For most of her life, Philippa Anderson has chased waves around the globe in pursuit of a dream, qualifying for surfing’s elite World Surf League Championship Tour. 

And, the Newcastle surfer came heartbreakingly close several times across nearly two decades of professional competition. 

Today, as International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches on 8 March, she says the most meaningful part of her career may be what she is able to give back. 

Through coaching, community events and humanitarian work, the 34-year-old is helping a new generation of girls discover the confidence and freedom that once gave her. 

Growing up in South Africa near the famous surf break of Jeffreys Bay, Anderson first stepped onto a surfboard at about the age of seven, following in the footsteps of her father and older brother. 

At that time, opportunities for girls in the sport were limited.

“In South Africa, there were only two others surfing,” Anderson said. 

“When I was 12 my family moved to Newcastle and everything changed. 

“I remember entering a competition and there were about 20 girls in the division. 

“That’s when I realised there was actually a pathway for girls in competitive surfing.”

From there, her career quickly progressed, eventually taking her onto the global qualifying circuit and within reach of the sport’s highest level. 

“My goal for about 15 years was to reach the world championship,” Anderson admitted. 

“I came agonisingly close a handful of times. 

“When you put everything into something and fall just short, it’s hard to start again the next year.

“I remained pretty determined and I just kept trying again.”

While the world tour remained just out of reach, Anderson built a respected international career, earning wildcard appearances at the top level and representing Newcastle on beaches around the world.

More recently, her focus has shifted closer to home. 

During the pandemic, when international competition paused, she launched the Philippa Anderson Surf school – something she had long considered but never found time to pursue while travelling the competition circuit. 

Five years later, the surf school has grown into a thriving program employing seven instructors and introducing dozens of newcomers to the ocean each week. 

About three-quarters of the students are girls. 

“It’s a huge passion of mine now,” Anderson told the Newcastle Weekly. 

“Being able to pass on everything I’ve learned over 20 years of surfing is really special.”

For many surfers, she has also become an unexpected role model. 

“I don’t always see it like that myself,” Anderson admitted. 

“Although, it is pretty cool to share that knowledge and help kids build confidence in the water.”

At Newcastle’s popular Girls’ Day Out events, where young females from the ages of 6-to-15 rotate through activities ranging from AFL to netball, surfing is consistently the first to fill.

“The sessions sell out in about five minutes,” Anderson said. 

“It just shows how many girls want the opportunity. 

“When I first started surfing, it was a really male-dominated sport.

“Now, instead of one or two girls in the water, there might be 20 or 30.” 

Her perspective on competition and success has also been shaped by experiences far from the surf breaks of Australia. 

As a teenager, Anderson travelled to the Philippines with Compassion Australia, visiting communities experiencing deep poverty and meeting children supported through sponsorship programs. 

The trip left a lasting impression. 

“You walk away realising how lucky we are,” she said.

“Some families were living in huts and had so little, but they were so grateful.”

That experience helped shift her outlook during difficult moments in her sporting career. 

“When you’re competing, losing can feel like the end of the world,” she said. 

“Then you remember there are people dealing with far bigger challenges every day.”

As International Women’s Day nears, Anderson hopes her own journey encourages young girls to take chances.

“You’re never going to know if you can do something unless you give it a go,” she said.

“There will be sacrifices and challenges along the way. 

“If you keep it fun and stay true to yourself, you never know where it might lead.”

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