Big wave surfer Felicity Palmateer applauds equal pay ahead of Mavericks waiting period opening

BIG wave surfer Felicity Palmateer admits she sometimes used to wonder if her life meant less than a male surfer when she competed. Now she has the answer.

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BIG wave surfer Felicity Palmateer admits she sometimes used to wonder if her life meant less than a male surfer when she competed.

Now she knows it doesn’t.

When Palmateer surfs at Jaws on the Big Wave Tour, or even Mavericks, the men’s only event now open to women for the first time, she will be rewarded for her efforts the same as her male counterparts.

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“This, women at Mavericks, is a major breakthrough, and the fact the WSL announced equal prizemoney a couple of months ago is just inspiring,’’ said Palmateer, currently rehabilitating from a lower back sprain.

Felicity Palmateer will be awarded the same prizemoney as men riding big waves events.

“It makes me feel proud to be a part of women’s surfing. They are making a point and hopefully other sports will also follow suit.

“On the Big Wave tour we are risking our lives surfing the same as the men. I used to wonder does my life means less (before equal pay was introduced), you know what I mean?

“It’s a good time to be part of surfing. I thought it would eventually happen but I didn't know if it would be during my career.’’

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If activated, the women’s competition at Mavericks will see 10 women surfing two semi-finals and then a final on the same day as the men’s competition with US$20,000 for the winners.

While confirmed on the invite list for the Big Wave Tour Pe’ahi Challenge at Jaws, Hawaii, Palmateer has been named as an alternate for Mavericks along with fellow Australian Laura Enever.

Felicity Palmateer competing at the 2017 Pe’ahi Challenge. Pic: WSL/Lynton

The waiting period for Mavericks, a break which can produce 60-foot waves, opens this week.

This means the Aussie pair may not be part of history when women surf in their first competition at the famed site unless they are awarded either a wildcard or injury replacement spot.

The waiting period for Mavericks, a break which can produce 60-foot waves, opens this week after the 2017 event failed to eventuate due to the lack of suitable swell.

The waiting period for the Pe’ahi Challenge has already opened and runs from October to March.

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Young Australian surfer Russell Bierke has been named to surf in the men’s field at Mavericks.

Mavericks Women’s Invitees: Paige Alms, Keala Kennelly, Justine Dupont, Bianca Valenti, Maya Gabeira, Sarah Gerhardt, Emily Erickson, Andrea Moller, Jamilah Star. One wildcard to be selected on Green Alert. Alternates: Wrenna Delgado, Laura Enever, Felicity Palmateer, Raquel Heckert, Easkey Britton, Silvia Nabuco.