15 Most Famous Female Surfers With Inspiring Story

• Stance: Goofy
• Born: 2002
• Height: 5'5"
• Hometown: Melbourne Beach, Florida, U.S.

Caroline Marks, a surfing prodigy, emerged as a trailblazer in the male-dominated sport, captivating the world with her exceptional prowess. Born in 2002, Marks achieved remarkable milestones early in her career, becoming the youngest surfer to qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour. 

She was the youngest qualifier for the World Surf League Championship Tour and the first-ever American woman to secure an Olympic berth in surfing. included in her trophy cabinet are 6 Surfing America Championship, 2 Open Girls NSSA Champion, 2 Open Girls NSSA Championships and the 2015 Volcom World VQS Championship.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1992
• Height: 5’7”
• Hometown: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Carissa Moore, an icon in the world of female surfing, has consistently redefined the sport's boundaries with her unmatched talent and passion.  From winning multiple World Surf League titles to earning an Olympic gold medal, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Key achievements include:

She is a 5x World Champion (2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021), 3x Triple Crown of Surfing Champion (2020, 2021,2023) and the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in surfing.  She is a Surfers' Hall of Fame inductee.

• Stance: Goofy
• Born: 1990
• Height: 5’11”
• Hometown: Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii

Bethany Hamilton, a symbol of resilience and determination in the surfing world, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Despite facing adversity, Hamilton's courage and passion for surfing have propelled her to remarkable achievements.

The 2005 NSSA National Helping Kids Champion overcame a shark attack at age 13, displaying unmatched resilience. She is a the 2004 ESPY Award WInner and the author of the best-selling autobiography "Soul Surfer".

• Stance: Goofy
• Born: 1978
• Height: 5’6”
• Hometown: Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii

Keala Kennelly, an electrifying force in the world of big-wave surfing, has redefined the boundaries of the sport with her fearless approach and unmatched skill. Born in 1978, Kennelly has etched her name in surfing history with a series of groundbreaking achievements. 

She was named as the 2002 Female Surfer of the Year by ESPN, and among her trophy cabinet are 2 Billabong XXL Girls Performance Awards, and the 2014 Billabong XXL Womens Performance Award.

She is renowned for her pioneering performances at notorious big-wave breaks like Teahupo'o. She is a Surfing Walk of Fame inductee.

• Stance: Regular
• Birth Year: 1972
• Height: 5’5”
• Hometown: Manly, New South Wales, Australia

Layne Beachley, an Australian surfing legend, has become synonymous with excellence in women's surfing. Born in 1972, Beachley's illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades and a trailblazing spirit. 

The 7 times World Champion (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006) was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Australian Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. She is the founder of the Aim For The Stars Foundation, which empowers women and girls. 

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 2002
• Height: 5’5”
• Hometown: Terrigal, New South Wales, Australia

Molly Picklum, a rising star in the world of surfing, is making waves with her exceptional skills and vibrant approach to the sport. Born in Australia, Picklum has quickly gained recognition for her impressive achievements. 

She is an emerging talent representing the next generation of Australian surfers known for her consistent high rankings on the competitive circuit. She has several victories in various professional surfing competitions and is rapidly gaining acclaim for her dynamic performances and competitive spirit.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1991
• Height: 5’10”
• Hometown: France & Nazaré, Portugal

Justine Dupont, a French surfing sensation, has captivated the global surfing community with her prowess in various disciplines. Born in 1991, Dupont's versatile skills and fearless attitude have earned her acclaim. 

The 4 time Vice World Champion has won multiple French national championship titles and has multiple World Champion of the XXL Awards to her name. She has represented France in international surfing events and is renowned for her commitment to pushing the boundaries of women's surfing across different disciplines.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1988
• Height: 5’11”
• Hometown: Haiku, Maui, Hawaii

Paige Alms, a Hawaiian-born professional surfer, has become a prominent figure in the realm of big-wave surfing. Born in 1988, Alms has earned recognition for her fearless approach and contributions to the sport. 

She was one of the first women to compete in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and became the first Female Big Wave Champion in 2016. An inspirational figure who is paving the way for female surfers in the challenging realm of big-wave riding, Alms is an active advocate for gender equality in professional surfing.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 2005
• Height: 5’3”
• Hometown: Oceanside, California, USA

Caitlin Simmers, a young American prodigy, is making significant waves in the world of surfing with her exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Born with a natural affinity for the ocean in 2005, Simmers has rapidly risen through the ranks. 

The second-youngest surfer to qualify for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, Simmers is known for her impressive performances in junior surfing competitions.  She won the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro in 2022 and the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal along with the VIVO Rio Pro in 2023.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1988
• Height: 5’11”
• Hometown: Kingscliff, New South Wales, Australia

Stephanie Gilmore, an Australian surfing icon, has left an indelible mark on the sport with her extraordinary talent and graceful style. Born in 1988, Gilmore's illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades and pioneering achievements.

The 8 times world Champion (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2022) has 34 WSL Championship Tour event wins to her name. In 2010 she was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1990
• Height: 5’8”
• Hometown: Kauai, Hawaii, United States

Alana Blanchard, a Hawaiian-born surfer and model, has become a well-known figure in the surfing world, blending athleticism with charisma. 

Renowned for her stylish and powerful approach to surfing, Blanchard has won the the Women's Pipeline Championships in Hawaii and the Rip Curl Girls Festival Junior Pro in Spain.

In addition to those victories she has also won the Roxy Pro Trials in Haleiwa, Hawaii, the Volcom Pufferfish Surf Series in Pinetrees, Kauai and the Billabong Pro Pre Trials in Hookipa, Maui.

• Stance: Goofy
• Born: 1987
• Height:  5' 10''
• Hometown: Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Erica Hosseini, an accomplished American surfer, has made significant contributions to the world of professional surfing with her skill and passion for the sport. 

She is an influencer in the surf and lifestyle community and an advocate for women's representation in surfing. Hosseini had a successful competitive career marked with notable performances at various events and has been featured in various surf publications and media.

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1978 
• Height: 5'4"
• Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Lena Yada, an American tandem surfer and multifaceted talent, has made a mark in the world of surfing with her skills and versatility. Born in 1978, Yada's career encompasses various aspects.

She is an accomplished competitive surfer with successes in professional contests. She went on to diversify her career as a model, actress, and TV host.

Yada enjoyed a Professional Wrestling Career (Retired in 2009) under the Ring names Lena, Lena Yada and Ninja Yada. She has made contributions to surf culture through media appearances and collaborations. 

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1990
• Height: 5'7"
• Hometown: Gerroa, New South Wales, Australia

Sally Fitzgibbons, an Australian surfing sensation, has become a trailblazer in the world of professional surfing with her talent and competitive spirit. Born in 1990, Fitzgibbons has left an indelible mark on the sport. 

The 3 times ISA World Women's Champion (2008,2018,2021), has enjovyed multiple victories in major surfing competitions. Among her trophy cabinets are 12 WSL Championship Tour event wins, the ASP World Junior Championship in 2007, and runnerup at the World three times (2010, 2011 & 2012).

• Stance: Regular
• Born: 1983
• Height: 5'4"
• Hometown: Caballeros, Punta Hermosa, Peru

Sofía Mulánovich, a Peruvian surfing pioneer, has left an enduring legacy in the world of professional surfing with her exceptional skills and trailblazing achievements. She was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame in 2007. 

The first-ever Peruvian surfer to win the World Surf League (WSL) Women's World Championship, Mulánovich is known for her consistent performance in international competitions. She is an inspirational figure in Latin American surfing and the only Latin American surfer with 2 ISA World Championship wins (2004, 2019).