TURNERS BEACH/TASMANIA(February 15th/2024): The popular Surfing Tasmania initiative, Women in Waves kicks off at 9.15am this Saturday at Turner’s Beach on the North West Coast. This sell out event will see over 80 women and girls from across Tasmania and beyond come together for a day dedicated to surfing and increasing awareness of the health and well-being benefits that surfing creates.
Seven-Time World Champion and long-time event patron Layne Beachley is excited about this year’s location on the North West Coast. Layne will once again be hosting the event as Special Guest to the program, supporting the Coaching Team in the water and sitting alongside a panel of Tasmanian Surfers for a discussion facilitated by North West Coast-based Tasmanian Devils Coach, Melissa Budgeon.
“Drawing on findings from Tasmanian led research https://menzies.utas.edu.au/news-and-events/menzies-blog/2021/girls-in-action-sports-project and connections with several community groups, Women in Waves is about inclusivity, breaking down barriers to participation and having fun doing it. Ultimately, the program is designed to introduce all types of women and girls to surfing and increase awareness of the health and well-being benefits that come with it. It’s about having fun, building confidence, improving surf skills, and building communities by making new friends in a relaxed and supportive environment.” said Leanne Johannesen, Women in Waves Event Manager.
Since the inaugural Women in Waves event at Clifton Beach in 2018, the event itself and the support Surfing Tasmania has received, participation in surfing by women and girls in surfing has grown significantly. As has the popularity in what is becoming an attractive lifestyle movement and the evolution of women-led surfing social groups across beachside communities across the state.
In May 2023, Surfing Tasmania proudly announced that Women in Waves secured funding for the next two years thanks to a major grant from the Tasmanian Government. Surfing Tasmania was one of twenty-six successful Healthy Tasmania grant recipients chosen from one hundred submissions from health and community organisations. Then, just last month, Surfing Tasmania were pleased to welcome Ashgrove Cheese as a major Partner for the upcoming Women in Waves Event at Turner’s Beach.
Event Schedule – 17th February 2024
Please note, timings may change slightly depending on surf/ weather conditions on the day;
- 8.30am – Registration Check-In Opens at Turner’s Beach Community Hall
- 9.15am – Welcome and Briefing outlining the day
- 9.25am – Groups split between Surf Coaching (Coastrider) and Ocean Literacy (One Ocean) Activities
- 10.45-11am – Groups Changeover (15 mins)
- 11am – Groups Swap between Surf Coaching (Coastrider) and Ocean Literacy (One Ocean) Activities
- 12pm – VIPs Arrive
- 12.30pm – Lunch Break – BBQ and Healthy Lunch Provided
- 1pm – Community Hall Opens for Panel Discussion – Please be seated!
- 1.15pm – Panel Discussion with Layne Beachley & Guests
- 2.30pm – Day concludes
She Shreds Australia (a not for profit organisation solely dedicated to empowering girls in action sports, by providing opportunities for female participation) are also hosting a free event at Ulvy Skate Park from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, February 18th 2024.
Media Opportunities
The event commences at 9.15am Saturday 17th February 2024 at Turner’s Beach and concludes following a panel discussion with Layne Beachley as Special Guest at approximately 2.30pm.
Layne will be available to talk to the Media at 12.30pm for 10 minutes.
For further event information contact:
Leanne Johannesen | Women in Waves, Event Manager
M: 0499 488 497
The Women in Waves day is funded by the Healthy Tasmania Fund through the Tasmanian Government while Layne Beachley is supported by Amare Luxury Accomodation as key note speaker.
Surfing Tasmania is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all people to participate, including those with diverse sexualities and genders.
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