Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders Club wins grant to boost female participation in surfing

THE Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders Club has been awarded the Change Our Game grant, a state government initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting a higher number of women and girls in sport and recreation.

This volunteer-run club is dedicated to getting surfers of all abilities into the water and sharing their passion for surfing and the ocean.

The club plans to use the $5,000 grant to run a series of clinics designed to build skills, confidence, and community among its members.

Additionally, they will purchase a selection of progressive surfboards for a surfboard library, helping to mitigate the expense that can deter women from continuing their surfing journey.

Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders vice-chair Bree Madigan said the grant will help sustain and grow the club’s efforts in promoting women’s surfing.

“We noticed a real gap in women’s surfing where they get out there and have a bit of fun but don’t continue to pursue it.

“We are planning on putting on a number of clinics and buying new equipment to help bridge the gap between the beginner and the intermediate surfer.

“The biggest thing we have found hindering women has been the expensive equipment. Branching out to a long board from a foamie can sometimes be quite expensive.

“The clinics will also help build confidence in the water.

“We also want to encourage people to have a lifelong passion for the sport rather than doing it one summer and then stopping.”

For more information about the Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders Club and their initiatives, visit their website.