EMPOWERING FEMALE ATHLETES ON & OFF THE BOARD
In the realm of big wave surfing, courage, resilience and mastery converge to create a sport that challenges the limits of human potential. For women, riding these colossal waves is not just about the adrenaline rush - it's about breaking boundaries, defying expectations and inspiring future generations.
Empowering female athletes involves more than just celebrating their achievements - it requires creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures their growth and amplifies their voices. This means providing equal opportunities, resources and visibility for women in sports. By showcasing their talents and stories, we can inspire the next generation of female surfers and athletes.
The representation of women in sports media is crucial in shaping perceptions. Promoting female athletes in media through documentaries, interviews and coverage of women's surfing events can help normalize and celebrate their achievements. Highlighting stories of determination, resilience and success can inspire a new generation of female surfers to pursue their dreams and can help that female athletes have access to the same training facilities, sponsorships and competition opportunities as their male counterparts.
Empowering women behind the camera is just as important as those riding waves. Encouraging female directors, photographers, journalists and producers to tell these powerful stories ensures a diverse and inclusive narrative that resonates with a broader audience.
EMPOWERING WOMEN ON & OFF THE CAMERA
RIDING THE GIANTS:
STORIES OF COURAGE & DETERMINATION
At the heart of this movement are trailblazing female surfers like Polly Ralder, Flor Caram and Laura Coviella, whose stories exemplify the essence of empowerment both on and off the waves.
Polly's Journey
Polly's journey into big wave surfing began with a desire to push beyond her comfort zone. Her dedication to mastering the waves of Nazaré has made her a symbol of strength and perseverance. Polly's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and the importance of mental and physical preparation in conquering fears and achieving greatness. With her friend and big wave surfer Delia Bense-Kang, she founded Big Wave Babes in 2023 to inspire, support and create a community for other female surfers.
In the following interview, she explains what drives her, what her goals are and how she plans to achieve them.
"
"
I THINK GIRLS NEED TO SHOWCASE MORE THEIR FEMININE SIDE
Flor's Path to Greatness
Flor's path to becoming a big wave surfer is paved with moments of triumph and challenge. And here's how it all started and what she wants to achieve.
You just started surfing eight years ago and you're already riding the biggest waves in the world! What inspired you to start surfing and especially big wave surfing?
- Yes, I started surfing eight years ago, little time for this great challenge. I always wanted to be at sea. I'm from the farm, I changed countries to see the ocean every day. I arrived at Puerto Escondido and a few months later I was with a rented surfboard as long as I could in the water, paddling and surfing. The first day I took my first wave, I knew I was passionate about it. I loved riding big waves and was always looking for more.
Where did you learn to surf and what drove you to come to Nazaré three years ago?
- I learned to surf in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. A while later I was surfing in Zicatela, which is a big and strong wave. In a conversation with myself I asked myself: what do I want? And I answered I want to know the big waves in the world. I wrote in Google what is the biggest wave in the world and Nazaré appeared. I printed out a photo of that wave, stuck it on my refrigerator and every day for two years I looked at it and said: I'm going to surf that wave. - and then I was going to train. I changed my lifestyle, my job and sometimes thought I was crazy. I spent all my money on big waves, I didn't attend parties to be ready to train. My effort was so great that on the first day I was entering the water in Nazaré through the marina without having seen the wave and with a star pilot like Lucas Chumbo. I was already inside, it was no longer a dream, it was a reality and it felt like a prize. I remember that before traveling I called my family to apologize, because I wasn't going to see them and was going to Nazaré instead. I told them don't worry, I'm just going to stand in front of the biggest waves in the world and my dad told me: I know you, you're going to get in - and the first day I was already in the water.
What was going on in your head when you surfed Nazaré for the first time?
- Yes, I did it!
I remembered all the previous days watching images of Nazaré and training and I felt great satisfaction at being fulfilling a dream.
Do you sometimes paddle the big waves?
- Yes I paddle, I paddled in Nazaré the past year. On other beaches I do more paddling than towin. I think they are two similar but different sports and I love practicing both.
How do you feel about big wave surfing, especially in Nazaré, as it's still a very male-dominated sport?
- Just this year (2023) I saw more women in the water. I believe that the ocean does not discriminate. The ocean doesn't care if you're a man or a woman to give you a good wave or a wallow. And I think for people it should be the same thing. The important thing is that we're people with different stories, but with the same challenge.
What are your next goals in big wave surfing?
- my next goals are to improve my techniques, drive jetski on big days, have a complete team with people with good energy and all the equipment, enjoy the Nazaré season and get to know other waves that are on my list. And get a sponsor so that my mind is only focused on surfing big waves.
Which female (big wave) surfer is your idol and why?
- My biggest female idol is Justine Dupont, I respect and admire her as a person and as an athlete. I also love Lucas Chum's energy and have a lot of respect for everyone in the water. I'm grateful to Rafael Tapia, Lorenzo and everyone who helped me improve in this.
Would you like to inspire and motivate other women with your strength and courage?
- I love receiving love from people and inspiring them, I love seeing all the people at the lighthouse who support us and follow us with their eyes.
How would you like to influence the sport of big wave surfing as a women?
- Be an example that no matter where you come from or what your story is. If you have a dream work on it, because it is the most beautiful way to live.
what is one of the best places to surf for you?
- There are two waves that continue to be my challenge: Nazaré and Zicatela.
I like the waves of the Canary Islands, Mexico, Arica and Punta Lobos. Although I prefer to surf in warm climates.
How old are you now and what do you think how many years more you have for big wave surfing left?
- I'm 34 years old (2023) and I'll surf big waves as much as I can.
Surfing Heights with Laura Coviella
Laura is the first female Spanish surfer, who conquers the massive waves at Praia do Norte, Nazaré and cemented her place in the annals of surfing history. Her journey is marked by rigorous training, immense physical and mental preparation and an unwavering passion for surfing. And this is what we talked about in November 2023:
That was your first time in Nazaré, wasn't it?
- Yeah it was my first time!
What were your thoughts after you rode your first big wave here?
- Only after my first wave I realized how much energy and power has each wave of this place. So first thing I thought was "holy shit, this is serious!"
When did you start surfing and how did you come to want to surf big waves and why Nazaré?
- I started surfing when I was 12 in summer time, but more constantly when I was 15 during the weekends. It was when I was 18 and got my drive license when I really started to go every day. I always loved the adrenaline and surfing was my passion, so when I discovered that both could go together, I was sure this was my thing haha.
I wanted to surf Nazaré, because it's the place where you can find your limits I think.
What are your next goals now that you've been here?
- Keep discovering new big waves around the world and try to keep pushing me and find my limits.
How does it feel to be one of the few women surfing this huge waves? And would you like to inspire other female surfers through your surf?
- I don't know, hahaha, I just feel the same if I didn't surf it, but yeah I guess I'm proud, I've been working a lot for this and it feels so good that people come to me telling that I inspire them, that motivates me a lot.
What is the one tip you would give to other female surfers or those who want to become professionals?
- Just believe in you and work hard, doesn't matter what people say.
These stories are not just about conquering massive waves - they're about breaking barries and paving the way for future generations of female athletes. By empowering women, both in front of and behind the camera, we can create a more inclusive and inspiring world of sports where every women feels empowered to chase her dreams and make waves of her own.
.jpg)
READ [OR LISTEN] MORE ...
