Chix Surf 13th is getting girls in the water

THIRTEENTH Beach Boardriders is fostering a community of women passionate about surfing through their ever-growing female arm, CHIX SURF 13th.

CHIX SURF 13th is a supportive social platform where women who surf can connect with other surfers, surf competitively or get better at surfing, all in a fun, encouraging environment.

Founding member of CHIX SURF 13th, Shasta O’Loughlin from Thirteenth Beach Boardriders, said the club is ultimately an avenue to connect female surfers with other surfers and encourage them to get comfortable competing.

“It gives an avenue for people to connect, because for surfing it’s a very individual sport and the club has allowed people to meet other surfers,” Mrs O’Loughlin said.

“It’s not about girls versus guys … it just gives you that confidence in the water knowing there are other girls in the water looking out for you.

“The way I explain it is, if you move to a town and you want to join netball, you go and just join the netball club and it doesn’t matter if you’re good or you’re bad, you get a game.

“With surfing it’s a bit different, you sort of have to be at that advanced level to compete in a Boardriders club because they generally hold it at the advanced waves spots.”
CHIX SURF 13th has run for two seasons, hosting women’s events tailored for those still getting confident with the idea of competing which are less challenging than the Open Women’s division.

Mrs O’Loughlin said for events the club intentionally chooses locations suitable for people who are still getting more confident surfing bigger waves and the club has trained up a number of female judges for events to make the experience inclusive and encouraging to all girls.

On event days and between competitions, CHIX SURF 13th also runs surf clinics with local surf coach, Heather Peak from ‘Women Who Surf’ in Ocean Grove, to help girls improve their surfing.