Yet another organization trying to let biological men take everything away from biological women
Surfer, mom and book author Bethany Hamilton is speaking out against the World Surf League’s newly announced policy that would allow for male-bodied individuals known as transgender women to compete at the highest level in professional surfing against other women.
The Hawaii-based Hamilton is raising questions about the rules change, asking whether other professional surfers were consulted about it beforehand – and wondering where this will lead.
She said on her Instagram account in a video this weekend that is now being widely shared, “The World Surf League has officially made the rule that male-bodied individuals known as transgender athletes can officially compete in the women’s division.”
She added, “The World Surf League says they are following the Olympic guidelines.” (snip)
“How is this rule playing out in other sports, like swimming, running and MMA?” she asked.
“Have any of the current surfers in the World Surf League been asked what their thoughts and opinions are on this new rule before it was passed or announced? Should there be a conversation?” she added.
Is there as much difference between men and women in surfing, as in some other sports? Both can surf wonderfully, especially at the professional level. Both can be very fluid. I dare say, a lot of the movements made with legs can both be powerful. You don’t necessarily need the same difference in leg power that one may see in soccer or swimming. Except in terms of big wave surfing, when we’ve seen women have trouble with legs and core. One big difference is in upper body, the shoulders and back, needed to catch waves and control movements. Another is in ankle movement, where men tend to have a physiological advantage.
There are a lot of differences in casual surfing. Men tend to simply chill in the lineup, not talking much, just looking out at the ocean. Women like to socialize more, and aren’t particularly thrilled with the stoney faces of men, thinking men do not want them there. Not true. But, we’re talking about competition, not casual. I know the female pros will put most casual men surfers to shame.
I’ve watched women surf, and it is great. You can see a slightly better bit of slashing and hard turns from men, but, both can do aerials, 360s, and other tricks. Women tend to be a bit more fluid. They also tend to ride long boards more, but, we’re talking competition surfing. I’m betting there would not be as much difference competitively as in track, but, still, women have worked hard to find their place in a sport that tended to be mostly men, why are they trying to erase them?
She added, “I personally think that the best solution would be to create a different division so that all can have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent – and I think it’s really hard to imagine what the future of women’s surfing will be like in 15-20 years down the road if we move forward allowing this major change.”
Obviously, she’s getting majorly attacked for this opinion, particularly from people who do not surf. And will never surf. And do not even live near any play one can go surfing. Why do they want to erase women? Meanwhile
Becky Sauerbrunn, a U.S. women’s soccer star who has won two FIFA World Cups and a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics, made her stance clear on bills that would bar transgender girls from playing sports with biological females.
Sauerbrunn’s op-ed was published in the Springfield News-Leader in Missouri on Sunday morning and goes after a state bill that would bar transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams. The 37-year-old center back wrote she can “assure you that playing with or against transgender women and girls is not a threat to women’s sports.”
Yeah, yeah, let’s see how she feels when a gender confused male starts playing on her team, or a team she’s playing against, and outperforming actual women. Because there is a big difference in abilities, hence why a women’s teams keep losing to men’s teams, such as when US women’s team lost 5-2 to an under-15 high school team. If women won’t fight for their place in certain sports, well, let them become male.
Read: Bethany Hamilton Slams Surfing Organization For Allowing Gender Confused Men To Compete As Women »