The Most Famous Surfers of all Time: 50 of The Best Surfers Ever

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Matt Hapgood

Surfing, at its core, is a blend of athleticism, artistry, and a deep connection to the ocean.

With every generation, certain individuals rise above the rest, setting standards, breaking records, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a wave.

While some have been innovators, others have been rebels, but all of the surfers in my list have contributed to the rich tapestry of surfing’s history.

In this post, we’re taking a closer look at 50 of the most famous surfers of all time.

Let’s rip in!

1. Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968)

Known as the “Father of Modern Surfing,” this Native Hawaiian first brought surfing to worldwide prominence in the early 1900s through Olympic swimming and surfing exhibitions globally.

Duke introduced the sport to Australia in 1915, igniting the surf culture and instrumental to what it is today.

2. Midget Farrelly (1944-present)

Australian Midget Farrelly gained fame as one of the first true professional surfers, winning the inaugural international professional surfing tournament in 1965 – the Makaha International Surfing Championships in Hawaii.

His exceptionally smooth, graceful surfing style on longboards came to define surfing technique for that generation and inspired the shortboard revolution.

He went on to win the first official World Surfing Championship in 1964 and paved the way for professional competitive surfing.

3. Nat Young (1947-present)

This Australian prodigy stunned the surfing world by winning the World Surfing Championship in 1966 at just 17 years old.

Young pioneered radical new surfing maneuvers on shortboards like the snap and bottom turn, which are now staples.

He later became known as a top surfboard designer, writer, and coach. Young’s competitive success and innovation pushed performance surfing to new heights during the 1960s.

4. Mark Richards (1957-present)

Nicknamed “MR,” Australian Mark Richards established himself as one of the greatest competitive surfers by winning four straight World Titles from 1979 to 1982.

He first won the title in 1979 at age 22. Richards was known for his powerful yet fluid surfing style, competitive dominance, and success in all conditions.

He also played a pivotal role in developing the thruster fin set up, allowing much greater speed and maneuverability.

5. Tom Curren (1964-present)

During the 1980s, American Tom Curren revolutionized surfing by developing a delightfully unique, soulful style that flowed perfectly in tune with the waves.

With his innate wave knowledge and smooth, perfectly timed maneuvers, Curren won three consecutive World Championships in 1985, 1986, and 1990.

He pioneered modern high-performance surfing and inspired generations with his surfing artistry.

6. Kelly Slater (1972-present)

Florida’s Kelly Slater is unequivocally the greatest competitive surfer of all time.

He astonishingly won his first World Title in 1992 at just 20 years old, launching a career that has seen him win a record 11 World Championships in total, a feat no other surfer has neared.

Now competing into his 50s, Slater has mastered all conditions and the GOAT remains a threat to many on tour at heavy spots like Tahiti and Fiji.

His longevity comes from a rigorous fitness regimen and a fanatical passion for improvement.

7. Lisa Andersen (1969-present)

Florida native Lisa Andersen was the most influential woman in professional surfing during the 1990s.

Displaying powerful turns and aerial manoeuvres, she won an unprecedented four consecutive World Titles from 1994 to 1997.

Andersen raised the performance bar for women’s surfing and inspired generations of young girls to take up the sport. She also gained fame for her movie appearances and modeling.

8. Andy Irons (1978-2010)

Talented Hawaiian Andy Irons battled fellow great Kelly Slater for world titles in the 2000s, winning an impressive three consecutive World Championships from 2002 to 2004.

At the time, only Slater had won more than two titles consecutively. Irons was revered for his creative, aggressive, and progressive surfing style along with his rivalry with Slater.

Tragically, Irons passed away in 2010 at just 32 years old due to heart complications.

9. Stephanie Gilmore (1988-present)

With her excellent style and unprecedented 7 World Titles, Australian Stephanie Gilmore has clearly dominated women’s surfing over the past 15 years.

She first won the title in 2007 at just 19 years old, returning to the top in 2014 after a few years gap.

Gilmore’s talent and poise both in and out of the water have mainstreamed professional women’s surfing. The savvy Australian remains a strong title contender year after year.

10. Gabriel Medina (1993-present)

In 2014, Brazilian Gabriel Medina became the first Brazilian surfer to win a World Title, ushering in an era dubbed The Brazilian Storm – highlighting their dominance in pro surfing.

Medina amazes crowds with his progressive aerial manoeuvres, including his insane version of the backflip. Further proving his talent, he won a second world title in 2018 and another in 2021.

His success has inspired many youths to take up surfing in Brazil.

11. Mick Fanning (1981-present)

Australian Mick Fanning earned his reputation through his smooth, powerful carves and three World Championship titles in 2007, 2009 and 2013.

