Looking at taking up surfing? we have started to see an increase in water based activity providers joining the Mutual. One provider who has a unique business is Rachel Murphy from Women & Waves. She has been kind enough to share her thoughts about the sport of surfing, the Olympics and her own plans for the business.
What impact, if any, do you think having surfing in the Olympic Games has on your business, attendee numbers and interest from the public?
As an all-female surf school and surf trip provider, we are thrilled to see surfing included in the Olympic Games. This milestone has a significant positive impact on our business, attendee numbers, and public interest. We have noticed an increase of visibility as the Olympics has highlighted surfing into the mainstream, reaching a global audience. This increased visibility inspires more women to take up the sport, which hopefully leads to more people enrolling with us to take up and learn to surf.
Will you watch the coverage of the surfing at the games? If so who should we look out for? Which team or individual do you think may win medals at the Paris Olympics?
Yes definitely, the surfing will be held in Tahiti which isn’t for the faint-hearted! They are nail-biting waves to watch! The media coverage surrounding the Olympics often features stories about the athletes and the sport itself. Watching female surfers compete at the highest level motivates and empowers women of all ages. Siqi Yang is a 14-year-old representing China who I think is the youngest competitor yet. I’ll also be supporting my classic favourites such as Carissa Moore (USA), Molly Picklum (AUS), Tyler Wright (AUS) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC).
What are your plans for Women and Waves going forward?
We are continuing to inspire women into the sport of surfing and give them a gateway to learning to surf. We are still developing trips all around the world in beautiful locations that are less discovered. We want our guests to have a carefree holiday where they can simply hop on the plane and we’ll take them to the best waves and show them the best of what that destination has to offer.
Land & Wave 
