya Gabeira, a Brazilian surfer, holds the world record for the largest wave ever surfed by a woman, tackling a monstrous 22.4m (73.5ft) wave at Nazaré in Portugal. Keala Kennelly, a pioneer in women’s surfing, has become a big-wave legend, known for her fearless approach to navigating treacherous waves.
Influential Trailblazers
Several trailblazing women surfers have contributed significantly to the sport and its push towards gender equity. Layne Beachley, a seven-time world champion, has been a prominent advocate for increased recognition and support of female surfers. Cori Schumacher has also played a vital role in advancing the status of women’s surfing, not only as a former world champion but also as a self-proclaimed surf feminist and activist, working to challenge the marginalization of female surfers from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s.
By highlighting the achievements and influence of these remarkable female surfers, the surfing community continues to embrace diversity and empower women to break barriers in professional surfing.
Challenges and Discrimination in the Sport
Equality and Culture
The sport of surfing has a long history of gender inequality and a predominantly masculine culture. Women traditionally faced numerous challenges when trying to break into this male-dominated sport. The World Surfing League (WSL) has made significant strides in recent years, such as ensuring equal pay for male and female competitors. Despite these advancements, issues of hyper-masculinity and gender-based discrimination still persist in various parts of the surfing community.
Prize Money Disparity
One of the notable challenges in achieving gender equality in surfing has been the disparity in prize money. In the past, female surfers have not been awarded the same amount of prize money as their male counterparts. The World Surfing League’s decision to provide equal pay for men and women represents an essential step towards righting this imbalance. However, such disparities may still exist in smaller, regional competitions.
Sexualisation of Female Surfers
The sexualisation of female surfers has been another significant issue in the sport. The media and the industry have often focused on women surfers’ physical attractiveness instead of their athletic prowess, perpetuating a culture that undermines their skills and achievements. This objectification of female surfers detracts from their accomplishments and reinforces a culture that views them as secondary to male surfers. Efforts are being made to combat these stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and diverse surfing culture.
Promoting Gender Diversity and Equity
Organizations and Advocacy
Numerous organizations are working towards promoting diversity and gender equity in the surfing world. One such group is the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, which advocates for equal training opportunities, respect, and inclusion for female surfers. They work alongside other organizations that aim to increase the representation of women in surfing events, such as the World Surfing Games and the World Junior Surfing Championship. The Adaptive Surfing World Championship also highlights the importance of making surfing accessible to all, regardless of ability. In these efforts, female leadership and male allies play crucial roles in pushing for change.
Legal and Regulatory Pressure
Legal and regulatory pressure has been applied to ensure gender equity in surfing. The World Surfing League has taken a significant step by becoming the first US-based global sporting league to offer equal pay to male and female competitors. This move not only encourages greater participation from women in the sport but also signals a shift in acknowledging the importance of gender equality. Furthermore, some organizations are pushing for international sport policy changes that mandate equal treatment and opportunities for female surfers worldwide.
Strategies for Change
To promote gender diversity and equity in surfing, various strategies are being implemented across different levels of the sport. These include:
- Increased visibility: Showcasing the achievements of female surfers, from professional competitions to grassroots initiatives, helps break stereotypes that have long dominated the sport.
- Training and mentorship programs: Providing equal access to resources and opportunities, such as coaching, equipment, and facilities, empowers female surfers to hone their skills and advance in their careers.
- Inclusive events: Organizing events that welcome surfers of all genders, ages, abilities, and backgrounds fosters a more inclusive surfing community.
- Education and awareness: Raising awareness about gender equity in surfing and challenging harmful attitudes and practices helps create a positive environment that welcomes and supports all surfers.
Implementing these strategies contributes to creating a more diverse and equitable surfing world, empowering female surfers to pursue their passions and break through barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Women in Surf Competitions
Equal Pay and Olympic Debut
The fight for gender equality in surf competitions has made significant progress in recent years. In 2019, the World Surf League announced that they would award equal prize money to male and female surfers across all of their events. This change came after years of advocacy from female surfers and growing pressure from the public.
Notably, surfing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, with both men and women participating in the event, showcasing the sport to a broader, younger audience and promoting gender inclusion in the sport. The International Surfing Association set a precedent for gender equality in the Olympics, as they mandated equal representation of male and female athletes in the Tokyo Games, showcasing surfing as a best practice for international federations.
Mavericks and Big-Wave Events
Big-wave surfing events, such as the Mavericks event in California, have also seen groundbreaking progress in terms of women’s involvement in the sport. In 2018, the California Coastal Commission approved plans to include a women’s division in the Mavericks contest, after a protest letter circulated, signed by many top female surfers. This provided female big-wave surfers with an equal opportunity to compete and earn prize money, while also gaining visibility and sponsorship opportunities.
World Surf League’s Initiatives
The World Surf League (WSL) has been at the forefront of pushing for gender equality in surfing. In addition to equal prize money, the league has worked to increase women’s access to high-profile events and increase their visibility. They regularly spotlight female surfers in international marketing campaigns and have launched initiatives like Textured Waves, a platform dedicated to promoting diversity and empowerment among women in surfing.
However, the WSL has also faced criticisms for its treatment of female surfers, particularly in terms of the dress code for women competitors, with some arguing that they are sexualized by requiring them to wear bikini bottoms during events. In response to these concerns, the WSL has made radical changes to their guidelines, allowing more freedom in competitors’ attire and requiring photographers to focus on athletic performance rather than physical appearance.
Overall, as the sport of surfing continues to evolve and grow, the push for gender equity and diversity in competitions is playing a significant role in shaping the sport’s future. With the involvement of international federations, regulatory pressure, and organizations, such as the WSL, taking the lead on promoting gender diversity, surfing is moving towards a more inclusive and empowering space for female athletes.
Redefining Surf Media and Women’s Representation
Media Channels
In recent years, there has been a push to recognize and empower women in surfing. Women-focused surf media channels have emerged to give female surfers a platform to showcase their skills and share their stories. These channels are committed to celebrating diversity in the sport by featuring surfers from a range of backgrounds, abilities, and body types.
One example is Brown Girl Surf, founded by Danielle Black Lyons, Chelsea Woody, and Martina Duran, which aims to promote the achievements of women of color in surfing and create greater representation in surf media.
Another groundbreaking female surfer, Jodie Cooper, has made significant contributions to the sport as both an accomplished surfer and a pioneering media presence. She has used her platform to inspire and influence the next generation of female surfers by promoting gender equity in surfing.
Changing Image in Advertising
The image of women in surf advertising has also been evolving, as brands aim to highlight female empowerment and body positivity. Instead of traditional sexualized or objectified portrayals of women, companies are now focusing on showcasing female surfers as strong, capable athletes. Gigi Lucas, the founder of SurfearNEGRA, works with Rip Curl and other surf and bikini brands to create advertisements that celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity among female surfers.
By embracing these changes in media channels and advertising, the surf industry is starting to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in surfing. This progress not only helps encourage participation from a wider range of female athletes but also contributes to breaking down barriers and stereotypes within the sport.