Albany Boardriders’ annual girls surf camp at Bremer Bay doubles number of participants in its 22nd year

Albany Boardriders’ annual girls surf camp skyrocketed in popularity this year, more than doubling the number of participants. Now in its 22nd year, the three-day event organised by Albany Boardriders had a significant jump in popularity. This year, 38 participants descended on the beaches of Bremer Bay from September 30 to October 2, compared to 14 in 2022. Age was no barrier for the enthusiastic women who were aged from nine to 60. Some were surfing for the first time while the more advanced were keen to get out the back and improve their skills on the wave wall. Lessons ranged from learning to pop up on the board to how to read the surf conditions, spot a rip, and stay safe in the ocean. The surfers also learnt the important skills of lifesaving and board rescue thanks to a Surfing WA-facilitated Surfers Rescue 365 course. Organiser Becky Mitchell said the event had been “awesome” with the weekend characterised by comradery and friendship. “Everybody got something out of the event, every lady and girl enjoyed and learnt something new and enjoyed being together,” she said. Ms Mitchell was particularly pleased to see multiple generations heading out into the water. “A lot more new girls and ladies on board this year and definitely more mature ladies, which has just been excellent,” she said. “I really like to see the mums and the daughters go out together, it’s lovely to have the bonding time.” As well as continuing to be “an awesome event full of lovely ladies having some fun”, Ms Mitchell hopes that one day the initiative will come full circle and some of girls taking part will become coaches themselves.