Big Wave Babes Is Changing the Game for Waterwomen

Led by dynamic duo Delia Bense-Kang and Polly Ralda, Big Wave Babes is all about inspiring women to charge — and expanding the tools, resources, and support to make that possible. We chatted with Delia to learn more about their story and their vision.

What are some of the challenges that women face in building a career in big wave surfing?

Big wave surfing as a career for anyone is very difficult, especially women. There’s just plain not a lot of money in the sport. Not many people are interested in sponsoring women big wave surfers because they don’t think they are marketable. I could probably list the women who have sponsors on my hands, and out of them, maybe one or two is getting enough support to pay her bills. For the rest of us, we’re all hustling to make money and also be able to travel and chase waves.

Besides sponsors, there are only a few contests every year and they might not even run depending on swells and conditions. Even winning a contest wouldn’t be enough to survive on. Overall, big wave surfing is a labor of love more than a career. 

Do you ever grapple with imposter syndrome as a big wave surfer? If so, how do you overcome it?

Yes, I struggle with imposter syndrome all the time. I’m from a small town and I’ve always surfed “big” waves for fun. It’s only been the last few years that I’ve tried to make more of a career out of big wave surfing. I still have a hard time calling myself “professional.” I do a lot of journaling and meditation to dive deeper into why I feel that way. I also think talking about imposter syndrome with others is really helpful because you realize you’re not the only one. 

Delia taming a monster in Peahi. Credit: Silvia Yom

“I could probably list the women who have sponsors on my hands, and out of them, maybe one or two is getting enough support to pay her bills. For the rest of us, we’re all hustling to make money and also be able to travel and chase waves.”

How would you describe the women's big wave surfing community?

Small. There aren’t a lot of us so we all know or know of each other. Overall, it’s a supportive community and I think it’s becoming even more so. During the Red Bull Magnitude opening ceremony this year a few of the girls spoke about how important it is for us to be role models, raise each other up and support each other. We’re competitors but we’re also out in life-threatening lineups together and we need to have each other's backs. That’s exactly what we want to do with Big Wave Babes. We want to build a community and showcase women who might not otherwise get any recognition or support. 

What is the origin story of the Delia/Polly power duo?

I met Polly a few years ago at a big wave awards ceremony. We instantly were drawn to each other because we’re both very petite! We jokingly started calling each other “big wave Barbie” because we both love wearing pink and dressing up, but we also love surfing big waves. That nickname eventually became our business name, “Big Wave Babes.” 

What really bonded us was becoming tow and safety partners. Polly had a connection to buy a jet ski, but she needed a partner. I’ve always wanted a ski too, so I was game to join her. Through the process of becoming a tow and safety team we started thinking about the bigger picture. We wanted to share the knowledge we were learning with other women. We wanted to create a brand that would showcase the feminine side of big wave surfing. And thus, Big Wave Babes was born. Big Wave Babes is a women's collective empowering one another to charge the big waves of their lives.

“During the Red Bull Magnitude opening ceremony this year a few of the girls spoke about how important it is for us to be role models, raise each other up and support each other. We’re competitors but we’re also out in life-threatening lineups together and we need to have each other's backs.”

What is it like having an all-female tow team?

It’s been really cool to be able to start from zero and learn how to be a tow and safety team together. We’ve learned it’s not as easy as it looks and you have to really trust and communicate well with your partner. The best part has been hearing from other women that we’ve inspired them to look into getting a ski and learning how to drive. 

Polly sending it big.

If you dream big, where do you envision BWB in five years?

We have big goals for the future! Here are a few. 

1. Create a line of big wave safety gear designed by women, for women. 

2. Have jet skis and resources all over the world for women to use on big wave missions.

3. Host annual retreats to train women in big wave safety, water rescue, and all aspects of big wave surfing.

4. Create a surf club for women big wave surfers to be part of. Be able to support women big wave surfers by providing water safety, gear, and financial support.

5. Expand the Big Wave Babes concept to other extreme sports.

What inspires you to keep going?

Whenever I start feeling discouraged or overwhelmed I think of the next generation of girls. I want to create a world in which they see a path forward to be a big wave surfer if that’s what they want to do. I want them to know they can look and express themselves however they want to, and have a place in the lineup. Women like Andrea Moller, Keala Kennelly, and Rochelle Ballard paved the way for me and now I want to build on what they started. 

What can people expect from the BWB retreats , and what makes this different from other options out there marketed to women?

Our retreats are the only retreats that are completely dedicated to helping women become more experienced water women. Our goal is to give women the tools to push themselves in “bigger” waves (whether that’s 5ft or 20ft) and be an asset in the water. We’ve brought together experts in surf rescue, surf workouts, breath hold training, yoga and more. Everyday we will surf, do yoga, and focus on a specific training modality. And best of all, we’ll be staying right on the famous Waimea Bay! You do not need to be a “big wave” surfer to attend, you only need to have a basic foundation of surf skills. 

This retreat is essentially what I wish existed a couple years ago. It’s a way to be introduced to different training modalities in a safe and fun environment and give you the confidence to keep building your skillset. We’re so excited to see it come to life and we hope you join us! 

“I want [the next generation] to know they can look and express themselves however they want to, and have a place in the lineup. Women like Andrea Moller, Keala Kennelly, and Rochelle Ballard paved the way for me and now I want to build on what they started.”

To learn more about Big Wave Babes retreats, merch, and free resources, check out their website and follow their journey on Instagram.