What we’re about

We are a bunch of frothers who dreamed of a grassroots surf fest bringing salty folk together. Maybe it would even light up the world a little. We got a bit excited, had some meetings, drank some coffee, volunteered our time ... and here it is.

We believe in these fine things.

Surfing. Community. Respect. First Nations justice. Belonging. Being inclusive. Creating a great surf culture. Caring for the environment. Caring for each other. Being outside. Laughter. Sharing stoke. Climate justice. Spaghetti arms. Carpark chats. Learning. Welcoming spaces. Telling stories. Exchanging skills. Keeping things real. Fun times all round.

We have some extraordinarily generous partners. Thank you legends!

Patagonia
PMF Foundation
Surfrider Foundation
Torquay Surf Life Saving Club
Surf Her Way
Howie Dewitt
U&I
Vivra Verra Wines
Ocean Grind
Winki Zinc
Salt Gypsy
Tough Tits
Ahki Illustration
PCC Event Services
Great Ocean Road Gin
Glide Fins
Babel Surf
The Jungle Body with Megan

This is our little (growing) 2024-25 crew.

  • Sammy

    Sam Suendermann

    A surf obsessed mum of two, Sam is passionate about sharing the stoke of surfing and using the power of surf for social and enviro change.

  • Noelani Le Nevez

    Noelani Le Nevez

    Kanaka Maoli mama, surfer and hula practioner. Noe and her ohana find connection to their culture, nature and community in the water.

  • Ashika Kanhai

    Ashika is a lifelong ocean lover from Fiji, climate justice lawyer, mum, surfer and Chair of the Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders. She is passionate about supporting women to love being in and caring for the ocean.

  • Heidi Atkins

    Frother. Mum, nature lover and protector, thrill seeker, adventurer and creative. Heidi loves movin n shakin and getting sh*t done (unless the surf’s pumping).

  • Joanna O'Reilly Stubbs

    Jo is a freelance Environmental Research Writer, Photographer and Surf Judge on Bunurong Country. She is also currently in her third season as Treasurer of Phillip Island Boardriders Club (PIBC).

And here’s the rest of OG Founders (the dreamers and change makers).

  • Jessi by Willem-Dirk du Toit

    Jessi Rebel

    Jessi is a proud Wiradjuri woman and artist, with a background in youth/social work and community events. She is a passionate ambassador for mental health.

  • Linley Hurrell

    Linley Hurrell

    A surfer, activist and teacher. Linley is passionate about protecting sea Country. She works for Patagonia and the Saltwater Institute.

  • Photo by Ula Majewski

    Kate Griffin

    Educator, surfer, friend. Kate endeavours to shape minds, sharing her love for the environment, the ocean, and a good book.

  • Photo by Laura Wilson

    Gill Hutchison

    Gill is the author of Surf Life, published by Thames & Hudson. She works as a bookseller and is a regular contributor to The Guardian and Surfing World.

  • Emma Bäcklund

    Emma Bäcklund

    Birth-mother of local women’s fashion label U&I Label. Professional in-water photographer and graphic designer. If not chasing her groms, she’s probably surfing.

  • Nikita Donovan

    Nikita Donovan

    Nikita is a marine biologist, ranger and surfer who does all kinds of amazing work to care for coastal and marine ecosystems.

  • Photo by Stevo Heggie

    Ula Majewski

    Storyteller, enviro campaigner and surf rat. Ula works at Patagonia, moonlights at Surfing World, White Horses and some fine enviro organisations.