By Justin Flynn
A group of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads women have accepted the challenge of hitting the waves every day this month for charity.
The group, dubbed ChixSurf13th, has raised about $7000 so far for Surfaid’s September challenge to support basic needs and healthcare for families in remote international surfing locations.
“Originally the target was $4000, but now we’re hoping to get 10 grand as a team,” group member Emily Gardner said.
“As a team, at least someone goes into the water every day.
“We have 15 in the team and eight or nine have been out every single day, and we have surprised ourselves.”
Surfaid has so far raised more than $500,000 for the cause and ChixSurf13th is sitting in ninth place on the teams’ leaderboard.
The women have also benefited personally while supporting the cause, according to Emily.
“I’ve gone from a really fussy surfer to making the most of the conditions you have,” she said.
“It takes it back to basics where you have fun and you’re not snobby about the conditions out there. There are a lot of side benefits to getting out into the water.
“[We] are mostly mums as well. It’s a good break for us to get out there and not be screaming at our kids.”
However, Emily said September has not been a good month for surfing.
“I reckon there’s probably only been about three days that have been good,” she said.
“But that hasn’t deterred some of us from getting out there every day.”
To donate: makeawave.com.au/t/chixsurf13thteam.
