Women’s surfing riding wave towards gender equity

Abstract

The World Surfing League (WSL) has made history by becoming the first US-based global sporting league to offer equal pay to male and female competitors. This landmark decision comes after years of women's activism, international sport policy change, female leadership, and support from male allies. Women surfers have fought for equal pay, access to events, visibility, and sponsorship, challenging the hyper-masculine culture of surfing. The inclusion of surfing in the Olympics has also contributed to the push for gender equity, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) promoting women's participation. The International Surfing Association (ISA), responsible for governing surfing at the Olympics, has made efforts to promote gender diversity but still faces challenges in achieving equity. The rise of women in leadership positions, such as WSL's CEO Sophie Goldschmidt, and the support of male allies have played crucial roles in advancing gender equality in surfing. However, the industry still struggles with issues of sexualization and the exclusion of women. Overall, the progress in surfing demonstrates the importance of activism, advocacy, and strategic alliances in achieving gender equity in sports.