Kirra Klassic Defends Decision To Hold Mixed Division

Kirsten Webster
Swellnet Dispatch

A battle of the sexes is brewing and it threatens to overshadow a Gold Coast surfing comp.

The Kirra Longboard Klassic professional open division is available to men and women competing for a total prize pool of $5,500.

Professional surfer Lucy Small said the Kirra Klassic should instead split the $5,500 prize equally between separate men's and women's divisions.

"When you have a mixed division like that, the chances of a man winning the money are a lot higher so it's not really fair," she told her social media followers this week.

Small said that after sponsors knocked back her suggestion to split the prize pool, she then organised for a group of women to nominate for all sixteen available slots. She said fifteen women and one man nominated but that the man decided to withdraw after speaking to her, paving the way for an all-female open division.

But Kirra Longboard Klassic director Sean McKeown said the women have "not thought this through".

"The object of this particular division is high-performance surfing," he said. "The girls are not particularly good. There's only a few of them in Australia that are really good at high performance."

'Ballet dancers on a surfboard'

Mr McKeown said female surfing is "far more stylish" and is not best suited for professional longboard competitions.

"It's a bit of a strength thing. There are some girls that can do it and do it very well," he said. "In general, the girls tend to be more like ballet dancers on a surfboard and they look really good doing what they do."

Mr McKeown said the Kirra Klassic has provided a fair opportunity for surfers.

"We had made this an open division so that men and women could compete equally on the same waves against each other," he said. "If I turned around and made it a man's division, what would the reaction be?"

Small said, "it's a bummer that women's surfing is so disappointing to people that when they open up a division and it fills up with women they can't support that".

Mr McKeown said Small has "hijacked this on a political basis rather than an actual ability basis".

Small used sponsorship money to help pay for the nomination fees which Mr McKeown said could have instead been used to fund a prize pool for women. But Small said the money wouldn't have been enough for an equal prize pool.

"The men didn't have to organise their own sponsor."

Event still going ahead

Gold Coast surfing commentator Terry 'Tappa' Teece said an open division is "fair enough" but he "can see why the girls are upset".

"A lot of times they'll have those women's division and there's not many people in it and [the organisers] lose a bit of money on it," he said. "But this has obviously proved the point that they [women] will go in it.

"Normally most events have open men and open women."

Mr McKeown said the event will still go ahead at the end of July.

"I don't think it'll be quite as good a spectacle," he said. "I've had one of the girls withdraw this morning and I do have a reserve list.

"That will be a male, so that it's not going to be an all-girl division."

// BERN YOUNG, KIRSTEN WEBSTER and DOMINIC CANSDALE
© Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.

Postscript:

The Kirra Longboard Klassic styles itself on traditional longboarding and usually includes eleven categories, including age groups, ADF personnel, and disabled surfers. This year, Steve Del Rosso from Clearwater Surfboards stumped up prizemoney for a lone 'open' category that would be judged on high performance longboarding. Del Rosso claims his motivation was to honour Mark 'Macca' McNamara who surfed HP longboards at Kirra.

Following Lucy Small's social media posts, Steve Del Rosso made the following comments:

"Well done Lucy @saltwaterpilgrim I am behind you girls. We did not base this event on gender as it was an open event. We we’re focusing to bring back high performance long boarding as all other comps are logging old school traditional based. As when high performance longboard comps were happening that’s when the sport was its most successful. That’s all we were wanting. So hopefully the wave are awesome and the ladies are ripping it up. Enjoy the event."

"This event had nothing to do with gender or anti women prize money it was created to put on a hp performance comp for the local community in honour of the pros that loved Maca who passed away here years ago. And to bring some old legend Jo [sic] surfing back."

"If I thought or knew this was going to happen i would not of been any part of it Lucy. It was never in my intention to have anything like this happen. Or to have this reaction as all I was trying to do was honour an old mate. I definitely won’t be sponsoring any more events now. As this was the last thing I needed."

From Kirra Molnar: "@cwsurfboards I will be riding a high performance epoxy thruster by @classicmalibusurfboards hope there’s some barrels and we get good waves!! Excited."

"Thanks kirra and I know you’re an amazing hp longboarder. That’s all we wanted was to see lady’s and men people like you show the community your talent."

Comments

gopher62's picture
gopher62's picture
gopher62 Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 3:59pm

So Lucy knowingly and publicly has tried to rig an Open event with prize money by excluding the Men to improve her own and others chances of winning the cash prizes, by her own admissions!!! Hmmm Australian Sports Integrity are you listening Event Manipulation!!! 100% Interesting is the max penalty if found guilty ! maybe she should THINK of others before acting like it’s some sort of joke !

andy72's picture
andy72's picture
andy72 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:04am

Sounds like Lucy wants to play the political game for her own personal gain!

booman's picture
booman's picture
booman Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 1:02pm

Be good to see them volunteering to help plan, do council negotiations/regulations, insurance, judge, safety, arrive at 5am and set up, leave when all is done however long that is, do the promotion and marketing, organise the rashies, tables and gazebos, organise social media and notifications for competitions, organise flag people and flags and pole, check the weather and make a decision if to run, sort out teh judging software and have a backup, do all the accounting, file the return, making the decision if it is safe conditions, organise sponsors, organise prizes and trophies, organise a podium, organise press.

Why bother helping though? I heard on ABC Gold coast she didn't even bother to contact the organiser prior & that sponsors ended up paying entry fee money for them, after all that outrage cancel culture publicity, and win the prize.

Also it would be a weird world where Surfing Australia has to sanction every surfing competition in Australia. Anti competitive practices no doubt.

As for the news and social media outlets that tried to benefit from the publicity of conflict, cancel culture and outrage culture....

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 1:51pm

Nice post.
Would be good to see her building rather than cynically tearing down.
And I’m surprised that no-one has commented on the approach of the journo with the original piece.
Battle of the sexes blah blah, usual divisive shit.

mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:17pm

Settling in for this one

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:32pm

Got told about this on Sunday and I've resisted covering it cos I reckon it's an unedifying spectacle for all involved.

Still, it's the issue du jour and I relented. Just hope commenters can bring some civility to what's been a shitfight elsewhere.

simsurf's picture
simsurf's picture
simsurf Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:34pm

"Just hope commenters can bring some civility to what's been a shitfight elsewhere."

lol

mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:47pm

Understand

Weeksymate's picture
Weeksymate's picture
Weeksymate Sunday, 2 Jul 2023 at 11:45am

Unedifying indeed. And so many better stories within the event. There was always an open women division. The HP event was supposed to be a demonstration event and a chance to allow those who enjoy that form of Longboarding a chance to get together and inspire the kids with what is is some on a nine foot board. Rather than trying to look like they did in the sixties riding heavy pigs of boards.

Sprout's picture
Sprout's picture
Sprout Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:19pm

Git gud scrub.

simsurf's picture
simsurf's picture
simsurf Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:23pm

Confusing.

Thegrowingtrend.com's picture
Thegrowingtrend.com's picture
Thegrowingtrend.com Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:24pm

Rigged event

mike oxhard's picture
mike oxhard's picture
mike oxhard Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:25pm

surfing for money is like so cool wow

mpeachy's picture
mpeachy's picture
mpeachy Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 4:37pm

"The girls are not particularly good". Probably might have wanted to phrase this a little differently haha

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:30pm

Why just telling it like it is. Nothing wrong with that it. Annoys me that you have watch peoples feelings in a competition with rules. If you don't measure up you are out and if you don't like it don't do it - it isn't your thing.

mpeachy's picture
mpeachy's picture
mpeachy Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:56am

Obviously the men surf at a higher level due to physical advantages, and that is fact. But to say the women aren't good is unfair. There's a reason the mens and womens events are separated in every sport, its not a fair comparison. In boxing they even split the same gender into weight divisions, so Floyd Mayweather can be a world champion even thought the heavyweights would flog him.

harrycoopr's picture
harrycoopr's picture
harrycoopr Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:14pm

Does anyone watch Portlandia? The Womens bookstore... "I'm feeling penises here and here and here..." (pointing at spots on her body looking hard at the aircon man)... a classic.

indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:20pm

Well an open division for men and women solves the whole trans dilemma i guess.

And don't say it won't ever happen

"Aussie trans surfer makes history by winning title as a woman three years after taking out the same competition as a man"

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-10836653/Aussie-tr...

Mishad's picture
Mishad's picture
Mishad Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:21pm

first world problems

Mexican's picture
Mexican's picture
Mexican Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 6:57pm

That’s because we live in a first world.

Mishad's picture
Mishad's picture
Mishad Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 3:09pm

Not everyone, I don't, and there is alot more social issues present to face than equal prizemoney in some obscure surf comp. In Oz too. Seems big hoo ha about nothing. The poor guy who simply wanted to honour his mate and sponsored the event is now at the centre of an unwanted political debate because people love drama and create it if there is none there initially to be found.

Mexican's picture
Mexican's picture
Mexican Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 3:33pm

Fair call mate. I just hate the term. It’s very overused here (in Oz).

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:32pm

Maybe spoilt worlds problems?

icandig's picture
icandig's picture
icandig Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:24pm

Lucy Small does have a point. I'm just not sure I like the way she's made it. She reminds me of climate changers that set up tepee's on the highway.,,, It's like "I'm right, so fuck everyone I might inconvenience." She might be right, but there's probably a better way to go about it. It might be her smug attitude or it might be because she's walking and talking into the phone at the same time. I hate that.

