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Salty Girls Surf School director Belén Alvarez Kimble-Fuller says there is a record participation of women in surfing

The number of women surfing on the Gold Coast is surging – and it’s not just younger women taking to boards for the first time. Here’s why.

The next group of women wave warriors ready to hit the surf with instructor Maria Diepenbrock (orange) at Burleigh Heads. The rising popularity in female surfing participation and desire for female only surf schools for bonding and empowerment is seeing a rise in the number of female surfers. Picture Glenn Hampson.
The next group of women wave warriors ready to hit the surf with instructor Maria Diepenbrock (orange) at Burleigh Heads. The rising popularity in female surfing participation and desire for female only surf schools for bonding and empowerment is seeing a rise in the number of female surfers. Picture Glenn Hampson.

The number of women surfing on the Gold Coast is surging – and it’s not just younger girls taking to boards for the first time.

Currently one in three surfers nationwide are female, with the fastest growing participation segment women aged 45 and above.

Salty Girls Surf School director Belén Alvarez Kimble-Fuller, who coaches more than 150 clients weekly on the Tweed Coast, said the “explosion” in female surfers can be put down to the modern acceptance of girls on boards.

“A lot of women in their forties and fifties wanted to do it when they were younger, but in that Puberty Blues era it wasn’t cool,” she said.

“They never felt like they belonged.

“There’s a safe space for it now.”

Surf Getaways exclusively female surf school coach Maria Diepenbrock at Burleigh Heads is leading the latest intake of female surfers on the Gold Coast, after rapid growth and interest in female-lead surf schools. Picture Glenn Hampson.
Surf Getaways exclusively female surf school coach Maria Diepenbrock at Burleigh Heads is leading the latest intake of female surfers on the Gold Coast, after rapid growth and interest in female-lead surf schools. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Surf Getaways Gold Coast Location Manager Hannah Lace agreed, saying women who had once prioritised their family’s hobbies were now taking the initiative to pursue their personal health and well-being.

“These women have always been the wife that helps their husband or the mum that encourages their kids,” she said.

Ms Lace said surfing was now the new mother’s group, where women could meet like-minded friends.

“It’s that social aspect as well, a lot of them go out for coffee after the class,” she said.

Women and girls of all ages, particularly those 45 and above, are taking up surfing on the Gold Coast post pandemic. Picture: Glenn Hampson.
Women and girls of all ages, particularly those 45 and above, are taking up surfing on the Gold Coast post pandemic. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Ms Kimble-Fuller stressed that while classes run by women are no better in quality than those taught by men, teaching girls to surf requires an approach different to boys and women should be taught by women.

“Women are so different from men, we have periods, hips, breasts, when we have kids our bodies change and male coaches cannot relate to that on a physical or emotional level,” she said.

“Women need a little more nurturing, connection, support for beginners and at that level, there’s a difference.”

Industry leaders have set women coaching women can break down participation barriers that girls may face. Picture Glenn Hampson.
Industry leaders have set women coaching women can break down participation barriers that girls may face. Picture Glenn Hampson.
Women are surfing in record number nationwide, particularly post pandemic and lockdown. Picture Glenn Hampson.
Women are surfing in record number nationwide, particularly post pandemic and lockdown. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater confirmed women are surfing in record numbers in Australia.

“More than 60 percent of beginners who started surfing during the pandemic (nearly 120,000) are female aged 15 and over,” he said.

“Often a barrier for women taking up the sport is the perception that surfing is very male dominated, and it can feel intimidating joining the line-up.

“Female boardrider clubs, surf schools and coaches give girls and women the confidence to develop their surfing at their own pace. It’s all about having fun in a supportive environment.”

Surf Witches, a social club for women based on the Gold Coast, is an example of this fast-paced growth with the club having to cap memberships at 100 after they sold out in four hours.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/surf-sports/salty-girls-surf-school-director-beln-alvarez-kimblefuller-says-there-is-a-record-participation-of-women-in-surfing/news-story/a3c70bdc370f201a49c2388002facec1