Phyllis O'Donell, the first women's world surfing champion from 1964, was honored at Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast. Her legacy paved the way for future surfing legends, especially after she won the inaugural title, surprising many as Australia was not known in the surfing world at that time.
Paddling out to catch a wave in Australia in the 1960s was a nerve-wracking experience for many women, but not for Phyllis O'Donell.It was 1964 and she had just won the first women's world surfing championship at Manly in Sydney.The win was a shock because many onlookers had expected a Hawaiian or Californian entrant to take the inaugural title.
Ms Lagardere was representing California in the 1966 world surfing championships when she met Ms O'Donell. "She would paddle out in the surf and guys would paddle in front of her. It was very hard for women over here."Ms O'Donell stepped back from professional surfing in 1972 and turned her focus towards fighting for the rights of female surfers.
Phyllis O'donell Women's World Surfing Championship 1964 Australia Surfing Midget Farrelly Josette Lagardere
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