Q
hen you think about the world of surfing and its athletes, what is the first image that comes to mind? It is almost inevitable that the figure that materializes is that of a man. But what if I told you that this sport has been dominated by women? Would your vision change?
Hi guys, I’m Emanuelenew member of Guys CH and also a beginner surfer. In this report, we’re going to dive head first into this issue, and to bring a more complete perspective, I spoke to Isabela Cheida, who is a surfer, mother, biologist and entrepreneur from the state of Espírito Santo. Her trajectory promises to inspire and encourage people to dive into this world.
Our chat took place at ”Surf with them”, a surf school created by her, better known as “Bela”. She already had a history in the sports field, and when she came into contact with surfing, she fell in love, even with little experience.
On many of her surf trips, she says she found herself very alone. ”I learned at a time when there were no surf schools, nor people teaching, so I was always one of the only women on those trips,” she said.
After becoming a mother, Bela was encouraged by her friends to undertake and work with her great passion and that was when “Surf com them” emerged, a space dedicated exclusively to teaching, encouraging and supporting women of all ages and profiles to practice surfing. surfing.
In this space, they receive technical instructions on the sport, in a welcoming environment, where they can feel free to explore their full potential, enjoying the sea waves.
Initiatives like Bela’s have opened up spaces and helped girls and women to follow their path and identify with this universe.
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Another positive point, according to our interviewee, is that the WSL (World Surf League) has given more and more space and visibility to women’s heats.
The surfer also highlighted another attitude of the League: “The fact that the committee placed women in the same stages as men, and also equated the value of the prize between genders, was a big step towards valuing the professionals”.
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Actions like the WSL have played a crucial role in breaking stereotypes and creating opportunities for female surfers. Sports channels such as SPORTV and SPN are also redefining the sports landscape.
Previously, television coverage focused solely on men’s competitions. Just a year ago, women’s drums gained prominence.
“Now men comment on how interesting it is to watch championships like this, because it was very boring, but you keep thinking, were women the ones who evolved in surfing and it was fun to watch or were they already surfing well and weren’t seen?”
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These and other questions remain open, but the surfer’s future expectation, both in surfing and in other sports, is the continued achievement and professional recognition of women in this environment.
And in 2023, to generate greater collective equality, Bela created “Haleiwa Surf”, her new space that aims to provide opportunities to practice water sports for women and men, with the aim of promoting gender integration and encouraging equity.
Men comment on how interesting it is to see championships like this, because it was very boring, but you keep thinking, it was women who evolved in surfing
Isabela Cheida
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Finally, our interviewee left some tips for those girls or women who want to start surfing, or even for those who do: “the biggest motivation is to believe in yourself and not create personal devaluation, recognize that you are much better than you think.”
If you, reader, have the chance to visit Espírito Santo, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the “Surf Com Elas” space, located in Praia Grande. And for beginner surfers, like me, here’s a tip:
No matter how challenging it may seem at first, every step taken towards surfing is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and there are many women willing to share their passion and knowledge to overcome any obstacle that may arise.
Tags: girls women pioneering surfing Brazil
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