Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Our research focuses on women surfers’ lived experiences by aiming to explore gender inequity in surfing and which governance reforms are apposite in terms of equal prize money at tournaments, an equal number of tournaments plus lead-up qualifying events, and equal sub-elite development and talent pathway programs. These are structural issues that affect women surfers as a collective, and for which governance reforms within the sport of surfing can provide a remedy. Research into Australian surfing has canvassed its historical, sociological, and cultural dimensions, including awareness of its gender dynamics. What is lacking, however, is insights from surfers themselves – in our case, women - about their opportunities, obstacles and pain points in the journey from surf clubs into junior events, pathways into tournaments, and experiences in elite competition. The research adopts a qualitative approach. 20 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with Australian women surfers to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and perceptions regarding gender equity in surfing. By giving voice to these experiences, our research aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on gender equality in sports, in our case surfing, by focusing not only on issues of remuneration in the sports industry but broader questions for women surfers in terms of recruitment, retention, support services, and cultural acceptance. We intend to allow the women themselves to identify problems, changes, and ideas for promoting equity.