Gwyn Haslock: First Lady

Gwyn Haslock: First Lady

Author: Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich - surf stories & ocean adventures November 3, 2022 Duration: 37:22

Gwyn Haslock has nearly 6 decades of surfing under her belt. She was born in Cornwall in 1945, and is renowned as one of the UK’s original surfers. Gwyn holds many competitive surfing accolades, including multiple British National Champion titles.

We first heard about – and wrote about  -- Gwyn’s story in 2015  after connecting with English bellyboarding enthusiast Sally Parkin, who said: 

“I am not sure who you would say started Men’s competitive surfing – but there is no doubt in my mind that Gwyn Haslock started women’s stand up surfing in England – she entered the first ever British National Championships in 1966 – she was the only female competitor and it was because of her that the surfing organisers started a Ladies National Championship in 1969 – there were six competitors and Gwyn won. She went on to win the first ever GB Ladies surfing championships in 1970, 1971, 1972 1973 and 1974 – came 2nd in 1975 and won again in 1976 – she also won the English Surfing Championships in 1990.”

Gwyn joins us for a lighthearted chat about surfing beyond retirement, being happily unmarried, and staying fit for surfing.




Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich

Sound Engineer: Ben Alexander

Soundtrack By: Shannon Sol Carroll

Additional music by Wave Brain  - Dave, Neal Purchase Jr. and Christian Barker 

Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast

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Photo Credit: Ian Taylor

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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich

Sound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander

Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll

Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray   + Ben J Alexander

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There’s a particular kind of life shaped by time spent in and around the ocean, one that blends saltwater with a deeper perspective. Hosted by lifelong surfers and storytellers Lauren L. Hill and Dave Rastovich, the Waterpeople Podcast explores exactly that. Each conversation is less an interview and more a shared dive with guides who know the water intimately-from scientists and activists to adventurers and artists. You’ll hear firsthand accounts that stretch beyond simple adventure tales, touching on how a connection to the sea informs everything from ecological stewardship and community building to the pure, playful joy of a wave. This podcast serves as a meeting point for a far-flung tribe, weaving together themes of inclusivity, humour, and what it means to live thoughtfully along the coast. It’s about the stories that emerge when people are truly at home in the aquatic world, offering listeners a sense of place and connection within a global ocean community. Tune in for genuine, meandering talks that feel like sitting around after a long day in the swell, where the topics are as vast and shifting as the sea itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 133

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