sport, local-sport

THIS Sunday at North Broulee beach, a few hours after sunrise, more than 60 female surfers will paddle out behind the breakers and catch a few waves. For the past 10 years the women have been paddling out together and the Women’s Boardriders club is going strong in a sport where men have always had the pick of the waves. Broulee Women’s Boardriders was established as a division of Broulee Boardriders in 2003 when a need for a female only group became clear. Broulee Women’s Boardrider coordinator Stacey Wade believes surfing is the perfect sport for ladies of all ages. “We have surfers from the age of five to 72 riding with us,” Wade said. “I just love the feeling of being in the ocean and catching waves. “I love the friendships that I have made through sharing the waves with like-minded people.” She said the 221 affiliated boardriding clubs in Australia brought together board riders on the same wave-length. Broulee Women’s Boardriders boasts more than 60 members and Wade believes the support that the club offers female surfers makes a nurturing playground to learn and grow in the sport. “The other riders get lots of support and encouragement,” she said. “At the same time as surfing the have heaps of fun and laugh.” Broulee Boardriders uses mostly long boards and mini-mals during competitions because they are suited to the conditions at North Broulee. The group has seen a few successful members go on to wonderful things in the past few months. Wade is particularly proud of Isabelle Bond who in recent years has taken her casual hobby to the next level. “Isabelle Bond is one of our junior division members and she recently competed in the NSW under 18s State Titles,” Wade said. Bond made the quarter finals in the NSW State Titles at Maroubra in July, and she has been recognised as a young surfer with great potential. “She has been accepted to SEDA (Sports Education and Development Australia) in Victoria,” Wade said. “SEDA assists athletes in many different disciplines and Isabelle has been accepted in the Industry division sponsored by the likes of Quiksilver and Surfing Victoria.” Another big achievemer in the club is Isabel Nagel, the youngest member of the board riders, who Wade affectionately calls the ‘white water warrior.’ Isabel has featured hanging ten in the pages of surfing magazine Smorgasboard this month. Later this month Surfing Australia, Rip Curl and Broulee Surf School will be host Girls Go Surfing Day at North Broulee beach. It is the 23rd consecutive year the event will take place and is a learn-to-surf program for beginners and non-surfers to get them out amongst the waves. For more information go to the brouleesurfschool.com.au Women’s Boardriders will meet again at North Broulee Beach at 7am Sunday, November 10.

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