All Girls Surf Showdown

Started in 1993, this competition celebrated its 17th year this time around, boasting a new event program. The largest all-woman competition in Australasia, it gave out a total of $4000 as prize money this year. It was held in Ballina Shire on the Far North Coast of NSW over three days, June 6th, 7th and 8th.

The competition is held in five different divisions, mentioned below. The 'Southern Cross Credit Union Pro' holds the majority of the prize money, with $2500 going to the winner of this competition. The competitors' standard is known to be extremely high. Previous winners include Stephanie Gilmore, present world champion, Sally Fitzgibbons, present World Qualifying Series champion, Laura Enever, present World Junior champion, and former world champion Pauline Menczer.

The 'Freeform Board Junior Pro' showcases young girl surfers, with the prize money for the winner coming to $500. The 'All Girls Surfriders Over 28' features both ex-professionals and serious enthusiasts. The prize money is $250.

In addition, a new category was added this year, called 'All Girls Surfriders Over 40'. The prize money is $250. The 'All Girls Surfriders Longboard Pro' this year gave away $500 in prize money.

There is also a very popular Open B division, which is a non-competitive outlet for the enthusiast. No prizes are given away for this division.

Surfing competitions have changed a lot over the last twenty years. Not only are there exclusive competitions promoting the sport among women, there are also competitions for the various subgroups of surfing and related sports. In addition, locals often demand to be included in competitions exclusive to them alongside ones that are held over various locations over larger radii.

Competitions like All Girls Surf Showdown are usually mobile, i.e., they are held at a number of locations throughout the event.

Learn more about Surfing Competitions and Surfing Contests