got stared down. Not the kinda stare down that says, ‘Wow, look at that chick.’ It was more of a, ‘Oh no, look at this girl.’ I get no respect, but I do ride a longboard, and I am able to catch waves farther out than shortboarders. So, if necessary, I take respect that I’ve rightfully earned. Crystal T: I would have to say right here, in my backyard on the North Shore, is the place where there is the most respect. We have the world’s best women surfers, whom are world-known and very respected in the water and out. Joy: Longboarding gets respect when people longboarding can actually surf those radical waves. I don’t think its about what board you’re on, but rather, it’s about if you are a solid surfer in general. Kelia: There is a different respect for longboarding at every spot you surf. The south side [of O‘ahu] is more comfortable with longboarders. The North Shore may be a little harder to get respect. How you respect the crowd you are surfing with and who you are will determine the respect you get in return. Having a respected name will get you way more waves throughout The Islands here in Hawai‘i. It seems clear from talking to you all that water women will always have issues of comparison to men, especially when capitalism is involved. To close, how do you see the current state of women’s surfing? Daize: On the rise... Crystal D: As a sport, women’s surfing is still popular but we don’t have a strong enough industry to back it. I guess rather than saying women’s surfing is dying, I would rather say that our [sport] is dying and a fashion industry is emerging out of it. Surfing is such a masculine sport; a lot of the things that work for men’s surfing do not work for women’s surfing. I think our industry has turned into more of a fashion industry than a surfing industry. Athletes have been replaced by models in advertising. Women’s surfing magazines like Surfing Girl and Wahine have failed repeatedly, but magazines that have a more fashion/artsy feel have survived. As much as I would like to see more money in women’s surfing, from a business point of view I don’t know if the competitive aspect is very lucrative. Crystal T: Things are really changing in the female surfing world due to lack of funds. Many woman professional surfers who have created this industry are now being left in the dust for younger, up-and-coming surfers. There are more women surfers in the water today, more than ever before. I remember growing up in Hawai‘i without any women’s surf companies; we surfed in men’s boardshorts. I was the only woman surfer at my school growing up; I had to drag girlfriends in the water with me and my parents would help push them into waves in Waikiki. Now there are girls riding all types of floating devices, like shortboards, retro single fins, three fin longboards, classic logs, standup surfing, mini guns, and bodysurfing. They are out there having fun and pushing the limits, and showing men we are here to stay. Joy: I think it gets better with every generation. Kelia: I think it’s growing fast, especially with all the young shortboarder girls that are making the ‘CT this year and making a huge impression. I think this will really help women’s surfing in general. Previous Spread: 1 2
1. Daize grew up in Waimanalo, where, at a young age, she quickly learned the intricacies of lineup respect and what it takes to get waves. Photo: Brian Bielmann. 2. Joy was the first Hawaiian to win the Women’s World Longboard Championship, and she is still pushing performance levels ahead. Photo: Paul Teruya.
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1. On land and at sea, Crystal Dzigas is the quintessential Hawaiian balance of strength, style, and grace. Photo: Anthony Walsh.
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