Our Purpose

 

To represent and tautoko (support) the interests of wāhine (women) and kōtiro (girl) surfers in Aotearoa as a collective 

Our Mission

Our mission is to increase participation for women and girls, encourage safe and fun spaces to enjoy the surf, and to support initiatives that are already in place and develop these further as our surfing community grows.

We are committed to building a sustainable and enduring not-for-profit organization by 2025 that future generations of Aotearoa wāhine and kōtiro surfers can depend on.

The overall vision of the AWSA is to represent the interests of women surfers in New Zealand.

AWSA is managed by a committee selected by the members.

Here are the main aims the management committee strive to achieve:

  • To act as the focal point to manage and administer, in an effective manner, the sport of women’s surfing on a New Zealand-wide basis.

  • To act as an advisory body on all matters appertaining to a practice of women’s surfing in New Zealand.

  • To liaise and affiliate where appropriate with recognized international women’s surfing bodies.

  • To communicate the views of the AWSA members to national and international authorities and to the public as and where required.

  • To provide a focal point for members by holding an annual surf festival and other social events when and where agreed.

Co-President, Daisy Thomas, chats about AWSA’s vision. Video: Leah Cameron

Originally established in 1977

With thanks to our pioneering oceanwomen from decades past, the first iteration of Aotearoa Women’s Surfing Association came in the form of a small group of Kiwi female surfers. Following a hui of contemporary surfers held in the Far North in 2018, the re-establishment of AWSA came in early 2019 with the goal of uniting and supporting our local, regional and national body of oceanwomen across all levels of competency, from amateur and lifestyle surfers and beginners, through to our professional and competitive athletes.