G.C. Cruiser's picture
G.C. Cruiser's picture
G.C. Cruiser Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:25pm

Why call it the Kirra Longboard Classic and then have a high performance event? Classic longboarding by definition is the trimming, nose riding, drop-knee turns and walking the board etc., but not smashing off the lip and sharp cutbacks. It's about style. I know that's not all that popular or fashionable but if you want to see high performance, watch short board comps.

moose68's picture
moose68's picture
moose68 Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:53pm

Totally agree with this, Cruiser - I remember when the then ASP tried to judge long boarding by high performance criteria. Created surfing that was ugly as fk. Nothing as stupid to me as trying to surf top-to-bottom or vertically on a 9ft plus piece of composite. Longboarding is all about style and grace. If someone wants to rip, enter the short boarding comps.

batfink's picture
batfink's picture
batfink Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:39am

Times two for cruiser and moose

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 3:57pm

Perfect Example Cruiser and Moose - Matt Chojnaki
Master of Both Styles.
Buts thats me Classing this as a Long Board

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:33pm

Kirra cruiser classic?

andy_a's picture
andy_a's picture
andy_a Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:35pm

insert civil comment...

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:29pm

He He.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:34pm

Paging Peter Drouyn...

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 5:55pm

I hope it's 10ft.

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:25am

Haha! Classic. Not in july at Kirra though, it will be 1' foot sliders for hipster chicks in zipfront wetties

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:32am
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:38am

Yeah IB, I had pumping Agnes on July 22 last year too, but El Nino now mate. Of course, it's possible, but highly unlikely

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:46pm

I hated zip front wetties then and hate them now. That zip was a pain in the chest.

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:49pm

100% Memla. There a reason we gave them away in the 70’s and wearing them unzipped is just posing

old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 6:11pm

I thought they wanted equality. Could be a huge embarrassing joke and set back their cause making them look like self-entitled kooks. Bring it on. HP logging, now that's an oxymoron if ever there was one. The ugliest surfing possible.

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 6:34pm

Anyone surfing with speed, control, flow is high performance no matter what they ride...
Judging surfing tried to reduce these (above) subjective observations with critical turns, etc... until T.Curren, K.Slater and now E.E were clearly able to do the lot with style.
If you havent surfed a longboard, its like, um...driving a big truck, on a narrow winding road and staying in one lane with P platers everywhere.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:49pm

Why bother?

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 6:38pm
old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 7:04pm

Big trucks shouldn't be allowed on busy narrow winding roads, an accident waiting to happen. To me, high performance surfing is modern, cutting edge, top to bottom carving with ariel moves. Not forcing a log around against its will.

yahabo's picture
yahabo's picture
yahabo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 10:51am

I spent my teenage years doing that. In the bedroom. Alone.

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 7:09pm

The obvious answer to all of this is that nobody should ever be paid for surfing. It's a dumb concept, and it gets dumber every day.

southernraw's picture
southernraw's picture
southernraw Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 8:48pm

True isn't it. We've been gifted this amazing thing from nature and the ocean and it gets reduced to this squabbling.
If comps disappeared off the face of the earth tomorrow it could only be a good thing for surfing and surfers.

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 7:30pm

"....as all I wanted to do was honour an old mate. I definitely won't be sponsoring any more events now. As this was the last thing I needed." Steve Del Rosso.
Don't blame him.

jedi old mate's picture
jedi old mate's picture
jedi old mate Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 9:28pm

White people things… lol

frog's picture
frog's picture
frog Wednesday, 28 Jun 2023 at 9:38pm

Sponsors must be loving this.

Any publicity is good publicity they say.

.... a statement dreamed up by bad marketers me thinks.

tip-top1's picture
tip-top1's picture
tip-top1 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 5:09am

wonder if they'll wear legropes!!

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 5:51am

What ever your opinion on this, you’ll offend someone…
Small sounds like a very annoying person.

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 6:42am

too right goofyfoot, icandig, moose, dandan, southern, surf again proves a fascinating microcosm. ('Git gud', classic, sprout : )

Lovely idea to honor a mate, but where he wanted a competition like the old days (when a cash prize was used to draw attention and show people that surf is 'serious'), an exhibition or fundraiser may have proved more fun, more stylish, more inclusive and been more in line with most people's post-competition mindset.

Oliver Plunkett's Head's picture
Oliver Plunkett's Head's picture
Oliver Plunkett... Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 4:20pm

That's a good idea, expression session, cash prizes, etc.

groovie's picture
groovie's picture
groovie Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 6:40am

What happened to equality ladies??? You can't have it both ways, " do we still get to board the lifeboats first"??????????

Chipper's picture
Chipper's picture
Chipper Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:55am

Grov these were my first thoughts as well...

On one hand we have corporate Australia openly admitting to prioritizing women into roles ahead of more experienced and suited men, and racing to place equal numbers of men and women into their board rooms regardless of experience and talent and then here we have a woman screaming its not fair to complete on a level playing field as men...

I understand strength sport is different ... is that how people see it???

Can someone please help me to unravel this one?

Mishad's picture
Mishad's picture
Mishad Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 3:16pm

Easy...allow women to excel and in areas they are naturally attuned to and for....and let men do the same. Honour both women and men equally for their equally valuable but equally unqiue strengths in society. Unless we are trying to create an androgenous future which then I see the push to have women in same roles as men as part of this evolution.

benjis babe's picture
benjis babe's picture
benjis babe Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:28pm

and why are these men more experienced and suited chipper....because they have been given the opportunity..they are definitely not more talented, just gifted with more opportunities...its 2023 and I still have to make statements like this....

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:51pm

But they aren't as good.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:53pm

Mate, really?

Chipper's picture
Chipper's picture
Chipper Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 5:27pm

Benji, the presumption that they (men) have been given "the opportunity" (ie: and Women haven't) and that men are definitely not more talented, is the problem here...

I agree many women might have had less experience or opportunity in some circumstances (ie: dedicating themselves to having a child for a period of time). And i know many very talented men and women not just talented men or talented women.

All i am saying is that being a woman (or a man) is not a reason alone to gain a certain role ahead of another person.

Appointments to positions must be based on merit not gender, or we are in trouble globally. The meritocracy approach is a winner for both genders. I understand getting women in into corporate Australia to equal up the past inequities, but it can created some sub optimal results / outcomes in some organizations. So let's not just place one gender into a position to make numbers equal, lets get the best and most suitable candidate.

All that aside, I own a business (in finance) where i currently have 100% only women employees, why?
Because they have been the best candidates... and they are all fantastic, smart, proactive and talented. It hasn't always been this way (had many men in roles as well) and i am sure I will employ men again in the future, but currently all roles are filled by female employees as they are the best, most suited and talented people for us at this time.

Benji you don't have to put yourself out there on the current trend side of politics and say "why do i have to say this in 2023", many men are now actually saying they are discriminated against in 2023 because of this thinking. Please think about the big picture and the merits of a meritocracy! It works....

I apologize to everyone on this chat for this post as i think we are off track (my fault) but i could not help myself..;

Back to the surf chat ... less comps and more free surf...

Standingleft's picture
Standingleft's picture
Standingleft Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:54pm

.

tiff's picture
tiff's picture
tiff Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 10:43am

'Appointments to positions must be based on merit not gender, or we are in trouble globally. The meritocracy approach is a winner for both genders. I understand getting women in into corporate Australia to equal up the past inequities, but it can created some sub optimal results / outcomes in some organizations. So let's not just place one gender into a position to make numbers equal, lets get the best and most suitable candidate.'

Are we not in trouble globally?
Have men not been granted roles they aren't qualified for and creating sub optimal results?
Not saying two wrongs make a right, just that it seems to be a problem when it comes to women getting a hand up and men feeling discriminated against.
And lets look at who are making these decisions and how we got here. Yet somehow women are still copping the blame for it all.

'I agree many women might have had less experience or opportunity in some circumstances (ie: dedicating themselves to having a child for a period of time). And i know many very talented men and women not just talented men or talented women.'

It's not just less experience or opportunity, it's the challenges women face even getting to the stage where they can be seen as a candidate. I'm sure as a business owner who has an all female staff you would understand what I'm trying to get at here.

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 11:24am

100%. The world is collapsing and inequality is widening. Life for a lot of people has never felt so pointless. We are beyond trouble. And the idea that a level platform of meritocracy could ever exist let alone save us is a bit idealistic, and if you are going to be idealistic you may as well do it properly and imagine a future that doesn't include "corporate Australia" at all.

Seaweed's picture
Seaweed's picture
Seaweed Sunday, 2 Jul 2023 at 9:23am

No need to apologise when your right.

sneaky-gee's picture
sneaky-gee's picture
sneaky-gee Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 9:44am

Just because you keep saying it doesn't make it true

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 10:32pm

morg's picture
morg's picture
morg Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:26am

I feel for Steve Del Rosso on this. It’s so frustrating when a well meaning intent gets derailed by another persons agenda.

Hope this will get some traction and bring high performance long boarding back into competition. The current competition criteria of dancing to the nose to dangle a few toes and then back for a drop knee cutty etc has stifled progress. It gets boring fast and there can be a lot more to long boarding than that.

Check it out before you right it off. It amazes me how a good high performance longboarder can shred throwing their 9.1 around like it’s a 6.0 while mixing it up with a bit of the old skool stuff. Sure it’s not the same as JJF etc but it can be entertaining. Might even be inspiring for old blokes like me fighting the inevitable departure from my 5.8.

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:33am

SDR is a top fella and Macca was well loved by the community on the southern GC. Lucy and her little publicity stunt has diminished this now, and Steve has said no more sponsoring contests, so well done dopey....

