This is a list of people associated with

surfing Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer (or two in tandem surfing), uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore. Waves suitabl ...

surf culture Surf culture includes the people, language, fashion, and lifestyle surrounding the sport of surfing. The history of surfing began with the ancient Polynesians. That initial culture directly influenced modern surfing, which began to flourish ...

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*Reno Abellira (1950– ) (Haw) Smirnoff World Pro/Am winner in 1974 *

Megan Abubo Megan Abubo (born January 28, 1978) is a professional surfer from Hawaii. Biography Born in Connecticut and raised in Hawaii, Megan Abubo showcases a style honed on powerful reef-breaks and deepwater ocean waves. Growing up in Hawaii, Megan ...

(1978– ) (Haw) *

Eddie Aikau Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 5, 1946 – March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaii ...

(1946–1978) (Haw) Award-winning surfer and lifeguard *

Lisa Andersen Lisa Andersen (born March 8, 1969) is an American four-time world surfing champion. She won four successive world titles from 1994 to 1997. She was named ASP's Rookie of the Year in 1987. She was named as one of the 100 "Greatest Sportswomen of ...

(1969– ) (USA) Four-time world surfing champion 1994–1997 *

Simon Anderson Simon Anderson (born 7 July 1954) is an Australian competitive surfer, surfboard shaper, and writer. He is credited with the 1980 invention of a three-fin surfboard design, called the "thruster". Early life Anderson grew up in the Northern Be ...

(1954– ) (Aus) First advocate of the three-finned surfboard, the "thruster," early 1980s * Bill Andrews (1944–2017) (USA) Among first to surf

Black's Beach Black's Beach is a secluded section of beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines on the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, San Diego, California, United States. It is officially part of Torrey Pines State Beach. The northern portion of Black's Beach is ow ...

in La Jolla, CA *

Robert August Robert August (born 1945) is an American surfer and surfboard shaper. Raised in Seal Beach, California, he attended Huntington Beach High School where he was ASB President his senior year. He is most famous as one of the subjects of Bruce Brow ...

(1945– ) (USA) Surfer and Surfboard Designer *

Rolf Aurness Rolf Aurness was born on February 18, 1952 in Santa Monica, California. He won the 1970 World Surfing Championships held at Johanna in Victoria, Australia, beating Midget Farrelly in the finals. Surfing career When he was nine Aurness suffered ...

(1952– ) (USA) 1970 World Champion

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* Tim Baker (Aus) Journalist, former editor of Tracks and

Australia's Surfing Life ''Surfing Life'', formerly ''Australia’s Surfing Life'', the magazine was founded in 1985 by Peter Morrison In 2016 it was purchased by Morrison Media publisher and General Manager Craig Sims (former owner of Atoll Media, publisher of Zigza ...

magazines. * Christiaan Bailey (1981– ) (USA) Paraplegic surfer, Team USA Captain *

Rochelle Ballard Rochelle Ballard (born February 13, 1971) is an American professional surfer and a veteran of the Association of Surfing Professional's (ASP) World Championship Tour. She co-founded International Women's Surfing (IWS) and has appeared in severa ...

(1971– ) (Haw) *

Wayne Bartholomew Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew (born; 30 November 1954) is an Australian world champion surfer, surf sports innovator, community advocate and politician. Bartholomew is the former CEO and president of the Association of Surfing Professionals and ...

(Aus) 1978 World Champion *

Layne Beachley Layne Collette Beachley (born 24 May 1972) is a former professional surfer from Manly, New South Wales. She won the World Championship seven times. Currently she is the chair of Surfing Australia. Surfing career At the age of 16 Beachley ...

(1972– ) (Aus) Seven time ASP World Champion, founder of 'Aim For The Stars' *Holly Beck (1980– ) (USA) 2000 Explorer Women's Western Surfing Champion, 2000 College Women's National title *Linda Benson (1944– ) (USA) 1959 Makaha International Champion, U.S. Champion: 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1968 *

Shane Beschen Shane Beschen (born February 18, 1972) is a California (USA) born professional surfer. In 1996, at Kirra, Shane Beschen became the first and only professional surfer to score three perfect 10 point rides for a total 30 out of 30 ASP three-wave s ...

(1972– ) (Haw) * Jesse Brad Billauer (1979– ) (USA) Quadriplegic surfer *Tom Blake (1902–1994) (USA) Early American Surfer, inventor of the Skeg *

Alana Blanchard Alana Rene Blanchard (born March 5, 1990) is an American professional surfer and model. Blanchard has surfed on the ASP World Tour. Career Alana Blanchard was first taught how to surf when she was just 4 years old by her father, Holt. Alana r ...

