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Surf Like a Woman

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Surf Like a Woman

By: Luke Benedictus, Pauline Menczer
Narrated by: Eva Seymour
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About this listen

In the 80s and 90s, surf culture was toxic, especially towards women. But Pauline Menczer - a dirt-poor, chronically ill, freckle-faced teen from Bondi - defied insults and intimidation to ride the waves. The reason: she simply loved to surf.

But when Pauline's determination propelled her onto the pro circuit, her battle for acceptance and equality didn't end there. The endemic sexism of the industry meant prize money for women was a pittance, while sponsors ignored her because she was a lesbian and didn't have the beach babe look.

Despite these challenges, Pauline became the 1993 World Champion and played a key role in bringing greater equality to the sport. This is the inspirational story of a true underdog battler, whose fearlessness and grit broke down the door of surfing's boys' club for the next generation of women.

©2024 Pauline Menczer (P)2024 W. F. Howes ltd. Sports
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What an incredibly inspiring woman; in surfing and life in general.

The book is wonderfully written, and really brings to light what huge mountains she's had to climb to follow her dream in the heavily unequal world of surfing during her time competing.

I LOVED this book and hearing Pauline's story.

Wow. What a champion of a human being

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Telling Pauline’s story from 1970s dirt poor Bondi to professional world champion surfer, this book is not just for surfers -it is much more than that.

Well written and thoroughly enjoyable, it is a fascinating and entertaining insight into how Australian society and its attitudes to women have changed since Pauline’s childhood.

I have no interest in surfing but never dull, the book kept me transfixed because I wanted to know what would happen to her next…

Marvellous - and I don’t even surf!

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Great performance, and even greater story of just one part of Australian women’s surfing. A story that inspires me to accept and push through my chronic illness. A story that reminds us of humble beginnings and the Australian battler spirit.

A story that needs to be told

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Pauline Menczer’s Surf Like a Woman is an empowering memoir that dives into the world of female surfing with passion and expertise. As a celebrated surfer, Menczer shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of the sport, offering readers both inspiration and practical insights.

Her engaging narrative not only chronicles her achievements and challenges but also provides a fresh perspective on the role of women in surfing.

Surf Like a Woman is a compelling read that celebrates the strength, resilience, and joy of surfing, making it a must-read for anyone passionate about surfing or looking to be inspired by a trailblazing athlete.

Must Read!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.