Standupgoleft's picture
Standupgoleft's picture
Standupgoleft Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:38am

Byron invades Gold Coast

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:45am

100%. She's peak Byronese

Sprout's picture
Sprout's picture
Sprout Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:24am

Haircut's a dead giveaway.

mike oxhard's picture
mike oxhard's picture
mike oxhard Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:20pm

her voice instantly took me back to this movie

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:49am
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:32am

If a sup rider identifies as a lonboarder with a paddle can they enter ?
And my other question where is Sasha when she is needed ?

benjis babe's picture
benjis babe's picture
benjis babe Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:47am

who is Sasha

philosurphizingkerching's picture
philosurphizingkerching's picture
philosurphizing... Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:16pm

If a sup rider identifies as a longboarder with a paddle can they enter?
Yes.
As long as their name is S.H. Long.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:38am

Like walking races, high performance longboarding = who can whisper the loudest.

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:59am

The other day I heard a reasonably well credentialed professional longboarder on a podcast basically admit that they have never been tubed. Like no shade, but also a weird thing to hear from a professional surfer.

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:05am

I wonder how many anti HP logging commenters here could get barreled behind the rock at Snapper as deep as Jackson Close.

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:31am

Not me, that's for sure. I surfed the same peak a few times with Harley Ingleby last year and it was the first time I'd seen someone surf like that on a longboard. Was really impressive, fluid surfing on what was probably a 9'1".

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:49am

Local Manly lad Declan Wyton gets ridiculously tubed on his longboard when North Steyne is pumping. Surfs everything as well.

benjis babe's picture
benjis babe's picture
benjis babe Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:46am

hahaha, this is classic, the Kirra klassic organised by the Jurassic classic crew, hijacked by Lucy..........classic

ryder's picture
ryder's picture
ryder Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:50am

High performance longboarding is exactly what is wrong with longboarding.
I'd easily rather watch the women 'ballet dancing' than the 'pump and dump' style of men's HP surfing.

AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:05am

It’s 2023 for fuck sake.

Are we still living in a testosterone fuelled Stone Age ?

Simply can’t believe what I read sometimes when it comes to surfing.

Southern Raw. I agree with you mate, surfing competitions, get rid of them, maybe this is the resultant trickle down effect of that disastrous organisation called WSL.

Money, the root of all evil.AW.

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 10:31am

Not sure what you're saying AW.
Except for being quite indifferent to surf comps, I'm with you there.

AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:33am

AndyM. Hi mate, hope you are well. I’m fed up with individuals or groups who think they can predetermine what others can and cant do with reference to skill sets or performance.

Now the young female is embroiled in lots of negative feedback, again.

Ive read all the comments pertaining to this topic, sadly, again, stooped to its lowest common denominator.

It’s amazing how many of our commenters seem to ‘not’ have sisters or daughters. AW

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:39am

Awww Alfred. You’d be the zombie rights activist is the apocalypse wouldn’t you? I checked with my partner and daughter, they both think Lucy comes across as a self serving pain in the arse

AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 12:45pm

You, your wife and daughter just highlighted ,they are all simply opinions. I never veer right on anything old timer, except a wave. AW

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:33pm

Lol, you call me "old timer" and assume my partner is my "wife". Interesting, seems your virtue signaling is an attempt to appear more progressive than you actually are. You're right on one thing though, it's just opinions which are like arseholes, everyone has one, including Lucy when she said that the girls would have no chance against the guys..."When you have a mixed division like that, the chances of a man winning the money are a lot higher so it's not really fair." She makes a habit of this and clearly enjoys her 5 seconds in the spotlight. I'm not feeding the beast any further, cheers.

AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 6:39pm

Fair reply, good banter. I assumed 67 may have been your birth age, if so you and i similar vintage. Yes it was an incorrect assumption. Ill end feeding also. All the best. AW

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 12:00pm

Still not sure what you mean.

If we don't want to "predetermine what others can and cant do with reference to skill sets or performance" doesn't this lead us to having open events as opposed to seperate men's and women's events?

And if you're talking about Lucy Small when you say a young female is embroiled in lots of negative feedback, I'd say she's revelling in it.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:54pm

'Money, the root of all evil.AW.'

Only if you have none. Its not that bad if you have some.

AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 6:40pm

Debatable.

mattlock's picture
mattlock's picture
mattlock Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:56pm

The actual saying is "The love of money is the root of all evil"

mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:38am

If they had to ask their sponsors for the money to enter to make their point how many would have coughed up the $250 entry if there was a women's division? I'm going to assume that that wasn't really the issue and that they are just trying to highlight the lack of an option to surf in a women's division but the question still needs to be asked. Would they have been happy with a split prize fund and entry fee reflective of the number of entrants? ie 10 guys pay $250 for a 1 in 10 chance of $2500 5 girls pay $250 for a 1 in 5 chance of $1250?

Actually you know what, this is all way too complicated for my tiny brain. Please disregard

mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine's picture
mugofsunshine Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:39am

Would also love to hear Lucy's take on transgender inclusion. But not so close to the phone camera and not walking at the same time.

AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace's picture
AlfredWallace Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:40am

We’ve still got a long way to go folks.

Men and their archaic divisive thought processes. Already had predetermined that women can’t do a particular thing. WTF.

I wonder if McKeown regrets his comments, particularly in reference to female longboarders with regard to what he thinks they can or can’t do on a wave.

And here I am hoping for a Yes vote for the upcoming referendum .

Two different entities very tired of being told what they can or can’t do by others. Makes me sick.AW.

dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:44pm

Lucy said it too! That's why she doesn't want men included. If surfing is to be gender inclusive, everyone needs to surf in the same devision, for the same money. That's how the work force do it. Poor little Small. Setting her agenda for what?

Elliedog's picture
Elliedog's picture
Elliedog Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:41am

the poor girl seems unhinged...

bocirl's picture
bocirl's picture
bocirl Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 7:07pm

Far from unhinged, this is all calculated for maximum exposure. She's a mediocre professional longboard surfer and in fairness there's not much money in that. So she needs to build and maintain a profile to make the influencer coin.

Patrick0710's picture
Patrick0710's picture
Patrick0710 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 9:58am

I'm outraged by 'Klassic'. Sick of this woke spelling BS.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:56pm

Yeah heathens why can't people use the language they have, not as though there isn't enough words in English so no need to bastardise and add more.

burleigh's picture
burleigh's picture
burleigh Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 10:22am

LMAO. Play stupid games win stupid prizes.

This is an all round fuck up by everyone involved. Welcome to 2023

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 10:37am

Yep, a no-win situation for everyone.

iamlegend's picture
iamlegend's picture
iamlegend Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 10:38am

And when she loses is she going to blame the judging?

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:26am

Just the male ones.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:57pm

That mad me laugh.

petermitchell's picture
petermitchell's picture
petermitchell Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:06am

I don’t buy it for one second.
She’s deliberately created drama for the sake of creating drama and winning points.
The brands that put up the money to cover the cost of the entry fees could have used that money to bankroll the paycheque for a women’s pro event but that thought would never have crossed their minds…no it’s way more marketable to offer up the money after the fact and knowing full well the media attention guaranteed.

batfink's picture
batfink's picture
batfink Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 11:45am

I don’t care, and have no opinion on the matter.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 12:18pm

The only sensible position to take on this issue.

Ape Anonymous's picture
Ape Anonymous's picture
Ape Anonymous Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 12:53pm

The 'gender equality' issue here pales in comparison to the overarching cost of living crisis that sees healthy, enthusiastic young folks, disaffected, confused, without good purpose or direction, scampering for prize money - enough to cover only aprrox. 8 weeks of rent and food for one person in a small bedroom of a derelict byron bay share house. Versus... tech oligarchs on 100 million dollar yachts owning private islands e.g. Tavarua - https://beachgrit.com/2021/02/rumor-google-founders-purchase-tavarua-and...

Sad and demoralising news at best to see working/parent-age people in a rich country scrapping over pennies rather than living out their full potential -whatever that may be. Begs the question, is this a hallmark of an empire cracking at the seams?

Besides all the 'who-haa', who in their right mind would pay $250 to surf Kirra on a log? It can be done for free any day of the week...

Standupgoleft's picture
Standupgoleft's picture
Standupgoleft Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:04pm

Yep people are facing some serious shit right now. Is it gonna get better? Lucky country?

Standupgoleft's picture
Standupgoleft's picture
Standupgoleft Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:02pm

besides the rage or injustice or whatever drama Women are great log riders It is a great sport and it has its own place in surfing Why don't they just start there own comp? It would draw the right crowd. Or is it about busting down the door? If thats the aim declare it !

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:14pm

Fair call. Seems this one has a history of calling out prize money for woman in local small scale events

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/so-sick-of-this-female-surf-champion-calls-...

stinky_wes's picture
stinky_wes's picture
stinky_wes Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:50pm

There already is a women's open amateur division at the event, which only has two entrants... There mustn't be any fame, controversy or insta-glory in that one though?

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 2:00pm

There's also no prize money as far as I understand (but there is an entry fee? Seems like a rip off to me).

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:27pm

Kirra Klassic Mantra : "The Most sought after Trophy is the one for the Surfer having the most Fun!"
2023 Kirra Longboard Klassic (Divisions)
https://liveheats.com/events/120200
https://www.facebook.com/KirraLongboardKlassic/?show_switched_toast=0&sh...
https://www.pacificlongboarder.com/news/Free-entries-for-U18s-and-other-...

[ Disclaimer ] tbb attended Macca's Wake & signed his board.
Noting Macca was a rare breed that never dropped in on us bashers...remembered as a surf brother!
Also recall he'd give a chick or a grom a wave at Kirra any day & send them along their way!
Salute Steve & crew that honour the Soul Surfer!

Being a Hodad Goldie surfer from the mixed era then if not who...tbb is Ok to move this along!

