Byron Bay Boardriders Lead the Way with First Official Subcommittee Event Under the Play Our Way – NRMA Insurance RISE Program

Byron Bay Boardriders has proudly made history as the first official subcommittee formed under the Play Our Way Grant – NRMA Insurance RISE Program. With the support of a $1,000 grant, the club delivered a powerful and heart-centered event, Lei’s Lu’au an inspiring celebration of women’s and girls’ surfing, connection, and community.

For many attendees, the day was transformational. Some surfers who had been out of the water for months, even years, joined the two-hour, fun surf session. They left the beach with faces lit up, speaking about rekindled joy for surfing and a newfound motivation to get back in the ocean regularly.

Importantly, the sense of community fostered on the day encouraged several participants who weren’t aligned with a club to express interest in joining Byron Bay Boardriders in 2026, after forming new friendships and finding a place where they felt they truly belonged.

A key element of the event was a Vision and Goal-Setting Workshop, facilitated by Simon from MAPPLIFE, who works closely with Leihani on athlete performance, mindset, and long-term vision.

With Leihani by his side, the pair shared personal stories, learnings and tools around the what, why, and how behind pursuing a dream in and beyond surfing. The girls then created their own visual boards using colour, motivational stickers and personal goals  something tangible to take home, inspire growth, and remind them of what’s possible.

Later in the evening and hosted by Simon Williams, a panel of three influential voices in surfing was held including:

• Stephanie Gilmore – 8x World Champion
• Chelsea Hedges – World Champion
• Leihani Zoric – Rising athlete and event host

Together, they offered a heartfelt and honest conversation exploring the past, present, and future of women’s surfing  a reminder of the power of passion, resilience, and belonging.

This event marks the beginning of something special for women and girls in the Byron community.

To continue creating uplifting spaces where girls and women feel inspired to connect, grow, surf, and support one another whether they are beginners finding their feet, or aspiring professionals chasing big dreams.

Because when we come together, share knowledge, and lift each other up, we bring out the very best in one another.

Here’s to more events, more smiles in the water, and a stronger future for women’s and girls’ surfing together.

If you’re a boardrider club wanting to start a subcommittee or an individual wanting to start a women’s and girls’ boardrider club enquire now by emailing shanice@surfingaustralia.com.