Saltwater Sistas surf program out to get more Indigenous women on board

ABC NEWS (Australia)

A free learn-to-surf program for young Indigenous women has begun on the NSW Central Coast. The program is focused on connecting the girls to the ocean and culture. Organisers hope to expand to more areas across Australia.

Transcript

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.

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