17-year-old Oceanna Rogers made history last Sunday (3 April), becoming the first female to win a Jones Beach Boardriders (JBB) Club Championship round in its 39-year history.

“Oceanna ripped all day and won a tough heat against three A-Grade male surfers to take the round one win,” says JBB Club Captain, Nick Clifford.

“As a club we’re so happy and proud of Oceanna’s historic achievement and hope it will be the first of many female Club Championship wins to come.”

This is Oceanna’s first year joining JBB and it was the first Club Championship that she’s competed in. She says the Club is very supportive of all the women and girl surfers that compete there.

“I honestly was not expecting to win, but was very happy when I returned to shore and my sister told me,” says Oceanna.

“It was the perfect way to end a great day.”

Oceanna's sister gives her the good news. Photo credit: Steve Larsen

As a female in a male dominated sport, Oceanna says “You still get judged out in the surf by a few people, but you just want to prove them wrong and surf better.”  

Boardriders clubs like Jones Beach are at the forefront of a growing movement to increase female participation in surfing. JBB President Joel Trist says having women in the club and on the committee is crucial to creating and maintaining a culture where all members can thrive. 

“We currently have 142 members, 23% of whom are female. We’d love to see that number grow,” he says.

“In 2022 we introduced a women’s social division for the first time and at our monthly point score events there’s such a great vibe when they are in the water.

“Our plan is to attract more women to JBB and also to nurture and retain our junior girls.”

Oceanna in action on Sunday. Photo credit: Steve Larsen

Longstanding JBB Secretary Jo Collinge has championed participation by surfers of all ages and abilities since her children joined the club in 2012. With the Committee’s support, Jo has introduced new initiatives to attract more junior surfer ‘groms’ to the club, including free registration for under 8 year old’s and the use of Active Kids Vouchers to make registration free for other age groups.

Mrs Collinge says this inclusive culture is one of the reasons why JBB was selected by Surfing NSW to host one of three female-only team surf events in 2022 called the Challenge Her Team’s Classic. This event is part of the Surfing NSW’s Her Wave program which aims to build a more inclusive and joyful female surf culture. 

“We’re very excited that Illawarra Shoalhaven women and girls will have the opportunity to participate in this event,” says Mrs Collinge. 

“To be selected by Surfing NSW to co-host is a real honour and a great reflection on our club.”

At the Classic, women and girls can surf in the team event as well as take workshops on learning to surf, judging, photography and more.

Oceanna in action. Photo credit: Steve Larsen

The Challenge Her Team’s Classic Kiama will be held on 30 April 2022. To get involved go to: www.surfingnsw.com.au/her-wave