Surfers

Kelly Slater, an American professional surfer, holds the record for winning the World Surf League championship 11 times, the most in history. With 56 Championship Tour victories, he is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time. He has been honored with the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year title four times and continues to compete actively on the World Surf League circuit, recently winning his 8th Billabong Pipeline Masters title at the age of 49.

Duke Kahanamoku had a diverse professional life, excelling in various fields. He was a successful competition swimmer and played a key role in popularizing surfing. With five Olympic swimming medals to his name, he was a versatile individual who also engaged in fraternal organizations like the Scottish Rite Freemasons and the Shriners. Beyond sports, Kahanamoku worked as a law enforcement officer, actor, beach volleyball player, and businessman, showcasing his talent and versatility across different industries.

Laird Hamilton is a renowned American big-wave surfer recognized for his role in pioneering tow-in surfing. His fearless attitude towards conquering colossal waves and significant contributions to the sport have earned him a respected reputation. Hamilton's versatility extends beyond surfing, as he has also ventured into modeling and acting, particularly in fashion and action sports. His skills and adaptability have firmly established him as a prominent figure not only in the surfing community but also in various other fields.

Mick Fanning is an Australian professional surfer known for his exceptional talent and success in the sport. Throughout his career, he has achieved significant milestones, including being crowned champion of the ASP/WSL World Tour in 2007, 2009, and 2013. Fanning's remarkable skills and dedication to surfing have earned him a reputation as one of the top surfers in the world. His career was marked by a dramatic moment in 2015 when he survived a shark attack during a competition, showcasing his strength and resilience.

John John Florence is an American professional surfer known for his dominance in pipe surfing. He has achieved back-to-back world titles on the World Surf League Men's Championship Tour in 2016 and 2017, showcasing his exceptional skills in the sport. Florence is recognized as the first Hawaii-born surfer to win consecutive world titles since Andy Irons. He has qualified to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics, debuting surfing as an Olympic sport, and has also secured a spot for the Paris Olympic Games, solidifying his status as a top athlete in the surfing world.

Andy Irons was a renowned American professional surfer celebrated for his exceptional talent and numerous triumphs. Originating from Hawaii, he swiftly ascended in the surfing world, clinching multiple world titles and prestigious victories like the Quiksilver Pro France and Rip Curl Pro Search. Irons excelled on the ASP tour, triumphing at diverse global locations. His accomplishments included several wins at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, establishing him as one of the era's premier surfers.

Garrett "GMAC" McNamara is a celebrated American professional big wave surfer known for his groundbreaking achievements in surfing. He made global headlines by setting the world record for the largest wave ever surfed, as featured in the HBO series 100 Foot Wave. McNamara's reputation was further solidified by his mastery of challenging barrels at Jaws and being the first to ride a wave formed by calving glaciers. His career is defined by fearless pursuits and pioneering accomplishments in the world of big wave surfing.

Gabriel Medina Pinto Ferreira is a renowned Brazilian professional surfer celebrated for his outstanding skills and accomplishments in the sport. He has secured multiple WSL World Championships and is the recipient of the second-most World Titles in surfing history. With numerous triumphs on the Championship Tour, Medina's exceptional abilities and competitive drive have established him as a prominent figure in the surfing community. Notably, he is credited with introducing the innovative "Backflip" maneuver, demonstrating both creativity and boldness in his performances, including successfully executing the move during competitions, further cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in surfing.

Gerry Lopez, also known as Mr. Pipeline, is a versatile professional in the world of surfing. He has made significant contributions as a surfer, shaper, journalist, and film actor. With a notable career spanning decades, Lopez has earned acclaim for his expertise in riding waves, shaping surfboards, and sharing his insights through journalism. Additionally, his involvement in film has allowed him to showcase his talents and passion for surfing to a wider audience, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the industry.

Stephanie Gilmore is a highly accomplished Australian professional surfer, having won the Women's WSL World Tour championship a remarkable eight times. Her dominance in the sport is evident through her world titles in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, and most recently in 2022. Gilmore's precision, style, and competitive drive have solidified her as one of the greatest surfers in the world, inspiring many with her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

Layne Beachley, a former professional surfer from Manly, New South Wales, Australia, achieved the remarkable feat of winning the World Championship title seven times in her career. After retiring from competitive surfing, she took on a leadership position within the surfing community and currently holds the role of chair at Surfing Australia. Beachley's ongoing commitment to the sport and her efforts to promote surfing highlight her significant impact as a pioneer in the professional surfing world.

Miki Dora, a legendary surfer from Malibu, California, made a name for himself in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his exceptional skills and rebellious attitude, he was nicknamed "Mickey Dora," "The Black Knight," and "Malibu Mickey." Dora's surfing talent and mysterious personality cemented his place among surfing greats. Renowned for pushing limits and embracing a counterculture lifestyle, he left a lasting impression on the surfing world, establishing himself as an iconic figure.

Tyler Wright is an accomplished Australian professional surfer competing on the WSL World Tour. As a consecutive WSL Women's World Champion in 2016 and 2017, Wright has displayed exceptional skill and determination in the sport. Her impressive qualifications have earned her a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games, further solidifying her status as a top athlete in the surfing world. With a proven track record of success and a strong competitive spirit, Wright continues to make waves in the professional surfing scene.

Tom Curren is an American former professional surfer who made a significant mark in the surfing world by winning three World Surf League Titles in 1985, 1986, and 1990. With a total of 33 event wins throughout his career, he is second only to Kelly Slater in this regard. Known for his competitive spirit and unique surfing style, Curren retired from competitive surfing in the mid-1990s after leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Mark Occhilupo, also known as "Occy," is an Australian professional surfer and the winner of the 1999 ASP World title. He started his professional career in the World Championship Tour (WCT) at a young age of 17. Occhilupo made a brief return to the international surfing circuit in September 2019 when he participated in the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 tournament, which also marked his first visit to the country. His achievements in the surfing world have solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished surfer.

Greg Noll was a trailblazing figure in big wave surfing and a respected longboard shaper. Nicknamed "Da Bull" for his strength and bold surfing style, Noll left a lasting impact on the sport. He played a key role in bringing Malibu boards to Australia while being part of the U.S. lifeguard team at the 1956 Summer Olympics. Noll further solidified his legendary status in the surfing community by creating the acclaimed Search for Surf film series.

Shaun Tomson is a renowned South African professional surfer and former world champion. He is widely recognized for his exceptional skills in surfing and has been ranked among the top 10 surfers of the century. In addition to his successful surfing career, Tomson has also made significant contributions as an environmentalist, actor, author, and businessman. He achieved the prestigious title of the 1977 World Surfing Champion, solidifying his place as one of the most talented and influential figures in the world of surfing.

Tom Carroll is a renowned former professional surfer from Australia, celebrated for his remarkable accomplishments in the sport. He achieved numerous prestigious titles during his career, such as the Australian Junior Title, Pro Juniors, ASP World Tour, and Pipe Masters. He made history as the first surfing millionaire by signing a substantial contract with Quiksilver. His exceptional skills and success in surfing established him as one of the top surfers of his era, leaving a lasting legacy in the surfing community.

Michael Ho is a highly skilled professional surfer known for his exceptional positioning on waves and stylish surfing technique. He was a competitive force in Hawaii for over 25 years, excelling in events such as the Pipeline Masters, Duke Classic, and the Triple Crown. Ho's success in tuberiding and his impressive performances in various world tour venues solidified his reputation as one of the best surfers of his time. He continued to showcase his talent in prestigious competitions well into his 40s, earning recognition and accolades for his achievements.

Jordy Smith is a highly accomplished South African professional surfer, renowned for his exceptional skills on the waves. He has secured victories in prestigious competitions such as the Billabong J-Bay and Hurley Pro, showcasing his talent and competitive spirit on the World Championship Tour. Smith is known for innovative maneuvers like the "rodeo flip" and "alley-oops," gaining recognition for his technical prowess in the sport. With a longstanding sponsorship from O'Neill, he continues to make waves in the surfing world, representing South Africa on the global stage.

Mark Richards, known as MR, is an Australian surfing legend who achieved great success in his career. He made a significant impact in the world of surfing by winning four consecutive world championship titles from 1979 to 1982. Richards' exceptional skills and competitive spirit propelled him to the top of the sport, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest surfers of all time. His legacy continues to inspire and influence surfers around the world.

Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman is a successful businesswoman, author, and motivational speaker. She has used her experiences as the inspiration for the iconic character Gidget to empower and inspire others. Kathy has written several books, including memoirs and children's books, sharing her journey and insights. She is also known for her work in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Through her speaking engagements and advocacy work, Kathy continues to make a positive impact on individuals and communities worldwide.

Lisa Andersen is an accomplished American surfer, known for her four consecutive world surfing championships from 1994 to 1997. She began her professional career in 1988 after winning the US amateur surfing title in 1987. Over the years, she has earned numerous accolades, including being named ASP's Rookie of the Year in 1987 and winning Surfer Magazine's Readers Poll twice. Despite facing setbacks due to injury, Andersen made a successful comeback to the sport in 2000, showcasing her resilience and dedication to surfing.

Tom Blake was a versatile figure, excelling as an athlete, inventor, and writer. He played a pivotal role in popularizing surfing, elevating it from a local Hawaiian pastime to a widespread sport in the United States. Regarded as one of the most influential surfers ever, Blake's inventive methods and strategies have had a lasting influence on the sport. Sociologists, such as Kristin Lawler, have applauded his work for its profound impact on reshaping surfing culture.

Nat Young is a renowned Australian surfer and accomplished author, known for his contributions to the sport and literature. He gained fame for his exceptional surfing skills, winning multiple championships and pioneering new surfing techniques. Young's expertise in wave-riding has made him a respected figure in the surfing community, inspiring many aspiring surfers worldwide. In addition to his successful surfing career, Young has also established himself as a prolific writer, sharing his experiences and insights through various publications, further solidifying his legacy in the surfing world.

Wendy Botha is a highly accomplished professional surfer with a career marked by significant achievements. She is a four-time world surfing champion, winning titles in 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1992. Botha was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in 2009 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2018. Her contributions to the sport have solidified her reputation as one of the most successful and influential surfers in history.

Corky Carroll is a pioneering professional American surfer known for his significant contributions to the sport. He made history by becoming the first true professional surfer, setting a precedent for others to follow. Additionally, Carroll was the trailblazer in securing paid endorsements within the surfing industry, further solidifying his impact on the sport's commercial aspects. His career is marked by innovation, skill, and a drive to push boundaries, establishing him as a legendary figure in the world of surfing.

Bernard "Midget" Farrelly was a pioneering Australian surfer known for his significant contributions to the sport. He was the first world surfing champion in 1964 and also won the 1962 Makaha International Surfing Championships. Farrelly was the inaugural president of Australia's Dee Why Surfing Fraternity and hosted a television series titled The Midget Farrelly Surf Show. His legacy is celebrated through inductions into halls of fame and posthumous awards.

Margo Oberg was a trailblazing professional surfer, known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She made history as the first female professional surfer in the world and went on to win multiple world championships throughout her career. Oberg's success in competitions like the World Contest in Puerto Rico and the Smirnoff World Pro-Am Surfing Championships solidified her reputation as one of the top surfers of her time. She continued to compete professionally until 1991 and even established her own successful surfing school on the island of Kauai.

Antoine Albeau is a highly accomplished French windsurfer with an impressive career spanning over two decades. He has secured an outstanding twenty-four Windsurfing World Championships in various disciplines since 1994. Albeau is known for setting world records in wind-powered sailing speed, including a remarkable achievement on the Saintes Maries de la Mer Speed Canal in 2008, and further improving upon it in Namibia in 2012. Additionally, he completed a challenging cross-channel windsurf from Cherbourg-en-Cotentin to Sandbanks, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination in the sport.

David Nuuhiwa is a renowned Hawaiian surfer known for his exceptional noseriding skills. He gained recognition for his smooth and fluid surfing style, winning various championships including the international championship in 1966. Transitioning from longboards to shortboards, he continued his success in contests like the U.S. Surfing Championships in 1971. Nuuhiwa's talent led him to be featured in notable surf films such as "Rainbow Bridge" with Jimi Hendrix and "Five Summer Stories." Throughout his career, he maintained a strong presence in the surfing community with his impressive performances and projects.

Joyce Hoffman is an American surfing pioneer, known as the first female international surfing star. She was one of the initial inductees into the International Surfing Hall of Fame, gaining recognition for her groundbreaking achievements in the sport. Throughout her career, she secured various prestigious titles such as the US Surfing Championship for Women and the Makaha International Open. Hoffman was also acknowledged for her outstanding skills by winning multiple championships worldwide. In addition to surfing, she excelled as a prominent female motocross rider, showcasing her versatility and talent in multiple sports.

Frieda Zamba, a four-time world surfing champion from the United States, made history as the youngest female pro tour contest winner and youngest surfing world champion ever. Her dominance in small to mid-size surf conditions set her apart, showcasing her as one of the greatest female surfers of all time. Zamba's exceptional talent and popularity led to numerous accolades, including five Surfer Poll awards and induction into the Surfing Walk of Fame. She defied gender norms by consistently outperforming male competitors, solidifying her legacy as the undisputed queen of professional surfing.

Lynne Boyer is a notable figure in the surfing world, having achieved the impressive feat of becoming a two-time world surfing champion in 1978 and 1979, a first for any woman at that time. Her contributions to the sport were further recognized when she was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in 2008. Transitioning from her successful surfing career, she pursued her passion for the arts and delved into painting, showcasing her talents in a different creative realm.

Sharron Weber, an accomplished American surfer, made a significant impact in the world of surfing during the early 1970s. She secured the women's world surfing championship title in 1970, becoming the fifth woman to achieve this honor. In 1972, she further solidified her success by winning the International Surfing Federation's world championship. Recognized for her contributions, Weber was named Woman of the Year in 2013 and inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.

Eddie Aikau, a celebrated Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer, was renowned for his courage and expertise in the water. He was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay, where he rescued over 500 individuals. Aikau became famous for his prowess in riding large Hawaiian waves and achieved significant victories, including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. His legacy endures through the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, an esteemed surfing event held in his memory. Additionally, he played a crucial role as a committed crew member on the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa.

Jay Moriarity was a renowned surfer celebrated for his expertise in surfing the waves at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, California. At age 16, he garnered global attention when a video of his wipeout at Mavericks made it to the cover of Surfer magazine. Although excelling in competitive surfing, Jay was best known for his soulful approach to surfing, earning multiple sportsmanship awards during his career. His inspiring journey was later portrayed in the biographical movie "Chasing Mavericks" in 2012.

Malia Jones is an accomplished American model and surfer who began her career by winning the United States Amateur Surfing Championship at the age of 15. She has graced the covers of numerous magazines and has been recognized as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" by People magazine and one of America's "10 Sexiest Athletes" by Esquire. Jones has also been featured as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and has appeared in TV commercials for various brands. Furthermore, she designs a line of swimwear for Mambo Graphics sportswear.

Alana Blanchard is a prominent American professional surfer and model who has made a name for herself on the ASP World Tour. Her exceptional surfing skills have earned her recognition within the surfing community. Throughout her career, Blanchard has achieved numerous successes in various surfing competitions. In addition to her surfing endeavors, she has also delved into modeling, where she has showcased her talent and beauty in the fashion industry. Her unwavering dedication and passion for surfing have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the professional surfing world.

Maya Gabeira, a celebrated Brazilian big wave surfer, is well-known for her courageous style in tackling enormous waves. She has made waves in the surfing world with her record-breaking feats, including conquering a 22.4 m high wave in Nazaré, Portugal. Her remarkable achievements have been acknowledged by Guinness World Records, cementing her reputation as one of the most successful female surfers globally. Gabeira's outstanding career has garnered prestigious accolades like the ESPY for Best Female Action Sports Athlete, highlighting her exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and love for the sport.

Kanoa Igarashi is a Japanese-American professional surfer who has been competing on the World Surf League Championship Tour since 2012. Known for his competitive prowess, he achieved significant success early in his career by becoming the youngest rookie on the CT in 2016. Throughout his career, he has amassed numerous Round One wins and notable placements in prestigious events, including a 2nd place finish at the Pipeline event. In 2022, he reached a career milestone by finishing in the top 5 of the WSL CT and qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Tia Blanco, a renowned American professional surfer from San Clemente, California, has achieved great success in her sport. She secured the first-place gold medal at the International Surfing Association (ISA) Open Women's World Surfing Championship in both 2015 and 2016. Blanco's dedication, skill, and passion for surfing have elevated her to the pinnacle of competitive surfing, establishing her as a talented and accomplished athlete.

Grant Kenny is a distinguished Australian athlete known for his achievements in Ironman, surf lifesaving, and canoeing. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in these water-based sports, earning numerous accolades and championships. As a former Ironman competitor, he has showcased his endurance and strength in challenging events. Additionally, his involvement in surf lifesaving and canoeing has solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished water sports athlete. Grant Kenny's professional life is characterized by his remarkable success and contributions to the sporting community.

Tatiana Weston-Webb is a professional surfer from Brazil who is based in Hawaii. She made her debut on the WCT in 2015 as the only rookie. Known for wearing jersey number 9, she achieved a 'CT rank of number 4 in 2016. Weston-Webb has competed in multiple Summer Olympics, representing Brazil and winning a silver medal in 2024. Her impressive career showcases her talent and dedication to the sport of surfing on an international level.

Sofía Mulánovich Aljovín is a highly accomplished Peruvian surfer, known for her impressive achievements in professional surfing. She is a 3-time World Surfing Champion and the first Latin American woman to win a World Title. Mulánovich has also won multiple World Championship Tour events and is the only Latin American surfer to win 2 ISA World Championships. Her exceptional talent and dedication have earned her a spot in the Surfing Hall of Fame.

Nic von Rupp is a professional surfer from Portugal known for his expertise in big wave riding. He has gained recognition for surfing some of the largest waves ever ridden at Nazaré Beach in Central Western Portugal, a renowned big wave spot. Von Rupp's skill and passion for tackling massive waves have established him as a prominent figure in the surfing world. With his fearless approach and dedication to pushing the limits of big wave surfing, he continues to inspire and impress surfers and fans worldwide.

Lee Lai Shan is a renowned windsurfer from Hong Kong, known for her exceptional achievements in the sport. She made history by becoming the first athlete to win an Olympic medal for Hong Kong and remains the only non-fencer to secure an Olympic gold medal for the country. With a successful career that includes being a former world champion, Lee Lai Shan has left a lasting impact on the world of windsurfing and has inspired many with her remarkable accomplishments on the global stage.

Bjørn Dunkerbeck is a highly accomplished professional windsurfer who has achieved a remarkable 42 Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) Overall World Championships. He has been a dominant force in windsurfing since the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, excelling in both racing and wavesailing. Alongside his sister Britt, Dunkerbeck has set records with the World Sailing Speed Record Council. In the 2021 Lüderitz Speed Challenge, he reached an impressive top speed of 55.97 knots, showcasing his exceptional skills and talent in the sport.

Clint David Robinson is an accomplished Australian sprint kayaker and surf lifesaver who has excelled in various international competitions. Robinson has achieved notable success in the Olympics, winning a gold medal in 1992 and a silver and bronze in subsequent years. He has also claimed multiple medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. Robinson's impressive career extends beyond sports, as he has worked as a media professional, serving as a sports presenter and commentator on television. In addition, he has taken on coaching roles within the surf lifesaving community.

Sarah-Quita Offringa is a highly accomplished Aruban professional sailor known for her success in windsurfing competitions. She has competed in the prestigious PWA World Tour, where she has achieved remarkable feats such as winning multiple PWA Women's Freestyle World Championship titles and the PWA Slalom World Championship. Offringa's outstanding performances have garnered international recognition, leading to her nomination for the ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards. She continues to inspire and excite fans with her skill, determination, and passion for the sport.

Andrea Moller is a Brazilian-American competitive canoeist and surfer based in Maui, where she lives with her family. She is a professional Paramedic and mother, balancing her athletic pursuits with her career and family responsibilities. Moller competes in outrigger races ranging from one-man to six-man canoes, as well as SUP long-distance races throughout the year. Her achievements have been recognized by Go Outside, a Brazilian sports magazine, which named her the most important Brazilian water woman for her outstanding performance in 2010.

Tony Hussein Hinde was a renowned Maldivian sportsperson celebrated for his accomplishments in professional surfing. An influential figure in the surfing community, Hinde played a key role in advancing the sport in the Maldives by supporting and nurturing local surfing talent. His commitment to surfing, coupled with his remarkable success in international competitions, garnered him widespread respect and admiration. Hinde's legacy includes his significant contribution to raising the prominence of Maldivian surfing on the world stage.