CHANGE IS COMING AND WE’RE EXCITED

Surfing Australia is stoked to secure a massive $1 million in federal funding for the Play Our Way ”RISE” program. Over the next three years, this grant will make club participation and development more accessible for women and girls nationwide.

The funding will enable Surfing Australia, in collaboration with Surfing NSW, to establish:

New women & girls boardrider clubs
New women & girls subcommittees for established boardrider clubs
Opportunities to take on leadership roles with free Judging, Coaching & Officiating courses
Surfing Australia to host an annual development camp at the High-Performance Centre
Multiple beach training days across the country

First-year affiliation and insurance are covered.
Contact riseinfo@surfingnsw.com.au for guidance on how to start your club

START A WOMEN’S BOARDRIDERS CLUB OR GROUP

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH

JUDGING COURSES

1. Free Surf Judging Courses for Women
Gain accreditation to judge at club, state, or national surf competitions.

Level 1 Surf Judging Course: Covers the fundamentals of surf judging, scoring, and competition rules.
Level 2 Professional Judging Course: Designed for those aiming to judge at a higher level, with interactive training on head judging and advanced rules.

COACHING COURSES

2. Free Surf Coaching Courses for Women
Start or progress your career in surf coaching.

Foundation Coaching Course: Learn to coach beginners safely and effectively.
Progression Coaching Course: Support intermediate and advanced surfers. Requires 12 months Foundation accreditation

DEVELOPMENT CAMP 2026

3. Women’s Development Camp 2026 – Now Open for Applications
Held at Surfing Australia’s Hyundai High Performance Centre. Fully funded and open to accredited women coaches and judges.

Applications close: 1st March 2026
Location: Casuarina, NSW
Apply here

Apply now to receive your free judging and coaching codes, by emailing riseinfo@surfingnsw.com.au

Fast-track your coaching practical credentials with the Surf Coach Essentials course, designed by Surfing NSW to streamline annual requirements. This one-day course covers First Aid, CPR, Surf Safety Supervisor training, and includes the Surfers Rescue 24/7 course along with an overview of trauma and spinal injury management. Available as a paid add-on.

GET CERTIFIED IN A DAY

OUR FOCUS

Is to break down the barriers that have historically hindered women & girls’ participation and development in surfing.Despite women & girl’s undeniable talent and passion for the ocean, they have faced numerous struggles, including limited representation in surf media, unequal pay, lack of accessible resources and mentorship. These challenges have often resulted in women being overlooked, marginalised, or not given the same opportunities to excel in the surf industry.

By creating these programs, we aim to empower women to overcome these obstacles, providing them with the support, education, and platform they need to thrive in the sport. We aim to foster an inclusive and equitable environment where women can feel confident, supported, and inspired to pursue their passion for surfing, while working to shift the narrative toward a more balanced and diverse representation in the surfing community.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

PARTICIPATION & DEVELOPMENT

GROWTH, RETENTION & SUSTAINABILITY

LEADERSHIP

LATEST NEWS

40 passionate and driven women from across the country came together at Surfing Australia’s two-day camp to explore pathways in coaching, judging and officiating, supported through the Play Our Way ‘RISE’ program.

The goal? Build skills. Empower. Create career opportunities. Connect. Strengthen the future of women in surfing.

We caught up with NSW representatives attending the camp:

Anna Pixner: “Surfing became my calm. It’s never too late to start, and everyone deserves to feel welcome in the lineup.”
Kellie Pati: “When passionate women unite through surfing, they spark powerful change, collaboration, and community growth, both in and out of the water.”
Kassandra Bertram: “I want to see these programs continue and grow. They’re already making a difference by raising awareness, building confidence, and there’s so much more potential to expand.”

As part of the same Play Our Way grant, six NSW BRC’s were also awarded equipment to grow participation and development opportunities for women and girls: