'Equal Pay for Equal Play' petition, about more than just prize money for female surfers

«He'e wahine ka lani.»

«The chief was surfing as graceful as a woman.»

These are the words that introduce a chapter to surfer Lauren Hill's book, She Surf: A history of surfing.

The words make reference to the ancient Polynesian art of surfing, which was pioneered by women.

In April this year, surfer Lucy Small received $1,500 for first place in the Curly Maljam competition.

Her male counterpart received $4,000.

Small held up a cheque worth less than half the men's prize money and reminded the North Curl Curl crowd they had both surfed in the same conditions.

«Thank you so much to the sponsors for the money they've put into the event,» she said.

«But I would say that it is a bittersweet victory, knowing that our surfing is worth less than half of the men's prize money.»

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Following media attention, Surfing NSW changed its rulebook to make it mandatory for clubs affiliated with them to offer equal prize money to male and female competitors.

Global Surf Industries also offered Small the gap in prize money. But, for Small and many other female surfers, it's an ongoing battle for recognition.

While 90 per cent of clubs are affiliated with Surfing NSW, there is still a portion of clubs hesitant to offer an inclusive space and opportunities to female surfers.

This resistance sparked Small's creation of the 'Equal Pay for Equal Play' petition, which called for NSW government grants to only be offered to clubs that commit to equal prize money, resources and opportunities for female surfers.

Greens MP Abigail Boyd's motion to the Upper House to support the campaign was passed just this week, after Labor MP Jo Haylen last week also moved a motion to support the petition in the Lower