(USA) (1990– ) Women's Pipeline Championship winner *

Jimmy Blears James Blears, Jr (January 6, 1948 – February 4, 2011) was the 1972 World Surfing Champion. History Jimmy Blears was born in California the oldest son of former NWA and WWA pro-wrestling champion, Lord James "Tally-Ho" Blears, also an avid surf ...

(1948–2011) (Haw) 1972 World Champion *

Wendy Botha Wendy Botha (born 22 August 1965) is a four-time world surfing champion. She won her first title as a South African citizen in 1987, then she became an Australian citizen and won three more titles in 1989, 1991, and 1992. She also posed nude f ...

(1965– ) (Aus) Four-time world surfing champion *

Lynne Boyer Lynne Boyer is a two-time world surfing champion from the United States. She won her two titles in 1978 and 1979. It was the first time any woman had won the championship twice. She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, C ...

(1956– ) (USA) Two-time world surfing champion 1978 & 1979 *

Ken Bradshaw Ken Bradshaw (born October 4, 1952) is an American professional surfer and winner of the 1982 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. Bradshaw was born in Houston, Texas. On January 28, 1998, Bradshaw successfully towed into and rode ...

(1952– ) (USA) North Shore hellman *

Scott Brill Scott may refer to: Places Canada * Scott, Quebec, municipality in the Nouvelle-Beauce regional municipality in Quebec * Scott, Saskatchewan, a town in the Rural Municipality of Tramping Lake No. 380 * Rural Municipality of Scott No. 98, Saska ...

(1966– ) (USA) Daytona Beach. Progressive shortboarder and aerialist * Bruce Brown (1937–2017) San Francisco. Surfing film maker *

Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. According to '' Billboard'', Brown is one of the most successful R&B singers of his generation, having often been referred to by many contempo ...

(1970–2019) Carpinteria, California, PSAA Champion in 1994 *

Bud Browne Bud Browne (July 12, 1912 – July 25, 2008) was an American early pioneer surf film maker. He was the first filmmaker to show surf movies commercially. Browne was captain of the swim team at the University of Southern California in 1933. H ...

(1912–2008) (USA) Pioneer surf film maker, the first filmmaker to show surf movies commercially *

Pam Burridge Pam Burridge (born 1965) is an Australian surfer and one of the pioneers of women’s surfing in Australia. Born in Sydney, she entered her first surfing competition in 1977, proceeding to win various regional and national titles in the follow ...

(1965– ) (Aus) 1990 women's world champion *

Taj Burrow Taj Burrow (born 2 June 1978) is an Australian retired professional surfer. Taj retired from the WSL World Tour in June 2016 where he left a legacy of power and impressive surfing. Early life Burrow was born in Yallingup, Western Australia, A ...

(1978– ) (Aus) 1998 ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year, many ASP Tour wins

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Ian Cairns Ian Cairns (born 24 July 1952 in Kew, Victoria) is a former champion surfer who was also influential in establishing the world professional surfing circuit and particularly the World Championship Tour. He was described as "the premier "power ...

(1952– ) (Aus) Champion surfer in the late 1970s *

Corky Carroll Corky Carroll (born September 29, 1947) is a professional American surfer and is considered a pioneer in the sport by becoming the first real professional surfer as well as being the first to make paid endorsements. Life and career Carroll sta ...

(1947– ) five time U.S. champion, 3 Time International Professional champion, International Big Wave champion, World Small Wave champion * Heather Clark (RSA) 2001 Hawaiian Triple Crown champion *Cas Collier (RSA) 1999 World Big Wave champion * Richie Collins (1969– ) (USA)(surfer/shaper) Won 1988 O'Neil Coldwater Classic, 1989 Op Pro, 1992 Bells Beach Classic * Aaron "Gorkin" Cormican (USA) (1979– ) surfer/shaper; four time ECSC surfing champion; aerial pioneer; known for the "Gorkin Flip"

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* Betty Depolito 1953- Professional surfer rated top ten in the 80's and 90's. Pioneer at Pipeline and Waimea Bay. Director of first surf contest for women at Pipeline, 1989, a bodyboarding event. Shortboard Pipeline Women's event was in 1995. Co director of the first tow-in event in Hawaii and currently the producer of the first Women's event at Waimea Bay. Women's equal rights advocate and currently surfs Oahu's North Shore. *Mike Diffenderfer (1937–2002) (USA) Surfer and shaper *

Miki Dora Miklos Sandor Dora III (August 11, 1934 – January 3, 2002), known professionally as Miki Dora was a noted surfer of the 1950s and 1960s in Malibu, California. Dora received numerous nicknames and aliases during his life, including "Mickey Dora ...

