Pam Burridge supports Surfing NSW's move to support female coaches

The surfing legend took part in Surfing NSW's has free specialised Surf Coach Essentials course at Maroubra this week.

One of the aims of the course is to assist the small businesses get staff back after a tough two years with floods and lockdown.

"The course that we have done has been a great way to get everything done and more women ready to get back on the beach with everything signed off and ready to go," Pam said.

"It's really important to help remove barriers for women in surfing. We've come a long way but there's still a way to go and having opportunities like this is fantastic."

Pam said she loves teaching people how to surf.

"Passing on the joy of it and the practical skills is really special," she said.

"Surfing is great because there's always something to learn and a fantastic thing to have in your life.

"It's given me everything and I love to share that feeling with people."

Pam also joined the group to become re-accredited and update her skills with the latest rescue techniques and CPR.

The course follows the successful uptake of the free surf judging course offered earlier in the year.

The accelerated and tailored surf coaching course is aimed at helping women attain their surf coaching requirements and providing accreditation for all elements necessary to renew or become a surf coach.

Despite the blustery conditions, nine women from the Central Coast to far south coast took part in the training that included first aid and CPR training through Surfers Rescue 24/7 as well as the coaching elements, Surf Safety Supervisors course theory, and practical assessment.

The course, held at Maroubra, was part of the Her Wave platform funded by the NSW Government's Her Sport Her Wave initiative, with the aim of enhancing the surfing experience for women and girls in NSW.

Surfing NSW Education Coordinator, Adam Seminara, said heading into summer there are 150 women of the total 350 active surf coaches in NSW.

"However, that's less than 50 per cent, so by providing free courses like this, we can help remove barriers to entry as well as encourage re-accreditation to retain women in surf coach roles," he said

Adam says with two years of state-wide flooding and lock-down, surf schools, especially in regional areas, have suffered.

"Not only have these small businesses suffered financially, but like many others, they're struggling to get staff back after two very disruptive years," Adam said.

"So we're providing these courses to help get staff back on the beach and business pumping.

Caitlin Hopkins from Broulee Surf School is newer to the surf coach profession but also recognises the importance of increasing the number of women coaching in our communities.

"I became a surf coach because surfing has always been such an integral part of my life and I want to pass it on to others," Caitlin said.

"It's more than a sport, it gives people so much and they come in and learn to surf for so many reasons and now with so many more women surfing, it's really important we have as many women coaching and inspiring surfers in the community as possible."

The Surfing NSW women's Surf Coach Essentials course comes after the success of the free women's judging course provided online earlier in the year.

The course saw 116 new judges enrol in the internationally-recognised Surfing Foundation Judging course to boost women's representation in the heavily male dominated area.

Her Wave platform, supported by the NSW Government, NSW Office of Sport and the Her Sport Her Way initiative. Her Sport Her Way is a four-year strategy that aims to build a stronger sport sector where women and girls are valued, recognised and have equal choices and opportunities to lead and participate.

As part of the initiative Surfing NSW's Her Wave program is providing a number of opportunities for surf schools, community groups and individuals to have their first surf experience or enhance their surfing through fun, supporting and positive interactions like the Challenge Her Teams Classic.