Top surfing women want chance to shine on same waves as men

MASSIVE surf is forecast for the business end of the Surfest event at Newcastle this week and top female surfers want a piece of the action.

MASSIVE surf is forecast for the business end of the Surfest event at Newcastle this week and top female surfers want a piece of the action.

Often given second priority behind the men at surf events when the conditions are good, they are now calling for a fair shot at the biggest and best waves.

And the forecast conditions for the NSW coast in upcoming days may deliver them their wish in Newcastle.

Australian Sally Fitzgibbons has drawn attention to the issue in the past with fellow world tour surfers adding their voice to the call to be given a share of the best surf.

“It is getting better but we have to just keep pushing it,’’ said Phillip Island surfer Nikki Van Dijk.

Australia's Nikki Van Dijk in full flight.

“As soon as we get sent out in great conditions everyone is going, ‘wow, this is great, women’s surfing really rips’. We knew that already. We just have to be given the chance to show it.’’

Surfest tournament director David Kilby said competitors in the Taggart women’s pro at Merewether, which finishes Sunday, will be given equal billing with the men in terms of the conditions during his event.

“I set the schedule back in January and they won’t be missing out,’’ Kilby said on Wednesday.

“We alternate, so, for instance on Monday they were first in the water but Tuesday the women had two hours in the middle of the day which was perfect while the men got the rougher stuff later.

Tyler Wright committed on a large Cloudbreak wave.

“This contest has always disliked the idea of “oh, the conditions have turned to crap, let’s call up the women’. That is still in some people’s minds.

“But here they get equal priority for sure.’’

Fitzgibbons proved the bigger the wave the better she goes, winning the Fiji Pro at a pumping Cloudbreak with a perforated ear.

Triple world champion Carissa Moore also gave a masterclass at the Pipe Invitational in December in Hawaii.

The Taggart women’s pro is the last competition hitout for surfers like Fitzgibbons and six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore before the opening of the World Surf League in March.

In other news the likes of Mick Fanning, Julian Wilson, Tyler Wright and Fitzgibbons have been named as finalists heading into the Australian Surfing Awards on march 3.

Male Surfer of the Year finalists are Owen Wright, Wilson and Fanning, Female Surfer of the Year finalists are Fitzgibbons, Felicity Palmateer and Wright and Waterman of the Year Award finalists are Mark Mathews, Jamie Mitchell, Mick Corbett.