The PWA has hired a women's Marketing / Event manager. Mara van der Schaaf is just getting started in this new job, basically to improve the position of the female riders in the PWA.

This is what she wrote about becoming the women's manager: "It is a great opportunity for me to represent such powerful female riders and work together with them on improving the position of women in windsurfing internationally".

She has been hired for this job because of her educational and professional background:

Education
The most interesting part of her studies ( pedagogy with a Specialism (specialty) in Sport Movement and Policy.) regarding women's windsurfing is the part where she has researched the meanings given to windsurfing and in what way they are influenced by gender. For example: in a pilot study she explored 'the identification process' of male windsurfers. In the thesis 'Dare to be different' following this study, she explored in what way female windsurfers challenge or reinforce dominant constructions, or discourses in sports.

In her free time she started Mara-sports (Maximum Adventure and Real Adrenalin - sports). The main objectives of Mara-sports are management, consultancy and research, specialized in ' lifestyle' sports for women. The name Mara-sports evolved from her being a role-model to other women, from 'just doing it' ( she is a passionate windsurfer), to take a role in stimulating, motivating and coaching other female windsurfers.

Profession
There are several challenging objectives expounded for Mara. One of them is to focus on researching and developing potential women's only events and contacting the organisers. Another objective is to get in touch with potential women's sponsors, in particular focusing on products and brands that may be specific to the women's market. And last but not least: promoting and increasing coverage of women's events to both the mainstream and the women's interest press.

Some additional information:
For her to get started in a good way, she booked a flight out to Maui. Not only is she there meeting some of the women that are training for the PWA tour, but also she will start brainstorming with them about the women's division. She already had the chance to see them out on Hookipa...

If you want to contact her:
Mara@pwaworldtour.com
Skype: marapwa
Phone: +31614044945