First women’s surf festival coming to Torquay

A COMMUNITY of local surfers have banded together to make their dream a reality by launching the Surf Coast’s first women’s surf festival.

High Line Surf Fest is on March 9 at Torquay Beach and will celebrate women and non-binary ocean lovers of all ages and abilities.

The unique community gathering will honour surf culture and stoke through community workshops, panel shows and special stalls.

Festival co-organiser Jessi Rebel said High Line Surf Fest is an opportunity for the surfing community to come together for a great cause.

“The energy behind the festival is one of love, inclusiveness, empowerment and fun.

“The Surf Coast is so rich in powerful surfing history, and this is an important page in that book.

“We’re aiming to bring women and non-binary people who love surfing together and remind them that they have an important place in the waves.”

Local surfer and fellow event organiser Sam Suendermann echoed Ms Rebel’s sentiment.

“Wadawurrung Country and the Surf Coast are home to such an amazing community of women and girls who surf and love the ocean,” she said.

“Recognising this, a small group of us have come together to organise the High Line Surf Fest, which is all about creating a fun, inclusive and inspiring space to celebrate women and non-binary folks surfing.”

The festival is being supported by Surfrider Foundation Australia, Surf Her Way, Surfing Victoria, Torquay SLSC, Patagonia, the PMF Foundation, U&I Label and Winki Zinc.

Surfrider Foundation marketing and partnership director Daphne Yeo said Surfrider was incredibly proud to be supporting the first of its kind event.

“We are joined in our shared purpose to connect our community and let our love of surf and the ocean bring us together for a healthier, happier planet.”

The full High Line Surf Fest program will be announced in early February.

For tickets and more information, head to highlinesurffest.com