Surf Like A Woman: Becoming World Champ when women weren't welcome on the waves

by Pauline Menczer

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 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.

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.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! This was my holiday read and right after I finished, two more friends read and loved it too. Pauline's story has many dimensions, and the book is very well written. I loved the stories about her home life with mum, (enigmatic) grandmother and brothers. She learned to surf in her own backyard of Bondi Beach but it was a tough place and she had to snatch any opportunity that came her way. Her rise to the top was a physical and mental accomplishment, but it came at a time when the love for women's surfing was at its lowest. This book is a worthy testament to her true life story of underdog to champion.

[Carolyn Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this memoir. You don’t have to be a surfer to love it. Pauline’s story is amazing on so many levels and she tells it in a frank Aussie way. I listened on audio as well as looking at the printed book which includes some photos. I was already interested in the history women’s surfing and their fight for equality after watching the fabulous doco ‘ Girls can’t surf’ but Pauline’s book goes beyond that . As a female, gay, poverty stricken surfer with a chronic illness , her story is one of multiple layers. Thoroughly recommend.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in a remote area and was told to try get the book at a store-as possibly due to demand it took a while to get it via online. I thought I would try online still as I had already done this.-I am a huge fan of Pauline's anyway and was referred to the podcast. It was fantastic-I really cannot wait to read this book. I did surf around the time Pauline was surfing so I know what she talks about is completely true. Pauline is very inspirational as when I get a taste of this wonderful person and her connection with the sea it makes me yearn to get back into it. I will be heading down south shortly so definitely will hit the waves, which I will strive to do justice to after being inspired by Pauline, and the other girls she mentions in her book, of whom I am aware of also.
I can not wait, I have read some other surf books not always auto bios, but I am aware a lot of the info has not been completely correct, to my knowledge. Things like who was surfing where, perhaps some of the authors forgot that there were other local girls at the time they were surfing-as I have read things like I pretty much was the only girl surfing at such a place at such a time. This hurts myself as I know for many years (day in day out, mainly everyday) I surfed at certain spots and I can remember who was surfing there at the time, and it was not just one main female but alright a tiny few. I know from Pauline's podcast that she often acknowledges, the other inspirational surf girls and I like that you actually will get a true story from this book. the other inspirational thing that I know of is the strength of mind that allowed Pauline to break through and put aside her pain to go and win a world title; this with not having had to ber able to go for a surf prior for a while (due to pain) and that she was on someone elses board that was more appropriate for the waves of the day and that this was the first time using this other board. Quite unimaginable and fantastic and True.

[Melanie Makepeace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pauline Menczer doesn’t hold back in this memoir, delivering a raw, powerful account of her fight to succeed in the sexist, homophobic, and toxic world of professional surfing. It’s honestly shocking how much she had to endure, being consistently overlooked, underpaid, and disrespected simply because she was a queer woman in a male-dominated sport.

What makes her story even more incredible is that she achieved so much while battling chronic arthritis from a young age, yet she still managed to compete at the highest level. Her strength and determination are nothing short of inspiring.

While I found some parts of the book slightly disjointed due to shifts in the timeline, it didn’t take away from the impact of her story too much or the vital issues she highlights around gender inequality in sport during the 80s and 90s.

Overall, Surf Like a Woman is an inspiring and important memoir. I definitely recommend reading it, not just for surfing fans, but for anyone interested in stories of resilience, justice, and breaking barriers.

[Nathalie Bilinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy it was to read this book. It took me right back to my childhood and the (very different) Bondi of the 80s'. I knew nothing of Pauline Menczer until I saw the Girls Can't Surf documentary with my teenager daughter who is an avid surfer. We were mesmerised by her story and in awe of her grit and resilience. Pauline was recently interviewed at her book launch at Bondi Pavilion and we were very excited to attend. She is such a down to earth, impressive person and her story is truly inspirational. It's so thrilling to see how far things have come for women in this space and great to see the women who were instrumental at chipping away at the patriarchy being rightfully lauded and acknowledged. Also it's just a great read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a surfer but was totally engaged by this book. For surfers, it will have an extra level of significance but for me it was a compelling story about an indomitable human spirit. It is a fascinating and fun exposé of social change seen through the eyes of Pauline Menczer - from the wrong side of the tracks in 1980s Bondi - on her very wild ride to world champion professional surfer and beyond.

Although it tackles the hideously unjust way in which women surfers were discriminated against and how that battle was eventually won, it is never woke or preachy. It's just a great read and I was hanging out for what would happen next.

