"[Women] are the fastest-growing sector in the surfing industry, and we’re also big apparel buyers, so you’d think [the surfing companies] would pay attention," says Anne Moellering, NCWSC cofounder and president. As one example of the rapid development of women’s surfing, NCWSC – only three years old -- has almost 500 members.

Menczer exemplifies the lack of sponsorship for women’s surfing. Despite more than 28 world tour event wins and continuing status as a Top 16-ranked world tour performer, corporate sponsors pay little attention to the veteran from Bondi Beach, Australia. Menczer’s finishes include a win at both the 2002 World Qualifying Series and the 2002 Fosters Pro, and third place in the 2004 Maui Rip Curl Pro, yet she remains virtually unsponsored.

Impressed with the event’s turnout, Menczer noted her appreciation of the Northern California surfing community. "I absolutely love coming to [the Bay Area] because the people are genuine. I’ve traveled a lot, and I haven’t felt that in many other places," she says. Event organizer Lee was aware of Menczer’s difficulty with financing her pro tour and invited her to the event.

But Menczer notes that while the industry at times looks after the top handful of female pros, sponsorship interests don’t always go deep enough to fully cover the top 16. She points out that America tends to offer better sponsorship for its surfers than does her native country.

At the fundraiser, Menczer offered the most mouthwatering raffle prize -- one of her StickMan/Vic Otten boards -- and in conjunction with the event she taught a handful of experienced surfers how to use it as she co-hosted surf clinics with Terry Simms at breaks from Ocean Beach to Santa Cruz.

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