Looking for an adventure? ‘Women Love Adventure Kiama’ (WLAK) is a great place to start. Founded in 2021 by Kathe Manansala, (known as Kathe Kiama) a local real estate agent, single mother and adventure lover, the group was born from her own challenge of meeting people after moving to Kiama. Seeking like-minded women interested in exploring, Kathe posted in local community groups. After receiving just one response, the first walk from Kiama to Kilaleigh led to the creation of WLAK.

Since then, the group has grown to nearly 2,000 members, bringing together women of all ages and backgrounds, from working mothers to retirees and young professionals. Whether you're looking for social meetups and small hikes to more adrenaline-driven experiences like shark diving, surfing, and skateboarding there is something for everyone. 

Beginners are welcome; the local surf school can help newcomers catch their first wave, you can hire a board for practice and group hikes offer a safe way to explore the outdoors. 

WLAK has become more than just an adventure group. It’s a supportive space where women cheer each other on, whether trying a new hobby or looking for connection. Some members have picked up hobbies and gone from beginners to owning multiple paddleboards.

While the group is women-only, Kathe explains that it’s about providing a safe space for women, whether they're out hiking with no reception or enjoying a social gathering in their home. She encourages anyone interested in starting a men’s adventure group to take the initiative, but so far, no one has done so.

Balancing the group, her career, and motherhood, Kathe shares that the rewards of running WLAK far outweigh the effort. "What I get in return for what I do for free is rewarding enough. Seeing women's empowerment, the community, and all the people I've met—I started this because I needed friends, and now I have plenty."

You can follow their adventures on Facebook and Instagram, and if you’re looking to join a supportive community of like-minded women, make sure to check out the group!