Women Who Are Rewriting Surf History

For decades, surfing was dominated by male icons and stories — but that’s changing fast. Today, a powerful wave of women is not just participating but leading, innovating, and inspiring. From world champions to fearless freesurfers and activist pioneers, these women are reshaping what surf culture looks like.

This article celebrates the surfers who are making history right now — riding harder, speaking louder, and expanding the lineup for future generations.

A Short History of Women in Surfing

Women have been surfing since the earliest days of the sport. In ancient Hawaii, surfing was practiced by both men and women, with royal women often commanding the best boards and waves. But over time, colonial influence and gender roles pushed women out of the lineup.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that women began regaining space — with pioneers like Marge Calhoun and Joyce Hoffman leading the charge. From there, women’s surfing slowly gained visibility, prize money, and respect, reaching a tipping point in the 2010s when calls for pay equality and representation took center stage.

Women Leading the Lineup

Here are some of the most influential women redefining surfing in the 21st century:

1. Carissa Moore

Carissa Moore is a five-time world champ and Olympic gold medalist whose surfing blends style and power. She advocates for youth programs and women’s equality in the sport, all while dominating some of the heaviest waves on tour.

Her path into surfing: She began surfing at age five with her dad in Honolulu. Early on, she competed against boys and quickly stood out for her fierce focus and joyful power.

2. Stephanie Gilmore

Stephanie Gilmore, with eight world titles, is a blend of flow, elegance, and precision. Her influence reaches far beyond the podium, as she continues to elevate the performance standard in women’s surfing.

Her path into surfing: Steph first stood up on a board at age 10 on the Gold Coast and turned pro by her late teens. She won her first world title during her rookie year on tour.

3. Keala Kennelly

Keala Kennelly broke barriers by charging massive waves like Teahupo’o long before women were welcome there. She’s a big-wave icon, outspoken advocate, and LGBTQ+ role model, pushing boundaries both in and out of the water.

Her path into surfing: Keala started surfing in Kauai as a kid, often paddling out alone at male-dominated breaks. Her grit grew from isolation — and became fuel for her future.

4. Maya Gabeira

Maya Gabeira holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave ever surfed by a woman. Her perseverance, especially after serious injuries, has helped cement women’s place in the big-wave realm.

Her path into surfing: Maya grew up in Brazil and got hooked on surfing at 15. She moved to Hawaii at 17, chasing big waves while sleeping in a rental car.

5. Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton turned tragedy into triumph after losing her arm in a shark attack. Her return to surfing and consistent competitive presence have inspired millions and redefined resilience.

Her path into surfing: Born into a surfing family in Kauai, Bethany was already competing by age 8. After the 2003 attack, she was back in the water within a month.

6. Lucy Small

Lucy Small is not just a longboarder — she’s a surf equality activist. She sparked global conversations after calling out pay disparity at a local event and continues pushing for equity in sport.

Her path into surfing: Lucy grew up surfing Australia’s east coast and developed her voice through academic work in gender and media — before applying it directly to surfing.

7. Tyler Wright

Tyler Wright is a two-time world champion known for raw honesty, power surfing, and progressive advocacy for mental health and inclusivity in surf culture.

Her path into surfing: Tyler comes from a family of surfers and won her first major title at 14. Her journey has included public battles with health issues and identity — all while staying elite.

8. Risa Mara Machuca

Risa Mara Machuca is an Afro-Filipina surfer and community organizer using surfing as a tool for coastal empowerment, representation, and access across the Philippines.

Her path into surfing: Risa discovered surfing in her 20s after moving to La Union. She quickly turned passion into purpose, founding inclusive surf collectives.

9. Vahine Fierro

Vahine Fierro represents a new generation of Polynesian surfers bringing style and strength to competitive surfing while staying rooted in her cultural heritage.

Her path into surfing: Born and raised in Huahine, Tahiti, Vahine grew up with reef breaks in her backyard. Her rise has been both fast and deeply connected to tradition.

10. Justine Dupont

Justine Dupont is considered one of the best big-wave surfers of any gender, charging Nazare and Jaws with precision and power. She’s helping rewrite what elite performance looks like — period.

Her path into surfing: Justine started out in longboarding competitions before falling in love with big waves. She now leads the charge at Nazare and inspires riders across disciplines.

Why This Matters

Representation in surfing matters. When women push boundaries in waves, media, and leadership, they open doors for others. These athletes, advocates, and icons are shifting what’s possible — and normal — in surf culture today.

Whether it’s through charging heavy breaks, demanding fair pay, or mentoring young girls, the women in this article are expanding the narrative — and making sure no one gets left behind.

Takeaway

Women have always been part of surfing — but now they’re shaping its future. As these modern legends continue to push boundaries, their stories aren’t just inspiring — they’re changing the lineup for good.