Competition Committee Forces California Surfing Organization to Reverse Ban on Trans Surfers

The California Coastal Commission has informed organizers of the Huntington Beach Longboard Pro event that they must allow men who identify as women to compete in the women’s category. Male-born Sasha Jane Lowerson was initially denied the opportunity to compete in the women’s category at a surfing competition in California, but the ISA rules allow those who identify as female to compete as women. Organizers of the event had previously stated that transgender athletes would not be allowed to compete in the women’s category in an effort to create an equal playing field for all contestants. Despite some backlash and anger towards the decision, the organizer stood by his choice, stating that most female surfers are against transgender athletes participating in women’s competitions. Lowerson, who has competed in the past as a man, began transitioning to a woman three years ago and claims that competing as a woman has not been an issue in Australia. The World Surf League changed its policies last year to allow transgender competitors with specific requirements for transgender women. Despite the rule change, there has been pushback from notable figures like surfer Bethany Hamilton, who believes that “male-bodied athletes” should not be competing in female sports.