A FESTIVAL has been created to celebrate female surfers.
Wight Wahines Surf Fest is thought to be the Isle of Wight's first women's surf competition.
It will take place on Saturday, September 3, at Compton Beach.
It's going to be a fun and friendly surf competition, open to all ages and abilities, to celebrate the strong community of female surfers on the Island.
The event kicks off at 8.30am with beach yoga run by Balance & Glo.
The day will be made up of both girls and ladies surf lessons, and surf competition categories, with something for everyone — starting from 11am.
To make the event as accessible as possible, there’s no competition entry fee — you just need to be a member of IOW Surf Club and Surfing England.
Surf competition categories include:
- Under 13 (white water or green waves with water helpers available)
- 14+ (green waves, a fun classic competition)
- Expression Session (category with a fun twist - open to all ages and abilities)
There's a back-up plan if there are no waves on the day, consisting of both water and beach games.
Head to the Instagram page to find out more, make bookings for yoga and surf lessons, and register for the surf competition.
Founder Madi Dew said: "The idea for Wight Wahines Surf Fest came from the want to celebrate the thriving female surf scene on the Island.
"Through our experiences travelling and surfing we came to realise that the Island had an unparalleled female surf scene, often with the women outnumbering the men.
"There is so much joy seeing mums sharing babysitting duties on the beach while they catch some waves and then the young children taking their first white water waves and later developing into teenagers who absolutely rip!
"We want to welcome women of all ages from total beginners to seasoned pros to come and have some fun and experience the community and support that we are so proud of."
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