Can vouch Goldie surfers compete together whenever without too much hassle...kinda!
Whether it be Juniors / Seniors / Women / Men / Whoever altogether in open events.
1970's Oz Boardrider Clubs saw women compete & judge openly with fellow members.

If there was an unwritten rule it was when the Chix / Juniors / Hodads could muster 6 surfers.
Our Club had enough (6) Gromz / Sisters to run own comps & usually the stoners would judge.
Gotta recall that back in the Day > Long Rides / Switch foot were judged nearly as highly as Wipeouts!
Relax! No one is judging '70's stoner Surf Judges...they're not on trial here...That's a real Bummer Man!

Many bodysurfing events see women / men surf & judge together.
Mandating Heats of least experienced Girl under the supervision of most experienced Waterman!
Sure! Argue for Fair Prize Competitiveness to triumph over Surf Safety then there would be no Comp.
It's all about lowest cost efficient Event Safety Plan & mentoring...less so to stir up media controversy.
What would a parent say if best Waterman wasn't watching over their Grom...Huh? Common Sense!
In these events the Young girls can knock off Champs & become legends before their time...Problem?
More stigma & shame for the dethroned Champ than the Gladiator grom chick holdin' his scalp!

Disney ASP Wave Pool Comp pitted #1Kelly (vs) #1 Lisa for Big Money...
Lisa got hassled...no one said it was unsportswomanlike!

2019 Slydefest Comp mixed girls / men but banned Bodybasherz (Handplanes Only)...tbb never cried!
Closed Shop...so what...often banned everywhere else thru life for no decent reason...just normal!
Banned from Borders / Towns / Shops / Clubs / Pubs / SLSC / Health Facilities for no good reason.
Even had Endoscopy postponed 2 days ago + Heart Test postponed as tbb writes..Honest! Just then!
So old hand at being banned even tbb's Mum pre predicted today's pull out...just life it is! Suck it up!
Just sayin' ya can wait 3 Years or more to get on the Grid then be takin' out on the hooter...common!
Whole of Oz turned on Tennis Player over Wot! This shit happens more so now than ever!

tbb is banned from 99.9% of east coast line-ups or from leaving our shore by Ship...
Been hunted, chased, yelled at sworn at by Patrols & told to leave lineup by chix, foreigners'n'all kind.

Most surfers here share the rear seat with sisters heading the wave & say little & think nothing of it!
Sure...sisters might apologize but it's never been a deal breaker...just smile & shrug it off.

Most crew tbb surfed with prefer Amateur Exhibitions & campaigned strongly against prize comps.
Bodysurfing is proudly Oz #1 oldest sport ...add Comps & it instantly becomes a VIP Closed Shop.
As tbb said...get locked outta yer own local by Alien Bodysurfers floggin' merch.
Soon as they nominate a Comp, the Jocks'n'Gear take over & ya get locked out & Event loses soul.

Most of all it's fine to state yer case...never helped tbb any...but as Stu said it's a can of worms.
tbb has no problem with resistance & renegades asking for basic rights of human grouping.
In fact it is a human right to transit or converge within similar groups & a crime to separate groups.

Don't hurt to apply some common Surf Sense that all surfers overlook...
Women / Beachgoers surf'n'wade every inshore wave as Suited Men queue on Boards for WOTD.
tbb is first to recognize women have long ruled the waves but Surfboard Comps are a male construct.
Surfboards are near 100% male domain so line in the sand is often crossed with Boardriding Comps.
eg: It's not chix but we 'Surfers' are banned from Surfing Pools / Lineups / Comps without Surfcraft...
No Surfing policy is near complete...Separation of Human from Wave is now LAW.
As said...be no more than 0.1% of coastline / venues affording Humans any sensual Surfing Pleasure.
Most Bathing Reserves are now off limits & mandated for introduced pest Animals & Boardriders.
No Koalas, Roos or surfers in Noosa WSR anymore just Dog Boardriding Comps & Kidz Beer Tents.

PS : Surf defecation aside...tbb has grown up in Mixed Comp Format culture & will assist...

Firstly..any prize pool needs to be proportioned equally per Competitors regardless of grouping!
More you perform...the more you get paid...A fair days Pay for a fair days Work ... as always!
Given the numbers said here...then it appears less for one group than another for this time 'round!
As said...if Chix wish to "Control" 50% Comp boards / Beach Leasing ...then it will change!

As said Standard 6 or more Competitors to host own division...organizing Extra Volunteer Judges.
Monies could be proportioned to suit the running of side event if Chix could gather volunteers.

Chix comp can be formatted within the Guys Comp...tbb confirms Chix said they were were cool with it.
Judges tally same Chix Scores in 2 formats for both same Open / Chix Comp
eg : Highest placed Girl might get knocked out in QF ( If 2 chix are equal then = 2 for Repechage )
Highest Placed Chix / Gromz winners are 'awarded equally as a Joint Winners on the day'
Awarded with Champions respect equally...Money / Prizes should be allocated by heats surfed.

In this case the Chix will likely earn less but Sponsors usually step up & shower chix with Merch.
Yes! tbb has seen such live...Also be Showered with 'custom' Sponsored merch deals.
Important to note that in low key events all media focus is on the Chix rise to fame as again here!
It is not unusual to organically sexploit a mixed sex Comp to promote a steely Young Women Surfer.
Mostly as blokes pull back for the fun so Chix Media will naturally fill any Comp Void...just normal!
tbb has seen this...everyone surrounds the rising star...it's the Chix time to shine...we get it!
Heck! Even tbb cheers on the Chick & congratulates the star above all on the day...just go with the flow!
As said...the chick never won the Open Event & tbb couldn't tell ya who one, but knows the chix name!
Seldom would crew read of upcoming Grom above that of his more marketable sister.

Mixed Comp News
Kirra Comp Guy fights off 100 Gromz that reckon their hot enough for Stacey's Mum's Heat!"
Kirra Micro Grom Chick said it's Her right to dominate Heritage Heats"

Ape Anonymous's picture
Ape Anonymous's picture
Ape Anonymous Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 2:51pm

Always a fan of TBB, I hereby concur, and add: chix have been ruling the inside log conditions at Kirra for the past 5 years, with AA's younger sibling part of a sisterhood of goodvibe surfers who gather at the hallowed ground - a generational thing for AA's family. My view; the re-introduction of fem to ocean recreational sports has helped local doods to calm and mature beyond the dominating mindset of the testosterone-fuelled 20 year old, with the additional benefit of being less of a nuisance to sharks at feeding time??

Stars are born to shine, let them shine - equal pay for an equal day, unequivocally agree - is it ironic that this is a Socratic logic?

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:58pm

Geez you are in form today that is one hell of a comment.

radiationrules's picture
radiationrules's picture
radiationrules Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 1:50pm

the only remaining question in this teacup of non-interest is "Who's gonna stump up the money for the participation prize?"

harrycoopr's picture
harrycoopr's picture
harrycoopr Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 3:07pm

frog's picture
frog's picture
frog Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 3:13pm

I once entered the B division of a surf contest (for those with no recent contest experience) never realising, due to my underdeveloped sense of social justice in the 80s, that I should have demanded equal prize money to the A division. My costs to particpate were the same as for the A grade surfers.

The beach audience for both divisions was the same (zero).

A different prize value for a difference in performance and ability is clearly discriminatory.

So I am calling it out and demand compensation for what is now called "lateral violence" from the person in charge of this travesty back in the 80s.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 5:02pm

What about C and D they are left out entirely,

old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 4:10pm

I must admit on very rare occasions you see a true master of the malibu, and it is a beautiful sight to behold, speed, class and flow and it appears as if the board is gliding around on bearings above the water. But when I see all these young tic toc insta chicks on 1' waves posing and vogueing with arms waving around above their heads trying so desperately to be cool in their floral g-string wetties and designer planks I almost dry reach. It will be interesting to see if these political activists who can surf a bit and looking for some easy money will bust out some big moves and throw some spray around instead of just boring old crossovers and striking a pose to look cool.

Seaweed's picture
Seaweed's picture
Seaweed Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 5:21pm

Perhaps Lucy could be interviewed so any comments could come from a balanced perspective

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 6:17pm

Podcast Link up the Page...

Seaweed's picture
Seaweed's picture
Seaweed Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 10:15pm

Thanks

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 6:06pm

Feel for SDR on this one. He's gone and set up a comp to honour a friend and also provide a twist and challenge to current longboarding by going HiPo like in the 90's, and they've hijacked his idea, and money, for a completely different issue. Don't blame him for never sponsoring again.

joeyjojo's picture
joeyjojo's picture
joeyjojo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:05pm

Crikey, I thought (was told) Clearwater had gone bankrupt because no one was getting boards!!!!!!

Probably too late now; but I don't see why the organisers wouldn't, due to the overwhelming popularity of the division, announce that another 16 places were available. Invite Clinton Guest, Jackson Close, Dane Pioli, Harley Inglby Etc Etc and then have a fine Ol event!!!!!!!!
I had a look at Lucys instagram and for a C Grade Surfer that hangs on the shoulder, she certainly has a lot to say about prize money. Not to sure what she does for a Job, but im pretty damn sure there would be a lot of parental $upport behind the suburban "rage against the machine" that she's become!
Seem like the type of personality that would announce that she was a vegan when nobody really asked or cared.

yahabo's picture
yahabo's picture
yahabo Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 7:26am

Joey you've hit the nail on the head so many times its buried into the timber.

