Surf Like A Woman

Becoming World Champ when women weren't welcome on the waves

Pauline Menczer, Luke Benedictus

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English

Affirm Press
28 May 2024

Autobiography: sport; Memoirs; Sports & outdoor recreation

In the 80s and 90s, surf culture was toxic, especially towards women. But Pauline Menczer - a dirt-poor, chronically ill, freckle-faced teen from Bondi - defied insults and intimidation to ride the waves. The reason: she simply loved to surf.

But when Pauline's determination propelled her onto the pro circuit, her battle for acceptance and equality didn't end there. The endemic sexism of the industry meant prize money for women was a pittance, while sponsors ignored her because she was gay and didn't have the beach babe look. Despite these challenges, Pauline became the 1993 World Champion and played a key role in bringing greater equality to the sport.

This is the inspirational story of a true underdog battler, whose fearlessness and grit broke down the door of surfing's boys' club for the next generation of women.

By: Pauline Menczer
With: Luke Benedictus
Imprint: Affirm Press
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
Weight: 410g
ISBN: 9781922992956
ISBN 10: 192299295X
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 28 May 2024
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Pauline Menczer is a world surfing champion - the only one from iconic Bondi Beach - and has become an outspoken advocate of women in sport, petitioning for them to receive parity with their male counterparts. Her mission is to share her whole story and inspire those who are dealing with or who have dealt with autoimmune diseases, sexism, misogyny and homophobia in their lives. Luke Benedictus is a freelance journalist, experienced ghostwriter and former editor of Men's Health Magazine, as well as various other publications.

Reviews for Surf Like A Woman: Becoming World Champ when women weren't welcome on the waves

'The ultimate bad ass Aussie battler - one of the greatest underdog stories in surfing history.' -Stephanie Gilmore, eight-time world champion 'Pauline overcomes every obstacle life throws at her. An inspiring tale of true grit and talent, that makes you want to turn the page and paddle out.' -Luke Kennedy, Tracks Magazine 'You will be amazed at how Pauline Menczer, this little freckly pocket-rocket from the streets of Bondi, flips the script on the expected narrative of her life. Her secret lies in her ability to see things from an angle others can't. In that way, not just for her world title, she acts as an inspiration for us all.' -Chris Neulis, director of Girls Can't Surf 'A forgotten Australian sporting legend is finally getting the attention she deserves. The kind of adversity that Pauline Menczer faced in her surfing career would smash most of us like a monster set at Pipeline. A trailblazer, world champion and all round inspiration.' -Garry Maddox, The Sydney Morning Herald 'Freckly, feisty and female, Pauline didn't fit any surfing stereotype... which made her the perfect person to flip surfing on its head.' -Sean Doherty, Surfing World Magazine 'Pauline is an unsung hero in so many ways. While many in the surf world know about her being a world champion, not many know the quiet struggles she endured while chasing her dreams, suffering silently with autoimmune disease. I spent years on tour with Pauline without having a clue. She always kept her head up and was stoic in her determination to be the world's best ... but she had to be even better than that to accomplish what she did in the face of those challenges.' -Kelly Slater, eleven-time world champion