From the Regions - Gisborne Tairawhiti

“The Evolution of Wāhine surf events in Gizzy;

In 2010/2011, Gisborne Boardriders give-it-a-go women’s surf events, "Wāhine on Waves" began - experienced surfers gathered to introduce women to surfing. Emily Walpole continued the wave in 2019 initiating women’s coaching, teen girls’ sessions, and even the inaugural Salty Sirens event in March 2020, a festival of surf, yoga, skate, music and craft markets.

I joined the Gisborne Boardriders Club in April 2021, building upon Emily's legacy. We now run two expression sessions each season, taking over a surf break and filming wāhine surfing, followed by social catch-ups with OJ and muffins - it's the best! Our Women’s Social sessions continue, providing coaching, boards, and wetsuits, with a focus on social connection afterward and of course sampling Matawhero wineries' choicest rosé and local cheese.

We're active in Well Wahine Week sponsored by Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti, offering free sessions aligned with International Women’s Day on March 8. This winter, we added movement and breathwork sessions with former club Women’s Representative Nikki Horsman and our Women’s Event Coordinator, Victoria Williams.

Our dream? A joint session in Mahia with the Sea Sisters of Hawkes Bay, combining morning surfing and afternoon yoga and breathwork. Salty Sirens may return, but we prioritise delivering quality events for now.”

Written by our Regional Surf Rep Megan Costello

Explore our Regional Surf Network here.

Photos: Don Pearson - Rest in Peace