WIGHT WAHINES SURF FEST
Wight Wahines Surf Fest is the island's first females surf competition, taking place on Saturday 3rd Sept at Compton Beach, Isle of Wight (main Compton carpark). It's a fun and friendly surf competition, open to all ages and abilities. We have such a strong community of awesome female surfers on the island which is what inspired the creation this competition.
What’s on during the surf fest?
The event kicks off at 8.30am with Beach Yoga run by Balance & Glo (you can book your place here). The day will be made up of both girls and ladies surf lessons and surf competition categories, with something for everyone. In order to make the event as accessible as possible, there’s no competition entry fee, you just need to be a member of IOW Surf Club & Surfing England.
Surf competition categories include:
- Under 13: white water or green waves with water helpers available (11am start)
- Expression Session: a category with a fun twist - open to all ages and abilities (12.30pm start)
- 14+: green waves, a fun classic competition (1.30pm start)
Not a surfer? You can book a surf lesson during the day, bring the kids down to watch and enjoy various stands to shop local brands & delicious coffee.
“The idea for Wight Wahines Surf Fest came from the want to celebrate the thriving female surf scene on the island. Through our experiences travelling and surfing we came to realise that the island had an unparalleled female surf scene, often with the women outnumbering the men. There is so much joy seeing mums sharing babysitting duties on the beach while they catch some waves and then the young children taking their first white water waves and later developing into teenagers who absolutely rip! We want to welcome women of all ages from total beginners to seasoned pros to come and have some fun and experience the community and support that we are so proud of.”
Sam Scadgell Photography
Local Isle of Wight businesses
Down at Compton for the day during the Surf Fest will be lots of wonderful Isle of Wight businesses making it a real celebration of what the Island has to offer. Here are some to look out for:
Elixir Freshly Frozen
This female power duo make the best cold pressed juices on the Island. Had a late one on the Friday night? A ginger shot from these guys will sort you right out before you surf.
@elixirfreshlyfrozen
Freshwater Trading Company
This new shop in Freshwater is bringing a pop-up to the festival. It’s a local circular economy trading company selling brands such as Rapanui, Freshwater SUP company, Love Ocean Kids, and Ddipp.
@freshwater _ bay _ trading _ company
iSurf School
iSurf is run by a Surf England qualified coach Chris Mannion who has been riding waves for over 30 years and started teaching surfing on the island at just 16 years old. You can take a lesson with Chris on the day:
11-12 ages 8-15
12:30-1:30 ages 15+
More amazing island businesses being added every day!
Jon Line Photography
Martin Richomme Photography