Richelle M Reed

Waves of Wahines: a History of Women's Surfing Richelle M Reed

Waves of Wahines is a study of gender equality in the sport of surfing. Drawing information from a wide range of sources, this book analyzes the increasing popular sport of surfing through a feminist perspective. From the origins of surfing in Hawaii to today, social and gender structures within society has played a part in the acceptability for women and girls to surf. Waves of Wahines shows how surfing has become more available for women over time. W. O. W. guides the reader through the long history of male dominance in the sport where surfer girls defy traditional female passivity and are frequently unrewarded for their efforts. Results show that even though women have faced near complete exclusion from the sport, they are still courageous and surf and continue to fight male dominance in the sport of surfing.