Empowering Indigenous Women Surfers: Saltwater Sistas Making Waves
In a picturesque stretch along the New South Wales Central Coast, a group of young Indigenous women have found their passion in the rhythmic embrace of the ocean. Led by the vision of Yuin woman Amee Donohoe, these Saltwater Sistas have embarked on a transformative journey that transcends mere surfing lessons. It is a cultural revival, a celebration of sisterhood, and a reclamation of identity that is empowering a new generation of wave riders.
The Power of Representation: Breaking Barriers in the Surfing World
Amee Donohoe, a former top-five surfer on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, recognized a glaring gap in the surfing community. Indigenous women, like herself, were severely underrepresented in the sport she loved. Determined to change the narrative, she founded Saltwater Sistas—a groundbreaking learn-to-surf program catering to First Nations girls aged 5 to 21.
Since its inception in January, over 20 young women have eagerly taken to the waves every week, soaking in the sun, salt, and sisterhood that define their experience. The classes, complete with surf equipment and transportation, not only teach water safety but also foster a deep connection to the ocean and culture. As Amee puts it, the program is designed to create a unique, culturally appropriate learning environment that honors the legacy of their ancestors.
For sisters Natalia and Nalissa, participants in Saltwater Sistas, the program is more than just a surf lesson—it’s a chance to bond with other young Indigenous girls and form lasting friendships. Nalissa, at 10 years old, expresses her joy at meeting peers who share her background, highlighting the importance of community and camaraderie in their surfing journey.
Jaz McCorquodale, a Kamilaroi woman and decorated surfer, echoes the sentiment of increased representation for Indigenous women in the surfing world. Having won the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles in both 2019 and 2022, she understands the significance of seeing more girls like her on the waves, especially in competitive settings. Jaz envisions programs like Saltwater Sistas as a beacon of hope, paving the way for a new wave of Indigenous surfers to make their mark.
Expanding Horizons: Connecting Land, Culture, and Sea
Born and raised in Bateau Bay, Jaz recognizes the transformative power of surfing as a means of connecting to both land and culture. She emphasizes the importance of expanding programs like Saltwater Sistas beyond the Central Coast, envisioning a nationwide initiative that can bring the joy and healing of surfing to Indigenous communities across Australia.
Kelly Happ, a Dharug woman and team leader at Gudjagang Ngara li-dhi Aboriginal Corporation, shares the sentiment of empowerment and pride in witnessing the impact of Saltwater Sistas on the young girls in her care. For many of them, the ocean was a distant dream until they joined the program. Now, it has become a source of joy, strength, and connection that will shape their lives for years to come.
Elisha O’Leary, mother of Natalia and Nalissa, attests to the transformative power of Saltwater Sistas in her daughters’ lives. Not only has the program built their confidence and water skills, but it has also instilled in them a love for surfing and the ocean that will endure for a lifetime. As they ride the waves alongside their fellow Saltwater Sistas, they are not just learning to surf—they are embracing a heritage, a community, and a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and tide.
As the sun sets on another day of laughter, learning, and love at Saltwater Sistas, the waves whisper tales of resilience, unity, and empowerment. In the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean, a new generation of Indigenous women surfers find their voice, their strength, and their tribe. And as they ride the crest of each wave, they carry with them the spirit of their ancestors—the saltwater in their veins, the wind in their hair, and the endless horizon of possibilities stretching out before them.