Age is just a number, and a growing wave of older women surfers are proving it with every ride. But here's the surprising part: these women aren't just dipping their toes in the water; they're carving out a space in a sport often associated with youth and adrenaline-fueled daredevils. Take Katie Pahlow, for example. At 60, she decided it was time to chase a dream she'd shelved for over four decades. "I bought a surfboard when I was 17," she recalls, "but life got in the way." Sound familiar? Pahlow's story resonates with many women who, inspired by figures like Jane Fonda's philosophy of a 'third act' in life, are rediscovering passions long put on hold.
Pahlow, now 62, splits her time between Melbourne and Aireys Inlet, and when she's not surfing in exotic locales like Lombok or Honolulu, she draws inspiration from online communities like Sassy Silver Surfers. She's part of a growing trend: women taking up surfing later in life, or returning to it after years away.
And this is the part most people miss: According to the Australian Sports Commission's AusPlay, women aged 55 to 64 make up a surprising 13.4% of female surfers, edging out the 18 to 24-year-old group. This shift is mirrored in the experiences of instructors like Angela King, a former sponsored longboarder who now teaches through Surfing Victoria's Surf Her Way program. King has witnessed a "massive" increase in older women hitting the waves.
Is this a passing fad, or a lasting cultural shift?
King attributes this surge to the power of social media and the growing number of female instructors. Seeing women their own age surfing breaks down barriers and inspires others to give it a go. But it's not just about inspiration. For many older women, the biggest hurdle isn't the physical challenge of paddling out in a Victorian winter, but overcoming self-doubt and a lack of confidence.
Women like Jacquie Chambers, a 51-year-old surfer from Phillip Island, serve as role models. Chambers, who started surfing at 17, has become a mentor to others. "People look up to you and learn from you," she says.
But are surf brands keeping up with this demographic shift?
Former pro surfer turned academic Craig Sims observes two key trends: an aging surfing population and a rise in female participation. He points out that older people are increasingly embracing lifestyles once associated with youth. However, he notes that some surf brands haven't adapted their marketing to reflect this change.
Shouldn't surf culture be more inclusive of all ages and abilities?
Pam Burridge, the 1990 world champion, sees this shift firsthand at her surf school in Mollymook. Women in their 40s and 50s are eager to learn, often motivated by a desire to share the experience with their children.
Ben Considine, a surf coach and physiotherapist, highlights common challenges for older surfers: mastering the pop-up and paddling. He emphasizes the importance of building strength and mobility, offering modifications to make these techniques more accessible.
So, is it ever too late to catch your first wave?
Instructors like Angela King stress patience and self-acceptance. "It takes time," she reminds her students. Knowing your limits and finding a supportive community are crucial.
What's stopping you from chasing your own surfing dream?
For Katie Pahlow, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. She surfs twice a week, embracing the ups and downs of learning. "I think I'm doing pretty well," she says with a smile.
Ready to ride the wave? Here are some tips from Ben Considine:
- Start with a longer board (8-9 feet) for stability.
- Build confidence in waist- to chest-deep water.
- Surf with friends or join a group for safety and camaraderie.
The ocean is calling. Will you answer?
