The first-ever women’s contest at Waimea Bay is slated for this fall. Photo: Instagram
The holding period is already underway for what will no doubt be a historic day of surfing at Waimea Bay. Should the ocean cooperate, that is. Back in August, we reported that the first-ever women’s contest at Waimea was slated to be held sometime between October 1 and November 21, 2017. And now, the Women’s Waimea Bay Championship (alternatively called the Queen of the Bay) has picked up a title sponsor through Red Bull.
“This will be the first ever Women’s big wave event on the North Shore of Oahu, held at legendary Waimea Bay, the birthplace of big wave riding,” reads Red Bull’s website. “The North Shore is ground zero for not only big wave surfing, but for the entire surf world, and Waimea Bay is its grandstand. The time has come for Women who surf these waves to share their skill, style, courage, and passion with the world and to embrace the great opportunity that has been granted to them.”
The site goes on,”The inaugural event honors Queen Ka’ahumanu, the first Kuhina Nui, a powerful office in the Kingdom of Hawai’i from 1819 to 1864 as well as other powerful Hawaiian Women who redefined the perceived roles of Women.”
For now, it’s unclear how Red Bull’s sponsorship of the event will play out logistically – e.g. whether there will be a live stream, etc. But to have the financial backing of such a prodigious brand that’s produced high-profile big wave showcases like Cape Fear is huge.
In addition to the contest, event organizers are also hosting a Women’s Safety Summit on October 15th for competitors and big wave surfing women interested in getting CPR certified, jet ski experience, and the training needed to acquire a Patagonia inflation vest.
For more information on the Women’s Waimea Bay Championship check out the event page here.
