The inspirational true story of Bondi’s world champion surfer. Official book launch and exclusive in-conversation with Luke Kennedy.

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 gay 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.

Pauline Menczer is a world surfing champion, the only one from iconic Bondi Beach, and has become an outspoken advocate of women in sport, petitioning for them to receive parity with their male counterparts. Her mission is to share her whole story and inspire those who are dealing with or who have deal with sexism, misogyny, homophobia and autoimmune diseases in their lives.

Luke Kennedy grew up in Bondi and has followed the scent of salt air his entire life. Somehow, he landed the gig as editor of iconic surf title Tracks and has clung to it like a Sydney rock oyster for the last twenty years. Over the last two decades he has interviewed and written about a host of surfing identities.

Skip the queue Prepurchase your copy of Surf Like A Woman when booking your ticket and receive a bonus discount on the recommended retail price of the book. Orders will be available for collection at the venue from the team at the Gertrude & Alice Bookstore pop-up. Discount only applies to pre-purchased books, bought as part of the book bundle. Pauline Menczer will be signing books after the talk.

"The ultimate bad-ass Aussie battler - one of the greatest underdog stories in surfing history" - Stephanie Gilmore

Event information

Refreshments will be available from the Theatre Bar from 6pm.

Tickets are General Admission. Seats are not allocated.

To book accessible seating, please complete the Accessibility Requirements section when registering for your ticket.

This event is presented by Waverley Council and Gertrude and Alice Bookstore Cafe. With thanks to Affirm Press.

Main image photo credit: Paul Cohen, via Affirm Press.