Queen Of The Point (QOTP) is a pioneering organization dedicated to elevating women's longboarding and promoting inclusivity within the surfing community. Originally rooted in Malibu, QOTP has expanded its reach by hosting international competitions in locations like the Philippines, attracting a diverse array of competitors from around the globe. Beyond its core competitive events, QOTP has evolved to offer coaching, retreats, and community engagement initiatives like collaborating with El Barrio Athletic Club to introduce young girls to surfing. Operating as a nonprofit under the Malibu Boardriders Club, QOTP has creatively navigated challenges such as securing sponsorships, logistical coordination, and gaining visibility through strategic partnerships, social media campaigns, and infusing artistic elements into its events. With a focus on celebrating the grace and power of female longboarders across all ages and skill levels, QOTP is redefining standards within women's surf competitions by emphasizing community, mentorship, and personal growth alongside competitive success.
It's been quite a journey Carla with many challenges in launching and running the QOTP events, Malibu 2024 is just around the corner June 28-30. Congratulations! So let's get into it.
How has QOTP been evolving and changing?
It’s been a thrilling ride with Queen Of The Point (QOTP)! We've been expanding since our event at Malibu, reaching surfers globally, with events in Ventura, California, the Philippines, and China. It's been incredible providing a stage for female surfers globally—Hawaii, California, Australia, Japan, you name it—to showcase their skills. What’s more, we’re not just about the competition. We’ve rolled out coaching programs and even surf retreats, like the one coming up in Nicaragua, to help surfers sharpen their skills and analyze their performance.
Community engagement has become the heart of what we do. During our Malibu event, for instance, we dedicate a special hour exclusively for the girls from El Barrio Athletic Club. They get to share the lineup with some of our seasoned competitors who volunteer to mentor them. It’s all about opening doors to new surfers and nurturing a spirit of inclusivity and mentorship.
And it’s not just about surfing; art plays a big part too. Charisse Palmos, for example, has brought a unique artistic touch to our events with her stunning artwork that perfectly captures the blend of art and surfing.
Looking ahead, we’re constantly exploring new locations, using the latest tech, and teaming up with brands that champion gender equality. The goal is to keep growing QOTP into a holistic platform that empowers female longboarders everywhere and builds a supportive and inclusive surfing community.
What have been some of the barriers you have had to overcome and the creative solutions you have implemented?
Indeed, navigating the waters of running Queen Of The Point as a nonprofit under the Malibu Boardriders Club has been challenging, in a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated. One of our biggest hurdles has always been funding. It's essential for pulling off all our events. We've gotten creative with this by partnering with brands that align with our mission of gender equality and women’s empowerment in sports. This strategy isn't just about financial support; it’s about building long-term relationships that weave together community engagement with shared values.
Then there’s the logistics of hosting events around the globe, which can be quite complex, involving everything from travel coordination to setting up locally. We've made it a point to work closely with local surf communities and businesses at each location, which smooths out operations and helps support local economies—truly a win-win.
Another ongoing challenge is getting the word out about women’s longboarding. We've turned to social media to amplify our presence, using it to highlight incredible talents and share compelling stories from our events. This digital strategy has significantly expanded our audience and improved media coverage. Plus, by bringing artists like Charisse Palmos into the mix, we've added a vibrant cultural touch to our promotions, enhancing our visibility and making our events stand out even more.
In terms of surfing competitions, what is unique about QOTP?
Queen Of The Point stands out in competitive surfing because we focus solely on celebrating and uplifting female longboarders. It’s one of the few competitions focused on all women’s longboarding, spotlighting the incredible skills and artistry in a space where women have historically been underrepresented. What’s special about QOTP is our diversity in age among competitors, from little gals as young as five to seasoned surfers up to 70, showcasing our commitment to inclusivity and a deep-rooted love for longboarding across generations.
We’re not just about competing; we’re about community, mentorship, and simply enjoying the surf. This ethos creates a supportive environment that values personal growth just as much as competitive achievements. The presence of professional surfers brings an extra level of inspiration and quality to the events, offering role models for our amateurs and ensuring top-notch performances.
At QOTP, we encourage surfers to let their surfing speak for themselves, maintaining dignity and respect in the competition. We encourage our ladies to focus on supporting one another and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. While our events aren’t officially ranked by global professional surfing bodies, the real value of QOTP lies in motivating more women to embrace longboarding competitively and broadening the sport’s appeal.
With our emphasis on the elegance of longboarding and fostering an inclusive community, QOTP is at the forefront of driving significant cultural shifts within the surfing scene. We’re not just hosting competitions; we’re creating a prestigious platform that challenges the conventional narratives and shapes the future of women’s longboarding.
What are some of the other offerings you are planning for this year's Malibu event?
While we are still finalizing the details, this year's Malibu event is shaping up to be an exciting weekend. It will commence with an opening ceremony on Friday, June 28, at Traveler Surf Club. Throughout the weekend, we have organized multiple activities, highlighted by a skate session with the Concrete Queenz at the Malibu Bluffs Skatepark. To encourage community involvement and youth participation, there will be a special surf session for the El Barrio Athletic Club on Sunday midday. The event will conclude on Sunday evening with a closing ceremony at Aviator Nation. The professional division will feature a prize purse, emphasizing the competitive aspect and showcasing top-level talent in women's longboarding.
SHOUT OUT your sponsors through the last few years?
Angela w/ Mamala Surf
Donna Pu’u w Betty Belts
Additional Information:
Event Dates: 2024 STOP # 3 First Point Malibu, CA, USA – June 28-30, 2024
Presenting sponsors for 2024: Mad Hippie and Vibes Fruit Snacks
QOTP Website
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