The Jim Beam Surftag has spread its wings in 2008, with the heralding of the Jim Beam Women’s Surftag to take place this weekend.
As the newest event on the Jim Beam Surftag Series, this weekend’s event will see the premier women’s boardriding clubs in NSW, ranging from Newcastle in the north to Wollongong in the south, ready to battle it out
With ten teams jam packed with the female professional surfing stars of the future and current ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) the action is sure to be electric as local pride is put to the test at Curl Curl.
Unlike conventional surfing contests which play upon individual results, the Jim Beam Women’s Surftag is a teams based event drawing upon the performances of five surfers per team.
Add bonus points and a prize purse of $2500 and you have a perfect recipe for some innovative and passionate surfing, whilst fostering confidence and comradary amongst the girls.
One such competitor looking forward to this weekend is current surfing, modelling and lifestyle starlet Paige Houden (Fairlight, NSW) who’ll be donning the competitive rash vest.
“It’s such a good initiative from Jim Beam to bring the tag-team format to women’s surfing,” Houden said.
“I’m stoked to be home for this event and being able to hang out with all the girls, have fun and enjoy the day,” she added.
Having graced the competitive junior circuit, Houden now travels the world promoting the importance of female surfing.
“It can be intimidating for girls surfing in general, but to bring together a host of the best female surfers competing together is so positive for female surfing,” Houden admitted.
“An event like this will help to build confidence for all girls associated and definitely raise the profile of the Series.”
Playing upon the passion and tribal nature of surfing, the Jim Beam Women’s Surftag also sees female boardrider clubs from around the state competing against each other in a team environment – something not regularly seen in surfing.
“Boardrider clubs are the base of the surfing landscape, to be able to compete in a team environment with all the girls is awesome in a predominantly individual sport,” Houden stated.With $2500 up for grabs and the possibility of surfing against former ASP World Champion Chelsea Hedges (Gold Coast, QLD), who has been asked to compete with Avalon, this weekend is gearing up to be a one not to be missed.
Steve Harrison, Global Surftag Managing Director, is over the moon about the prospect this weekend and the growth of the Series as a whole.
“Very happy that Jim Beam have decided to expand the series,” Harrison said.
“This year’s series is inclusive of women and aims at reaching the girls to reflect the growing number of female surfers out in the line up.”
For more information be sure to log on to www.globalsurftag.com.