Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by Matt Hapgood

Surfing is one of the most exhilarating water sports on the planet.

It’s a sport that demands skill, bravery, and balance from the best surfers, giving us a chance to interact with nature in a unique way. The history of surfing is a long, rich, and fascinating one. Over the years, many top surfers have made an impact in the sport and have been recognized as surfing icons.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to a list of the best surfers past and present, who have made significant contributions to the World of surfing.

Surfing has a long and vibrant surf history, which we tap into, and we include men and women from the World Surf League, surfing Hall of fame, celebrating our vibrant surf industry.

The Greatest Surfers of All Time

1. Duke Kahanamoku

Duke was an Olympic swimmer and widely credited as the ‘Father of modern surfing’ in the chronicles of the history of surfing. He popularized surfing outside Hawaii and introduced it to places like Australia and Southern California. 

2. Kelly Slater

Robert Kelly Slater, born in Florida, is regarded as THE greatest of all time. He has dominated surfing for nearly three decades, and his 11 world titles are a testament to this. World Tour surfer on the planet 

3. Bethany Hamilton

Bethany is a renowned professional surfer who survived a shark attack at the age of 13 while surfing. Instead of giving up her passion, she returned to the sport after her injury and has become an inspiration for many.

4. Gerry Lopez

This legendary surfer is known for his graceful style and his mastery of the tube ride. He was also a key figure in the development of the surf brand, Quiksilver. pipe surfers 

5. Tom Curren

Tom Curren is a three-time World Champion and one of the most stylish surfers in history, known for his effortless flow and his ability to adapt to different surfing conditions. sport of surfing  best surfer in the world surfer of his era 

6. Laird Hamilton

This big wave surfer is a true waterman. He has been credited with riding some of the biggest waves in the world at places like Jaws and Teahupoo. Tow surfing  one of the few surfers 

7. Stephanie Gilmore

Stephanie is a seven-time World Champion and one of the most dominant female surfers of all time. Her smooth style and competitive spirit have made her a true legend in the sport. women surfers

8. Mick Fanning

Mick Fanning is a three-time World Champion and one of the most consistent surfers on the tour. He has also overcome personal tragedy, including a shark attack during a competition, to continue his surfing career. Rip Curl  great white shark top 10 surfers 

9. John John Florence

John John is an incredibly talented surfer from Hawaii. He has won two world titles and is known for his innovative approach to surfing. learning to surf. 

10. Mark Richards

Mark Richards is a four-time World Champion and a pioneer of high-performance surfing. He revolutionized the sport with his twin-fin design and influenced generations of surfers to come.

11. Rob Machado

Rob is one of the most stylish surfers of all time. He has an effortless flow and is known for his smooth, clean style in and out of the water. free surfing 

12. Carissa Moore

Carissa Moore is a four-time World Champion and one of the best female surfers in history. She has a powerful, dynamic style and has been a role model for women in surfing.

13. Gerry Fitzgerald

Gerry was a South African surfer who traveled the world in search of waves. He was known for his honey-colored curly hair and his ability to ride big waves.

14. Lisa Andersen

Lisa was a four-time World Champion and one of the most inspiring figures in women’s surfing history. She overcame adversity and injuries to become a legend in the sport.

15. Nat Young

Nat is an Australian surfer who won the World Championship in 1966. He was known for his fearlessness and his commitment to surfing big waves.

16. Big Wave Dave Kalama

Dave Kalama is known as one of the pioneers of big wave surfing. He was part of the first group of surfers to tow into massive waves at places like Peahi or ‘Jaws’ in Maui.

17. Joel Parkinson

Joel is a surfer from Australia who won the World Championship in 2012. He’s known for his powerful, stylish surfing and his ability to perform in all types of conditions. new south wales professional surfing 

18. Tom Carroll

Tom is a two-time World Champion and one of the most competitive surfers of all time. He was known for his aggressive approach and his fast, powerful turns. One of the best North Shore surfers, Carrol’s infamous snap at the Pipe Masters is still talked about to this day.

19. Kelly McGillivray

Kelly is a big wave surfer and filmmaker. He was responsible for introducing tow-in surfing to Hawaii and discovering famous spots like Mavericks.

