ASB MAGAZINE: Surfing Victoria, the Bass Coast Shire and the Victorian Government will continue their commitment to gender equality in surfing with the announcement that for the second year running, there will be equal prize money at the Phillip Island Pro QS1000 event in November. 2017 was the inaugural event and saw over 120 competitors grace the shores of Phillip Island and get treated to some incredible waves at Cape Woolamai and the Penguin Parade. Equal pay for Men and Women at the Phillip Island Pro was highlighted last week with the incredible announcement by the World Surf League to ensure equal pay at a Championship Tour level in 2019.
“Surfing Victoria are stoked to be once again have equal prize money at the Phillip Island Pro and to see that extended to Championship Tour events by the WSL” said Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson.
“Victoria has a long history of female surfers competing on the world stage with Nikki van Dijk currently on the World tour and India Robinson a current Top 50 surfer on the Qualifying Series. Having equal prize money at this event will further encourage more females to compete and get involved in surfing.”
“Now that the WSL has announced pay parity at a CT level in 2019, Surfing is proving itself to be one of the most the forward thinking and progressive sports in the world.”
In a coup for the event, 2016 World Junior Champion Isabella Nichols has confirmed her attendance at the event and will be a major boost to the talent levels in the Women’s division.
“I think it’s great that the contest is doing equal prize money for the boys and girls,” said Nichols.
“The girls and boys both surf the same conditions, with the same heat times and travel the same distance to get to the contest spots. The only thing that was missing was the equal prize money up until now.”
“I am so excited to compete in such a progressive event and hopefully get some epic waves at Phillip Island.”
Minister for Sport, John Eren said the Andrews Labor Government strongly supports events that provide equal prize money and is proud to be involved with the event through its Significant Sporting Events Program.
“The Pro brings some of the world’s best surfers to Victoria and showcases some of our finest beaches,” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity for some of our up and coming local surfers to compete at international level.”
The Phillip Island Pro will run from November 2 – 6, 2018 on Phillip Island. Entries are now open via the WSL Member Pro system at www.worldsurfleague.com
The Phillip Island Pro is presented by the Bass Coast Shire and supported by the Victorian Government, Westernport Water, Ramada Resort Phillip Island, Air Asia, Coastalwatch, Kings Cars, Rocktape and Surfing Victoria.
VIA PRESS RELEASE
