With the surfing community growing at such a rapid pace we’re beginning to see an ever-increasing number of women gracing our local spots and giving quite a show.

The other day I was sitting at the beach with Shannon McLaughlin - surfer and owner of Liquid Girls Surf Mag, chatting and watching a few sets roll through. The girls who were out were killing it which got me thinking… if they’re this good now, what about 10 years from now?

Would we have guys vs. girls in a heat format? Maybe a big wave comp for the ladies? The point I’m trying to make is this: have you ever looked back and seen what these women are doing?

Probably not, why you ask yourself? Fear… yip reality bites! The boyz are slowly slipping down the food chain. So I asked Shannon for some insight.

Do you think we’ll ever see Women vs. Men in a heat?

That’s a tough one ‘coz it brings up the whole sexism thing where girls want to be seen as equals to guys, with equal talent and opportunities regarding prize money and stuff like that.

Not to say that we don’t have just as much talent as our male counterparts, it’s just that we portray it in a different way, with a more feminine style. So I think we should keep it separate, we wouldn’t want to kill your ego’s by kicking your ass in a comp anyway! 

How long till the women in SA hit the big waves?

That depends what you mean by big waves. If you mean Dungeons type big waves, then I think it will still be a while before we see chicks charging out there, but that’s on an international level as well. There are only a few women in the world who have the balls to paddle out at spots like that. I consider that a different sport all together, you have to be mentally ready to challenge big waves, not just physically.

Who will be the first South African woman to take a world title?

Well Heather Clark is definitely top of the list, she started out just making the CT this year and she’s already rated 5th after only 3 events, so she’s closest to it at the moment.

Of the younger girls – Nikita Robb (already has 2 world junior titles under her belt), Rosy Hodge (currently competing on QS), Tammy-Lee Smith, Stacey Guy, Tarryn Chudleigh and Chantelle Rautenbach to name a few who stand out to me, they all have the talent to make it to the top.

Right now who’s leading the charge nationally?

Not too sure on the ratings, the names I mentioned above are usually in the finals though.

Do you think any particular surfer could dominate the women’s tour like SL8TER?

Now that’s a real male question! How about: “Do you think any other person - male or female - could dominate the tour like Sl8ter!”.

Layne Beachley (AUS) has done pretty well, she’s 6 x World Champ and she’s currently rated 2nd, but the younger girls on tour aren’t about to make it easy for her.

Will we be taking pointers from the girls anytime soon?

Come on Justin, don’t act now, you’re always asking me how I land those 360 airs at Berg! I think all surfers can improve their surfing in different ways by watching and taking pointers from others.

Any advice for the up and coming groms trying to making it big?

Hmmm, well I’m definitely not the best person to ask, but I’d say just keep it real, don’t let it get to your head and always remember who your true friends are, even when you are rich and famous. And drugs are bad, mmkay!

By Justin Stevens