Thanks to a grant from the Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program – an Australian Government initiative, managed by Sport Australia in partnership with the Office for Women – Surfing NSW is now set to roll out a series of online and physical female-specific leadership development programs named Lead Her.
The series will be delivered across the state in September through Surfing NSW’s women’s surfing platform, Her Wave.
The WLIS Organisation Development Grants program supports national and state sporting organisations to inspire and develop women to become leaders in sport.
Surfing NSW will run four one-hour online “Drop-in” Masterclass experiences for NSW female surf school coaches and judges over September. Based on a set of criteria and in partnership with our network, participants will earn the opportunity to continue their development and be selected for the Lead Her “Level Up” Leadership Development Camp at the Surfing Australia High-Performance Centre.
The program aims to develop the quality of our current female coaching leaders through development opportunities that ensure potential leaders, and those in leadership positions, continue to grow and develop. The focus is to empower females in coaching roles to believe in themselves, put their hand up for opportunities and take a seat at the leadership table.
The first Lead Her online masterclass will feature seven-time World Champion Layne Beachley in an hour session titled Paving The Way.
“Women hold up half the sky so I’m stoked to be collaborating with Surfing NSW to inspire, educate and empower future generations of female leaders in surfing, coaching and judging,” said Beachley.
“Through the power of story-telling, I aim to share how I managed to thrive in a male-dominated world, challenge the status quo and pave the way for future generations. Creating a more inclusive, safe and equal environment for women is good for business and good for surfing.”
Former ISA World Surfing Games representative and professional surfing commentator Jess Grimwood is elated to host the four online sessions with Surfing NSW.
“I’m so proud to be a part of surfing and its growth at the moment,” said Grimwood.
“It’s an exciting time with so many opportunities if you are passionate about it. For me I’m doing a program with the AIS about leadership as a woman and finding my voice in surfing and through my commentating, so to have the opportunity to put some new skills to work in an environment with heroes I’ve looked up to is just amazing. I’m truly grateful that Surfing NSW and Surfing Australia have invested in us as surfers, ex-competitors and women to help grow the sport.”
