Norah Head Women in the Waves is a friendly surfing club established in 1998. They meet once a month at Soldiers Beach (Clubhouse Carpark) at 7am. During the winter months of June, July, and August, competitions start at 8am.
The club holds competitions on the second Sunday of each month, offering six divisions to cater to surfers of different skill levels. These divisions include A, B, and C Grade, Mini Mal, Over 30s, and Seaweeders. The Seaweeders division is specifically for whitewash riders of all ages.
Norah Head Women in the Waves welcomes female surfers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, they encourage new members to register for the 2017 season. If you can't commit to the whole season, don't worry! Surfers can also register on competition days.
On competition days, members are expected to lend a helping hand by setting up the tent, BBQ tables, and other equipment. It's all about teamwork, so everyone pitches in to ensure a smoothly-run event. At the end of the day, members also help with packing up.
There is a minimal $3 entry fee per division, and entries are not accepted after the heat draw at approximately 7:30am. The divisions include Over 30s, A (for more advanced surfers), B (for those who are starting to turn on green waves), C (for surfers on green waves or whitewash, no pushing onto waves, and parents allowed in the water for safety), Seaweeders (allowed to be assisted in the water), and Mal/Mini-mal.
Expect a fair and fun competition environment. Heat sheets with competitors' names and assigned colours will be displayed on a board near the tent, ensuring transparency. Heats run for 20 minutes, except for C grade and Seaweeders, which run for 15 minutes. Make sure to paddle out 5 minutes before your heat, while being mindful not to disrupt other surfers who are still competing. The start of each heat is indicated by a green flag, followed by a yellow flag when there are 5 minutes remaining, and a red flag at the end of the heat.
Surfing within the designated competition area marked by white flags on the beach is crucial. It's important to follow the rules and avoid behaviours like drop-ins or snaking, as they can result in interference and point deductions. When coming in at the end of a heat, surfers must lie down on their boards to avoid any confusion for the judges watching the next heat.
Each heat generally consists of 4–6 competitors, with a minimum of 50% of surfers advancing to the next round. The judging follows the Surfing Australia Rule book, and points are awarded to all members who compete. The club champions in each division are determined based on each surfer's top nine results out of the 10 competitions held throughout the season. If fewer than 10 competitions are held, the top results are adjusted accordingly.
On competition days, competitors have the chance to win fantastic prizes from the club's sponsors through a prize draw. It's always exciting to see what goodies are up for grabs! Norah Head Women in the Waves' philosophy is all about having fun, enjoying the water, and building friendships. They believe in supporting and encouraging each other both in and out of the water, placing emphasis on participation rather than just winning.
The club's committee for 2016 is made up of President Kimberley Hassel, Vice President Kristen Nelson, Director of Administration Donna Schumacher, Director of Surfing & Competition Sandra English, and Director of Finance Jenny Vaughn. This dedicated team ensures that the club runs smoothly and that members feel supported throughout the season.
To add to the excitement, monthly prizes are randomly drawn for all competitors. And at the end of the season, the Presentation night in November is held to honour the top three competitors in each division with annual awards.
So, ladies, get ready for an incredible day of surfing at Norah Head Women in the Waves. Join the club, build your skills, and create lasting friendships in an inclusive and supportive environment. We can't wait to see you catch those waves!