20. Shaun Tomson

Shaun is a former World Champion and one of the most influential surfers of all time. He’s written several books and traveled the world promoting surfing and surf culture.

21. Jack O’Neill

Jack is the founder of the surf brand, O’Neill. He’s known for inventing the wetsuit and revolutionizing the surf industry.

22. Laura Enever

Laura is a professional surfer from Australia who has competed at the highest level. She has a unique style and a fearless approach to surfing. one of the top 

23. Greg Noll

Greg is a legendary big wave rider who is known for his incredible performances at places like Waimea Bay. He’s also a surfboard shaper and has influenced the growth of surfing worldwide.

24. Filipe Toledo

Filipe is a Brazilian surfer who has been known for his innovative approach to surfing. He’s especially known for his new school aerial maneuvers and his ability to make surfing look easy.

25. Jack Robinson

Jack Robinson is an Australian surfer who’s been making waves on the big wave circuit. At just 23 years old, he’s already making a name for himself in the world of surfing.

26. Taj Burrow

Taj is an Australian surfer who won 12 Championship Tour events over the course of his career. He was known for his stylish airs and his all-around surfing ability. considered the best up and coming …

27. Julian Wilson

Julian is a professional surfer from Australia who has been surfing competitively for over a decade. He’s known for his progressive surfing style and his thrilling performances in competitions.

28. Dane Reynolds

Dane Reynolds is an American surfer who’s known for his innovative approach to surfing. He’s famous for his smooth, stylish, and powerful turns, which have made him a favorite among fans.

29. Andy Irons

The late Andy Irons, from Kauai, Hawaii, was one of the most influential surfers of his generation. His powerful and raw style was a spectacle to behold – especially at the standout surf spots on the North Shore.

Irons won three World Championships (2002, 2003, 2004) and was famous for his heated rivalry with Kelly Slater. Tragically, Andy Irons passed away prematurely in 2010, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in the surfing world.

30. Layne Beachley

As one of the most successful female surfers in history, Australian Layne Beachley holds seven World Championship titles (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006). She is renowned for her commitment to the sport and for breaking barriers in what was considered a male-dominated sport. Beachley’s dynamic style and determination have been inspirational for countless upcoming female surfers.

31. Gabriel Medina

Gabriel Medina, from Brazil, brought a new level of aerial prowess to the surfing world. His ability to incorporate complex maneuvers into his surfing has helped to redefine what’s possible on a wave. He won his first World Championship in 2014, becoming the first Brazilian to do so, and again in 2018, solidifying his place among the greats.

32. Jordy Smith

Hailing from South Africa, Jordy Smith is known for his progressive style and powerful maneuvers. He became a professional surfer at just 17 and made his mark early by winning both the World Qualifying Series and the Billabong J-Bay in 2010. Smith has consistently ranked among the world’s top surfers throughout his career.

33. Cheyne Horan

An Australian surfer from the 1970s and 80s, Cheyne Horan was known for his unconventional approach to the sport. He was a proponent of single-fin and winged keel designs, believing they allowed for more creative, expressive surfing. Horan was a four-time runner-up in the World Championships, earning him recognition as one of the best surfers never to win a title.

34. Rabbit Bartholomew

Wayne Bartholomew, affectionately known as ‘Rabbit’, is a true icon of Australian surfing. He was the World Champion in 1978 and was instrumental in professionalizing the sport during the 1970s. Bartholomew was known for his flamboyant style both in and out of the water, and his love for the sport has left an indelible mark on surfing culture.

35.  Christian Fletcher

An icon of free surfing, Christian Fletcher is considered one of the pioneers of aerial surfing. He brought the influence of skateboarding into surfing, reshaping the sport during the 1990s. Fletcher was never interested in competition, preferring to push the boundaries of what was possible on a wave, and his impact on the sport continues to resonate today.

Final thoughts: The Most Influential Surfers of All Time

There you have it, 35 of the most famous surfers in history. From Duke to Kelly, all of these athletes have left their mark on the sport and have made it what it is today.

Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned surfer, these legends in the industry can inspire you to improve your surfing skills and hone your craft.

So grab a surfboard, head to the beach, and let the water be your playground! surfing world