Seaweed's picture
Seaweed's picture
Seaweed Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 10:33pm

I’m confused, first you state that your not sure what she does for a job then in the next sentence you say your sure she has parental support (financial?). Plus throwing in something so of topic as your assumption regarding her dietary choices says more about you than her.

etarip's picture
etarip's picture
etarip Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 7:29pm

Had a good yarn about this with a young-ish female colleague. Self-declared feminist, law graduate, former army officer, accomplished sportswoman in her time. All round nice girl. Top human.

She’d watched Lucy’s movie (?) recently about her stance on the prize money from a while back. Then this came up. She was unfiltered about thinking it was bullshit and not actually feminism. Lucy lost a follower.

Anyway, that’s my input. Probably best to leave it at that.

Seaweed's picture
Seaweed's picture
Seaweed Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 9:49pm

I’d be interested to hear her reasoning.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:55pm


Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:19am

Activist. A word I've come to loathe.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:33am

That and ‘social media influencer' and 'instagram model' for me.

Loathe is putting it gently.

sam_2's picture
sam_2's picture
sam_2 Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 3:08pm

The 'Activist haircut'.

burleigh's picture
burleigh's picture
burleigh Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:57am

I couldn’t watch it. I tried, I really tried

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 9:19am

Me too Burls, I got about two minutes in.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 9:35am

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 9:48am

thanks for posting this udo, it explains the whole thing.. I'm 100% behind her stand on the $1500 vs $4000. But you can see in this clip how attention can be an addictive drug, and ego can turn a well-intended person into an ineffective grandstanding 'activist'.

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 5:44pm

Zero for me. Knew I’d spew

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 9:33am

spoiler, she turns her green-thumb fails around, and even grows a rogue zucchini while selflessly smashing the patriarchy and enduring hipster-hair haters

sam_2's picture
sam_2's picture
sam_2 Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 3:19pm

Interesting how they edit in: "..i've killed three plants.. I watered them too much" Sums it up. Just leave things well alone and theyll be fine. But the 'activist' mindset kicks in, long with a guilt and loathing, overcompensate and kills the plants. A smart edit in that way. I wonder if she realises any of this. And im not against her as much as wanting a better outcome for her efforts and the community as a whole rather than more division and separation.

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 10:27pm

Is that satire? The 'activist' mindset - whatever that means - leads to over watering plants?

sam_2's picture
sam_2's picture
sam_2 Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 10:35pm

Refer above to Basesix

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 at 8:57pm

Vimeo : Below Surface

Reform's picture
Reform's picture
Reform Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 7:57am

Sometimes we make mistakes, I consider Lucy has made one here. I think if Lucy hasn’t already, she should make good with this and own up to the fact that she has made an error of judgement which has created quite a stir amongst the moralists in our midst. She’ll feel a whole lot better if she does as she would move on to higher ground and regain her strength and power as she regains the trust of her peers again.
Therefore, how many places are the girls going to forfeit to make it an even match with the guys? And with respect to Lucy’s talent and her ideals, as she walks and talks into her phone, so too does Peter Gabrielle with his amazing band members and this great song. Go well Lucy, you are a good person.

Standingleft's picture
Standingleft's picture
Standingleft Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 9:43am

Majestic track Refo
David Byrne sums it up well too
Girls want to be with the girls

Reform's picture
Reform's picture
Reform Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 10:29am

Also fitting lyrics for this subjective subject

'Girls are getting into abstract analysis,
They want to make intuitive leap.
They are making plans that have far reaching effects.
And the girls want to be with the girls
And the boys say "What do you mean?" '

Classic David Byrne and Talking Heads, love it!

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 11:12am

Salute the cool playlist...
Also a proud & fortunate player in the New Wave culture era of Boy George / Grace Jones
tbb was enlightened during a Joe Jackson Gig...this reverse gender lyric was new & powerful.
Another New Wave era Song For Lucy...including the subtle exploitation of reverse lyric with intent!
Song cuts thru as it did then...nothing is lost in translation! Crew cop an equal strong dose of reality!

Reform's picture
Reform's picture
Reform Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:09pm

Thoroughly enjoyed the Joe Jackson tune tbb and the sentiments of the lyrics declared is also very fitting! FYI Love your scribe lines, so funny and witty, treating all equally and in a cute kind of way, endearing even, I like that! Cheers

surfcarter's picture
surfcarter's picture
surfcarter Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:04am

Is this just another self entitled next generation millennial wanting to use the them against us to get more insta followers to promote their profile as a want to be be famous person.
nothing against girls surfing i have a daughter ive tried to keep surfing for years and there are plenty better than me like Steph but why didn't the males complain when they had a girls only surf fest a week or so ago at kingscliff .( because we like seeing people have fun)
we didn't see any guys carrying on like idiots claiming bias and unfair and the girls get everything crap.
seriously surfing isn't a contact sport like footy so if girls want to surf for money against the best guys and prove your better at a sport every knong and his dog has taken up as the LATEST TRENDY thing to do over the past decade then just get off the soap box and do it.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:15am

The news overnight is that the organisers announced there'd be no more mixed division for the pros, but instead they'd be surfing as 'men' and 'women'.

Everybody appears happy.

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:19am

And a brand has put in money for the women's event as well it seems?

andy-mac's picture
andy-mac's picture
andy-mac Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:20am

What if you don't identify as a 'man' or 'women?' :)

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:26am

well, they'll campaign for an open, and socially progress the sport of course

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 10:09am

Basherz must first get a perm then sneak on board by invoking the Patagonian Cavoodle Convention.

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 6:52pm

a shim is a small wedge, often used to make two pieces fit together
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/shim

CBR's picture
CBR's picture
CBR Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 10:18am

So Sasha the bloke with plums who now thinks hes a woman could win both events?

rothmanisatool's picture
rothmanisatool's picture
rothmanisatool Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 11:19am

mug of sunshine. right?!?! shes not even trying to hide the fact. this girl is going places whatever you think of her narcissism and ethics, this girl has balls and i mean that in the nicest way. what a sh*tstorm

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 12:11pm
Pk's picture
Pk's picture
Pk Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 12:29pm

It's a punk move, rattle a few cages. Good on em!

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 12:41pm

love a good cage rattle, but punks don't do it for the money

Pk's picture
Pk's picture
Pk Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 1:04pm

I'm pretty sure if you asked them they would say its about much more than the money ;)

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 7:10pm

https://genius.com/The-stooges-search-and-destroy-lyrics

2023 Kirra Longboard Klassic
"Heart At Healing Women’s Pro" division
Entry $110 AUD 0 entered 0
Above Reference: at 30/6/23 7pm
https://liveheats.com/events/120200

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 1:57pm

Agree with Lucy on vid above re: disparity in winnings. Let's make pay equal, and make paternity leave conditions equal to maternity leave conditions at the same time so as to remove any disparity in potential cost of employees to the employers.

Dx3's picture
Dx3's picture
Dx3 Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 2:00pm

After seeing this article and hundred or so comments, had a squiz at her insta. She has an updated post about this saga.

Aside from being incredibly difficult to listen to, it raised an eyebrow when she states in her rambling american pie band camp style mixed with aussie bogan voice "I just had no idea it would be controversial..."

I'd beg to differ on that one. I'd say controversy is exactly what she was after and what she got. It was an open comp. No gender politics involved until she created it.

dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 4:07pm

How can someone like small Lucy, be an influencer, if she has no perspective of controversy? Has she never read swellnet?

There is a collective of intellectual comments in this community thread, but her bias and prejudice, is clearly brought on by her own mistakes.

"Have a baby", I can't.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 2:17pm
bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 7:01pm

2023 Kirra Longboard Klassic
"Heart At Healing Women’s Pro" division
Entry $110 AUD 0 entered 0
Above Reference: at 30/6/23 7pm
https://liveheats.com/events/120200

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 30 Jun 2023 at 8:08pm

"I had just won the women’s division of a community club surf contest. It was a sunny afternoon at the end of April and the waves weren’t great. "
“Thank you to the sponsors for the money they put into the event but it’s a bittersweet victory knowing that my surfing is worth less than half of the men’s prize money.”
Ok, I said it. I was scared. I had taken a cheque for $1,500 dollars and told the person who’d given it to me that it wasn’t enough."
L Small https://www.missingperspectives.com/posts/lucy-small

mean while...
At Oxfam Australia, we believe all lives are equal and no-one should live in poverty.
https://www.oxfam.org.au/about-us/

yvdreh's picture
yvdreh's picture
yvdreh Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 9:21am

Men's divisions were invented to keep the capital raised by sports with men, it's pretty amusing that everyone thinks its some sort of 'protect the women!!' angle. Surfing isn't a contact sport and I'd wager that given the same level of access and industry support you'd have plenty of women who rip as hard if not harder than the men.

The person running this doesn't seem to be benefiting anyone but themselves, what a waste.

old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 10:28am

Protecting the women is exactly what Lucy is doing by not wanting to surf in a mixed heat. So if a contest had 100 men in the open mens and three female activists who can surf a bit in the open womens, the prize money must be shared equally between the two divisions otherwise the women would be getting paid less than men. So the ladies have a 1 in 3 chance of winning the top prize and the men a 1 in 100 chance. Sounds fair. I can see how todays tic toc generation who know all about surfing because they watch Home and Away can buy what Lucy is selling but there is a lot more to it and only person benefitting is Lucy and her giant ego.

dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:55pm

Statistically, 7000 men have run faster than the fastest ever woman. So technically, women should get ¹/⁷⁰⁰⁰ of the prize money.

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 10:33am

Something like 49 uses of “I” or “me” in that link from above

https://www.missingperspectives.com/posts/lucy-small

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 12:35pm

So why not Name the Brand that got on Board...!!

Alana_a's picture
Alana_a's picture
Alana_a Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 1:11pm

Sounds like she’s shit canning the brand bcos you know like umm like umm brands are so like umm lame and stuff.

