Two surfers, same waves. But people aren't cool with the difference in pay.
Over the weekend, surfers competed in the Ballito Pro, which takes place in South Africa's east.
In the Billabong Junior Series, the under-18 mens winner was Indonesia's Rio Waida, while the womens competition was won by South Africa's Zoe Steyn.
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While the news would invite congratulations, a Facebook post showing the two winners has angered people.
As the photo shows, Waida received 8,000 SAR ($577), while Steyn — who was standing right beside him — received exactly half of that. It's... not a good look.
"Did the girls surf a different ocean that was easier we don't know about? This is pathetic," reads one comment.
"Same costs, same price for equipment that isn’t sponsored, same cost for travel, physio, doctors, nutrition and often EVEN more effort to have to get noticed and recognized. Yet half the prize money," reads another.
Global #surfing brands pay girl surf champs half the prize money of the boys. When questioned, they still condone it. Serious lack of leadership from @billabong1973 @wsl @BOS @billabongwomens @SASurfing 😡 https://t.co/0OWa7aVlq9 #billabongJNR #BallitoPro pic.twitter.com/u4onDEaThe
— Meggie Palmer (@MeggiePalmer) June 27, 2018
@BillabongSA @5FM why do you support an event that is so clearly proud of being sexist. Why do the men win twice what the woman do? Please can organizers to fix this or withdraw your support
— Graham Vivian (@grahamvivian) June 26, 2018
Seriously? I'd be embarrassed sharing this photo. Half the prize money for winning the same competition? Sies! @5FM #billabongjnr #theballitopro
— Paul Nicolson (@PaulNicolsonZA) June 26, 2018
If you can't spot what is wrong with this picture, you are part of the problem.
— Mae Judge (@maesie_moo) June 26, 2018
The World Surf League (WSL), the governing body for professional surfing, said online the issue of pay arose from the number of competitors in each event.
"The issue raised with regards to the Billabong Ballito Pro Junior stemmed from a pay parity execution based on original 32-man and 16-woman fields," the statement reads.
"However, withdrawals from the men's event left a 24-man field (withdrawals saw only 14 ultimately compete on the women's side) and a subsequent pay disparity between the two events."
Organisers of the Ballito Pro said it was a "pro-gender equality competition," as evidenced by its ongoing development of the women’s series each year.
"Based on this commitment to equality, we are meeting with all relevant stakeholders to discuss how any potential discrepancies can be resolved going forward," the statement online read.
"We are grateful to everyone who brought awareness to this issue and we value all the contribution, comment and participation that has prompted discussions, at the highest level, for a speedy resolution."
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