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November 16.2025
3 Minutes Read

Why the Diva Cup Surf Contest is Empowering Women in Surfing

Surfers at the Diva Cup Surf Contest on the beach, joyful moment.

Why the Diva Cup Shines Bright in Surf Culture

The Diva Cup Surf Invitational is making waves beyond just the competition. With its upcoming third annual event on November 22, 2025, at Cayucos Pier, this innovative surf contest is reshaping the narrative in surf culture. Organized by the Femme Futures Foundation, it's not merely about riding the waves; it’s about community, creativity, and empowering women both in and out of the water.

A Competition Like No Other

Unlike typical surf competitions that often inadvertently marginalize female surfers, the Diva Cup celebrates women's achievements and promotes inclusivity. Co-led by Kyra Joseph, along with co-founders Sierra Emrick and JoAnna Edmison, the event creates an environment where female surfers can express themselves freely and support one another. “It’s about showcasing talent while fostering community values,” says Joseph, who envisioned this event as a response to her childhood experiences competing alongside very few female peers.

The Roots of the Diva Cup's Inspiration

Kyra’s journey reflects a significant shift in how competitive surfing is viewed. Raised by a pioneering surf mom, she was immersed in the surf culture from a young age but often felt out of place in a predominantly male arena. After embracing her individuality and discovering alternative art scenes, she realized the need for an event that would validate all female surfers, not just those fitting traditional molds. The Diva Cup aims to do just that, encouraging participants to embrace their unique qualities and express their authentic selves.

Support from the Community

Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the Diva Cup's operation, and its grassroots approach ensures a strong connection to the local community. With primary sponsorship from Bread Bike Community Bakery and collaborations with various local businesses, the event resonates authenticity. Notably, competitor jerseys feature designs from the talented local artist, McKenna Lenhart, rather than corporate logos, emphasizing the festival's artistic spirit.

Empowerment Beyond Competition

More than a surf contest, the Diva Cup serves as a fundraiser for the Femme Futures Foundation, which supports female empowerment initiatives globally through education and events. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to engage with each other, building a sisterhood that extends beyond the surfboards. The competition welcomes beginners and seasoned surfers, enabling everyone to find their place in this inclusive atmosphere.

What This Means for Future Generations

The implications of the Diva Cup extend far beyond its immediate locale, signaling a shift towards a more equitable representation of women in sports. As Kyra points out, “Our primary goal is to uplift and encourage participants to believe in themselves and each other.” This contest paves the way for young girls aspiring to surf, showing them that waves of all kinds can be conquered. The encouragement received here might inspire the next wave of pioneering women in surfing.

More Than Just a Surf Contest

Ultimately, the Diva Cup reflects growing movements towards inclusivity in sports, encouraging self-expression and creativity. By creating a welcoming environment, it's changing not only the surfing landscape but also how female athletes are perceived in competitive events across the board. Want to be part of this empowering wave? Mark your calendars for November 22, 2025, and join the community.

