New women’s surf festival coming to the Surf Coast

THE Great Ocean Road Women’s Surf Festival, a new event celebrating women’s surfing, has received a funding boost from the federal government to get the project up and moving.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, along with Surfing Victoria general manager Elley Harrison and Laura Fenney from the Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders Club, announced the $37,500 Play Well participation grant will help launch the festival, adding a significant event to the region’s sporting calendar and supporting sports participation.

Ms Coker, who is co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Surfing Group, said she was stoked her government could support the initiative.

“I am thrilled to announce this funding that will help elevate women’s surfing to new heights.

“This festival is more than just a sporting event – it is a celebration of women’s achievement and a platform for inspiring the next generation of female surfers.”

“The festival will be a landmark event that showcases the strength skill and spirit of women athletes.”

The Great Ocean Road Women’s Surf Festival will be an all-inclusive event celebrating women’s surfing, providing opportunities for surfers of all backgrounds and experiences to come together and celebrate their love for surfing and the ocean.

Ms Harrison said she was thrilled to collaborate on the event.

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with the Australian Sports Commission and Surf Coast Shire to create this new event for Women and Girls in Victoria,” Ms Harrison said.

“The Great Ocean Road Women’s Surf Fest will be for all women and girls, from the lifelong surfer to the person who has always wanted to give surfing a go.”

Participation opportunities will include learn-to-surf lessons, sunrise yoga, team events, longboard individual surfing competitions, live podcast recordings, movie nights, and guest speakers.

The festival will also involve local board-rider clubs to encourage ongoing participation in the sport post-festival.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Cr Liz Pattison welcomed the grant.

“We’re delighted to receive a Play Well Participation Grant from the Australian Sports Commission for The Great Ocean Road Women’s Surf Festival,” Cr Pattison said.

“This event is a welcome addition on the Surf Coast Events and Surfing Victoria calendars. It will celebrate women’s surfing and strengthen the Surf Coast’s status as the home of Australian surfing.

“With a variety of activities on offer, we encourage surfing enthusiasts and those eager to take up the sport to come and make a weekend of it down in Lorne this December.”