Wild women to celebrate inclusivity in the water

THE Surf Coast Longboarders Club is hosting its annual surfing event that aims to empower women of all ages and abilities to get out in the water.

Wild Women on Water (WWOW) will celebrate its eleventh year running on March 6 at Point Impossible, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Committee member Sam Suendermann said the longboard event started as a way to encourage more women to get involved with the sport in a female inclusive environment.

Each year WWOW provides options for women of all ages to give them a taste of competing in single events or as a team.

Ms Suendermann said the event places an emphasis on those who have never competed but would like to give it a go in a safe, supportive environment.

“For women and girls, we are often the minority in the water, and it can be intimidating but then when you’re with fellow women it changes the vibe and everyone is having more fun,” she said.

“When women come together you see the standard of surfing elevate which is really cool to see.

“We have lots of up-and-coming female longboarders on the Surf Coast and that is really exciting.”

The established local event attracts up to 70 competitors annually with interstate competitors making regular appearances in the past.

In compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services and Surfing Victoria guidelines the event will operate with dedicated COVIDSafe officers who will be conducting briefings throughout the day.

As always, the event will open with a Welcome to Country at 7.30am however under these unusual circumstances the event will be stripped back this year with an emphasis on getting out in the water rather than additional activities on land.

In previous years, the WOWW event would offer yoga activities and fundraisers to raise money on the day. “This year is stripped back, and we are focusing on getting out there and getting the girls down,” Ms Suendermann said.

“Unfortunately, those things are fun, and it is important to support a good cause, but we weren’t sure if would even run this year considering the restrictions.

“We are keen to still give everyone the chance to come together and celebrate surfing and involve women and girls in the sport.”

Entry price is $30 per division, to register head to https://liveheats.com/events/4616 or contact [email protected].