SALTWATER SURF SISTAS
Empowering young Indigenous female surfers
At Central Coast Surf Academy, we’re providing a culturally supportive and empowering surfing experience for girls aged 5-21 years.
Saltwater Surf Sistas is a free, invitation-only intiative that allows young Indigenous girls to embrace surfing in a safe, inclusive, and culturally supportive environment.
Through surfing, Saltwater Surf Sistas fosters physical wellbeing, cultural connection, and community strength – offering a unique opportunity for Indigenous girls to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong bonds with the ocean.
Proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Health’s Play Our Way Program, Saltwater Surf Sistas is open to Indigenous girls aged 5-21 years who commit to participating in weekly surf lessons.
Participants receeive professional, all-female surf instruction tailored to their needs, with free access to equipment and transportation to remove barriers to participation.
Beyond beginner lessons, the program also offers pathways to high-performance coaching, surf competitions, and surf coach certifications – ensuring greater representation of Indigenous women in surfing at all levels.
Through the program, participants develop:
- Learn to Surf skills: paddling, catching waves, standing up
- Ocean safety, surf awareness, rip identification
- Cultural connection through ocean experiences
- Confidence-building and community participation
- Pathways to advanced surfing and leadership roles
Locations: Toowoon Bay
Duration: 2-hour weekly sessions
Equipment included: Surfboard, wetsuit, rash vest, sunscreen
How to join: Saltwater Surf Sistas is available by invitation only. Please contact your local Indigenous support organisation for eligibility and an access code.
Once you have your access code, just click ‘Book Now’ to get started!
Surfing can be a powerful tool for building self-esteem, community connection, and cultural pride. Saltwater Surf Sistas is designed to create a welcoming, empowering space where Indigenous girls can thrive – both in and out of the water.
With free lessons, equipment, and transport options available, we’re committed to eliminating barriers and provding a pathway for the next generation of Indigenous female surfers to grow, succeed, and lead.
Together, we’re fostering stronger, healthier communities – one wave at a time.