The New Zealand Women’s Surfing Festival is an annual event that celebrates women’s surfing talent and the broader surf culture in New Zealand. It’s typically held at Pauanui and draws competitors from across New Zealand and sometimes internationally.
The festival is more than just a competition; it’s a full weekend of activities designed to empower women and girls in surfing. It usually features:
- Surf Competitions: Categories for various skill levels, from junior surfers to seasoned pros.
- Workshops and Clinics: Sessions on surf technique, ocean safety, fitness, and even mental wellbeing, often led by elite surfers or coaches.
- Community Events: Beach clean-ups, yoga sessions, art exhibitions, film screenings, and live music are common, creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
- Panel Talks: Inspirational talks from female leaders in surfing, environmental activism, and sports leadership.
- Networking and Mentoring: Opportunities for young surfers to meet and learn from established athletes.
The festival highlights not just the athletic side of surfing but also environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, and community building. It’s widely praised for promoting equality in the sport and helping to grow the next generation of female surfers in Aotearoa.
What: 2026 NZ Women’s Surf Festival
When: 14-15 March
Where: Pauanui Beach, Coromandel
Who: Open Women, age groups and longboard
How: Enter via Live Heats – stay tuned. Entries close Monday prior to the event.
