FEMALE surfers wearing high-cut bikini bottoms have been given reassurance their backsides won’t be broadcast around the world. At least not close-ups.
According to Stab Magazine, the World Surf League has attempted to get out in front of the #metoo movement by asking the camera people filming its events not to zoom in on competitors.
From Stab: “The World Surf League met on the Gold Coast during the Quiksilver Pro and sexual harassment was the number one topic for their human resource department. The meeting was a refresher on the rules and responsibilities of all WSL employees, a scenario taking place at big businesses around the world.
“No inappropriate jokes. No leering at colleagues or competitors. Absolute gender equality in all parts of the operation.
“All cinematographers have been instructed to exercise discretion while shooting the women’s heats. Cinematographers must be careful to be zoomed out during bottom turns or duck dives.
“A live broadcast means there’s no time for editing so all camera operators need to use common sense when shooting. That means wide shots of any competitors in skimpy swimwear. Girls who surf in boardshorts will feature larger on screen than those in bikinis.”
News.com.au has approached the World Surf League for comment.