However, he also showed tremendous courage by immediately returning to surfing after surviving a 2015 shark attack during the J-Bay Open in South Africa.

Despite the traumatic incident, Fanning continues to compete among the world’s best.

12. Tom Carroll (1961-present)

This Australian won back-to-back World Titles in 1987 and 1988, showcasing both his competitive focus and innovation.

Carroll was among the first pioneers to integrate skateboarding influenced aerial maneuvers into surfing. His creation of the ‘hit the lip to land back’ maneuver, or ‘hung five’, was revolutionary in pioneering modern aerial surfing.

13. Mark Occhilupo (1966-present)

Nicknamed “Occy,” powerful goofyfoot surfer Mark Occhilupo of Australia revived his professional career in 1999 at age 33 by winning the World Title that year.

Occy earned his reputation through pristine barrel rides and thunderous turns. Although he retired in 2009, Occhilupo remains an influential figure in surfing as both a former champion and commentator.

14. Shaun Tomson (1955-present)

South African Shaun Tomson was both the 1977 Professional World Champion and an influential surf industry pioneer.

As champion, Tomson introduced radical new tube riding techniques and inspired future generations of competitive surfers.

As co-founder of one of the most iconic old-school surf brands called Instinct, Tomson also helped move surfing into the mainstream.

15. Sunny Garcia (1970-present)

Known by the nickname “Kaipo Flash,” aggressive power surfer Sunny Garcia of Hawaii powered his way to becoming Professional World Champion in 2000.

Garcia was nearly unbeatable in large, hollow, barreling surf conditions such as those found at his home break of Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore.

His competitive dominance at Pipeline has earned him the reputation of a true legend there.

16. John John Florence (1992-present)

Raised surfing the powerful waves of Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaiian John John Florence combines incredible technical skill with daring big wave moves.

Still in his 20s, he has already won two World Titles in 2016 and 2017. Florence is considered one of today’s most exciting competitive surfers and regularly wins North Shore competitions.

His gravity-defying aerials continually redefine elite surfing.

17. Carissa Moore (1992-present)

Originally from Hawaii, Carissa Moore has already become one of the most successful women’s professional surfers of all time, winning four World Titles by 2018 while still in her mid-20s.

Moore combines powerful turns with skilled barrel rides to raise women’s performance standards. Ranking as the youngest woman to win the title at 18, her talent seems limitless. She remains a role model for young surfers in Hawaii and beyond.

18. Michael Peterson (1952-2012)

In the 1970s, Australian surfer Michael Peterson came to embody the shortboard revolution.

With his radical cutbacks and tube rides, Peterson pioneered an aerial, performance-focused approach at a time when most competed on longboards.

While erratic outside of the water, Peterson’s contributions as a surfer paved the way for generations to come.

19. Gerry Lopez (1948-present)

Nicknamed “Mr. Pipeline,” Californian Gerry Lopez will forever be remembered for pioneering stand-up barrel riding in the 1970s, most famously at Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline.

Before Lopez, surfers considered riding inside the tube impossible. But his smooth, soulful style allowed him to consistently tame Pipeline’s cavernous barrels and inspire generations of tube riders.

20. Grant “Twiggy” Baker (1977-present)

South African big wave legend Grant “Twiggy” Baker has made a career of earning numerous XXL Biggest Wave awards by charging giants at spots like Dungeons in South Africa as well as Jaws and Mavericks.

He was among the pioneers of jetski tow-in surfing in the 1990s before mastering paddle surfing waves over 60 feet. Twiggy’s skill and commitment to pushing boundaries has kept him at the forefront of big wave surfing.

21. Laird Hamilton (1964-present)

Hawaiian big wave charging pioneer Laird Hamilton revolutionized surfing gigantic, potentially deadly waves by using jet ski tow-in technology beginning in the 1990s.

This enabled riding places like Teahupo’o, Jaws, and Mavericks that were previously thought unrideable.

Hamilton has ridden documented 80-foot waves and continues to push boundaries today. His creation of various sports training regimens reshaped both surf training and fitness in general.

22. Dave Rastovich (1976-present)

With his deeply soulful and spiritual connection to the ocean, free spirited surfer Dave Rastovich has gained fame riding waves with artful grace and flow.

The New Zealander is also known for co-founding the non-profit ocean advocacy and activist group Surfers for Cetaceans, which protects whales, dolphins and other marine life. Rastovich lives his passion as both a creative surfer and environmentalist.

23. Layne Beachley (1972-present)

Regarded by many as the most successful professional surfer ever, Australian Layne Beachley impressively won seven World Titles between 1998 and 2006, a feat no other surfer has matched.

