## Riding the Wave of Empowerment: The 3rd Annual Diva Cup Surf Invitational
On November 22,2025,the 3rd annual Diva Cup surf Invitational will be back at Cayucos pier. The event is both a surf competition-for women, by women-and a fundraiser for the Femme Futures Foundation.
The event and foundation, a 501c.3 non-profit organization, are co-led by the inimitable Kyra Joseph and her badass team of Divas including co-founders, Sierra Emrick and JoAnna Edmison. With support from the non-profit’s all female board of directors, nine interns, 50 volunteers and a whole lot of goodwill, the team has a sisterhood that uplifts and encourages each other.
The organization is anchored in purpose-driven leadership and professional mentorship that instills women with confidence and the skills they need to be future leaders.
“The Diva Cup was founded in response to a growing number of female surfers on the central Coast,” explains Kyra.”Growing up participating in surf competitions, there was always a very small number of women competing. It was to the point where an 11-year-old would be surfing against a 40-year-old,and we’d all be competing for a trophy with a man on it,and maybe even win a men’s wetsuit. After moving out of this small town and exploring, I moved back home to the Central Coast in 2022, paddled out at the Rock in Morro bay, and was absolutely blown away to see so many women in the water. I thought, this calls for our own contest. We could literally have our own event with all women!”
JoAnna Edmison
Rather than simply chasing growth, though, these ladies keep it soulful, rootsy and all about the art and local community. Their main sponsor is Bread bike Community Bakery and they’ve also partnered with California Sauna Club (portable beachside sauna), east/West Natural Medicine Center,Cruise Control Contemporary and Cayucos Hot Sauce. Unlike moast surf competitions, the Diva Cup does not use competitor jersey real estate for sponsor logos, instead, they print an original design by local artist, McKenna Lenhart, embodying the grassroots feel of the event.
Riding the Wave of Authenticity: The Diva Cup Surf comp
The Diva Cup Surf Comp isn’t your typical surfing competition. Founded by Kyra Rubin, it’s a celebration of community, radical self-expression, and embracing individuality – all while catching some waves. What began as a playful idea has blossomed into a beloved annual event, drawing surfers of all levels to the Northern California coast.
Kyra’s journey to creating the comp is deeply personal.”When I moved to the Bay Area as a young adult, I stumbled upon the alternative art and music scene, went to Burning Man and realized the parts of myself I thought I needed to hide were actually my super powers. That newfound authenticity allowed me to embrace what makes me, and all of us, different, harnessing a better understanding of myself and others. This concept evolved into the Diva Cup surf Comp, encouraging radical self-expression and letting your freak flag fly.”
Many of the participants are competing for their first time-unless they’ve joined in past years or are competing in the professional division-and are able to join in a way that feels safe and inclusive. Kyra says the goal is to, “Keep it fun and all about community. This year, we’re stoked to shift the heat format to “round robin”, which shifts the scoring from against the people in your heat, to other competitors you’re not surfing against.You can cheer on and support the girls in your heat, without worrying about not advancing, and then all go babe-out (yap) in the sauna.”
The Diva Cup Surf Comp is more than just a competition; it’s a space where surfers can connect, support each other, and celebrate the joy of riding waves – and being themselves.
DivaCup Surf Competition Rides a Wave of Momentum with Expanded Event and Community Support
The DivaCup Surf competition, a burgeoning force in the female surf community, is gearing up for its second annual event, promising an even larger and more vibrant experience than its successful 2023 debut. Founded by Kyra Einhorn, Sierra Lemke, and Jo, the competition has quickly become a celebrated platform for women in surfing, fostering inclusivity and artistic expression.
This year’s event, scheduled to take place at sundown on the sand, will feature live performances, an awards ceremony, and a unique “sausage fest” dinner party, culminating in a silent disco. The competition’s popularity has extended beyond the waves,inspiring a thriving creative scene. An open merchandise design contest garnered significant interest, leading to a partnership with Cruise Control Contemporary,a local art gallery in cambria,California,to host a diva Art Show.
“They make it look super dialed and we’re honored to stoke competitors out with original designs every year,” says kyra, praising the collaboration with WestCliff Ink, who produce the original Diva merch featuring designs from multiple artists. Runar Schmidt was named this year’s merch design winner, with Tea Trent taking second place.
Kyra also hosts a radio show on KEBF 97.3 The Rock Community Radio. In the lead-up to the event, the show transforms into Diva Radio, further amplifying the competition’s reach and building excitement within the surfing community.
The event’s growing success is visually captured in photographs, such as Chris Dodds’ image titled “men in Heat,” showcasing the energy and spirit of the competition.
The DivaCup competition’s impact extends beyond a single event. It represents a significant movement within surfing culture, addressing a clear need for greater female representation and empowerment. As the competition prepares for its biggest iteration yet,it’s clear that the “femme-forward revolution” is gaining unstoppable momentum.
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