| We Won the Fight for Inclusion, a Women’s Division, and Equal Pay!
On Sept 5, 2018, the World Surf League agreed to full prize money equality across all global WSL controlled events.
- Starting in 2018, equal prize money will be awarded in the Big Wave Tour.
- The season schedule for the 2018-2019 Big Wave Tour Women’s Division will include the Mavericks Challenge and the Pe’ahi Challenge.
- In 2019, the Championship Tour, the Longboard Tour, and the World Junior Championships will be awarded equal prize money.
QUOTES FROM ATHLETES
Bianca Valenti, Co-Founder, Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing
Today is a great milestone, a true testament of how strong we (CEWS) are standing in solidarity. Paying men and women equally is about accountability. I’m glad the WSL is choosing to be on the right side of history. Power to the people!
Keala Kennelly, Co-Founder, Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing
This is something I have been fighting for my entire career. I didn’t know if I would see it in my lifetime. Thank you WSL for setting the standard for equality in sports and for letting future generations of women know that they have a place in the world and that their gender doesn’t make them less than.
Andrea Moller, Co-Founder, Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing
Equality is something that people talk about but few fight for. I’ve been guilty of that myself, choosing silence to prevent loosing a sponsorship or an opportunity to compete. It killed me to see talented women, who sacrificed more than men, earn less than half the prize money. Those who argued that pay was based on the percentage of athletes blocked women from winning the battle for equality. Men in competitive surfing have always outnumbered women and equal pay will encourage greater participation by women.
I’m proud of everything CEWS has achieved. Our group was formed from the heart, not to jeopardize anyone, not to create animosity between men and women, but yes to simply have EQUAL opportunities. Together we are all stronger. The whole sport is going to benefit from equality. I’m in awe that the day has finally arrived. I’m proud of the WSL for stepping up and showing the whole world that equality is possible – and appropriate.
Paige Alms, Co-Founder, Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing
I have never been so proud to be a part of an organization that is setting the standard for sport! This is a culmination of a lot of hard work, from a lot of people, for a very long time! I thank the WSL for creating equality for future generations! This is huge!!!
PERSISTENCE PAID OFF
We thank the women surfers who stood together, united in demanding equality and pay equity and who would not back down from threats of cancelling surf contests if they didn’t accept less money.
We thank the California Coastal Commission members and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring equality to the use of state resources for the Mavericks Surf Contest.
We thank the California State Lands Commission members and staff for their work in bringing equality to the publicly owned sovereign lands of California.
OUR MISSION
Founded in 2016, CEWS is comprised of stakeholders and advocates in support of female professional surfing. We provide resources for women surfers, and most importantly, we seek to make surfing accessible for athletes and recreational surfers.
I’m very pleased with the World Surf League’s evolution to more equitable and fair surf competitions.
Thank you,
San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner
SabrinaBrennan.com
Co-Founder of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing
SurfEquity.org |
San Mateo County News 