Waves of Change: Progress and Challenges for Women in Surfing

The challenge

In Australia's surfing culture, significant barriers continue to impede women's full participation and advancement in the sport. While recent years have seen progress with equal prize money implementation and women only surfing competition initiatives such as the Ocean Queen Classic, Seas the Day, Her Wave, Hyundai's "She's Electric" program and the Great Ocean Road Women’s Surf Festival, the reality for many women surfers reveals persistent inequities. Women surfers who paddle out to catch waves find themselves navigating a male-dominated environment where they must constantly "prove themselves" to gain respect.

According to Australian Sports Commission, AusPlay State of Play Surfing Report 2022 (AusPlay, 2022), 196,000 people took up surfing since the start of the pandemic and 60% were women. However, this number reflects a gender distribution of 72% men, 28% women, excluding non-binary and other identities.

Our research reveals the main challenges for women in surfing centre around persistent structural and cultural barriers. Despite progress like equal prize money, women still face systemic obstacles including aggressive behaviour in lineups, safety concerns, and intimidation both in the water and parking lots. There's a significant leadership gap, with few women in administrative, judging, and coaching positions, limiting women influence on decision-making. How do we ensure these structural and cultural barriers don't continue to limit women's participation in surfing?

Solution

The research outlines three key areas for systemic change in women's surfing. First, structural reforms are essential, including revamping competition structures with transparent qualification pathways. The establishment of dedicated funding streams for women's development programs across all states and territories is crucial, along with developing guidelines for fair sponsorship distribution.

Second, addressing cultural barriers requires implementing local surf spot codes of conduct to combat intimidation and create inclusive environments. Expanding mentorship programs linking experienced women surfers with newcomers and implementing gender-inclusive teaching methods in surf instruction are vital steps. Finally, leadership development must focus on creating pathways for women to enter positions across surfing organizations, competition judging, coaching roles, and industry administration.

Outcome and impact

The research highlights surfing's unique position to drive meaningful change in gender equity practices across Australia's broader sporting landscape, given its significant economic and cultural role from tourism to retail and manufacturing. The implementation of equal prize money marks important progress, but the study reveals that genuine gender equity requires a more comprehensive approach.

Key impacts include the emergence of women-specific events demonstrating the industry's potential for positive change. The success of these initiatives shows that when properly supported, women's surfing can thrive and contribute significantly to the sport's growth. However, the persistence of structural, cultural, and commercial barriers demands continued attention and action from all stakeholders.

Looking forward, the study identifies critical areas requiring further investigation, including analysis of sponsorship dynamics, examination of policy implementation effectiveness, and assessment of cultural transformation initiatives. Success in achieving genuine gender equity will require sustained commitment from governing bodies, sponsors, local clubs, and the broader surfing community as the sport continues to evolve and grow.