International Womens Day 2023
Lara Hayward & Chrissy Nazif | HCSC Founders
Here at HCSC we’re proud to be supporting International Women's Day (IWD) which is celebrated annually on March 8.
IWD has a long history, having been around since 1911. Today, everyone everywhere can play a part in helping forge women's equality. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD inclusive. IWD is supported by organizations, groups, governments and individuals worldwide committed to a more gender equal world.
We’re proactive in providing opportunities for ALL, championing those that have gone before, empowering the present and inspiring our future generations… Check out a few inspirational women below who are leading and inspiring our community (HCSC).
Katie Thorne
Katie Thorne (Maidenhead Utd, Wild Swimmer & Surfer)
The last year has been a huge test for me personally with getting injured and being out of football (which I spent most of my time doing!).
I’ve used it as an opportunity to refocus on what lights me up and that’s been looking like; lots of cold dips with the surf crew - a truly amazing group of people; beginning my Pilates instructor course; getting my first dog (28 years in the making!); and meticulously working through my rehab plan to get back to football next season. 2023 is going to be a good year!
Fiona Mclean
Fiona Mclean (Photographer & Wild Swimmer)
2023 has started off on such a positive, mainly down to my weekly river swims with the HC Surf Club group!
I honestly feel so charged for the week ahead, just by challenging myself to swim each Sunday, and as great as the swim buzz is, the company is even better!
Swimming each week boosts my self confidence in a way that I just can’t express enough and that effect carries me through everything else I tackle in my everyday life.
Lara Tang
Lara Tang (Student, Surfer & Youth Mental Health Champion)
I’d longed to become a surfer ever since I was 13 and first saw the inspirational movie Soul Surfer. 13-14 year old me was struggling a lot with bullying and her mental health and longed to surf. Everything changed when in 2019 a WaveGarden surf lake opened locally to me – a dream come true! I was subsequently able to surf consistently and progress my ability. While I was still struggling mentally, learning to surf provided me with excitement, a reason to exercise, a community, and, importantly, goals to work towards.
The process is always teaching me new things that aren’t just about surfing. The ‘bad’ sessions have taught me that the lows are worth it for the highs if you’re passionate about something. The fleeting ride taught me to enjoy the present moment – it’s happening. And the wipeouts taught me that perseverance is key to progression (besides, even the best surfers stack it once in a while). Nothing washes away stress like waves, and in the peaks and troughs of life, surfing is a great way to find peace and joy.
Simon Wears | HCSC Founder
