A 1960s Surf Pioneer and Beyond

Hey surfers! Today, we’re taking you on a time-travel trip back to the vibrant 1960s, the golden age of surfing. Meet the legendary Dorothy De Rooy Vidgen, a trailblazer who shattered stereotypes and rode waves and destinies with unmatched flair!

The Birth of a Legend

Born in 1948 in a town straddling Belgium and the Netherlands, Dorothy moved to Australia in 1951. At just 11 years old, she, alongside her friend Marilyn Bennett, dove into the world of surfing, defying the norms of an era that kept women as spectators in bikinis. By 13, her sheer determination led her to win her first of many competitions, establishing her as one of the top athletes of her time.

Ready to Follow in Dorothy’s Footsteps?

Explore our surfboards designed to match your strength and determination. “Impossible” is just a word, not a fact!

An Inspiration for All

Even after a shoulder injury forced her to retire, Dorothy didn’t stop. She and her husband built a sailboat and traveled the world for over a decade. Today, at 70, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for every aspiring surfer.

Dorothy teaches us that surfing is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life that transcends stereotypes and conventions. Like us at Blide, she believes in the power of water and adrenaline, in that unique feeling only a surfboard can provide.

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“Strength does not come from physical capacity, but from an indomitable will.” – Dorothy De Rooy Vidgen