Pauanui is set to host the New Zealand Women's Surf Festival presented by Sun Bum and VW this weekend (2-3 March) attracting New Zealand’s top talent mixed with first time participants and those returning to events.

While our top female surfers, Paige Hareb (Tara), Olympic qualifier Saffi Vette (Gis) and Pia Rogers (WGM) battle away at the ISA World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico, New Zealand based females will relish the chance to take part in an all-female event.

The event forms part of the NZ Surf Series, NZ Grom Series and NZ Longboard Series and is being held in conjunction with the Aotearoa Women's Surfing Association who will be supporting all participants during the weekend, especially those new to national events.

While the New Zealand Women’s Surf Festival presented by Sun Bum and VW brings together our top females, the event caters for young and old from all over country encouraging fun, participation, inspiration, and development.

Divisions for the event include under 14 girls, 16 girls, 18 girls, open women, over 30s women and women’s longboard.

Travelling from far and wide, surfers taking part including ex New Zealand representatives Natasha Gouldsbury (Tara), Brie Bennett (Rag), Grace Spiers (WGM), Liv Haysom (Piha) and Georgia Wederell (Mount) along with New Zealand Junior representatives Leia Millar (Piha), Alani Morse (Rag) and Lola Groube (Pau).

With points towards the NZ Surf Series on the line this division will be one to watch and fiercely competitive. 

Participants in the junior divisions are fresh off several events completed this summer on the NZ Grom Series. 

In the 16 and 18 divisions the competition will be as fierce as ever with the two local surfers Chloe and Lola Groube taking on a talent laden field inlcuding Alani Morse, Kyra Wallis (Piha), Ariana Walker (Mnt), under 18 Girls National Champion Lea Millar (Piha) and Indi-Lee Ruddell who is fresh off a win at Piha last weekend.

Two ends of the spectrum include the youngest participants in the Under 14 divisions and our senior surfers in the over 30 women’s division.

For the juniors, Nami Marsden, Ella Withers, Jayda Bramley (Maketu) and Isla McKay (Whangarei) amongst others will be looking to have a fun day out in the water. 

In contrast, the over 30s division will see a handful of past competitors combining with a number of surf mums that often watch on supporting their children at events, however this weekend they will take to the water in what could be a highlight of the event for many.

The event includes and all-in a soft top challenge for everyone to take part in as well as a high-performance expression session for the girls to get creative.

On Saturday morning a community surf-specific Pilates and mobility session will be held courtesy of Sun Bum and Flow with Grace.

All participants will receive a goody bag thanks to our generous sponsors.

On Saturday evening there is a jam-packed schedule of events for all participants and supporters.

On completion of the surfing we will be joined by the team from Wozer Skate for an all-girls skate session followed by a screening of the new Kiwi women’s surf film Over the Undertow. 

Over The Undertow follows the journey of four top young female surfers embarking on a surf trip across the North Island while they anecdote and relate over their shared experiences in surfing.

Film makers Cassia Walton & Lauren Crerar will be in attendance and will be hosting a Q&A during the screening, this film stars some of Aotearoa’s top Kiwi surfers including Brie Bennett, Gabi Paul and Liv Haysom.

Throughout the weekend Yeti, Poulter Group and Real Coco will be on hand to ensure everyone is hydrated with smoothies and juices.

With a forecast of small yet fun waves and light offshore winds for Saturday and Sunday, the stage is set for a fantastic weekend and celebration of female surfing in New Zealand.

The draw and full results from the event can be viewed at www.Liveheats.com/SurfingNewZealand.