Women urged to try watersports at charity event

(CNS): Women are being encouraged to take part in the islands first ever all female watersports event organised by Waterman Surf Company in association with the Rock International Open. Ride Like a Girl aims to give participants a taste of watersports which can appear inaccessible to some, for either financial or fitness reasons, and bring together a new community of women who want to have a good time at the beach, enjoy the outdoors and motivate each other, organisers said in a release. The event is due to take place on Sunday 14 December at Barkers National Park and Public beach and will include kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding, wakesurfing as well as beach yoga, beach games and a closing BBQ.

Registration is $60 and includes and event tee shirt and a donation to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.

“You can, you should, and if you’re brave, enough to start, you will” is one of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s mottos, the organiser stated, as they urged women in Cayamn to join in and find out just how strong and capable they really are.

Maya Lewis, Amy Strzalko and Kiristen Cousins who are all team riders for Waterman Cayman Surf Company and sponsored by Best Kiteboarding, Slingshot Kiteboarding and Coreban Stand Up Paddle boarding respectively are hosting the event to share their passion while raising funds for a good cause.

“When I started Kite surfing I was in the minority as a female,” said Lewis. “Most of the people I was out on the water with were guys. Since then more and more girls have joined me but there’s still a common misconception out there that you have to be super strong and that’s just not true. Girls are quite often faster than boys at learning,” she added.

“I love seeing other girls getting stoked on kitesurfing,” said Strazlko international team rider for Slingshot kiteboarding. “When I started kitesurfing I dreamt about being sponsored and just over four years later I’m living my dream. I want to inspire other women to go after their dreams and not be scared of trying something new.”

Over 20 women already signed up and both local companies and international brands have jumped at the opportunity to sponsor and partner with this groundbreaking event. Sponsorship packages are still available and all funds raised will be donated to the Crisis Centre.

“We’re really proud to be supporting such an amazing charity which helps so many women in Cayman” said sales and marketing manager at Waterman Cayman Surf Company and Coreban Rider Kiristen Cousins. “Trying action sports is just one way we can help to empower women and help them realize that we are equals to men.”

For more information and to sign up for the event log on to www.ridelikeagirl.org