[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not many voices are more interesting and worth reading in surfing than Pauline's. She's one of the most game-changing and defying world champions in the history of sport, and the fact that she achieved so much while going through the unimaginable... she's tough.

Her outlook on the world of surfing is as genuine and intriguing as it gets. This book is an easy and entertaining read, but most importantly, it's a MUST for anyone who's into women's sports and the impact that elite sports leagues can have on pro athletes.

[Christine Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An historical account of women's surfing in the 80's and 90's in Australia and the associated barriers to gain equality in the waves and prize money for professional women's surfing. Pauline Menczer's rise to fame to overcome personal struggles with sexism, homophobia and her disability is inspiring. Her love for the sport, the ocean and mother nature is her driving force, she pays homage to those women who came before her and leaves us optimistic for the future of women's surfing.

[Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. More than just a sports biography; it is a story of hope, courage, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. It is a celebration to all those who fight against the odds and emerge victorious, making it a highly recommended read for surfers and non-surfers alike. Told with honesty and humour I found this a real page turner.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read. Great story and themes. Easy to read and entertaining too. Was hard to put down. Definitely read this to learn about the evolution of women’s surfing and especially Pauline’s struggle- not only with being a female in a male dominated sport but with her own health and identity. Do yourself a favour and go give it a read now.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring story!
One of the very few memoir of female surfing. It sheds light on the difficulties of being a woman on tour during the 90s.
Pauline also deals with rheumatoid arthritis, taking us along the journey of her challenging career leading to her world title and the following years.
Great read, enjoyed every minute!

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menczer's story is so rich with unique, and at the same time universal experiences. It was amazing to read about Bondi in the 80s (especially after experiencing living in Bondi in the last decade), it was exciting to hear about her adventures on the world surfing tour, and it was generous of her to share her harrowing health journey so vulnerably. Truly a legend.

[Hayden Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truely inspirational story of Pauline’s tough journey throughout the late 80’s and 90’s surfing scene. Her contribution to women’s surfing cannot be underestimated having overcome pain, financial issues, misogyny and sexism, throughout her Pro surfing years. Well written and very engaging, would recommend.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book. I am a surfer but even if I wasn't I'd have been enthralled. Pauline has had an amazing but tough life and this is depicted in humour, colourful imagery and emotion. The book is a total page turner and one I love forward to reading again.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite growing up walking distance to the beach and being married to a dedicated surfer, I’m not really into surfing, nor do I know anything about it. So I was as surprised as anyone by how much I loved this book by Australian world champion, Pauline Menczer.

Pauline, who incidentally is the only world champ who hails from Bondi, chronicles her life, from her childhood in Bondi learning to surf at age 12. She covers the sexism that existed in the sport, both at a local, amateur and professional level which saw female surfers get a pittance in prize money - if any at all - compared to their male counterparts and how she was unable to attract a single sponsor because she wasn’t a cute blonde beach girl despite her ability and wins. This led to her having to scrape together pennies just to be able to travel to events to compete, and ultimately contributed to her retiring from the sport she loved.

But the most heart-wrenching part of this memoir was reading about her childhood diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis which, at its worst, left her barely able to walk or even put on her own wetsuit. But she pushed through and persevered through it all to become one of Australia’s best surfers.

This is a book everyone should read, young and old, because it’s inspiring, entertaining and just because more Aussies should know this amazing story.

[Sam J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surf culture classic.

[Benny Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. Cant wait for the movie

[Mel Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pauline’s story is not just for female surfers but is a story that is for everyone who dreams of pursuing goals that seem unattainable… immensely enjoyable and inspiring

[Rambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging, Pauline is an absolute character and legend. Not a perfect memoir but entertaining and informative on the early days for women’s surfing comps!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for women who were navigating sport’s bureaucracy in the 80’s and 90’s. Pauline showed enormous resilience and respect to the sport.

[Andrea Vollbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it....an open and honest account of the trials and tribulations of being a female athlete in a male dominated sport.

[Katie Steuerwald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Easy to read and gave a great insight into what was happening on the world tour for the women in the 90's

[Rhiannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit repetitive at times and couldn’t break beyond your basic feminist theory but a great read about an awe inspiring life that deserves it’s time in the sun

[Debz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Super inspiring. Pauline is a hero of mine, and has written a masterclass lesson in how to live an optimistic, happy life no matter what is thrown at you.

[Sparkii · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a life and what a legend. This is a great read.