Surfing is considered among those extreme sports that a large number of enthusiasts have come to passionately follow over time. However, there’s one aspect that this sport effectively stands out from the others. That is, inculcating an equal and inclusive environment for the athletes. The sport has emerged as the first domain to offer equal opportunities for women and men all together. 

In a recent article by PopSugar, the grand efforts of the surfing community were highlighted ahead of the 2023 International Women’s Day on 8th March. Notably, it is also the third stop for the WSL Championship Tour. Here’s how they’re celebrating it. 

Notable surfers celebrate women athletes across all sports

The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal event has made a special effort on the occasion. Competitors will be donning jerseys with the names of influential women in sports, chosen by themselves. Apart from choosing surfers, many even graduated outside the domain. US Women’s surfer, Lakey Peterson decided to tribute tennis icons, Serena Williams and Venus Williams collectively. 

“I didn’t want to choose between the both of them, so I chose just WILLIAMS to be on the back of my jersey in wanting to represent both Venus and Serena,” she revealed to PopSugar. Furthermore, Peterson added that these women are pioneers in the larger picture of opportunities for women. She remarked, “they are two women who have busted down the doors of women’s sporting areas.”

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Surfing legend, Kelly Slater chose veteran champ, Margo Oberg, who was the first pro female surfer ever. “because she was a queen of surfing early on,” he stated. Sharing an anecdote from his childhood, Slater stated that he voted for Oberg during the surf poll awards.  He added, “I wanted to honor and celebrate her as one of the pioneers of our sport who paved the way.” Remarkably, this gesture by the organization is set to be an annual effort to revolutionize and encourage women’s participation in the field. 

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It is essential to present equal spaces and revenue options for all athletes in the field. The surfing community is taking a step forward to drive change and stand as a symbolic community to inspire other sports as well.