Events: Women in Waves Night (Australia)
Words and Photos by Amy Rose Hewton
I arrived a classically late, the party was already flowing, beautiful friends and surfing ladies and gents flooded Studio Tropico and out into the carpark, which was delightful to see. The beers were cold and the gin was tasty, with a lovely spread of nibbles and good tunes vibrating through the place, the hum of excitement was palpable.
I rocked right into the Hannah Magnall just before her segment on the new range of boards in collaboration with Sea Bones. Hannah's considerable knowledge was evident with her detailed explanations of each board, tried and tested. The colour scheme was this 70s sun basking yellows and browns it was all very pleasing to the eye. Her 5'11" glassed in single fin which is what I had been searching for to take over (but with finbox) (I call her Joan after Joan Jett because she is a pocket rocket) is incredible and will inspire you to shortboard like never before.
Eye-pleasing doesn't stop at the boards, the photography adorning the back wall was stunning, Ming's photographic style is uniquely whimsical and blossoms the femininity of her muses. The new range of Salt Gypsy attire "Black Daisy" was on display! Danielle Clayton from Salt Gypsy (who in collaboration with Ming Nomchong are brains united behind the Byron Bay Sea Bones shop) is a front runner for women and Mother Earth, SG is a sustainable surfwear company that celebrates female surf athleticism, diversity and style in the lineup. SG is made from a 100% regenerated nylon yarn called ECONYL® which is a longer lasting, more durable recycled nylon lycra with responsible manufacturing here in Australia, literally on the coast an hour north, by women, check the website for a write up and meet the ladies who sew it all up!
The Atmosea film featured all women, with giggles and wipeouts and love filled to the brim! THE. BEST. FILM. EVER. I was smiling from ear to ear the whole screening, it helps knowing these wonderful women and just loving their creations; also a hot mention to Peter Pascoe for the filming and editing. Atmosea is an alternative to the globalisation of corporate brands like Billabong and Rip Curl and Roxy; instead, Atmosea is form fitting for female curves and all, and I was in heaven everytime I zipped up my long jane and paddled out, I still am wearing the same suit today, durable as!
You can watch the full Atmosea film for free here.
This was a perfect night celebrating a collective community thinking about our futures. Sea Bones is an integral piece to our future; it is the only female based surf/beach/ocean/lifestyle/environmentally aware collective that I know and they allow us to be us, as sexy or as strong or as shy as we want to be, or all of the things. The surf industry is heavily dominated by testosterone, and having these lady powered brands popping up all over is amazing but when we combine we are the future!
...and the motto of the evening... Gurf or Cry!
Check out @saltgypsy (who also supported Sea Together Magazine): https://www.saltgypsy.com/blogs/editorial/come-on-our-factory-tour
Photo by Amy Rose Hewton