Women in the Waves - Norah Head

Norah Head Women in the Waves is a sports club located in Central Coast, Australia. Established in 1998, the club provides a friendly and supportive environment for female surfers of all levels. The club meets once a month at Soldiers Beach (Clubhouse Carpark) at 7am, although during the winter months of June, July, and August, competitions start at 8am.

Competition days are held on the second Sunday of each month, with six divisions available for surfers to compete in. These divisions include A, B, and C Grade, Mini Mal, Over 30s, and Seaweeders. The Seaweeders division is specifically for whitewash riders of all ages. The club encourages all females with an interest in surfing to join and participate in the competitions.

The club follows a specific schedule and expects all members to contribute to the setup and pack-up of the event. Members are required to arrive early to assist with setting up tents, BBQ tables, and other equipment. There is a $3 entry fee per division, and no entries are accepted after the heat draw at approximately 7:30am.

During the competition, heats run for 20 minutes, except for the C-grade and Seaweeders divisions, which run for 15 minutes. Participants are advised to paddle out at least 5 minutes before their heat and must stay within the competition area marked by the white flags on the beach. Dropping in or snaking other surfers will result in marked interference and point deduction.

Judging is an important aspect of the competition, and participants are expected to pay attention to the surfers in the water. Distractions such as checking out others or talking to friends should be avoided. Points are awarded according to the Surfing Australia Rule book, and each surfer's top nine results out of 10 competitions are counted towards deciding the club champions in each division.

Prizes from sponsors are given to all members who compete on the day and go into a draw. The club's philosophy is focused on having fun, encouraging one another, and enjoying the sport of surfing. It is not solely about winning but about participating and giving it a go. The club invites individuals to leave their attitude at home and join them once a month for a great day in the surf.

The committee for 2016 is led by President Kimberley Hassel and Vice President Kristen Nelson, who work together to ensure the smooth running of the club and the satisfaction of its members.