Surfing legend is boycotting the sport after trans women were allowed to compete in female events

Surfing legend Bethany Hamilton has criticised the World Surf League after it announced their new policy that allows trans females to compete in women's events.

The RipCurl wave master, known around the world for losing her arm in a grim shark attack as a teen, took to social media to raise questions about the rule change.

She's also threatened to resign from competition if the rule is allowed to stay.

"The World Surf League (WSL) has officially made the rule that male-bodied individuals known as transgender athletes can officially compete in the women’s division," the 32-year-old pro surfer said.

"While I address this issue I want to be clear that I strive to have love for all of mankind, regardless of any differences.

"But this concerns me as a professional athlete that has been competing in WSL events for the past 15 plus years.

"Many of the girls currently on tour are not in support of this new rule, and they fear being ostracised if they speak up."

The Hawaiian native hit out at the WSL and questioned whether female athletes were consulted with.

“Have any of the current surfers in the WSL 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.

Hamilton said: "Is a hormone level an honest and accurate depiction that someone indeed is a male or female? Is it as simple as this? Who is pushing for this huge change?… Does this better the sport of surfing? Is this better for the women in surfing? If so, how?"

Hamilton went on to suggest a solution, similar to the MMA's decision: to create a separate division so that transgender athletes can 'have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent'.

"I think it’s really hard to imagine what the future of women’s surfing will be like in 15 to 20 years down the road if we move forward by allowing this major change," Hamilton said.

She added: "I personally won’t be competing in or supporting the WSL if this rule remains."

The WSL ignored requests for comment on Hamilton's remarks, instead issuing LADbible Australia with the following statement: "As an Olympic sport, and with aspirations for all of WSL's disciplines to be included in the Olympics, the WSL has adopted the International Surfing Association (ISA) policy on transgender participation.

The WSL added: "The eligibility of a surfer to compete either in a men’s or women’s event under this rule shall be subject to compliance with the ISA Transgender Policy."

Featured Image Credit: Bethany Hamilton/Instagram. Zuma Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

Topics: Sport, Surfing, LGBTQ, News, US News

Rachel Lang

Rachel Lang is a Digital Journalist at LADbible. During her career, she has interviewed Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the 2016 federal election, ran an editorial campaign on the war in Yemen, and reported on homelessness in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor. She also once wrote a yarn on the cheese and wine version of Fyre Festival.

@rlangjournalist