Pacha shines light on women of sea
PACHA Light represents the new wave of eco-surfing women warriors with a professional edge.
The Snapper Rocks Surfrider member, 18, is one of the key speakers at next week’s Global Wave Conference. Born in Ecuador, the aspiring Gold Coast professional competitor is just as passionate about ocean conservation.
Pacha and younger brother Yani were wee young grommets in 2014 when they joined the protest to oppose the $4 billion ocean terminal for North Kirra that sparked the campaign to pursue a World Surfing Reserve.
The next year, Pacha and Yani led a group of Snapper groms to paddle from Snapper Rocks to Currumbin on International Surfing Day in support of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve proposal.
Their mother Anja was an activist who in the 90s protesting against the destruction of the Sumatran rainforest. Mum’s willingness to stand up in support of environmental causes has had an obvious impact on them.
Yet they are able to balance the fun of surfing with supporting the causes that ultimately protect their surfing environment – the ocean.
At next week’s conference there are more than 30 women speakers.
Pacha is in the opening session on Tuesday with former prime minister Bob Hawke’s granddaughter Sophie Taylor Price and 13year-old Shalise Leesfield, the youngest speaker with multiple environmental awards.
Pacha was offered a surfing trip to Solomon Islands at the same time but chose to stay home and take up her key speaking role instead.
She has chosen the heading “Women of the Sea – Connecting and Protecting” for her talk.
“Women all over the world have an enduring culture of connection with the ocean,” said Pacha, who has travelled the world competing in the Qualifying Series for the past two years.
“As the tides are rising for female surfers, both professional and as a lifestyle, there has never been a more important time to remember and feel empowered in our connection with the ocean and from this place find the inspiration to act in protecting it.
“We protect the places we love; we protect the places we feel connected to, that are part of us – so it’s only natural to protect this precious Gold Coast coastline.”