(1936–2002) (USA) *

Shane Dorian Patrick Shane Dorian (born July 19, 1972), or "Shane", is an American surfer from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He spent 11 years touring on the World Championship Tour as a professional surfer. Dorian quit competition surfing in 2003 to focus on big w ...

, (Haw) Pro surfer *Mike Doyle (1941– 2019 ) (USA) Surf/paddle champion, innovator. 1965 World Champion. Winner, 1968 Duke Kahanamoku Contest.

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Laura Enever Laura Enever is an Australian professional surfer. Enever was the ASP Women's World Junior Champion in 2009. She made her professional debut in 2011. As of March 2015, Enever competes at the highest level of professional surfing, touring with ...

(1991– ) (Aus) 2009 ASP Women's World Junior Champion *

Michael Eppelstun Michael "Eppo" Eppelstun is an Australian professional bodyboarder who won the bodyboarding world championship in 1993. In winning the competition, he became the first Australian and the first non-Hawaiian to win the World title. Eppo helped dev ...

(Aus) 1994 bodyboarding world champion

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Mick Fanning Michael Eugene Fanning (born 13 June 1981) is an Australian professional surfer who was crowned champion of the Association of Surfing Professionals/World Surf League (ASP/WSL)'s World Tour in 2007, 2009 and 2013. In 2015, he survived a shark ...

(Aus) (1981– ) 3x World Champion *

Midget Farrelly Bernard "Midget" Farrelly (13 September 1944 – 6 August 2016) was the first world surfing champion. Farrelly, was the first Australian to win a major surfing title, the 1962 Makaha International Surfing Championships, the unofficial world s ...

(Aus) (1944–2016) Won the inaugural World Surfing Championship in 1964 *

Sally Fitzgibbons Sally Jayne Fitzgibbons (born 19 December 1990) is an Australian professional surfer on the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour (2009–2013). In June 2019, she was ranked No. 1 in the world for women's surfing after winning the R ...

(Aus) (1990– ) Multi ASP World Tour title-holder * John John Florence (Haw) (1992– ) Won the 2011 Vans World Cup of Surfing, the youngest winner * Jeremy Flores (1988– ) (Fra) 2007 WCT Rookie of the Year * Mark Foo (1958–1994) (Haw) Professional surfer. Died while surfing at Mavericks. *

Donavon Frankenreiter Donavon Frankenreiter (born December 10, 1972) is an American musician and surfer. His debut self-titled album was released in 2004 on Brushfire Records through Universal Music. Career Frankenreiter was born in Downey, California, United Stat ...

(1972– ) (USA) Surfer and musician *

George Freeth George Douglas Freeth Jr. (November 8, 1883 – April 7, 1919) was an American life guard and swimming instructor. Freeth was referred to in his day as the first white person to become expert at wave surfing, although he was of part Native Hawaiia ...

(Haw) (1883–1919) "The Father of Modern Surfing" *

Skip Frye Skip Frye (born Harry Richard Frye; September 7, 1941 in San Diego, California) is an American surfer, surfboard designer and shaper, and environmental activist. Background Frye attended Mission Bay High School and began his professional surfi ...

(1941– ) (USA) Legendary stylist and surfboard shaper * Jim Fuller Godfather of surf guitar, Surfaris

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Nick Gabaldon Nick may refer to: * Nick (given name) * A cricket term for a slight deviation of the ball off the edge of the bat * British slang for being arrested * British slang for a police station * British slang for stealing * Short for nickname Pla ...

(1927–1951) California's first documented surfer of Black and Hispanic descent *

Maya Gabeira Maya Reis Gabeira (born April 10, 1987) is a Brazilian big wave surfer. She is best known for having surfed a high wave in Nazaré, Portugal in February 2020, recorded by ''Guinness World Records'' as the biggest wave ever surfed by a woman. Sh ...

(1987– ) (Bra) Surfed the biggest wave ever by a female at *

Sunny Garcia Vincent Sennen "Sunny" Garcia (born January 14, 1970) is an American professional surfer. He grew up in Waianae, Hawaii and, after leaving school, debuted on the 1986 Gotcha Pro at Sandy Beach, Oahu, beating the 1984 champ Tom Carroll. His to ...

(1970– ) (Haw) 2000 World Champion *

Yasnyiar Bonne Gea Yasnyiar Gea a.k.a. Yasnyiar Bonne Gea or Bonne (born June 16, 1982) is an Indonesian female professional surfer. She has been crowned Indonesian woman champion 5 times. She is exclusively sponsored by Billabong Asia and rides Dylan surfboard. Ca ...

(1982– ) Indonesian surfing champion *

Stephanie Gilmore Stephanie Louise Gilmore (29 January 1988) is an Australian professional surfer and eight-time world champion on the Women's WSL World Tour (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2022). Career Gilmore's life as a surfer began at age 9 wh ...

(1988– ) (Aus) 2007 ASP World Champion *

George Greenough George Hamilton Perkins Greenough (born November 6, 1941) is an influential surfer known during the 1960s and 1970s for his designs and work in film, board design, fin characteristics, and other creations for the aquatic medium. Greenough's and Mc ...

(1941– ) (USA/Aus) 1960s

kneeboard A kneeboard is a board ridden in a kneeling stance. Kneeboards are ridden in ocean surf, or while being towed behind a boat on a lake or river. Background Kneeboard riders generally wear life jackets or wet suits and catch the wave by paddling a ...

, shortboard, inventor and surf movies.

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* Jeff Hakman (1948– ) (Haw) Surfing champion of the 1970s *

Bethany Hamilton Bethany Meilani Hamilton (born February 8, 1990) is an American professional surfer and writer who survived a 2003 shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off and who ultimately returned to professional surfing. She wrote about her exper ...

(February 8, 1990– ), (USA) Victim of a much-publicised

shark Sharks are a group of elasmobranch fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. Modern sharks are classified within the clade Selachimo ...

attack. *

Laird Hamilton Laird John Hamilton (born March 2, 1964) is an American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and an occasional fashion and action-sports model and actor. He is married to Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player, television ...

(March 2, 1964– ), (USA) (Hawaii and California), Big wave rider and tow-in surfing inventor. *Damian Hardman (1966– ) (Aus) 1987 & 1991 World Champion * Paige Hareb (NZ) * Peter Harris (1958– ) (Aus) Won the 1980 Stubbies as a rookie *

Chelsea Hedges Chelsea Georgeson (now Chelsea Hedges) (born 15 October 1983) is an Australian surfer who won the world title in 2005. She won the title after beating Brazil's Jacqueline Silva in the final at the season-ending event at Honolua Bay, Hawaii ...

(1983– ) (Aus) 2005 world title holder *

Fred Hemmings Fred Hemmings (born January 9, 1946) is an American surfer, author, businessman, and politician. Born and raised in Hawaii, Fred Hemmings attended Punahou school where he was co- captain of the Honolulu league championship football team in 1964 ...

(Haw) 1968 World Champion * Michael (Mick) Hickey, (1937–2015), Australian, European (French) surfing champion, Biarritz 1962, Pipeline pioneer * John Holeman, professional surfer of the 1980s and 1990s *

Coco Ho Coco Malia Camille Hapaikekoa Ho (born April 28, 1991) is a professional Hawaiian surfer born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She began surfing at 7 years old, following in the footsteps of her family. Early years At age 7, Coco Ho began following in th ...

(1991– ) (Haw) Women's ASP World Tour surfer, Michael Ho's daughter *

Derek Ho Derek Ho (September 26, 1964 – July 17, 2020) was a Hawaiian Chinese surfer who won the world surfing championship in 1993. Ho was born in Kailua, Honolulu County, Hawaii. He began surfing at the age of three, and won the world title at a ...

(Haw) 1993 World Champion, Michael Ho's younger son *

Mason Ho Mason Ho (born September 1, 1988) is a professional surfer from Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore. A member of the Ho surfing dynasty, Mason is the son of professional surfer Michael Ho, brother of Coco Ho, and nephew to World Champion surfer De ...

(1988– ) (Haw) professional surfer from Sunset Beach on the north shore. rides for mayhem. * Michael Ho (1957– ) (Haw) Won Hawaiian Triple Crown, Duke Classic, World Cup and 1982 Pipe Masters * CJ Hobgood (1979– ) (USA) 2001 World Champion *

Damien Hobgood Damien Hobgood is a professional surfer from Satellite Beach, Florida. He is known for having once held the highest two-wave grand final score in pro surfing by scoring 19.9 out of 20 at The Quiksilver Pro Fiji in 2004 until Kelly Slater eclip ...

(USA) *

Joyce Hoffman Joyce Hoffman (born 1946/47) is an American surfer, considered a pioneer in her sport. She is often regarded as the first female international surfing star and was one of the first inductees of the International Surfing Hall of Fame. In 1968 she ...

(USA) US Women's Champion 1965–67 * Phillip Hoffman (1930–2010) American big wave pioneer and surf apparel company executive *Cheyne Horan (Aus) Active 1975–1993, world championship runner-up four times *

Jeff Hubbard Jeff Hubbard is the 2012 IBA World Tour bodyboarder champion from Kauai, Hawaii.Morinaga, Dayton (2009) "Hubbard wins world bodyboarding crown", ''Honolulu Advertiser'', December 20, 2009 Encanto Pro Champion 2012 Port Macquarie festival of Bodybo ...

(1975– ) (Haw) 3-time World Bodyboarding Champion *Mike Hynson (USA) Star of

The Endless Summer ''The Endless Summer'' is a 1966 American surf documentary film directed, produced, edited and narrated by Bruce Brown. The film follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August on a surfing trip around the world. Despite the balmy mediterranea ...

, surf board shaper who taught

, and first Windansea Surf Club Vice President

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Andy Irons Philip Andrew Irons (July 24, 1978November 2, 2010) was an American professional surfer. Irons began surfing with his brother Bruce on the shallow and dangerous waves of Kauai, Hawaii, before being spotted by a local surfboard brand and flown to ...

(1978–2010) (Haw) Three-time world champion 2002–2004 * Bruce Irons (Haw)

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* Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968), (Haw) US Olympic Swimming Champion, Hawaiian Personality. The Father of Modern Surfing. Made appearances in Hollywood films (Mr. Roberts with Henry Fonda and Wake of the Red Witch with John Wayne). *

Dave Kalama Dave Kalama is a big wave surfer/tow-in surfer, stand-up paddle (SUP) surfer and racer, surf and SUP board shaper, windsurfer, outrigger canoe racer, private adventure guide, and celebrity watersports enthusiast. Kalama, his wife, 2 sons and 1 d ...

(1964– ) (Haw) windsurfing and paddleboard champion *Drew Kampion (1944– ) (USA) surf writer and editor, editor of Surfer Magazine (1968–71), author of Stoked: A History of Surf Culture, The Way of the Surfer, The Book of Waves, etc. *

Keala Kennelly Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on thASP World Championship Tour (WCT) Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007 to explore her p ...

(1978– ) (USA) * Damian King (Aus) 2003 & 2004 World Bodyboarding Champion

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* Wes Laine (1960– ) A top 10 ASP World Championship Tour competitor - Wins: 1984 World Cup Sunset Beach, 1983 OP-Pro Atlantic City, 1985 Spur Ranch, Cape Town, South Africa, 2nd Place 1983 Rip-Curl Pro, Bells Beach *

Kai Lenny Kai Lenny (born October 8, 1992) is an American professional big wave surfer, stand-up paddle (SUP) surfer and racer, surfer, tow-in surfer, windsurfer, kitesurfer, wing foiler and celebrity watersports enthusiast. Lenny lives on Maui T ...

(1992- ) American professional surfer *

Isabel Letham Isabel Ramsay Letham (23 May 1899 – 11 March 1995) was an Australian pioneer surfboard rider and swimming instructor, renowned as 'the first Australian to ride a surfboard' (although she disputed that claim - Isma Amor of Manly is believed to b ...

(1899–1995) (Aus) first Australian to surf *

Antony Garrett Lisi Antony Garrett Lisi (born January 24, 1968), known as Garrett Lisi, is an American theoretical physicist. Lisi works as an independent researcher without an academic position. Lisi is known for " An Exceptionally Simple Theory of Everything," a ...

(USA) physicist *

Jack London John Griffith Chaney (January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916), better known as Jack London, was an American novelist, journalist and activist. A pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he was one of the first American authors to ...

(1876–1916) (USA) writer, Hawaiian surfer *

Gerry Lopez Gerry Lopez (born November 7, 1948), aka Mr. Pipeline, is an American surfer, shaper, journalist and film actor. Early life Lopez was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, grew up in East Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, and attended Punahou School. He frequented ...

(1948– ), (Haw) "Mr.Pipeline", Founder of Lightning Bolt surfboards and actor (played role of Subotai in ''

Conan the Barbarian Conan the Barbarian (also known as Conan the Cimmerian) is a fictional sword and sorcery hero who originated in pulp magazines and has since been adapted to books, comics, films (including '' Conan the Barbarian'' and '' Conan the Destroyer'') ...

'') *

Barton Lynch Barton Lynch (born 9 August 1963) is an Australian former professional surfer known for his competitive prowess and style. In 1988, he was crowned ASP World Tour Champion. He also won the 1991 Rip Curl Pro. In 1998, he was inducted into the Aus ...

(1963– ) (Aus) 1988 World Champion, won 17 world tour events *

Wayne Lynch Wayne may refer to: People with the given name and surname * Wayne (given name) * Wayne (surname) Geographical Places with name ''Wayne'' may take their name from a person with that surname; the most famous such person was Gen. "Mad" Antho ...

(1952– ) (Aus) influential Australian goofy-foot and winner of numerous 1960s and 1970s surf contests; subject of the 2013 biographical documentary ''Uncharted Waters''

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Rob Machado Robert Edward Machado (born October 16, 1973) is an Australian-born American professional surfer. Early life Machado attended San Dieguito High School. He describes himself in interviews, vlogs and social media as a "soul surfer," or free ...

(1973– ) (USA) Won Pipeline Masters and U.S. Open of Surfing *

Cheyne Magnusson Cheyne Anders Magnusson (born July 14, 1983) is a professional surfer and one of the stars of MTV's reality show '' Maui Fever''. He has worked as wave DJ at surf parks and is involved in a new venture in Palm Springs. Early life Magnusson was bo ...

(c. 1984– ), US * Ishita Malaviya, (India) first Indian female surfer *

Malia Manuel Malia Manuel (born August 9, 1993) is an American surfer. She won Rookie of the Year in 2012 and was ranked 5th on the 2014 ASP World Tour. In 2008, at the age of 14 she became the youngest surfer ever to win the U.S. Open of Surfing. Surfing ...

(1993– ) (Haw) 2008 US Open Champion (youngest ever) * Brenden Margieson (1972– ) (Aus) First free-surfer, nominated two times ''Best Free-Surfer in the World'' by the Magazine

, won Nias Indonesia Pro 1999. *

Bobby Martinez Bobby Martinez (born May 26, 1982) is a professional surfer from Santa Barbara, California. Career Martinez began surfing at age 6. When he was old enough, he joined the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) where he went on to win a ...

(1986– ) (USA) 2006 Rookie of the Year *

Clay Marzo Clay Marzo (born July 17, 1989) is an American professional surfer known for his unique "double-jointed" style of turns and spins. He was raised in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii where he currently resides. Marzo has been acclaimed for his creativity and ...

(1989– ) (USA) Three NSSA National surfing titles, a nomination for Maneuver of the Year at the 2007 Surfer Magazine Poll and Video Awards *

Gabriel Medina Gabriel Medina Pinto Ferreira (born 22 December 1993) is a Brazilian professional surfer who won the 2014, 2018 and 2021 WSL World Championships. With 16 WSL Championship Tour (CT) event wins and 29 Final appearances under his belt, Medina is ...

(1993– ) (BRA) 2013 WSL World Junior Champion, 2014 WSL World Champion (first Brazilian to win the title), 2015 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Champion *

Pauline Menczer Pauline Menczer (born 21 May 1970) is an Australian surfer. She was Women's World Champion for Professional Surfing in 1993. Surfing career Menczer started surfing aged 12 in about 1982. She won the 1988 women's amateur world title at the co ...

(1970– ) (Aus) 1988 amateur world champion, 1993 world champion *

Jessi Miley-Dyer Jessica Candice "Jessi" Miley-Dyer (born 29 May 1986) is a professional surfer from New South Wales, Australia. She currently resides in Sydney. Profesional surfer Miley-Dyer began surfing at the age of eight and became a professional surfer ...

(1986– ) (Aus) *Wayne Miyata (1942–2005) (USA) California and Hawaii, "going tubular" in Endless Summer, famous color glosser *

Carissa Moore Carissa Kainani Moore (born August 27, 1992) is a Hawaiian American Olympian, world champion surfer and activist. She was the first-ever winner of the Olympic Gold Medal in women's short board surfing in 2020. She was also the 2011, 2013, 20 ...

(1992– ) (Haw) 2011 ASP Women's World Champion, youngest female ever to win *

Jay Moriarity Jay Moriarity (June 16, 1978 – June 15, 2001) was a surfer from Santa Cruz, California. He was an accomplished surfer, waterman, and adventurer. As a surfer, he made his reputation surfing Mavericks, California, Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, Califo ...

, professional surfer of Santa Cruz, 1978-2001 *

Sofía Mulánovich Sofía Mulánovich Aljovín (born 24 June 1983) is a Peruvian surfer. She is a 3-time World Surfing Champion, 1 WSL and 2 ISA world championships,. She is the first Peruvian surfer ever to win a World Surf League World Championship Tour event ( ...

