Hakea celebrates International Women's Day 2024 by honouring the remarkable strides women have made in the world of surfing—a journey marked by resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of equality. As a women-owned and led business, Hakea embodies the spirit of progress, with a team largely comprised of women driving our vision forward.
Our story began with founder Casey's quest for functional and flattering surfwear, challenging the then-prevalent narrative of impractical rash guards and revealing bikinis for women in the surf scene. This endeavour was not just about fashion; it was a step towards redefining women's place in the surfing world.
Historically, the disparity in prize money between male and female surfers was often justified by citing lower viewership numbers for women's surfing, thus, supposedly, generating less revenue for sponsors. This rationale perpetuated a cycle of undervaluation, with women frequently receiving inferior wave conditions, further undermining their performances compared to their male counterparts.
However, the past few years have witnessed significant milestones for women in surfing. In 2019, the World Surf League (WSL) made a groundbreaking announcement to award equal prize money to both women and men, setting a new standard for sports worldwide.
In 2021, the surfing community saw a pivotal moment when Lucy Small called out the disparity in prize money at a Sydney surf competition, sparking a global conversation about equality in the sport. Lucy's activism didn't stop there; she produced "Yama," a short documentary exploring the surf culture in Ghana. The film highlights a community of surfer girls overcoming centuries of colonial disruption to reconnect with the Atlantic Ocean. It showcases initiatives like Surf Ghana and the Obibini Girls Surf Club, which promote inclusivity and aim to nurture Ghana's first female surf instructors.
Fast forward to 2024, and we celebrate 18-year-old Caity Simmers' historic victory at Pipeline—one of only three editions of women's competition held at this iconic location. Additionally, 21-year-old Australian Molly Picklum's performance at the same competition, scoring what is arguably the best wave ever surfed by a woman at Pipeline, underscores the incredible progress being made.
These achievements are the fruits of the labour of countless women who have tirelessly worked to break down the barriers before them. Their efforts pave the way for a future where inclusion is not just an aspiration but a reality. As the legendary surfer Layne Beachley once said, "The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun." Today, women are not only competing at the highest levels; they are fundamentally transforming the sport and inspiring the next generation to chase their own waves of success. In the words of Caity, “Pipeline is for the fucking girls.”
We're offering 25% off all rash guards today only, Friday 8th March 2024. Enter the code IWD2024 at the checkout.
