Surfing world champ Layne Beachley hosts clinic in Hobart

Seven-time World Champion Layne Beachley said hosting clinic at Clifton Beach wasn’t about encouraging women to become world champions, but to “become champions of their lives”. SEE THE PHOTOS

SEVEN-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley has encouraged more girls and women to grab their boards and get involved in the sport during a clinic at Clifton Beach.

“Engaging more women in the sport of surfing is something I’m really passionate about,” Beachley said on Saturday.

“It has so many mental, emotional, and physical benefits.”

“Just getting more women involved helps boost that community so we have healthier, happier, stronger women.”

Sixty-four females of all ages and from a range of surfing levels joined Beachley for a session out in the water throughout the morning.

“Surfing is the fastest growing participation sport in Australia and we want to continue that momentum, we underestimate the benefits of surfing,” Beachley said.

Layne Beachley with Teika Paegle 27 of Kingston and Willow Direen 12 of Clifton Beach. Former world champion surfer Layne Beachley at the Women in Waves day at Clifton Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The event also included a yoga session, coaching from female surf coaches, and a panel session involving Beachley and other guests.

Beachley said she had learned a lot about herself throughout her surfing career.

“Ideally, I want to impart some of that knowledge, not to encourage women to become world champions, but to actually become champions of their lives.”

Teika Paegle, 27, grew up surfing on the south coast of New South Wales and was excited to meet Beachley.

“It was amazing, she’s such a cool person and she was really positive and helpful, just right out there in the water,” Ms Paegle said.

Layne Beachley with Bella Kay 9 of Hobart. Former world champion surfer Layne Beachley at the Women in Waves day at Clifton Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“It was really positive out there, everyone was just going for every wave they could and cheering each other on.”

Willow Direen, 12, was also excited to surf with and meet Beachley.

“I don’t want to become a professional as well, but I just want to have it as a hobby and develop all the time,” Willow said.

Since arriving in Tasmania, Beachley and her partner, musician Kirk Pengilly, of INXS fame, has been visiting some of the state’s attractions.

“We have absolutely loved it. We’ve basically swum, walked, eaten, and travelled around the island,” she said.

Layne Beachley with Bella Kay 9 of Hobart. Former world champion surfer Layne Beachley at the Women in Waves day at Clifton Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Layne Beachley with Bella Kay 9 of Hobart. Former world champion surfer Layne Beachley at the Women in Waves day at Clifton Beach. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones.