THE LIFE AND DEATH OF
WESTERLY WINDINA

In the 1960s and 70s, Australian surfer Peter Drouyn was a towering figure in the surfing world. He not only dominated the international competitive ranks but also revolutionized the way modern surf competitions are conducted. His introduction of the man-on-man format brought a new level of excitement and direct competition to the sport, marking a significant departure from the traditional, more chaotic contest formats. Drouyn's boundless ambition was evident; he played a key role in introducing surfing to China, significantly expanding the sport’s global reach and impact.

But behind the macho surf star persona and the adoration of contemporaries was an athlete who felt ostracized by a culture that was often hypermasculine and sexist. In the 1980s, Drouyn drifted away from competitive surfing and all but disappeared from the public eye.

In 2008, years after nearly drowning in a traumatic and life-changing surfing accident, Drouyn suddenly resurfaced by coming out as a trans woman on national television. Her new name, she said, was Westerly Windina. “It was a supernova,” Westerly said of her gender awakening. “It just kicked in one night, and suddenly Peter went; Westerly was there.” The surf community, and Australia at large, were astonished. Though she’d once been a top-tier athlete with sponsorships and a burgeoning acting career, Westerly was now living in public housing on the Gold Coast – alone, poor, and often taunted by her neighbours.

The Life and Death of Westerly Windina explores Westerly’s upbringing, her years as a surfing titan, and follows her into a new chapter as she searches for acceptance from friends, family, a still-hyper masculine sport, and most importantly – from herself.