International Women's Day.


This International Women’s Day the theme is #breakthebias, a campaign focused on encouraging a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. With this in mind, we wanted to celebrate some of our Volcom superstars, who are constantly breaking the bias, especially in their sport. We interviewed three of our incredible female athletes - Liv Lovelace, Jaz McCorquodale, and Georgia Nicholls-Austin both on some personal matters and on what #breakthebias means to them. Have a read!

GEORGIA NICHOLLS-AUSTIN

 

How would you describe your style?

I would have to say pretty casual. I really enjoy being comfortable in what I wear day and night. I am skate influenced and I try my best at being eco and minimalistic.

Share one of your favourite snow memories

During my first snow season in New Zealand, my brother (Fletcher) came to visit my sister (Sophie) and I. We went snowboarding up Remarkables and it happened to be a pow day. Fletcher decided to send it off a rock drop, I was already past the drop with a perfect view of the landing ready to capture the moment. Fletcher jumps off and starts tomahawking down the landing, finishing it off with a scorpion. It was probably one of the first ones I saw in real life and I still laugh out loud about it.

What does #BreakTheBias mean to you as a woman in sport?

A movement towards breaking down the barrier between genders. Increasing diversity and consciously acting towards an equal playing field.

Do you have any advice to give other girls looking to pursue their passion in snow?

Have fun, Don’t take it to seriously, Enjoy the process.

 

LIV LOVELACE

 

How would you describe your style?

My style reflects my individuality. Of course, there are many people's styles that I admire and take things from, my style has become what it has today by me not letting other people’s opinions and judgment get in the way or changing what I personally think is “cool”.

Share one of your favourite skate memories

Rider convergence camp is something that I look back on as one of my favourite skate memories. Being able to go on trips with all my friends and two of my idols, being in a van out skating all day. These were some of the funniest times of my life.

What does #BreakTheBias mean to you as a woman in sport?

To me, the Break the Bias campaign is bringing light to a much-needed topic, which involves all women in sport, not just in skating. Young girls look towards the older women in sport as role models and for motivation. Therefore, to me, it means keeping positivity around individuality for all women no matter their age.

Do you have any advice to give other girls looking to pursue their passion in skate?

As typical as it is to say, don't worry about what other people think. Make sure you're having fun, enjoying what you're learning, and celebrating your accomplishments.

JAZ MCCORQUODALE

 

How would you describe your style?

Feeling confident and powerful are both super important to my style both in and out of the water. When I’m confident, I tend to be having the best time and enjoy what i’m doing more; and when i incorporate power into my surfing, I feel limitless and free.

Share one of your favourite surf memories

 The pants are just so damn stretchy. 

Who’s your favourite surfer on Volcom and why?

For me, one of the widest smiles I’ve had in my surfing career was after winning the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles down at Bells Beach. Feeling simultaneously connected to the ocean, my people, and my surfing in one moment was definitely a top surf memory for me (and nothing compares to the feeling of winning a final and being chaired up the beach)

What does #BreakTheBias mean to you as a woman in sport?

From someone that has a strong passion towards a stereotypically male-dominated sport, #breakthebias means reclaiming our spot in the line-up and shattering the prejudices associated with women’s surfing. It means taking control of our potential and being recognised for our true power amongst all women in sport

Do you have any advice to give other girls looking to pursue their passion in surf?

As daunting as surfing can be, you don’t realise how much fun you’re missing out on until you try it. Feeling confident in yourself and just giving it a go will really open up a world of opportunities to explore your passion for surfing. The more girls out in the line-up, the better :)