Federal cash injection to support women’s surfing start-ups in Yallingup and Margaret River

A move towards getting more women into surfing has seen the Federal Government commit to a $1 million boost for the sport.

The money for the New Wave of Female Boardriders project would help Surfing Australia make the sport more accessible to women across the country during the next three years.

The injection was welcomed by surfing groups as a positive way to help boost local female participation.

Under the plan, Surfing Australia chief of sport Luke Madden said 50 new women’s boardrider clubs would be established with free female judging, training, coaching and with access to an annual women’s development camp at the group’s high-performance centre.

In WA, it will involve close work with Surfing WA and local clubs, Mr Madden said, and a part-time women’s club development officer position as well as marketing to inform and attract.

“This investment is a game-changer for women’s surfing,” he said.

“We’re creating a pathway that will see more women involved in surfing at every level — from beginners in local boardrider clubs to female coaches on the beach.

“It’s all about opening doors for more women to embrace surfing and stay connected, making the sport more inclusive for everyone.”

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks also said the funding was good news for the west, with numerous up-and-coming surfers to benefit from the support.

“It’s great to see such a large amount put forward by the Federal Government to assist in a key area of our sport, being female participation and development,” he said.

“WA has a rich history of producing champion female surfers and we feel this is another step in the right direction for more women to get involved across all levels of the sport.”

Margaret River-based teen sensation Kaleisha Launders was among the juniors canvassed by the Times this week on the Federal plan.

The 16-year-old said the funding was a welcome show of support.

“This will bring greater opportunities for women and girls at any level of surfing to develop the skills needed to reach their full potential,” she said.

“Women’s surfing over the last few years has progressed so far, particularly the younger generation of girls really pushing the limits.”

Mr Madden confirmed the funding would mean the creation of new clubs in surfing hotspots like Margaret River and Yallingup.