Creative Currents: The intersection of women’s surfing and creativity in Aotearoa
LIVE PANEL EVENT
Creative Currents: The intersection of women’s surfing and creativity in Aotearoa
When: Saturday 5th April, 6:30 pm. We’ll start with the AGM which should take around 20 minutes, and then roll straight on into the panel discussion.
Where: The panel will take place online on Google Meet. Link to access the event here!
This Saturday, The Aotearoa Womens Surfing Association will host its annual AGM. And you know we love to kōrero about women’s surfing, so this year we’ve decided to host a panel discussion that focuses on the water women of Aotearoa who charge and charter a parallel creative flow alongside their passion for surf.
This kōrero aims to highlight how the ocean and the act of surfing fuel the creative passions of women making waves in their respective fields. We are particularly interested in exploring how our connections to the ocean have influenced the work and artistic journey of our panellists.
This is a small window into their drive and their adventures. And we couldn’t be prouder. The panel will be hosted by Aotearoa surf icon Jonette Mead who will kōrero with:
Cassia Walton and Lauren Crerar, the creative duo behind the recent film ‘Over The Undertow’ which debuted in last year’s Aotearoa Surf Film Festival, and picked up the 2024 People’s Choice Award.
Kanari Zukoshi better known as wavebirdkanary, is the driving force behind the film Te Marama – The Truth in Our Waves.
Danielle Clayton – Founder and Creative Director of globally loved surf brand Salt Gypsy.
The panelists
Jonette Mead
Jonette Mead, affectionately known as Jonnie, is a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s surfing community. She began surfing in 1963 at Whangamata, inspired by witnessing American surfers skillfully riding the waves. This experience ignited her passion for the sport, leading her to purchase a board the following summer and immerse herself in the world of surfing.
In the early days, Jonnie found the surfing community to be welcoming, with little to no issues related to sexism. However, as the 1960s transitioned into the 1970s, she observed the emergence of male elitism within the sport. Despite these challenges, Jonnie’s dedication to surfing remained unwavering.
Her competitive spirit led her to the national championships in New Plymouth, where her best finish was a commendable second place, 59 years ago.
Beyond competitions, Jonnie played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s surfing. Frustrated by the limited opportunities for female surfers, she established a women’s-only New Zealand tour, significantly enhancing the visibility and recognition of women in the sport.
Jonnie’s contributions extend beyond the waves; she is celebrated as a surf administrator, dedicating her efforts to the growth and development of surfing in New Zealand. Her journey reflects resilience, passion, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity within the surfing community.
Danny Clayton
Danielle Clayton, known as Danny, is a New Zealand-born surfer and entrepreneur currently based in Byron Bay, Australia. In 2012, she founded Salt Gypsy, a surfwear brand dedicated to celebrating female surfers by offering stylish and functional apparel. The brand began with customizable surf leggings and has since expanded to include a range of women's surfboards in collaboration with Global Surf Industries.
Danny's commitment extends beyond her business; she actively supports women's participation in surfing and entrepreneurship. She serves on the board of the Aotearoa Women's Surfing Association and is a member of the Surf & Boardsport Industry Association's Digital Committee in Australia.
Her journey from New Zealand to becoming a prominent figure in women's surfing apparel highlights her dedication to empowering women in the surf community and promoting environmental and social stewardship.
Surf Gypsy's Mission: The mission of Surf Gypsy is not only to create fashion but also to foster a community of like-minded individuals who embrace sustainable living, positivity, and creative freedom. Through Danny’s association with the brand, Surf Gypsy has managed to capture the essence of carefree, coastal living while promoting eco-consciousness.
Lauren Crerar & Cassia Walton
Lauren Crerar and Cassia Walton are the creative duo behind the recent film ‘Under The Undertow’ which debuted in last year’s Aotearoa Surf Film Festival, picking up the 2024 People’s Choice Award. The film has gone on to feature in film festivals all over the world, from Paris to New York.
Beyond the film, Lauren is a photographer and videographer renowned for her work in the surfing community. Operating under the Instagram handle @laurencrerarvisuals, she showcases a diverse portfolio that includes weddings, event coverage, and personal projects.
Cassia Walton is Wellington-based, where she works in the thriving film scene. She’s also involved in several creative projects down there including the loved Wozer Skate Mag.
Lauren and Cassia’s work has highlighted the vibrant young female surf scene in Aotearoa and has been watched by hundreds around the world, and we’re thrilled to have them on the panel.
Kanari Zukoshi
Kanari, known online as @wavebirdkanary, is a creative surf filmmaker based in Aotearoa. She is passionate about documenting the experiences and connections of wāhine (women) surfers. Kanari is currently working on a short documentary inspired by Dr. Chanel Phillips' water safety theory, aiming to highlight the importance of water safety within the surfing community.
In addition to her filmmaking, Kanari actively engages with the surfing community. She has collaborated with other enthusiasts, capturing moments from their adventures and sharing them through her platform, Eyes Between Lines. Her work not only showcases the beauty of surfing but also emphasizes the significance of camaraderie and shared experiences among surfers.
Through her films and photography, Kanari contributes to the visibility and recognition of women's surfing in Aotearoa, inspiring others to connect with the ocean and embrace the surfing lifestyle.
