Tū Manawa funding making waves of change for local wahine surfers

In our much-loved coastal town of Pāpāmoa, a wave of change is sweeping through the local surfing community, thanks to the impact of Tū Manawa funding. Pāpāmoa Boardriders, an established club deeply rooted in the surfing culture, has embarked on a mission to make waves of inclusivity and empowerment through their initiative, Wahine Wave Jam Days.

"We would not have been able to host our Wahine Wave Jam Days had we not received the funds from Tū Manawa," says Zoe Mullaney, a committee member of the Pāpāmoa Boardriders. Her words echo the sentiment shared among the club members, underscoring the crucial role of the funding in their journey.

“With the financial support from Tū Manawa, Pāpāmoa Boardriders was able to organise well-run events named ‘Wahine Wave Jam Days’, providing a safe, fun, and engaging experience for female participants, many of whom dipped their toes into surfing for the first time.”

Zoe also emphasises the profound impact of the funding on the club's development saying, "Having the funds to run these initiatives has had an impact on our club with increased club membership and general awareness in the community that our club is an inclusive place." Indeed, the ripple effects of Tū Manawa funding extended far beyond the surf, fostering a sense of community and cohesion among members and participants.

Central to the success of Pāpāmoa Boardriders' initiative was the collaborative effort with Sport Bay of Plenty. Zoe acknowledges the instrumental role played by Sport BOP in the funding process, noting their responsiveness and constructive feedback. "We appreciated how engaged Sport BOP was in the process of our application," Zoe says. "They suggested improvements to ensure our application met the desired outcomes of the fund, which was extremely helpful in ensuring we were able to get the funds."

Sport Bay of Plenty General Manager Community Sport and Recreation Nick Chambers says, "In supporting initiatives like the Wahine Wave Jam Days through Tū Manawa funding, we are not only investing in recreation but also breaking down barriers of inclusivity within our community and beyond.”

“The impact goes far beyond the waves. It provides opportunities for individuals to engage in sport and recreation regardless of background or skill level. It's a great example of how targeted funding can truly make a difference in enhancing community wellbeing," says Nick.

Looking ahead, Pāpāmoa Boardriders envisions a future where inclusivity and competitiveness intertwine seamlessly. Zoe outlines the club's aspirations, stating, "Our main goals are to be inclusive but also competitive, to provide a space where individuals can achieve their own surfing goals while being part of our community." Tū Manawa funding has laid the groundwork for these ambitions, opening doors for more females to join the club and participate in surfing activities regardless of their skill level.

Reflecting on the impact of Wahine Wave Jam Days, Zoe shares, "It was great to see the fun the women were having in the water, sometimes overcoming their own fears about the size of the waves or the conditions they were in." Beyond the thrill of riding waves, the initiative became a platform for personal growth and friendship. "It is through this that personal growth happens and friendships blossom," Zoe adds, emphasising the transformative power of surfing as a catalyst for empowerment and camaraderie.

The story of Pāpāmoa Boardriders serves as a testament to the profound impact Tū Manawa funding can have in removing barriers for participation in sport and recreation while also fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and community spirit. Pāpāmoa Boardriders stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of surfers, paving the way for an inclusive and vibrant surfing culture in Pāpāmoa and beyond.