Diva Cup 2023. Surfer: Madeline Dahm
Photo provided by Charlie Dahmen
Written by Hali’a Hibbitt
Since its debut three years ago, The Diva Cup has become a highlight of the year for California’s surfing community. Dubbed as “The Most Fun Event In Women’s Surfing” by Surfer Magazine in 2024, as a two-time competitor, I would have to agree. The Diva Cup is a full day of fierce competition, sisterhood, music and community support. The competition’s founding women leave no diva behind; in 2024 they founded the Femme Futures Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit to uplift and support all women and girls. According to their website, the non-profit’s mission “is to empower women worldwide through education, advocacy and events focused on surfing, art and community growth.” The Femme Futures Foundation has their eyes on the prize, where they “envision a future where women and girls thrive through authentic expression, community support and mentorship, and have access to physical and mental health education and resources– equipping them to care for their bodies, our planet, and future generations.” The Diva team does not just imagine a better world, but actively creates it through their foundation, internships and community events, hosting The Diva Cup as the flagship event for the Femme Futures Foundation.
Unknown surfers at surfing at Diva Cup
Photo provided by Charlie Dahmen
Femme Futures Foundation founder and diva-of-all-trades, Kyra Joseph, started The Diva Cup in 2023 in response to the influx of women surfing. In a conversation at the Diva Cup art show in early November, Joseph, the Central Coast local, recounts growing up in the male-dominated surf-scene. Joseph said she often found herself competing in the same divisions as her mom despite the age difference, and women often competed for men’s prizes and male trophies. The Diva Cup is a stark contrast to the exclusive, male-dominated surf culture she grew up in. The Diva Cup fosters an all inclusive space for everyone. The contests provides divisions for all ages, longboard, shortboard, professional, and open men’s (drag-style dress up required); making sure all 100 competitors have a fair chance to show up and show out on their surf craft of choice.
Whether you surf or not, the organization throws the after party of the year in Cayucos, California. This year’s lineup includes music icons Queentide, Emily Afton, Madeline Mossi, Grambo, and a special set by the foundation’s very own diva-of-all-trades Kyra & The Babe Wave. The Diva Cup “AFTERGLOW” is a party you do not want to miss. Tickets can be found via the linktree on both the contests Instagram @divacup_surf and the non-profits Instagram @femme_futures_.
In between heats and boogying on the dance floor, the Diva team will be accepting donations for their menstrual product drive. All donations will be donated to their partner, Lumina Alliance, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. According to Surfline, the Femme Futures Foundation and Diva team have already donated over 25,000 tampons to women in need.
Unknown surfers at surfing at Diva Cup
Photo by Charlie Dahmen
In case you miss The Diva Cup and the AFTERGLOW, the Diva and Femme Futures teams keep the party going year round. Fundraisers and events like the Rhinestone Rodeo, Divas In Disguise costume party, Diva Surf Day, Diva Art Show and Valentines Soiree, keep the stoke high even during the flat spells. If that was not enough to keep your calendar full, tune in to 97.3 FM on Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. for Diva Radio, sign up for the monthly Diva Digest email newsletter at femmefutures.org and follow along on Instagram to keep up with the Diva and Femme Futures teams.
Whether you are an artist, musician, surfer, or looking to support a good cause, the Diva team has something for you, and they hope to see you in the water or on the dance floor soon!
Photos for this article were provided by Charlie Dahmen, @charliedahm3n.
