This International Women's Day, we've rounded up some of the rad female surfer-powered community groups we all need to know about. Click on each heading to learn more about the community and how you may be able to support or join them.
A Liquid Future
Founded by Lizzie Murray several years ago, A Liquid Future exists to empower isolated coastal communities in Indonesia undergoing rapid tourism development through creative and relatable education programmes in English and Creative Media, Ocean Conservation and Water Sports, Technology, Social Media and Entrepreneurism.
I first met Lizzie at the world's first Surf & Social Good Summit in Bali, Indonesia, back in 2015 where we part of 5 women who came together and organised this event that welcomed ~ 80 participants from around the globe. Lizzie is a full legend lady and her dedication to developing A Liquid Future despite challenges and setbacks is an inspiration of the highest order.
Now based in Morotai, Indonesia, we can support this non-profit through monetary donation here or by donating your used Salt Gypsy surfwear by signing up here for more info.
The Fresh Air Project
Another legend I met at the Surf & Social Good Summit (there were so many good humans there!) was Janiece Walker from WA. After the SSG Summit, Janiece joined The Fresh Air Project crew and ran a trip to Sri Lanka where they were first to provide surf lessons to local women & girls.
Prior to that first trip, we organised a 1 for 1 surf legging donation and were able to supply custom-made surf leggings to this group (pictured above) and thus breaking down one of the barriers to entry for local women to get in the water and participate in the sport and culture of surfing.
We can support this non-profit by joining one of their 2020 trips or by donating your used Salt Gypsy surfwear by signing up here for more info.
Brown Girl Surf
Brown Girl Surf works to build a more diverse, environmentally reverent, and joyful women’s surf culture by increasing access to surfing, cultivating community, amplifying the voices of women of colour surfers, and taking care of the earth.
Learn more about how you can support Brown Girl Surf here.
Black Girls Surf
Established in 2014 for young women & girls of the African diaspora, Black Girls Surf offers training and coaching to local community groups with a focus on young surfers aged 5 - 17.
Check out this clip on WSL of Khadjou Sambe, the first female surfer from Dakar, Senegal. It's epic - GO WATCH IT NOW.
Check them out on Facebook and Instagram. Monetary donations can be made via Go Fund Me.
Beyond The Surface International
This non-profit works at grassroots level with remote and marginalised small-scale fishing communities for social and ecological wellbeing.
Leveraging surfing as tool for positive change, BTSI engages local youth and their families through workshops and mindfulness practices to address social and ecological challenges jeopardising their sustainable futures.
Support BTSI through volunteer work or donations here.
Aotearoa Women's Surfing Association
The Aotearoa Womens Surfing Association (AWSA) is the recognised governing body for the sport of womens surfing within New Zealand run by volunteers passionate about the sport. The overall vision of the AWSA is to represent the interests of women surfers in New Zealand.
If you're a New Zealand surfer, click here to become a member of AWSA.
Solwota Sista
A community of women & girls of the Vanuatu Surfing Association, using surfing to empower girls for positive social change and good vibes. Working with Australian photographer, Arlene Bax, the Solwota Sista group represent a growing movement of more diverse representation of women in our surf culture.
Check out Solwota Sista on Instagram or by donating your used Salt Gypsy surfwear by signing up here for more info.
Institute For Women Surfers (Global)
The Institute for Women Surfers is a grassroots educational initiative in the Public Humanities that brings together women surfers, activists, artists, business owners, and educators to create spaces of peer teaching, learning, and mutual aid.
To find out you can become involved, click here.
Changing Tides Foundation
Founded by five female surfers, Changing Tides Foundation is a volunteer-driven group working in local communities around the globe and helping implement educational and mentorship programmes with a focus on sustainability, ocean health, empowerment and access to clean water.
Find out how we can support the foundation here.
Salt Gypsy Take Back Programme
This year, Salt Gypsy will be supporting by product donation the following groups: Solwota Sista, Fresh Air Project, A Liquid Future, and Aotearoa Women's Surfing Association. If you'd like to stay updated on how we can work together on our Take Back Programme, sign up here.
This list is by no means all that's out there and if you know of other groups we've missed, let us know at: hello@saltgypsy.com.
