00:0011-year-old Wiradjuri youngster Natalia O'Leary never thought she would pick up a surfboard,
00:09but after half a dozen lessons in Saltwater Sisters, she feels like a pro.
00:14I've never surfed before, they've taught me so much about surfing, and now I know how
00:20to surf properly, just like the professionals.
00:24The classes are free and include all surfing equipment and transport to and from the beach.
00:31Program creator and pro surfer Amy Donohoe says Saltwater Sisters was born from a lack
00:37of representation of Indigenous women in surfing.
00:40Women in surfing were always a minority group, so for them to have that same opportunity
00:45to learn such a skill that should be for everyone in their water is like, you know, I think
00:51that's just really invaluable, something that we can give to all of them.
00:55Former Indigenous surfing champion Jazz McCorkadale says she's seen more Indigenous women on the
01:00water and a program like Saltwater Sisters could make that even greater.
01:06Women are finally finding their place, especially in surfing, which is a typically male-dominated
01:11sport.
01:12Now when we paddle out in the surf, you see basically even number of girls and boys out
01:17in the water, especially young girls and boys.
01:19Olivia's mother, Alicia O'Leary, says the program has helped her daughter connect to
01:24the ocean and culture.
01:26I think it gives them a sense of connection, which seems to be lost in this world these
01:30days, especially young ones.
01:32Like they spend all their time sitting on devices, watching YouTube, watching TV.
01:38They're never out doing stuff out on country.
01:41It means the world to all of us who are involved.
01:43A program she hopes will continue to make a splash.
Comments