Driven and determined, her technical excellence propelled women’s surfing progression for over two decades. Now retired from competition, Beachley remains active supporting female athletes and with her nonprofit foundation.

24. Frieda Zamba (1982-present)

In the early 2000s, Frieda Zamba overcame societal and financial obstacles as a young girl from Zambia to become the first African professional female surfer.

She broke barriers for African women in surfing and inspired many others to take up the sport across the continent. Zamba continues to run surf camps introducing the sport to youth in South Africa.

25. Martin Potter (1965-present)

Originally born in Britain, Martin “Pottz” Potter earned fame pushing the limits of big wave surfing in the 1980s and 90s before tow-in technology existed.

Known by his nickname the “Wild Thing,” Potter pioneered pulling into the massive tube at places like Hawaii’s Waimea Bay and Pipeline on just a surfboard.

His heavy charging style influenced many younger surfers.

26. Mark Foo (1958-1994)

Hawaiian big wave surfing pioneer Mark Foo perished in 1994 while surfing the giant waves of Northern California’s Mavericks break.

During the 1980s and early 90s, Foo gained renown for successfully surfing towering beasts like Oahu’s Pipeline and Maui’s Jaws using just his surfboard before tow-in techniques emerged.

27. Rob Machado (1973-present)

Originally from Cardiff, California pro surfer Rob Machado gained fame in the 1990s for his incredibly smooth, soulful, free-flowing surfing style.

Machado made even average waves look incredible. More than a competitive surfer, Machado’s laid back image and dedication to environmentalism came to epitomize the California surfing lifestyle and culture.

28. Shane Dorian (1972-present)

Originally from Hawaii, big wave charger Shane Dorian made a name for himself by taking on towering giants like Mavericks and Jaws through pioneering paddle-in techniques rather than tow-in.

Dorian’s very calm demeanor belies his courage in surfing heights up to 60 feet. He has earned the XXL Biggest Wave award multiple times over his two-decade career.

29. Bethany Hamilton (1990-present)

Hawaii’s Bethany Hamilton courageously returned to surfing after losing her left arm in a 2003 tiger shark attack at age 13.

Through perseverance and positivity, she went on to continue winning surf contests and become a role model for many.

Her story of resilience was featured in the 2011 film Soul Surfer. Hamilton continues spreading the empowering message that challenges can be overcome.

30. Jack O’Neill (1923–2017)

California surfer Jack O’Neill pioneered cold water surfing by inventing the first neoprene wetsuits in the 1950s.

He founded the iconic surf brand O’Neill which evolved into a global company.

O’Neill’s experimentation also improved modern diving equipment and helped popularize aquatic sports. The talented surfer shared his love of the sea until passing at age 94.

31. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890-1968)

Known as the original Hawaiian surfing legend of the North Shore, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku rode the heavy waves of Waikiki back in the early 1900s, before the area became a tourist mecca.

He traded surf lessons with visitors to fund his Olympic swimming career. The original “Ambassador of Aloha” spread surfing’s origins in Hawaiian culture around the globe.

32. Marge Calhoun (1934-present)

In the 1950s, swimmer Marge Calhoun gained fame as the first female professional surfer, starring in surf films and influencing women’s competitive surfing.

Originally from California, Calhoun surfed dangerously heavy Waikiki waves at a time when the sport was male-dominated, paving the way for female surfers.

33. Greg Noll (1937-2021)

Known by his moniker “Da Bull” for his muscular size and courage, Greg Noll epitomized the old school, big wave surfing grit during its early days in the 1950s and 60s before leashes and easy rescues.

This California legend pioneered surfing gigantic waves at places like Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline and Northern California’s Mavericks.

34. Rell Sunn (1950-1998)

Despite losing her leg at age 13 from bone cancer, legendary Hawaiian waterwoman Rell Sunn went on to pioneer women’s professional surfing in the 1950s and 60s as the “Queen of Makaha.”

She spread the sport along with the Hawaiian concept of “Aloha Spirit” until her passing from breast cancer in 1998.

35. Sofia Mulanovich (1987-present)

In 2004, powerful surfer Sofia Mulanovich became the first South American and the first Peruvian to win the World Championship, igniting a surfing boom in Peru and inspiring many youth.

She went on to win numerous events like the prestigious Pipeline Masters in Hawaii. Mulanovich remains Peru’s most influential surfer.

36. Tyler Wright (1994-present)

Powerful goofyfoot surfer Tyler Wright from Australia has won two recent Women’s World Championship Titles in 2016 and 2017 after years ranked as a top contender.

Her smooth, strong carves and competitive drive to keep improving have kept her a World Title threat every year since her mid-teens. Still in her 20s, her potential seems limitless.

