Women's surfing: A historical journey and influential female surfers

Introduction

The history of women’s surfing goes all the way back to the ancient Polynesia. While it is a male-dominated sport, female surfers have long been at the forefront of surfing’s evolution. In this lesson, we’ll explore the stories of courage, determination, and triumph that have shaped women’s surfing into a powerful force in the world of sports and beyond. We’ll also have a look at some of the most influential female surfers in women’s surfing history.

When did women start surfing?

The history of surfin g goes back many centuries. Although surfing has long been considered a male-dominated sport, women’s surfing traces back to the early days of Polynesian surfing culture where it all started. In the ancient Polynesia, women of all ages and social classes surfed for fun as well as competed against each other.

In 1959, the movie Gidget was released. The movie tells the story of a teenage girl and her friends, surfing the waves of Malibu. This movie is what boosted surfing’s popularity in popular culture, and inspired more women to start surfing.

The pay gap in women's surfing: Female surfers fighting for equal pay

Despite their remarkable talent and contributions to the sport, female surfers have historically faced disparities in prize money compared to their male counterparts.

The Women’s International Surfing Association (WISA) is formed in 1975

In 1975, the Women’s International Surfing Association (WISA) was founded to tackle the pay gap issue. Led by Jericho Poppler and others, they hosted events where all surfers, regardless of gender, were paid fairly.

Carissa Moore, Stephanie Gilmore, and other icons have actively championed pay equality

Icons like Carissa Moore, Stephanie Gilmore, and others have been vocal advocates for pay parity, using their platforms to raise awareness about the issue and push for change within the industry. Their efforts, combined with the support of fellow surfers, fans, and sponsors, have helped bring greater visibility to the issue and put pressure on organizations to address the wage gap.

In 2019 the World Surf League (WSL) organization announces equal prize money for male and female athletes in all its events

In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the surfing community to address the pay gap issue and advocate for fair and equal compensation for women. One of the key driving forces behind this movement is the World Surf League (WSL), the premier professional surfing organization.

In 2019, the WSL announced a groundbreaking decision to award equal prize money to male and female athletes in all of its events, making it one of the first major sports organizations to do so. This historic move was met with widespread acclaim from surfers and fans alike, signaling a significant step forward in the fight for gender equality in surfing.

The fight for equal pay in surfing is still ongoing

While significant progress has been made in recent years, the fight for equal pay in surfing is far from over. Female surfers continue to push for greater representation, recognition, and compensation, both on and off the waves. Through their resilience, determination, and collective action, they are reshaping the landscape of the sport and inspiring positive change within the surfing community and beyond.

10 influential female surfers in women's surfing history

In women’s surfing, numerous female surfers have made significant contributions, inspiring generations of surfers. I’ve selected ten top female surfers who have left a lasting impact on the sport. From breaking gender barriers to achieving remarkable feats, these surfers have earned their place as legends in surfing history. Let’s explore their stories and the reasons behind their influence.

1. Princess Kelea (15th Century)

Among the earliest mentions of female surfers is Hawaiian Princess Kelea. Legend says that in 1445 Kelea was mentioned as a surfing pioneer, rumored to have been better than both men and women at surfing.

2. Marge Calhoun (1926-2017)

Marge Calhoun, an American surfer, made history as the first woman world champion surfer when winning the Makaha International competition on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

3. Rell Sunn (1950-1998)

Known as the “Queen of Makaha,” Rell Sunn was not only a talented surfer but also an advocate for environmental conservation and a mentor to aspiring surfers, particularly women and children. Her influence spanned several decades as she inspired surfers and made a significant impact on the surfing community. She’s one of the co-founders of the Women’s International Surfing Association.

4. Lisa Andersen (born 1969)

The American surfer Lisa Andersen revolutionized women’s surfing in the 1990s with her progressive style and competitive drive. She won multiple world titles and inspired a new generation of female surfers with her fearless approach to the sport.

5. Keala Kennelly (born 1978)

Hawaiian surfer Keala Kennelly’s influence has been prominent since the 2000s. She is a pioneer in women’s big-wave surfing, known for her fearless approach to riding massive waves and pushing the boundaries of the sport.

6. Layne Beachley (born 1979)

With seven World Championship titles, Australian surfer Layne Beachley is one of the most successful female surfers in history. Her dominance in competition and dedication to the sport solidified her status as a surfing legend during the 1990s and 2000s.

7. Sofia Mulanovich (born 1983)

Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich’s most influential year was in the 2000s when she became the first South American woman to win the ASP World Championship. Her historic achievement paved the way for surfers in her region and inspired a new generation of talent.

8. Stephanie Gilmore (born 1988)

Stephanie Gilmore’s influence has been significant since the 2000s. With eight World Championship titles, she is regarded as one of the greatest female surfers.

9. Bethany Hamilton (born 1990)

Bethany Hamilton’s influence surged in the 2000s following her remarkable comeback after losing her arm in a shark attack. Her resilience and determination to continue surfing competitively inspired millions worldwide. The movie Soul Surfer is a film based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton.

10. Carissa Moore (born 1992)

Carissa Moore’s influence peaked in the 2010s as she redefined women’s surfing with her powerful style and competitive success. She is a five-time World Champion and remains one of the top competitors in the sport today.

A list of female surfers who have influenced women's surfing

Alana Blanchard
Bethany Hamilton
Caitlin Simmers
Carissa Moore
Caroline Marks
Chelsea Georgeson
Debbie Beacham
Frieda Zamba
Gail Couper
Isabel Letham
Joyce Hoffman
Justine Dupont
Kathy Kohner
Keala Kennelly
Kim Mearig
Layne Beachley
Linda Benson
Linda Merrill
Lisa Andersen
Lynne Boyer
Marge Calhoun
Margo Godfrey-Oberg
Mary Ann Hawkins
Maya Gabeira
Molly Picklum
Paige Alms
Pam Burridge
Pauline Menczer
Phyllis O’Donnell
Rell Sunn
Rochelle Ballard
Sarah Gerhardt
Sharon Webber
Sofia Mulanovich
Stephanie Gilmore
Wendy Botha