Ocean becomes level playing field at Snapper as women step up and drop in

THE Gold Coast’s waves have turned from being a battle of the sexes into a free-for-all, where women surfers are just as aggressive as the men.

Surfing

THE Gold Coast’s waves have turned from being a battle of the sexes into a free-for-all, where women surfers are just as aggressive as the men.

But even six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore admits it can be intense at times.

“If it is a heavy wave and the guys are all on testosterone overload, it can be intense,” the 28-year-old said.

“But the girls are surfing so well these days that now if you’re in the right spot for a good wave, then we go.”

Gilmore said it wasn’t a battle of the sexes any more but more a free-for-all.

Malia Manuel from Hawaii during the quarterfinals against country woman Carissa Moore in the 2016 Roxy Pro surfing at Snapper Rock, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

“It’s a thing of the past now – yesterday it was like girls dropping in on guys and guys dropping in on girls,” she said.

“It’s just the way it goes – especially at a place like this.”

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With just as many surf fans hanging around to watch the women’s Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks as the men in the Quiksilver Pro, Gilmore said there was no better time for girls to enjoy the waves traditionally dominated by the boys and she said they should not be deterred by wiping out.

“Everyone wipes out – just enjoy it because it is always an adventure,” said Gilmore.

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Quiksilver, Roxy Pros 2016

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Tyler Wright, the youngest surfer – male or female – to win a championship tour event as a 14-year-old, said everyone had a right to enjoy the ocean.

“I think everyone deserves to let themselves do it,” the 21-year-old with ties to the Gold Coast and Lennox said.

“It is such a beautiful natural free sport that you don’t have to be good at it to love it.

“Just go and do it – it’s just so much fun.

“And it doesn’t have to be short boards.

Stephanie Gilmore in action during the quarterfinal shoot-out against Tyler Wright in the 2016 Roxy Pro surfing at Snapper Rock, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

“I surf long boards all the time at the Pass in Byron – I just stand tall and trim across the face (of the wave).

“It’s just the feeling it gives you that makes it all the while.

“You might get smashed but if you get (a wave) it’s so worth it.”

She said when growing up she didn’t face any intimidation in the water that might turn women off surfing.

“I have no connection to it – I grew up in a family where my brothers are more feminist than I am and that’s all my brothers.”

“It’s really hard for me to see that when I’ve never felt that before – I see myself as an equal anyway.

“I don’t see the macho side of it – I just see the beauty of it.”