A life-sized bronze statue of world surfing champion Pauline Menczer has been unveiled at Bondi Beach, recognising her achievements and influence in Australian surfing.
Bronze Sculpture Unveiled at Bondi Beach
A new statue celebrating surfing champion Pauline Menczer was installed at South Bondi Beach on 24 November 2025. The artwork portrays her as a young surfer looking out towards the ocean where she first learned to ride waves.
Pauline Menczer’s Background
Menczer won the 1993 world surfing title without sponsorship support and remains the only world champion to come from Bondi. She later gained further recognition through her appearance in the documentary Girls Can’t Surf and was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 2018.
She was also featured in a Bondi Beach Sea Wall mural in 2022, adding to earlier acknowledgements of her contribution to the sport.
Creation and Funding of the Sculpture
The bronze figure was created by Australian artist Cathy Weiszmann. Funding was achieved through the community-led Pauline in Bronze campaign, which described Menczer as a pioneer who helped shape women’s competitive surfing. The completed work was provided as a community donation for installation at Bondi Beach.
Her Advocacy and Resilience
Menczer has been recognised for promoting equality in surfing and for her persistence in overcoming challenges including sexism, homophobia and rheumatoid arthritis. Supporters credit her impact on opportunities for women entering competitive surfing.
Community Response
Community members responded with strong support following the statue’s unveiling. Comments on social media described her as a respected competitor, an encouraging presence in the water and a long-admired figure among surfers from Bondi and other regions.
Many noted that the recognition at Bondi Beach was significant for someone whose achievements were not fully acknowledged during her competitive career.
Ongoing Influence
Although now living in Brunswick Heads, Menczer continues to be associated with the surfing community. The statue’s location at Bondi Beach reflects her origins and acknowledges her lasting role in Australian surfing.
Published 7-Dec-2025