I think it’s her delivery that gets under peoples skins the most.

Name the brand that is supporting you.

Broady Daz's picture
Broady Daz's picture
Broady Daz Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 4:17pm

The interesting thing, is how many people that aren't affected are so outraged by this, like the homophobes against gay marriage or parenting, even when it doesn't affect them they are just so outraged,,,

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 5:12pm

Maybe it doesn't affect the commenters directly but are you familiar with the concept of empathy?

What's even more interesting is seeing this person hijack another persons event put on in honour of his friend, to further their own agenda. Then they don't even have the courtesy to acknowledge him even though he's the one stumping up the time, effort and cash. She even gleefully boasts that she couldn't even put her hand in her own pocket.

I hope she enjoys her prize money.

simba's picture
simba's picture
simba Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 5:52pm

yep nothing worse than a self promoter

sam_2's picture
sam_2's picture
sam_2 Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 5:14pm

100%

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 7:33pm

the interesting thing @Daz, is that there are currently a few hundred surfers 'round oz, that thought exactly as you did about these comments, and agree with your comment.
yet they didn't post. because the above comments don't affect them. surely that puts you on the spectrum of the thing you are criticising.. ; )

...unless... smallsy? ..that you?

getbarrelled99's picture
getbarrelled99's picture
getbarrelled99 Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 11:12am

haha!

green room's picture
green room's picture
green room Saturday, 1 Jul 2023 at 7:06pm

reflects everything that has gone wrong with femininity

getbarrelled99's picture
getbarrelled99's picture
getbarrelled99 Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 11:09am

100%

Seaweed's picture
Seaweed's picture
Seaweed Sunday, 2 Jul 2023 at 9:51am

The thing that seems to be missing from this whole debate is how Lucy clearly explained in the podcast posted by udo is how her first attempt to reconcile the issue of inequity in prize money was to ask that surfing Australia’s guidelines be followed by a 50/50 split. It was only when the organisers chose to use a loophole to drastically reduce the odds of a woman taking home the coin that she was forced to take the action that has proven to be so controversial. Had the organisers listened to the first attempt to resolve or not chosen to pursue a discriminatory loophole this would not have happened.

SurferSam's picture
SurferSam's picture
SurferSam Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 9:09am

I liked her the first time when she exposed the hypocrisy of unequal prize money at the event she won
But in this case she makes 0 sense
I’ve seen plenty of women who longboard far better than men
And it’s a contest in memory of someone who has died? Shouldn’t it just be an open celebration of the guys life? Ie stop taking it all so seriously and remember what the comps about

PeteWebb's picture
PeteWebb's picture
PeteWebb Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 9:16am

Maybe the girl's division is being sponsored by Bud light? They lost their customer base in the US so why not try a whole new country and marketplace for their schtick.

Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 11:39am

Fark. She’s not exactly a beacon of femininity ;)

- all this bullshit and she looks and sounds more like a typical try hard hipster dude …

Hiccups's picture
Hiccups's picture
Hiccups Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 2:47pm

She's probably not real worried about how her "femininity" is perceived by you.

Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:11pm

Great

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 11:45am
icandig's picture
icandig's picture
icandig Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 1:18pm

Just add water....

downthecoast's picture
downthecoast's picture
downthecoast Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 11:52am

OK. So if you've spent 20+ years establishing a company, honing your skills as a shaper and decide to sponsor an event for 99% of your customers (I'm talking the male purchasers) even though it's an "open" event you have someone saying it isn't fair.
Well if you want fair .... perhaps a woman should spend 20+ years as a shaper honing her skills then sponsor a woman's only event to ensure 99% of her clientele get a fair crack.
I don't think anyone has the right to tell someone who is fronting money for whatever purpose how they "should" spend their dollars.
I have 2 daughters and tell them all the time, don't whinge because you feel it isn't fair, get up and go and do it yourself.

Clive Rodell's picture
Clive Rodell's picture
Clive Rodell Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 2:33pm

Equal Prize Money, sure? One Purse, all in Best 'person'/surfer wins the purse. There you go, sorted.

Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:13pm

Spot on

Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater's picture
Jelly Flater Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:13pm

.

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:17pm

In happier news I have just dug out my 1996 first longboard from storage, and am going to use the spirit of SDR's intention of this event to get back out there and do some big rail carves on the thing.

It's like a banana with edges and square rails through the tail, big panel vee and single fin. Reckon it'd be a hoot on the SC reefs at about 5-6ft when I get back.

Yeah why not - time for the 90's to come back.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 3:24pm

I wonder, if a different company / person put up twice as much prize money for a female only event, would the males in the Open HP memorial division complain about the inequality?

Or, if males were left to organise their own events, and females organise their own ... with whatever prize money they see fit / could muster up ... could we do away with the 'prize money is not the same' argument altogether?

I am not citing my own opinion on this yet, just posing the questions.

dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB's picture
dnahkcaB Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 4:18pm

Women have watched men through history, surfing was for the brave, and adventurers, then the degenerate dole bludgers took over and made a bad name for the sport.
Along comes professionalism, and surfings hot again. Women have taken note of this and want the cake with out cooking it. There is limited depth in their experience and athleticism, so why should they be treated with different?

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Monday, 3 Jul 2023 at 4:28pm

"Women have watched men through history, surfing was for the brave, and adventurers" ... Perhaps you are a little mistaken on this one.

“The central characters in most surfing mo`olelo (legends) are empowered women. These stories not only reflect the human agency of women in old Hawai`i, but also contrast sharply with contemporary surfing narratives on women and gender roles" - Professor Isaiah Helekunihi Walker; Waves of Resistance: Surfing and History in Twentieth-Century Hawai`i.

Or maybe you have other sources ... you can find conflicting sources for pretty much anything.

surf.rat's picture
surf.rat's picture
surf.rat Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 8:10am

First up, I believe in Human rights very strongly. I believe respect, dignity and love are the only things worth fighting for. Gender is irrelevant in human rights. Human rights are for ALL people regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, etc
I just can't believe the gall of this person to hijack what was a loving tribute to someone who has recently passed. This was not a company trying to make money through a surfing contest. This was a tribute to a legend of a human and was paid for by a dear friend. I understand Lucy may be too young to understand death, so I don't blame her completely missing the point and wallowing in her own selfish me, me, me attitude. It's also a symptom of the "me" generation so to her it may seem normal.
So Lucy, will you donate your prize money to a worthy cause that is doing great things to further your principals? Such as indigenous rights groups, the YES campaign for a voice to parliament? Especially considering you are living and surfing on stolen land and the former custodians are living in abject poverty with no dignity. Shock, horror, Yes, there are people much less fortunate than you in this world if you allow yourself to open your eyes. You're doing pretty damn well in this world Lucy, maybe you could sit back and appreciate what you do have and contribute more by giving to the less fortunate.

mredhill's picture
mredhill's picture
mredhill Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 9:30am

Couldn't have said it any better Surf.rat, you've nailed it. There's a lot a different perspectives on show here but the bottom line is, this is an event organised in memory of a close friend of the community, nothing more. If she's so focused on the number of dollars she can make out of surfing, instead of making podcasts that serve little more than to satisfy her ego, spend that time in the water, get better and get on tour. To paraphrase a well known saying, those who can, do, those who can't, talk a lot.

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 5:32pm

Nailed it. Typical self-obsessed Byronese, and let's face it, a very average surfer who's "pro surfer" label is tenuous at best and complete bullshit at worst

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 1:42pm

Heart At Healing Women’s Pro
Entry $250 AUD 15 entered1 spot left
Clearwater Longboard Pro
Entry $250 AUD 8 enteredDivision full

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 6:50pm

2023 Kirra Longboard Klassic
"Heart At Healing Women’s Pro" division
Entry $110 AUD 0 entered 0
Above Reference: at 30/6/23 7pm
https://liveheats.com/events/120200

Inflation and/or migration ? (demand/supply) ?

Surfing needs to support style & flow; regardless of wave, gear, gender or age; others may differ in opinion....

"Imagine looking out from a sandy beach and seeing a young wahine out on the water playing in the salty waves – just her and a hand carved piece of wood that could carry her over and past great towers of crashing water, teasing the gods of the sea, and causing her to laugh for the joy of the experience."
Reference:
https://polynesia.com/blog/wahines-women-surfers

‘Brilliant, beautiful, and betrayed,’ Princess Ka‘iulani was also the mother of modern surfing.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/hawaii-crown-princess-kaiulani-surfer

"Surfing was of such value to early Hawaiians that it was forbidden to work or war during prime surf season – everyone took a full three months off over winter for social bonding via play and playful competition — called The Makahiki Festival. The ecological abundance of the Hawaiian islands meant food was easily accessed, and so leisure was also abundant."
https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/abundant-roots-women-surfing-hawaiian...

Everyone, including Lucy, could benefit from surfing for joy; away from the noise...

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 6:52pm

Ambrosia Womens Pro.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 7:27pm

Press Release received:

"The Kirra Longboard Klassic Welcomes The House Of Ambrosia As The Naming Rights Sponsor To The Woman’s Pro Division.

Kali Santos de Almeida, principal and founder at the House of Ambrosia - healing at heart, said, “We are all about empowering women to be unapologetically authentic and live their favourite lives. We are so thrilled to come on board and sponsor the women’s pro, empowering women and celebrating their achievements.”

Event Director Sean McKeown commented, “the organisers of the Kirra Longboard Klassic are delighted to welcome House of Ambrosia - healing at heart to our family of longboarders. Going forward we are now able to stage the Ambrosia Women’s Pro and showcase many of Australia’s best female longboarders.”

