Cate, from Bondi Surf Girls
“If I close my eyes and picture a Wednesday morning, it’s happiness“
Each Wednesday morning, there’s a group of women, a whole bunch of surfboards, and an undeniable energy forming at Bondi Pavilion.
We’re chatting with Cate, from Bondi Surf Girls.
Four years back, Cate started the group as she felt it was something missing in her own life. Through consistently showing up – and protecting the energy – it has become a joy-affirming ritual for so many, welcoming women of all ages, journeys, bodies.
In this Local Legends chat, Cate shares the journey of what led her to start Bondi Surf Girls and what the group looks like today. As well, we dive into her connection with Bondi Beach, the locals she’d love to meet and of course… what she’s ordering up at the bar.
On the Average Surfer Podcast, you talk about what led you to starting the Bondi Surf Girls, with such a group being something you were missing in your own life when heading out for a surf. Cate – we love that you felt the pull, and put that calling into action! What was your vision for Bondi Surf Girls, and how did you go about turning your idea into the growing community it is today?
It’s funny because it didn’t start as some big master plan. It started as a feeling. And the vision was so simple: I just hoped to give a couple of girls the confidence to get out in the water and give surfing a real go. Make the whole surfing experience feel less intimidating and performance-driven, and focus more on the fun and encouragement.
In terms of building it, I honestly just started. I posted a time and place and just showed up. And then kept showing up, even when only a few girls came or when the temperature hit 5 degrees. I truly believe consistency has been everything. And also protecting the energy – making sure it always feels safe, inclusive and welcoming, no matter who you are, where you come from or what journey you’re on (in surfing or in life).
The community has grown because the need was there and I wasn’t the only one missing that kind of space.
If you close your eyes and picture a Wednesday morning, in the surf or on the sand, surrounded by the Bondi Surf Girls, how would you describe the feeling or energy?
If I close my eyes and picture a Wednesday morning, it’s happiness. Pure happiness, with a side buzz of nerves and excitement underneath.
There’s something so special about seeing girls arrive one by one, boards under their arms, a bit sleepy, a bit shy… and then 20 minutes later they’re laughing, stretching, hyping each other up.
Wednesday used to just be Wednesday. Now it’s the day I look forward to most in the week which still feels kind of wild.
And what’s even more powerful is how that energy carries. You leave the water lighter. Confident. More grounded. Potentially even with a couple of new friends. It genuinely sets the tone for everything that comes after.
“The ocean doesn’t care how old you are, how long you’ve been surfing, or what you look like in a wetsuit. And neither do we.”
What advice do you have for anyone who’s been thinking of joining Bondi Surf Girls, but the fear of rocking up on their own, or feeling ‘too old’, is holding them back?
Firstly, you will not be the only one coming alone. I promise. One of the things I have loved the most about growing BSG, is seeing girls meet their closest friends through the community. Some of the girls who met via the weekly surfs now live together, or go on weekend trips or hang out in the evening for drinks. It’s not something I ever expected but it makes my heart so full knowing that I have created a space where girls can find their people.
Secondly, there is no such thing as “too old” in the ocean. The ocean doesn’t care how old you are, how long you’ve been surfing, or what you look like in a wetsuit. And neither do we. The hardest part is walking up to the meeting point. After that, it’s just people who have a love for the ocean. Nothing else.
Bondi Beach. What does it mean to you? What makes Bondi feel like home for you?
Bondi Beach welcomed me with open arms four years ago and never asked questions. On good days, bad days, confused days, it’s just there. It’s chaotic and iconic and a little dramatic at times, but it’s also deeply grounding.
It’s where I’ve met some of the most important people in my life but also became the best version of myself. Bondi has taught me to love myself and to throw myself into life head first, because life doesn’t always have to be so complicated.
It’s sometimes hard to explain the feeling of home Bondi gives me – especially when everything I have ever known is thousands of miles away back in Europe. But the sense of peace and belonging I get every time I step back into the bubble is not a feeling that comes by very easily or very often.
“Bondi has taught me to love myself and to throw myself into life head first, because life doesn’t always have to be so complicated.“
If you could have a bite and a yarn with any Bondi local (past or present), who would you love to pick?
For obvious reasons – Pauline Menczer (surfing world champion) and Brenda Miley (Lets Go Surfing). Absolute icons.
I’d want to hear what Bondi felt like in their early days, before all the content and cameras and glamour, but also the truths and realities of being a woman in a male dominated world. We have it so easy compared to them, thanks to them, and it’s not something I take for granted. Plus I wouldn’t mind a few surfing tips from some local legends!
It’s Friday arvo and you’re grabbing a marg at Salty’s. What are we ordering?
Tommy’s marg. Always. I’ll start with one which will undoubtedly become two (or more).
And sweet potato fries, but not for the table, if there’s one thing I don’t share it’s fries and Salty’s has. The. Best. In. Town.
Keen to get a piece of that Wednesday morning happiness?
Get involved with Cate and the Bondi Surf Girls crew.
