California Surfing Competition Caves After Initially Banning Trans Surfer From Competing Against Women

The organizer of a surfing competition in California announced that a transgender surfer - a biological male - would not be allowed to compete in the women's division. That decision may be a violation of state law, but a win for common sense and women's sports.

Sasha Jane Lowerson, the transgender surfer who has previously won men's events in their home country of Australia, entered the women's division of the Huntington Beach Longboard Pro over the weekend. 

Lowerson's decision to do so directly went against the rules and, therefore, appears to be nothing but an attempt at creating attention. 

Todd Messick of the American Longboard Association organized the event in Huntington Beach and announced on April 25 that the contest would not allow transgender women to compete in the women's division.

Messick's decision was rooted in common sense as he stated he wanted to "offer an equal playing field for all athletes."

Biological men competing against women is not equal, it is the exact opposite, yet Messick said he did receive some criticism.

Messick told the BBC he was "surprised by the amount of anger" that the decision generated, but added: "What I found too is that there was a lot of people very appreciative of me speaking up."

"For me, I was trying to do the right thing. It wasn't something I ever expected to have to deal with really, not in our little longboard community," he continued.

The World Surf League (WSL) announced in 2023 a new policy on transgender participation allowing trans women competitors to compete in women's events if they maintain a testosterone level below a specified limit for at least 12 months. 

According to the California Coastal Commission, sporting events in the state that do not allow transgender women to compete in the women's divisions could be shut down.

READ: Transgender Runner Dominates High School Girls Race In Oregon In Latest Mocking Of Women's Sports

Messick told the BBC that he was told that "this went all the way to the California governor's desk."

Lowerson is of the opinion that surfing has nothing to do with strength.

"It's not a race, it's about style, flow, grace. As a longboarder, it's more like ballet on a wave," she said, adding that she could prove her testosterone levels are below the required threshold.

Messick went on to explain that "90% of the female surfers" that he spoke to about the decision were in agreement, but most did not comment out of a fear of being criticized.

UPDATE: After facing backlash, Messick has since decided to allow Lowerson to compete against women in the competition.