We're in the 21st century. For many, this is the century of women, where they begin to gain independence and live a life beyond being limited to "domestic duties". Adventure sports are one of the perfect arenas where women are gradually making their mark and fighting for their place in a world that until now was reserved for men.
Surfing is one of the water sports that has evolved the most, with records showing it's been practised for over 500 years, though it wasn't until the 1950s-60s that it became fashionable. Today, surfing has become commonplace, and nearly everywhere in the world we can find spots where the waves face fierce competitors.
The history of surfing has been and remains fascinating. We'll always find numerous books and articles referencing it, written by expert enthusiasts of the sport. Women couldn't be left out of this history, though it's been a story full of obstacles due to the inevitable patriarchal society that has prevailed for centuries.
Suddenly and inexplicably, in the 1960s we began seeing women on surfboards at some beaches. They had to endure criticism from men, with whom they were compared, and fight more against them than against the waves themselves.
But that struggle is behind us, and women began rebelling against the traditional scenario where beaches were full of male surfers. After all, no special conditions are needed to ride a board - though clearly, the more agile you are, the better positioned you'll be to carve through the waves.
If you're a woman and would also like to surf, there's no time to lose. We advise starting with a mini-Malibu, as it's similar to a longboard but more compact. As with everything in life, once you've reached a certain level and can handle the board well enough to stand up and even catch some waves, it's time to upgrade and choose a higher-level board like an Evolution.
From our side, we recommend you don't overthink it - surfing is a sport as suitable for women as it is for men. It would also be ideal to attend one of the many events sponsored by brands like Rip Curl or Billabong held annually, gathering as many female surfers as possible. Every bit of help counts to promote this practice and support women seeking their place in the scene.
Be one of the many women who practice adventure sports daily and surf the waves as well as anyone. Sport knows no gender!