(1983– ) (Peru) first South American to win the World Title in 2004 * Mickey Muñoz (1937– ) (USA) early surfing pioneer, also famous as a surfboard shaper

N

Greg Noll Greg Noll (' Lawhead; February 11, 1937 – June 28, 2021) was an American pioneer of big wave surfing and a prominent longboard shaper. Nicknamed "Da Bull" by Phil Edwards in reference to his physique and way of charging down the face of a w ...

(1937– ) (USA) Big wave pioneer, rode biggest wave of his era at Makaha *

Kem Nunn Kem Nunn (born 1948) is a third-generation Californian novelist, surfer, and magazine and television writer who lives in southern California. He has been described as "the inventor of ''surf-noir''" for his novels' dark themes, political overton ...

(USA) Avid surfer and America's leading surf novelist * David Nuuhiwa (1948– ) (USA) legendary nose rider from the 1960s

O

* Margo Oberg (1953– ) (Haw) Three-time world champion 1977, 1980 & 1981 * Jamie O'Brien (1983– ) (Haw) Won ASP Pipeline Masters as a wildcard *

Mark Occhilupo Marco Jay Luciano "Mark" Occhilupo (born 16 June 1966) is an Australian surfer and winner of the 1999 ASP World title. Occhilupo, also known as "Occy", began his professional career in the World Championship Tour (WCT) at the age of 17. In S ...

(1966– ) (Aus) 1999 world champion * Phyllis O'Donnell (1937– ) (Aus) In 1964 won the inaugural women's World Championship Surfing Title at Manly Beach *

Jack O'Neill Jonathan J. "Jack" O'Neill is a fictional character in the MGM's military science fiction franchise ''Stargate'', primarily as one of the main characters of the television series ''Stargate SG-1''. Richard Dean Anderson played O'Neill in all th ...

(1923–2017) Surfer and inventor of the modern wetsuit

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Joel Parkinson Joel Parkinson (born 10 April 1981) is an Australian surfer who used to compete on the WSL (World Surf League). After twelve years competing at the elite level on the ASP World Championship Tour, a stretch that saw him win eleven elite ASP Wor ...

(1981– ) (Aus) * Mike Parsons (1965– ) Surfed largest recorded wave of at

Cortes Bank Cortes Bank is a shallow seamount (a barely submerged island) in the North Pacific Ocean. It is 96 miles southwest of San Pedro, Los Angeles, 111 miles (166 kilometers) west of Point Loma, San Diego, and 47 miles (82 kilometers) southwest of San ...

Stacey Peralta Stacy Douglas Peralta (born October 15, 1957) is an American film director and entrepreneur. He was previously a professional skateboarder and surfer with the Zephyr Competition Team, also known as the Z-Boys, from Venice, California. Early l ...

(1957– ) (USA) Z-Boy *

Lakey Peterson Laura Louise "Lakey" Peterson (born September 30, 1994) is an American professional surfer. She has been ranked as high as #1 by the World Surf League, the highest professional level of women's surfing, and #6 on the ASP Women's World Ranking. I ...

(1994– ) (USA) * Michael Peterson (1952–2012) (Aus) Australian champion 1972 & 1974 * Bob Pike (1940–1999) (Aus) Noted big wave surfer *Felipe Pomar (1943– ) (Peru) 1965 World Champion * Martin Potter (1965– ) (RSA) 1989 World Champion

Q

* Maz Quinn (1976– ) (NZ) 4-time NZ national champion

R

* Mark Richards (1957– ) (Aus) 4-time World Champion 1979–1982

S

* Jacqueline Silva (1979– ) (Bra) Pioneer in Brazilian women's surfing * Bob Simmons (1919–1954) (USA) Father of the modern surfboard *

Kelly Slater Robert Kelly Slater (born February 11, 1972) is an American professional surfer, best known for being crowned World Surf League champion a record 11 times. Slater is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time. Slater is also ...

(1972– ) (USA) 11-time World Champion *

Jordy Smith Jordan Michael "Jordy" Smith (born 11 February 1988) is a South African professional surfer, competing on the World championship tour surfing (WCT). In 2007 Smith won surfing's World Qualifying Series, the second-tier tour which leads to qualif ...

(1988– ) (RSA) * Mike Stewart (1963– ) (Haw) 9-time World Bodyboarding Champion *

Rell Sunn Rell Kapolioka'ehukai Sunn (July 31, 1950, Hawaii – January 2, 1998, Makaha, Oahu, Hawaii) was an American world surfing champion. Known as "Queen of Makaha" and "Aunty Rell", she was a pioneer in the world of women's surfing. Early life Rell ...

