Community

9 August 2011:  It was a day of big fun for all the girls who joined in Surfer Girl and Odyssey’s Big Day Out surf trip this past Sunday. This time our destination was Medewi, a cobblestone lefthand point break about two hours drive north of Kuta, and the wave forecast was looking promising.  As all the girls trickled in and we began to pack up the Surfer Girl and Odyssey vans, the energy was electric and the girls were stoked by the thought of the long lefthanders they would soon be surfing.  Although our journey started at an early 6 AM, the car was full of laughter as we wove our way north up Bali’s green and beautiful West Coast.  

And it only got better from there. Upon arrival, Medewi’s left hand peelers greeted us warmly, so the girls wasted no time grabbing their boards and heading to the beach. After picking their way carefully through the cobblestone reef, the fun began. All 12 of the girls joining the trip were soon sharing waves and hooting one another into the fun 3-4 footers.  These girls seriously support each other as well as have fun and share their love for all things surfing. If a friend wanted a wave, they would gladly give it up, and you’d often catch them helping to push the newer surfer girls into waves of their own. “The conditions here at Medewi are perfect for all the girls. I really couldn’t hope for a better day for all of us. I was just watching all the girls and you could just see everyone was having a blast,” said Stella from Putri Ombak when asked about the day’s conditions. 

 After a couple hours in the water and working up a healthy appetite, it was time to eat. All the girls headed in to chow down on the mixed rice lunch that was prepared for the day out. Over chatter of who got the best waves, and helpful hints to one another on how to improve, we shared lunch together on the beach. 

In the spirit of fun and healthy competition, Surfer Girl provided gift packs for the girl who got the “Best Wave” and the girl who had the “Best Wipeout.” The award for Best Wave went to Alia, as she got several long waves all the way to Medewi’s inside, and the Best Wipeout award went to Santi. When asked about her award, Santi had a good laugh, saying, “I am so stoked just to be a part of this trip. I had so much fun trading waves with all the girls and making new friends. And actually, I am quite proud to win the best wipeout award. I think it’s great!” 

Surfer Girl and Odyssey Surf School’s goal for the Big Days Out program is to provide an opportunity for the female surfers on the island to get together, surf new waves, and help create a stronger sense of camaraderie amongst them. With the idea that there is strength in numbers, these trips are creating a means for growth in the girls surfing community. “We wanted to create a day to celebrate these girls, support them, and also push them to grow. It’s been great seeing them mature as a community with each trip we take. Watching them taking more risks in the water, helping one another, and seeing everyone leave happy.....well that makes it all worth it,” said Surfer Girl’s surfing consultant Michaela. 

The Surfer Girl and Odyssey Surf School Big Days Out 2011 is proudly sponsored by Surfer Girl and Odyssey School of Surf, and is fully supported by the Putri Ombak Indonesian women's surfing community. To learn more about these Big Day Out events, view photos, and read our stories from other trips, check out www.surfer-girl.com. 

For any inquiries on how you can get involved, please email us at surfing@surfer-girl.com