From the gentlest waves to the most challenging tubes, the world of surfing has been the scene of spectacular performances that transcend gender or borders. Among the most notable surfers, women have played a fundamental role, leaving their mark on the history of the sport.
That’s why we’ve put together a special list of the 20 best female surfers of all time! From the early days of surfing to the present day, they have challenged limits, won titles and broken records, inspiring a generation of admirers and competitors.
Get ready to discover the secrets behind the records set, as well as the controversies that have rocked the waters of women’s surfing. So let’s find out who the 20 best female surfers of all time are!
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The 20 best female surfers of all time: complete list
Our list of the 20 best female surfers of all time includes athletes like Stephanie GIlmore, Frieda Zamba, Rell Sunn, Coco Ho, Bianca Valenti and many more!
Check it out!
- Layne Beachley
- Stephanie Gilmore
- Lisa Andersen
- Carissa Moore
- Frieda Zamba
- Wendy Botha
- Pauline Menczer
- Tyler Wright
- Rell Sunn
- Sofia Mulanovich
- Keala Kennelly
- Coco Ho
- Courtney Conlogue
- Bethany Hamilton
- Sally Fitzgibbons
- Tyler Wright
- Bianca Valenti
- Johanne Defay
- Isabella Nichols
- Caroline Marks
The 20 best female surfers of all time: meet the athletes
Now it’s time to take a look at the profiles of the 20 best female surfers of all time! Let’s find out about their titles, curiosities and brief life story!
1. Layne Beachley
- Titles: 7 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: The only surfer to win six consecutive titles in the history of women’s surfing.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Beachley overcame personal challenges to become a surfing legend.
2. Stephanie Gilmore
- Titles: 7 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Known for her fluid and technical style, Gilmore is one of the most dominant surfers of her generation.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Stephanie started surfing at the age of 10 and soon made a name for herself in competitions.
3. Lisa Andersen
- Titles: 4 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Andersen revolutionized women’s surfing with her aggressive approach and unique style.
- Life Story: Born in the United States, Lisa overcame obstacles to become one of the most influential surfers of all time.
4. Carissa Moore
- Titles: 4 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Recognized for her versatility and technical skills, Moore is a force to be reckoned with in the surfing world.
- Life Story: Originally from Hawaii, Carissa started surfing at the age of 5 and quickly made a name for herself in competitions.
5. Frieda Zamba
- Titles: 4 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Zamba was one of the first professional surfers to gain international prominence.
- Life Story: Originally from the United States, Frieda began surfing as a teenager and soon became one of the best in the world.
6. Wendy Botha
- Titles: 3 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Botha is known for her bold style and aggressive approach on the waves.
- Life Story: Born in South Africa, Wendy overcame adversity to become one of the leading figures in women’s surfing.
7. Pauline Menczer
- Titles: 1-time world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Menczer is remembered for her determination and resilience in competition.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Pauline faced financial difficulties but never gave up on her dream of becoming a professional surfer.
8. Tyler Wright
- Titles: 2 times world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Wright is known for her physical and mental strength in and out of competition.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Tyler comes from a family of surfers and began competing professionally at the age of 14.
9. Rell Sunn
- Curiosities: Known as the “Queen of Makaha”, Sunn was a pioneer of women’s surfing and an inspirational figure in her community.
- Life Story: Originally from Hawaii, Rell dedicated her life to surfing and defending the environment until her tragic death in 1998.
10. Sofia Mulanovich
- Titles: 1-time world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Mulanovich was the first Peruvian surfer to win a world title.
- Life Story: Originally from Peru, Sofia started surfing at the age of 4 and quickly made a name for herself in competitions.
11. Keala Kennelly
- Titles: 1-time world surfing champion.
- Curiosities: Kennelly is known for defying limits and for her courage in facing the best waves in the world.
- Life Story: Originally from Hawaii, Keala started surfing at the age of 5 and soon stood out as one of the most fearless big wave surfers.
12. Coco Ho
- Curiosities: Ho comes from a family of renowned surfers and is known for her elegance and style in and out of the water.
- Life Story: Originally from Hawaii, Coco started surfing at the age of 7 and quickly became one of the leading surfers of her generation.
13. Courtney Conlogue
- Curiosities: Conlogue is known for her determination and competitiveness in competitions.
- Life Story: Originally from the United States, Courtney started surfing at the age of 4 and has dedicated herself to the sport ever since.
14. Bethany Hamilton
- Curiosities: Hamilton is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, after surviving a shark attack and returning to competitive surfing.
- Life Story: Originally from Hawaii, Bethany started surfing at the age of 8 and her story of overcoming obstacles has gained international prominence.
15. Sally Fitzgibbons
- Curiosities: Fitzgibbons is known for her contagious energy and her commitment to health and well-being.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Sally started surfing at the age of 6 and has since become one of the top competitors on the world circuit.
16. Tyler Wright
- Curiosities: Wright is known for her determination and courage in competition.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Tyler comes from a family of surfers and began competing professionally at the age of 14.
17. Bianca Valenti
- Curiosities: Valenti is one of the main advocates of gender equality in big wave surfing.
- Life Story: Originally from the United States, Bianca began surfing at the age of 9 and has since excelled in competitions around the world.
18. Johanne Defay
- Curiosities: Defay is known for its unique style and innovative approach to competitions.
- Life Story: Originally from France, Johanne started surfing at the age of 8 and quickly became one of the leading surfers of her generation.
19. Isabella Nichols
- Curiosities: Nichols is one of the young promises of women’s surfing and has shown great potential in competitions.
- Life Story: Originally from Australia, Isabella started surfing at the age of 7 and has been dedicated to the sport ever since.
20. Caroline Marks
- Curiosities: Marks is one of the youngest surfers to compete on the world circuit and has surprised everyone with her talent and determination.
- Life Story: Originally from the United States, Caroline started surfing at the age of 8 and has since excelled in competitions around the world.
The 20 best female surfers of all time
- Layne Beachley
- Stephanie Gilmore
- Lisa Andersen
- Carissa Moore
- Frieda Zamba
- Wendy Botha
- Pauline Menczer
- Tyler Wright
- Rell Sunn
- Sofia Mulanovich
- Keala Kennelly
- Coco Ho
- Courtney Conlogue
- Bethany Hamilton
- Sally Fitzgibbons
- Tyler Wright
- Bianca Valenti
- Johanne Defay
- Isabella Nichols
- Caroline Marks
The 20 best female surfers of all time
This is our list of the 20 best female surfers of all time! The importance of women in surfing transcends the waves, reflecting a more inclusive and diverse culture.
In surfing, these athletes have shown the world that there are no limits to what they can achieve, defying stereotypes and shaping the future of the sport.
As we celebrate these legends of women’s surfing, it is crucial that we recognize the lasting impact they have had not only on the world of surfing, but on society as a whole.
Now that you know the 20 best female surfers of all time, it’s time to continue learning more about surfing and many other sports.
So keep browsing the site to find out all and more about the sports world!