37. Alana Blanchard (1990-present)

Originally from Hawaii, talented surfer and model Alana Blanchard gained fame as a professional free surfer starring in surf films and photo shoots for brands like Rip Curl.

Blanchard is renowned for her stylish tube rides and larger-than-life persona. She runs surf camps to mentor younger female surfers.

38. Dave Kalama (1968-present)

Big wave charger Dave Kalama helped revolutionize surfing giants too dangerous to paddle into by pioneering jet ski tow-in surfing alongside friend Laird Hamilton in the 1990s.

The duo rode terrifying waves at Jaws, Mavericks and Teahupo’o that were previously thought impossible to surf. Kalama’s skills and bravery are legendary.

39. Joyce Hoffman (1951-present)

As a pioneering professional, Californian Joyce Hoffman won the very first official women’s professional surfing contest held at Malibu in 1976, helping launch women’s competitive surfing.

She surfed competitively in the 1960s and 70s before becoming a successful surf coach. Hoffman was later inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.

40. Italo Ferreira (1994-present)

Italo Ferreira is a renowned Brazilian surfer known for his dynamic and explosive style on the waves.

He gained international acclaim when he clinched the gold medal in surfing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking the sport’s Olympic debut.

His victory not only solidified his position among the world’s top surfers but also brought immense pride to Brazil in the realm of competitive surfing.

41. Keala Kennelly (1978-present)

One of the most courageous women in big wave surfing, Keala Kennelly from Hawaii has surfed towering giants like Teahupo’o and Jaws, winning multiple XXL Big Wave Awards.

She openly advocates for female empowerment and equality in big wave surfing. Kennelly continues raising the bar for women charging massive surf.

42. Filipe Toledo (1995-present)

Hailing from Brazil, explosive aerial master Filipe Toledo has amazed surf crowds since the early 2010s with his huge above-the-lip manoeuvres and incredible agility.

He’s known for massive air reverse rotations and has now won 2 World Titles at the end-of-year showdown at Trestles, California. Toledo stands at the forefront of progressive aerial surfing.

43. Jordy Smith (1998-present)

Powerfully built South African surfer Jordy Smith has consistently been in the World Title hunt every year for over a decade thanks to his fast, strong carves and competitive drive.

He has finished World Title runner-up twice and still seeks his first championship.

Regarded as an excellent heat tactician, Smith’s intimidating build epitomizes strength in surfing.

44. Joel Parkinson (1981-present)

After years finishing runner-up, stylish surfer Joel Parkinson from Australia finally won his elusive first World Title in 2012 by showcasing his excellent flow and rail carves.

Parkinson’s smooth style exemplifies the modern “soul arch” bottom turn followed by drawn-out cutback approach.

Originally from Queensland, he remains an icon across Australia.

45. Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew (1954-present)

Renowned Australian surfer Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew rose to fame in the 1970s with his smooth, quick, and aggressive tuberiding style.

He embraced the shortboard revolution and took top honors at multiple events, including winning the prestigious Bells Beach Surf Classic in 1978.

During a long and varied career, Bartholomew also worked in surf journalism, contest directing roles, and clothing brand management.

Respected as an ambassador of surfing, Bartholomew was inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in 2000.

46. Rochelle Ballard (1971-present)

Legendary Hawaiian tube rider Rochelle Ballard pushed the limits of women’s barrel riding and big wave surfing for over two decades until retiring in 2008.

She co-founded the Women’s Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards and continues passing on her skills by coaching aspiring surfers.

47. Mark Cunningham (1959-present)

After winning his first bodyboarding contest in 1977, Hawaii’s Mark Cunningham has ridden giants for over 30 years as one of the sport’s greatest pioneers.

Nicknamed “Mr. Pipeline,” he has mastered riding that treacherous break prone along with many others, earning multiple XXL awards for the largest wave ridden.

48. Rabbit Kekai (1920-2002)

Hawaiian surf icon Rabbit Kekai pioneered big wave surfing on 1950s-60s era heavy wooden surfboards and also introduced surf instruction on Oahu.

His renowned generosity embodied the “Aloha spirit” as he shared surfing’s origins in Hawaiian culture until passing in 2002 at age 82.

49. Fred Hemmings (1948-present)

In 1968, Fred Hemmings gained fame back home in Hawaii by winning the World Surfing Championships at Makaha, the first time that event was held in the Islands.

He went on to become an influential surf industry executive and even serve in the Hawaiian state legislature.

50. Randy Rarick (1953-present)

Often called the true founder of professional surfing, Hawaii’s Randy Rarick co-founded the IPS surf tour in 1976 and cultivated the careers of legends like Shaun Tomson and Margo Oberg.

He also created the famous Vans Triple Crown of Surfing events which culminated each season with the Pipeline Masters.

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