McKeown continued “Hopefully this will encourage many of the younger generation of female longboarders to emulate their peers and that longboard surfing is fun and a great lifestyle.”

Professional longboarder and co-founder of Equal Pay for Equal Play Lucy Small said: “This is a wonderful and welcome announcement that Ambrosia - healing at heart has come on board to support a pro women’s division at the Kirra Longboard Klassic. Women now have an opportunity to display the calibre of talent we have in the Australian women’s longboard community at the iconic surf spot of Kirra. I am really looking forward to an impressive weekend of longboarding on 29 & 30 July.“

The Kirra Longboard Klassic celebrates our unique coastal lifestyle, with clean, safe and eco-friendly activities in and out of the ocean. This unique longboard surfing event brings together like minded surfers in fun filled days at the beach. Surfing on longboards is supported with cultural experiences, entertainment, lifestyle, and environmental activations over the weekend of 29th & 30th July at Kirra."

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Wednesday, 5 Jul 2023 at 5:44pm

Can't wait to see Lucy display the calibre of her talent in an impressive weekend of July Kirra

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Friday, 7 Jul 2023 at 8:01pm

"We are all about empowering women to be unapologetically authentic and live their favourite lives."

My god that's nauseating.

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 7:44pm

Fantastic result, the kind of thing that could have been organised a week ago, assuming Ambrosia or equivalent would have come onboard for the reasons they state, not the recent publicity. Be nice to think so : ) Should set a good precedent. Hope it's a great weekend, Sean, Steve et al!

steve.walsh's picture
steve.walsh's picture
steve.walsh Tuesday, 4 Jul 2023 at 11:23pm

Men show-casing their insecurities again?

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Wednesday, 5 Jul 2023 at 1:43am

Lucy links to Equal Pay for Equal Play > Campaigns for equal Oz sporting access...
https://equalpayforequalplaynsw.good.do/EPEPnewgovernment/gender_equalit...

[ Supa easy factcheck ] Women are already the dominant participants in Elite & Olympic Sport
50% Most Olympic Code teams naturally present equal in number on fields / craft.
Also even in Surf Lifesaving / SUP / Volleyball / Crossfit & several Winter / Summer Olympic sports.

Women are the majority in many AIS Listed Sports
52% E sports (Wii Fit Games)
52.3% Oz Winter Olympic Teams
53.7% Oz Summer Olympic Teams
54% Bushwalking 55% Gyms 55.6% Olympic Athletics 56% Swimming 57% Diving 57% Martial Arts
62% Walking 64% Pet walks 65% Softball 70% Croquet 75% Olympic Badminton 75% Nature Trips
80% Booking Travel Plans 80% Dog Sports 81% Dancing 82% Gymnastics 84.9% Figure Skating
85% Equestrian 85% Yoga 87% Netball 87.8% Dressage 89% Pilates
90% Horse Owners 91% Junior Gymnastics 100% Artistic Swimming.

VIP Chix Club Notes :
1956 Oz Olympic Men 66% Gymnasts + 100% Equestrian (90% Chix got Ponies / Acres / Trails)
10 Wealthy Countries have higher > 97% Female Dressage (Oz 87.8% Chix is considered low!)

2024 Olympics busts down the door & allows 2 men per Artistic Swimming Teams! 100% > 75%

Tokyo / Oz Olympic Team
46.3% were Men winning 70 medals (tbb can name 6)
53.7% were Women winning 29 Medals (tbb can name 13)
Pretty sure that's how this goes...gotta get more Oz Chix into Olympics to win more medals (Correct!)
Should make it easier to forget about any male athletes winning anything at all...if ever again!
You know like that bloke with a string of Gold Medals...Nope! Wotcha talking 'bout tbb? Like that!

For the record...AIS Sports Chix least participation
29% Surfing / Basketball 28% T'Tennis 25% Archery / Sailing 24% Soccer 23% Baseball 22% Squash
21% AFL 20% Golf 15% Rugby/s 12% Shooting / Fishing 11% Motorsport 10% Motorcycling

Notes on bottom dwellers > Movie Stars can ramp Archery by 10%
Summer School Surfing can ramp Seachange gurlz Softies + Boogerz > 50% (See: SLSA / SUPs)
Punters can see Chix struggle with Outdoor gear so Chix wanna bankroll the low brow thug sports.
They already boss Top end high running cost Sports...sisters are gonna zhoosh up yer man caves.
Did they get yer attention?

In regard to Equal Pay / Play
Women Sports Teams play only 30% of rounds to that of Oz World Cup Men?
Women's Tennis serve up 3 sets for 5 set Pay rate?
Women's Athletes toss less weights > Golfers Swing less yards > Surfers surf less rounds
Yes this includes Lucy surfing less for her Bigger smaller Cheque...No it's not Equal nor all above!
Lucy claims she surfed equal > more? (Cough!) Check another Variation on the Surf Comp Prize Purse!

WSL Current Top Tier Example
Prize Purse (Appropriate Name) $905,000 affords 134 / $8,702 performances
Women $11,088 / performance = 1,747 Points
Men $7,543 performance = 1,235 Points
Against Sophie's promise of equal grid numbers > Chix earn more Cash / Points per performance.
Women earn 47% more per 30min Heat so they must be 47% better surfers than their brothers!
WSL Chix can charge 47% more for signature Lessons / Resorts / Wave Pools...All fair & above board!
Can see a bit of that goin' on here...each and every day the same...Blokes can't Surf!
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/
Now! Wot does the crew read on Top Prime Corner of WSL Home Page...
WSL CT Rankings #1 Moore 51,660 then a surname of some loser bloke that's well behind on points!
WSL are misrepresenting a mixed "Surname" Leader Board to present as a Mixed leader Board.
2023 Earnings
Moore $385,500 > Wright $346,110 > Marks $316,000 > Colapinto $308,735 > Toledo $302,110
Sisters are Surfing less for loads more Pay ... thank you very much.
tbb will back Lucy's campaign for equal Chix on WSL grid to honour equal Pay promise!

Buy me a Pony sorted the VIP access well back, but Chix have a more annoying little sister problem.
No good bullying the blokes outta their Ice Rinks & Equestrian Centres if lil siss steals the show.

#1 Women Surfers (eg: Layne / Steph!) + WSL Surfletes say it's their turn to shine on Centre Stage!

First : Gentrify all Rough manly high risk sports > Add some more Wave Pool events

Shine the Disco Spotlights onto the 1ft deep Wave Pool Fire Hoop!
Stomp yer feet to Summon the 10 y/o little Flying Squirrel Squadron Acrobat Troupe.
Ya see...even the Women know they're past their prime after Teen Years...career is over for Gymnasts.

Other GOAT : Olympic Skater 13y/o Goldie chick gives the World a taste of things to come.
This week in the brave new World...can choose from any 100 Jaw Dropping News Titles...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jun/27/arisa-trew-lands-720-austr...

Now the crew might see the rush to ramp Sophie's squirrels into Prime Time Wave Pools
This equals things up & soars over the head of Hodads at lightning speed...100% 10y/o Chix Team!
Exactly why Big Bro Surf is hanging out at Baby Sis' Skate Hang!
Shiny Pink Fluro Glitter Stickers for all...surfers are droolin' over micro gromz 15 nano seconds of fame!
Dad wrangles a Rainbow Unicorn for Princess to surf at the WSL Barbie Wave Pool Party!

Summary! All understand that Population is aging & women give birth at an ungodly unhealthy age.
If any read the Govt Reports backing chix sports...it's all about rolling out healthy ready Mums...
By all means spend all our money on gettin' women healthy to give birth...we all want that.
However...this equal routine only leads to a never ending 50 / 50 Battle of Sexes with No Winners!
Chix Sport is crucial to the survival of our kind...just sell that & blokes will accommodate their sisters.

Final Note...
Vic Men's Netball 2020 ( 64,300 players) > 2022 (115,400 Players) 79.5% Jump! (Curtain raiser!)
Oz fastest growing Sport is Victorian "Mixed Netball"
2020 (27 teams) > 2022 (111 Teams) 311% Jump in 2 years...give a little love!
Turns out that the Guys & Gurlz have just sorted out their Battle of the Sexes!

Sheep go to heaven's picture
Sheep go to heaven's picture
Sheep go to heaven Thursday, 6 Jul 2023 at 8:26am

The AIS lists "Booking Travel Plans" as a sport !

Flight Centre - the new MCG ........ :)

fishnsurf's picture
fishnsurf's picture
fishnsurf Wednesday, 5 Jul 2023 at 8:34pm

just got the long range forecast. 8-10 feet . Good luck EVERYONE

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Wednesday, 5 Jul 2023 at 8:43pm

Lucy might buy a leg rope

fishnsurf's picture
fishnsurf's picture
fishnsurf Wednesday, 5 Jul 2023 at 9:17pm

Entitlement is all it is . As others have suggested , why doesn't she and her female friends raise the money for a woman's division . But then what if they raised more than the mens ? Do the men then go in the womans ?

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Thursday, 6 Jul 2023 at 11:56am

Lucy's entitlement is pretty clear when she speaks , me, me ,i ,i , mostly all about how much money she can make from surfing it seems. Pretty much everything that is wrong with surfing right there .
Maybe contests without prize money ? You can still get your ego stroked and pocket pissed in by being the "best" surfer ( on a high performance longboard of all things....) I wonder if she actually enjoys surfing when there is no camera or contest or money making opportunity ?

