Women’s festival surfs to success

MORE than 250 people celebrated women and non-binary ocean lovers of all ages at the second annual High Line Festival.

The one-day and open night event honoured surf culture and stoke through community workshops and activities.

The action kicked off on Friday night at Patagonia Torquay with music, community connection games and a Q&A session with local charger Ellie Harrison.

A pub choir-style rendition of What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes also took place and raised goosebumps for many.

 

Blustery conditions followed on Saturday; however it did not deter competitors nor spectators.

Aside from the conga lines, there was surf skate lessons, demo surfboards from South Coast Surfboards, bush kinder activities from YMCA Kids Go Bush, designing with the discarded workshops, learn to surf sessions and yoga.

The annual tag team was a huge highlight, with 40 surfers hitting the water across ten teams.

 

A surfing panel 101 discussion swept up in the afternoon, with keynote speaker Rebecca Olive focusing on surf politics.

She explained how going surfing could require a more complex navigation for women and non-binary people than others.

 

 

Festival co-director Noelani Le Nevez said there was something for everyone at High Line.

“I feel so much gratitude to have been a part of Highline and to spend the day with so many generous and talented water women, who are leaders in their own communities.

“My favourite part of the festival was belting out the song with everyone. It was a powerful moment; you could feel the energy in the room dancing on the vibrations of our collective voices.”

 

Fellow director Sam Suendermann was similarly effusive.

“What an incredible celebration of women surfers and ocean lovers. It was wonderful to see everyone connecting, learning and laughing,” she said.

“This year we wanted to enable more storytelling and active participation and it was really powerful to listen to diverse voices and create a collective goal for women’s surfing.”

More than $1,000 was raised for Killara – Geelong’s Indigenous Women’s Hub through raffles and sponsor donations.