PEWL Girls: More than Just a Session
On March 28, URBNSURF Sydney turned into something pretty special.
What started as an idea, to bring women together in one space, became a full day where 40 women paddled out side by side, sharing waves, cheering each other on, and just enjoying being in the water together.
It didn’t matter if you were a complete beginner or a past World Champion. Everyone was in the same lineup, calling each other into waves, celebrating rides, and creating an atmosphere that felt different to anything we’ve experienced before.
“The whole idea was to bring women together, no matter their level,” said Lyndall Jucker. “Seeing girls who’d never surfed the pool sitting next to experienced riders and sharing waves… that was everything we hoped for.”
URBNSURF was a sea of pink rash vests, and the energy didn’t drop all day. There was constant noise — cheering, laughing, calling each other into waves. It wasn’t quiet, and it wasn’t serious, it was just pure stoke.
And that’s probably what stood out most.
Pre session briefing was a sea of pink rashes
The Feeling in the Water
There was a real sense that something was shifting.
Women weren’t holding back, when it was their turn, they were going for waves, backing themselves, and being supported the whole way through. Every good ride felt like a win for everyone.
It also showed how quickly a space can change when it feels inclusive. By the second session, the lineup felt completely natural, open, supportive, and confident.
That’s the kind of environment PEWL Girls is trying to create.
The founders were all smiles
Riding for Something Bigger
The day was also built around something deeper.
It was held in support of Stephanie Pettersen — a four-time World Champion and one of the true pioneers of women’s bodyboarding. From winning the first Women’s World Title at Pipeline to pushing the limits of what was possible in heavy waves, Steph has always been someone the sport has looked up to.
She still is.
Seeing the community come together around her added another layer to the day, one that went beyond performance or progression.
“It honestly meant the world to see everyone come together like that,” Steph said. “That’s what bodyboarding is about, sharing waves, supporting each other, and enjoying being out there.”
France Hazar added, “This wasn’t about running an event. It was about creating a space where women feel comfortable, supported, and able to push themselves.”
Bulk Barrels were riden
Where PEWL Girls Comes From
PEWL Girls (Pool Empowered Women Leading) was founded by Lyndall Jucker and France Hazar, combining two different generations and experiences in the sport.
France is one of the original pioneers of women’s bodyboarding, a former Australian Champion and one of the first women to charge Pipeline in Hawaii. Her influence runs deep in the sport.
Lyndall’s path looks different, representing South Africa at the ISA World Surfing Games before moving to Australia, then stepping away from the sport for over a decade due to spinal surgery. Coming back after 12 years and placing at Australian Nationals twice has shaped how she sees the sport now.
Together, it’s about blending experience with a new perspective, and creating something that feels relevant to where bodyboarding is today.
What’s Next
This was never meant to be a one-off.
The event was a starting point, a way to test what this could look like. And what came out of it was clear: there’s a real appetite for this kind of space.
PEWL Girls is now focused on building this into something bigger, with the long-term goal of creating a global female-led wave pool movement.
Not just events, but a platform where women can connect, progress, and show up in the sport in a different way.
“This isn’t just about one day,” said France. “It’s about building something that lasts.”
Waves for all!
Words Supplied by: Lyndell Jucker, PEWL Girls Founder & all round legend!
Images Supplied by: PEWL Girls