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11.16.2025

Discover 6 Yoga Poses for Endless Surfing and Improved Mobility

Update Unlocking the Waves: The Fusion of Yoga and Surfing Have you ever felt that exhilarating rush while riding the perfect wave, only to be met by the reality of aching muscles and tightness afterward? For surfers, maintaining both performance and resilience is crucial not only for enjoying the sport but also for optimizing longevity in the water. That's where yoga comes into play. As many elite surfers, including the iconic Gerry Lopez, attest, incorporating yoga into your routine can make all the difference, helping you to not merely surf but to surf forever. The Essential Benefits of Yoga for Surfers Yoga isn't just about achieving the perfect downward dog; it's a holistic practice that enhances flexibility, balance, and mobility—core components for any successful surfer. Surfers often experience tightness in their shoulders, lower back, and hips, especially after long sessions of paddling and popping up onto their boards. Yoga targets these problem areas, ensuring you recover faster and avoid injuries. Nikki Nie, a SoCal surfer and yoga instructor, highlights six yoga poses specifically beneficial for surfers aiming to enhance their performance and increase their time in the water. These poses help unlock tight shoulders, open the hips, and lengthen the spine, all while fostering a stronger mind-body connection—a necessity when navigating the thrilling unpredictability of the ocean. Top 6 Yoga Poses for Surfing Longevity 1. Upward Dog to Downward Dog Flow This dynamic flow prepares your body for quick transitions, mimicking the pop-up mechanics in surfing. Upward Dog enhances your upper body strength and opens the chest and shoulders, while Downward Dog provides a deep stretch to your hamstrings, calves, and spine. 2. Lizard Lunge This pose targets your hip flexors, groin, and hamstrings, nurturing the flexibility necessary for quick maneuvers on your board. Transitioning into this lunge will help maintain your surf stance without creating discomfort. 3. Pigeon Pose As an antidote to the hours spent sitting on your board, this pose focuses on opening your glutes and outer hips, ensuring you maintain a fluid pop-up process, free from stiffness. 4. Eagle Pose This balancing twist fortifies your ankles, knees, and shoulders, enhancing your stability and control for those critical turns on a wave. 5. Child’s Pose Variations A gentle yet effective way to stretch your spine and release tension in your upper back, this pose serves as a perfect recovery tool between surf sessions. 6. Downward-Facing Dog Pose This classic pose is about more than just aesthetics; it mobilizes your spine and shoulders, which are essential for maintaining a robust paddling posture. Creating a Holistic Practice: Yoga Beyond Surfing It's clear that adopting a yoga practice is vital for surfers seeking to improve mobility, recovery, and overall wellbeing. Not only do these poses support surf performance, but they also cultivate mental clarity and serenity. As you breathe through these movements, you forge a stronger connection to why you began surfing in the first place—the sheer joy and liberation it brings. Moreover, yoga's emphasis on breath control can also directly enhance your surfing experience. Maintaining a steady breath pattern can help keep you calm and focused when facing challenging waves, translating to improved performance on your board. Next Steps: Embrace the Wave of Wellness Integrating these yoga poses into your daily routine can be transformative, enabling you to surf longer and with greater ease. Embrace the challenge of incorporating a yoga practice, leaning into each pose with an open heart and mind. The ocean awaits, and with the synergy of yoga and surfing, you can unlock a level of performance and enjoyment you never thought possible. Ready to experience the benefits of combining yoga with your love for surfing? Dive into a yoga class today and start feeling the difference it can make on your next surf adventure!

11.16.2025

First Wave Project: How Free Surf Lessons Transform Lives in Hawaii

Update The Power of Waves: Healing Through Surfing The First Wave Project is not just about catching swells; it’s about transforming lives. Located on the picturesque shores of Waikiki, this initiative is offering free surfing lessons to people who may never have had the chance to ride the waves before. Founded by three childhood friends—Buddy Wiggins, Zach Murphy, and Isaiah Moniz—the project revitalizes the true spirit of surfing, inclusivity, and community. They aim to provide people with an incredible experience that goes beyond simply learning to surf. Bringing Duke Kahanamoku's Spirit Back Surfing has long been associated with legends like Duke Kahanamoku, whose vision was to spread the joy of this sport worldwide. Over the years, however, the surfing community has often become exclusive; localism and the belief that only a select few should enjoy the waves have taken root. The First Wave Project is here to change that narrative. Just like Duke, this modern initiative strives to ensure that ‘the ocean is for everyone.’ By inviting randomly chosen strangers to take surfing lessons, they embody the essence of community and connection that Duke once popularized. A New Wave of Opportunity The beauty of the First Wave Project lies in its mission. It is designed for individuals who might be hesitant to embrace surfing due to personal struggles. Many participants have faced obesity, addiction, or low self-esteem, yet through shared moments in the ocean, they experience a form of catharsis. For instance, during a recent session, a person who had been battling depression and alcohol dependency discovered a new passion, resulting in a newfound joy in life. The Social Media Ripple Effect As the project gains popularity, social media platforms become an essential tool for amplifying its message. The group has captured heartwarming moments of transformation in videos that resonate with thousands, reinforcing the project’s impact. With over 6,000 followers and viral highlights showcasing participants’ first-time surfing experiences, the First Wave Project is not just promoting the sport; it’s inspiring change and hope. Surfers, celebrities, and everyday viewers alike chant the mantra that surfing is about joy and should be accessible to all. More Than Just Surfing: Building Relationships Each surfing session serves as a bridge to form connections among participants. Strangers become friends as they share laughter, encouragement, and the thrill of riding waves for the first time. This supportive environment empowers people to step out of their comfort zones. It’s not merely about surfing; it’s about expanding horizons and overcoming barriers, weaving a rich tapestry of community and shared experiences. What’s Next for the First Wave Project? The long-term vision goes beyond just helping adults. Founders aim to extend their initiative to local children who have never had the chance to learn how to surf or even swim. This endeavor would help create a generational shift towards embracing ocean-related activities. With plans to seek donations to keep the project afloat, they remain committed to sharing this ‘well of happiness’ with more people in need, reflecting the same ethos that brought them together in the first place. Contribute to Something Greater As the First Wave Project continues to change lives, there’s room for you to be part of this beautiful journey. Whether you can surf or not, you can contribute by amplifying their message or supporting their initiatives. Engaging with their social media accounts helps spread the word farther and wider. Join the wave! Together, let’s embrace the ocean and share the immense joy it can bring.