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 6 Jul 2023 at 12:12pm

Lucy Small :
I think something that really will have huge impact is when we’re going to see photos of women surfing and they’re not going to be looking lovely, because it’s nice to look lovely. And that’s great. But like how are you supposed to be fit, strong, gutsy, and know how to get barrelled and then also have like a supermodel body? Like it’s very hard…You have to be like a freak. Superstars like Steph Gilmore who’s like over 5’8” and very thin. But even Steph underwent this very, like a big transformation in her 20s, losing a lot of weight and having a whole new appear- ance… I don’t know, I don’t know what her choices were in that regard ...

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Thursday, 6 Jul 2023 at 12:36pm

What's that comment in the context of udo? I get the thrust of the comment, but I'm not really sure what the ability to get barreled has to do with what you look like. It has much more to do with your ability to be an actual model, which is what most "professional surfers" are and have been for decades.

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Friday, 7 Jul 2023 at 1:34pm

Equal Pay for Equal Play = Me too class action.
Govt Sport institutions are ignoring Health Authorities by promoting highest risk women's sports.
High risk Workmen / Sportsmen were exploited & suffer lifelong disability resulting in class actions.
Current sports / health administrators are exposing female athletes to even larger litigation.
What women want & what their bodies & our health system can afford will determine the outcome.

These stats will shock but tbb is merely translating injuries as they are...no cherry picking...
Understand that 2011 Still Popular M/W Sports will feature low in Ambo Ramp rise.
Women's sports fast gaining in popularity will ramp these shown hospitalizations.

These stats can be put into perspective by pairing with participation rates (tbb: Above or here)
Click on Sport then Click lower unmarked [right arrow] > next page for yer [Gender Reveal].
https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/ausplay/results#sportr...

Again, one would need to compare past 10 year participation rates as accurately as Hospital stats.
Women's sports data was flat-lining 10 years ago so most Sports would ramp record high injuries!
Current participation / injury rates are no cause for alarm albeit well observed flashing warning signs!
Warning signs will be discussed below as these are shocking on another level...

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/sports-injury-hospitalisations-20...

2011 -2021 Oz Hospital Injuries (Avg of all Sport rises = 79.5% Women > 32% Men )
Rise% Sport (Gender + relevant high increases)
608% AFL (Women)
486% Rugby (Women)
332% Walking (332% Men > 303.5% All > 291% Women)
313% Xtreme (313% Women > 215% All > 176% Men)
157% Cycling (157% Men > 154.6% All > 139% Women)
128% Skate/Boards (Women)
105% Surfing (105% Women > 79.5% All > 46% Men)
93,1% Gym (93.1% Women > 86% All > 82.7% Men)

So many anomalies resulting in endless questions...tbb is well open & aware to many & can help.

Walking (Recreational)
* Larger Dog Walking injuries (Fingers, Wrist, Strains, Falls, Fractures, Hips, TBI > All well documented)
* See also higher Cycling Injuries indicates a rise in shared path collisions
* Cycling Injuries (Cruiserz are less protected along crowded shared paths)
* Skaterz / Cruiserz < > Bikes < > Dog Walkers = Riding / skating with dogs = All as one!
Surfers would know that Biggest Loser Commando beach Safaris brought the seaside Black Plague!
* Insta Gym uptake > VIP crash diets > Insta Hospitalizations
* Xtreme...winged / Urban warriors > hour of power edit out their crashes for 15 secs of Insta Fame

* Flipside :
Highly regulated Sports with highest advanced safety gear (Helmets Leggies) feature high in stats.
Regulation increases uptake & Safety gear increases risk > ramping to highest level Pro injuries

* Footy / Surfing stats are not representing Bodies crashing...rather limbs twisting & stretching at speed!

These are the Warning signs for Women's Sports & it's not a hidden secret! Right now is being exposed.
Yes! Exactly why tbb is tabling this as it comes to light...Vidz & all state we're all at this breaking point!

There's about 20 chix can't play World Cup due to ACL injuries...ankle injuries are the weakest point.
Here's the understanding of why Chix are 2 > 6 > 8 > 10x more likely to tear ACL.
Yes! Even those wild wide array of stats can be explained as normal...

As crew might guess...
Central to "Uni Chix claims" that if we spend more > equal cost it must surely iron out any girly defects!
But every time tbb reads about it..it all comes back to the same simple anomaly...
The more ya spend on athletes the higher the injury toll on the eve of Peak Career Final on VIP Arena.
Yesterdays / Tomorrow's Back page Yawn! { Crowd Favourite ruled outta the final...All bets are off! }

Yes! Most Chix injuries happen after a break leading into a New season or Tournament.
ACL / Ankle injuries also happen early in first half of Matches. (When all the Money is on show!)

Chix themselves say estrogen floods their joints during Ovulation thus reducing power in joints.
They lack support during speed rotations resulting in Ankle / Knee / Shoulder / Wrist / Finger injuries.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-gender-gap-in-sports-injuries-20...
Call it cankles, weak at the knees, chicken wings, girly toss, baulking at the ball...these are all hallmarks.
https://www.uvic.cat/en/news/41-of-girls-who-play-team-sports-suffer-fro...
No! They can't take banned estrogen blockers so chix blend DIY bloke type diets to suppress estrogen.

tbb mentioned checking Chix injuries / participation & these highly active fast turning sports arise.
Snow Skiing > Roller Sports > Touch/Footy > Tennis (Note Grunts / Reduced - 3 Sets > Experts know!)
This corresponds with most injuries resulting at speed during a turn on one weighted leg...snap! Bingo!
Most Chix & Guys injuries are also in most active Growing Fertile Years being unconditioned or trained.

Medical world say no amount of upgrades will afford chix to perform equal without increased injury.
Basically the more ya push the issue the more mass disability liability thru ignorance of evolution.
Reason being that chix are more injury prone but also heal slower & more prone to re-injury!
These lower limb injuries make up half of down time...throwing good money after bad.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341375/#:~:text=In%20these....
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8811489/

Chix Equal quest in reality = 3-5 x Funding shortfalls...
Injury free Arenas / Training / Subs / Medicos / Physios / Insurance Premiums / Compo
Needing all of this & more to just to ward off injury - litigation - life long compensation.
Obviously this impacts on sports / health budgets to then forsake 3-5x spend elsewhere!
Exactly wot stats show right now with Chix long being majority in Olympic teams arguing for more!
There is no more...you cannot keep compensating for being something you are not & can never be!

tbb read last week that it looks likely 2 Blokes can create offspring without a female..sue who?
Stupid argument about 50/50 applies to everything for all & forever...it just goes on & on & on!

At a point not too far in the future we must accept reality.
No one's saying Chix can't surf of kick a footy just that it must come naturally not be forced as of rite.
No Govt has the right to foster high risk sport as a formula for Good Health.
Here's what a few healthy but wiser folk reckon what a responsible future might look like...
The logical solution is to spend more effort on injury prevention rather than unhealthy Intsa promotion.
Kinda like conditioning Women or whoever to be game ready well before yer guts for glory Doco.
Focusing on all round core & limb strength routines in order to prevent career RSI .

First some background that led to the scheme...
https://www.boa.ac.uk/resource/how-to-tackle-the-increased-rate-of-acl-i...
Power Up to Play ( Note Sky Sports )
Just saying in UK this is a Health Issue...no doubt soon #1 Sponsored School Curriculum!
https://poweruptoplay.org/
Oz Nettie version...
https://restorefunction.com.au/2022/06/11/injury-prevention-program-impl...
Goofball Team USA
http://seattlepediatricsportsmedicine.com/injury-prevention/injury-preve...
Xtreme Chix Version

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Friday, 7 Jul 2023 at 6:11pm
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Friday, 7 Jul 2023 at 6:25pm

Epic! He was a fricken awesome fella, time for everyone. I took off on a bomb outside Rainbow once on a solid day, two kooks inside me fell off on the drop, two hoppers on the shoulder pulled off. The wave went all the way through to Greeny. Macca was paddling back out and saw the whole thing, cracking up said "Fuck mate, are you Stephen Bradbury?" RIP Legend. Lucy would never understand in her endless quest for Insta likes.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Tuesday, 25 Jul 2023 at 9:12am

Keep an eye out for Pauline?

I reckon she looks pretty hard to miss.

Ps- Did Lucy get an invite to the Padangs Womens?

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Saturday, 29 Jul 2023 at 9:01am
basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Saturday, 29 Jul 2023 at 11:22am

Emily Lethbridge is killing it!
scrub git gud? next heat.
https://www.swellnet.com/surfcams/kirra

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Saturday, 29 Jul 2023 at 11:37am

Lucy and her tribe sure are putting on a show in 1’ NE Kirra

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Saturday, 29 Jul 2023 at 11:40am

wahay, sure are sl67! Lucy just caught two 1 ft monsters and rode them till she knocked out a kid on the beach. Just overtook Menczer.. EDIT: and now Pauline is back on top!

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Sunday, 30 Jul 2023 at 7:23pm
old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 9:46am

Yuk.

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 10:35am

Jesus, what did I just watch?

old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 11:26am

It's like I, you know, me and myself like, walk along like, saying like everything like except that I lost my heat like.

Dx3's picture
Dx3's picture
Dx3 Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 12:54pm

And this one time, at band camp.... and it was soooo funny

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 1:12pm

I haven't seen any pictures of the waves or vids of the actual surfing at the event so I imagine the conditions weren't immaculate? Either way, I hope we all learned some lessons through all of this (men and women should get equal prize money, and that amount should be $0 because "professional surfing" is dumb and nobody should get money for surfing at all).

Terminal's picture
Terminal's picture
Terminal Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 3:34pm

Hammer, meet nail head.....

tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter's picture
tubeshooter Friday, 4 Aug 2023 at 5:15pm

That's 5 minutes of my life I won't get back.
Talk about patting yourself on the back. She's off with the fairies.