(1950–1998) (Haw) A top female surfer of the 1980s, known as the "Queen of Makaha"

T

Donald Takayama Donald Moke Takayama (November 16, 1943 – October 22, 2012) was an American professional surfer and surfboard shaper. Originally a longboard surfer, Takayama won the Master's division of the United States Surfing Champions in 1971, 1972 and ...

(1943–2012) (USA) Master's division of the United States Surfing Champions 1971, 1972 and 1973 *

Guilherme Tamega Guilherme is a Portuguese given name, equivalent to William in English. The feminine form of this name is Guilhermina. Diminutive forms include Guilhermino. Vilma (Portuguese form of Wilma) is another female variant of the name. Brazilian foot ...

(Bra) 6-time world champion bodyboarder *

Shaun Tomson Shaun Tomson (born 21 August 1955) is a South African professional surfer and former world champion, environmentalist, actor, author, and businessman. He has been listed among the top 10 surfers of the century, and was the 1977 World Surfing C ...

(1955– ) (USA) Born in South Africa, currently living in the US, 1977 World Champion * Peter Townend (1953– ) (Aus) 1976 World Champion * Buzzy Trent (1929–2006) (USA) Pioneer of big wave surfing *

Joel Tudor Joel Tudor is a surfer, primarily known for longboarding, and competitive grappler from San Diego, California. Biography Professional Surf career Tudor became a professional surfer at 14 and won his first professional ASP competition at age ...

(1976– ) (USA) Famous contemporary longboarder

V

Butch Van Artsdalen Charles M. Van Artsdalen (January 31, 1941 – July 18, 1979) was a surfer. He moved to La Jolla, California, from his birthplace of Norfolk, Virginia, at age 14. Van Artsdalen is best known as a pioneer of surfing 25-foot waves at such North ...

(1941–1979) (Haw) the original Mr. Pipeline *

Dale Velzy Dale Velzy (September 23, 1927 – May 26, 2005) was an American surfboard shaper, credited with being the world's first commercial shaper. He opened the first professional surf shop in Manhattan Beach, California in 1950, personally hand fashio ...

(1927–2005) (USA) 1950s surf shop pioneer and surfboard design innovator *

Peter Viertel Peter Viertel (16 November 1920 – 4 November 2007) was an author and screenwriter. Biography Viertel was born to Jewish parents in Dresden, Germany, the writer and actress Salka Viertel and the writer Berthold Viertel. In 1928, his parents mov ...

(1920–2007) (USA) Introduced surfing in Europe * Mark Visser (1983– ) (Aus) Big-wave surfer, the "Night Rider"

W

* Terry Wade (1960- ) Noted as having ridden some of the largest waves at Newport Beach's The Wedge. Featured heavily in film "Dirty Old Wedge." * Robert "Wingnut" Weaver Featured, along with Patrick O'Connell, in The Endless Summer II surf film. *

Sharon Webber Sharron Weber, an American surfer, won the women's world surfing championship in 1970 when it was held in Australia. She was the fifth women to hold that title. In 1972, Sharron Weber won the International Surfing Federation's (which was later rep ...

(USA) Women's world surfing championship in 1970 & 1972 * Dewey Weber (1938–1993) (USA) Surfer and surfboard designer * Dale Webster (1948– ) (USA) Northern California surfer who surfed over 10,407 days in a row, minimum of 3 waves a day. Appeared in the Step Into Liquid movie. * John Whitmore (RSA) South African surfing pioneer. *

Dennis Wilson Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who co-founded the Beach Boys. He is best remembered as their drummer and as the middle brother of bandmates Brian and Carl Wilson. ...

(1944–1983) (USA) Founding member of

The Beach Boys The Beach Boys are an American Rock music, rock band that formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Brian, Dennis Wilson, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and frie ...

* Owen Wright (1990– ) (Aus) Won 2011 Quiksilver Pro *

Tyler Wright Tyler Wright (born April 6, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played in 613 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He currently serves as director ...

(1994– ) (Aus) 2016 WSL Women's World Champion

Y

Nat Young Robert Harold "Nat" Young (born 14 November 1947) is an Australian surfer and author. Surfing career Born in Sydney, New South Wales ) , nickname = , image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of New Sout ...

(1947– ) (Aus) World surfing champion 1966 & 1970, ASP World Longboard Tour Champion 1986 & 1988–1990. Tried to register surfing as an official religion.

Z

* Frieda Zamba (1965– ) (USA) Four time world women's surfing champion 1984-1986 and 1988.

References

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Surfers Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer (or two in tandem surfing), uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore. Waves suitable ...

Surfers