11.15.2025

Incredible Drama Ahead for 2026 Women's Championship Tour Wildcard!

Update The Wild Card Dilemma: Who Will Claim the Final Spot? The world of competitive surfing is buzzing with anticipation as the 2026 Women’s Championship Tour approaches. With Carissa Moore's recent announcement of her return, the stakes are higher than ever for one remaining wildcard spot in the lineup. Could this final opportunity change the course of a surf career? The competition is fierce, with Tatiana Weston-Webb and Johanne Defay grappling for this coveted position. Carissa Moore: A Resounding Comeback Five-time World Champion Carissa Moore's comeback is no small feat. After stepping away post-Olympics, she is back with a vengeance, holding one of the two wildcards made available for the new season. But what does her return signify for the other surfers vying for recognition? According to Moore, her powerful performances at the end of 2023 hinted that her retirement might not have been the end. Her immense skill and competitive spirit are sure to shake up the tour, increasing the pressure on fellow competitors. A New Era for Women's Surfing The World Surf League (WSL) is not only welcoming back Moore but also expanding the women’s competition field to 24 surfers. This growth is a clear indication of progress in women's surfing, showcasing both talent and dedication across the sport. Prominent surfers, including eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, voiced their enthusiasm about this change. The rise in participants means that the competition will become increasingly challenging, creating a dynamic that fans and athletes alike are excited to watch unfold. Tatiana Weston-Webb and Johanne Defay: The Final Showdown While Carissa Moore's return is a prominent story, the focus shifts to Tatiana Weston-Webb and Johanne Defay for the remaining wildcard. Weston-Webb has been on a transformative journey, stepping away from competitions for her mental health and well-being. After announcing her pregnancy, she stated her commitment to return and compete stronger than ever. Her time off hasn’t diminished her passion for surfing but has arguably strengthened her resolve. On the other hand, Johanne Defay is also coming off a significant personal milestone. After giving birth, she aims to make a comeback in 2026, having shown robust performance despite her pregnancy. Both these women symbolize resilience in the sport, which only adds to the excitement of who will ultimately grab that wildcard. The Expanded Format: What It Means for Competitors The 2026 WSL Championship Tour is set to introduce various changes aimed at enhancing the competitive spirit. With a simplified format eliminating the mid-season cuts and increasing the number of competitors, every heat will impact rankings directly. This structure promises stakes that are higher from the starting gun, as there will be no chance for second chances in the round. Understanding this new format will be crucial for all competitors vying for the top spots. Community and Competition: The Future of Women’s Surfing Women’s surfing has come a long way, and as the WSL increasingly emphasizes inclusivity, the sport is bound to attract more followers. The success and progression displayed by surfers like Moore, Gilmore, and Weston-Webb help create a more vibrant community where young female surfers can envision their future on the world stage. Caroline Marks, the 2023 World Champion, highlighted the importance of having more women on the Tour, indicating that it opens doors for future generations. An Exciting Year Ahead! As competition heats up, the anticipation for the 2026 Women's Championship Tour elevates excitement among fans and athletes. With numerous compelling stories unfolding, including comebacks and growth, surfing is entering a vibrant phase. This year promises thrilling competition, inspiring tales, and a strong sense of community, amplifying the sport's relevance in today's dynamic sports landscape.

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