What does it all mean?
Not that much really, surfing through history has always been pretty progressive and pivots like this aren't met with shock and gasps but rather a stoic 'cool'. Can you imagine cricket being as agile?
In response to new markets - You'll likely see more targeted marketing as businesses cotton-on to this emerging demographic and vie for their slice of the pie. It'll be interesting to see if the tired cliches of tight bikinis and busty blondes get dragged out or if businesses observe cultural changes and aim to empower young women?
In terms of your local break, you might notice more young women and older ladies in the line-up and if you haven't already, expect to be out surfed as the blonde surfer 'dudette' takes off deeper and sticks it - try not to take it personally.
What's behind the Rise of Female Surfers?
Depending on who you talk to there are a number of factors contributing to the shift. It could be the WSL's improved stance on participating women in regards to pay, event numbers and ... 'camera angles'. Demonstrating that one of surfing's largest organizations can literally pull the focus away from more marketable assets onto real talent - but that seems more like a symptom of the changing times. It could be that it aligns with growing sports trends in general. The health and fitness aspects of surfing align neatly with what's popular and appeal to younger women. The larger trend according to Australian Sports Commission (ASC) suggests that women are exercising and playing sports more than men.
Or, it could be that it's just great fun and as a society, we've made a cultural shift towards equality across all aspects. Who knows? The long and short of it - it doesn't matter.
Let's just go have fun - if you're a female surfer and you want to travel but not sure if the progressive nature of the industry extends to the Maldives, Indo, Samoa and even PNG check out these trips and enjoy.
Sources
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-24/women-more-active-than-men-nationw...
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6202-surfs-up-for-young-women-fifty-pl...
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/the-english-surfing-federation-recentl...
http://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/cinematographers-reportedly-ask...
Source: The Y chromosome is disappearing — so what will happen to men? ABC.Net.au 19 Jan 2018