Amazing Women in Surfing History (Part 2):
10 Female Surfers Who Changed the Game
Surfing isn’t just about waves — it’s about courage, creativity, and rewriting the rules.
In this second part of our “Women in Surfing History” series, we celebrate 10 incredible female surfers who broke boundaries, won titles, and reshaped surf culture — in and out of the water.
From 19th-century Hawaiian royals to modern-day big-wave legends, these surf icons didn’t just ride — they led.
Princess Kaiulani (1890s) – Hawai‘i, USA
A Hawaiian royal and early female surfer, Princess Kaiulani turned wave riding into a political act. As her kingdom faced colonization, she continued to surf — preserving Hawaiian traditions and using surfing as an expression of cultural resistance.
Why she matters: She helped keep the spirit of surfing alive during a time of deep political unrest and cultural erasure.
Joyce Hoffman (1960s) – USA
One of the first globally recognized professional female surfers, Joyce Hoffman dominated in a male-dominated sport. She won multiple national titles and the World Surfing Championship in 1965, and became the first woman on the cover of Surfer Magazine.
Legacy: She proved that women not only belonged in the lineup — they could dominate it.
Sandy Ordille (1970s–80s) – USA
A fierce shortboard rebel, Sandy Ordille challenged the status quo during a time when few women dared. Known for her underground influence and feminist edge, she helped shape the soul of alternative surf culture in the ’70s and ’80s.
Why she rocks: She carved space for independent, rebellious women in surf history.
@sandy_ordille
Wendy Botha (1987–1995) – South Africa / Australia
Wendy Botha claimed four world titles and changed the face of women’s competitive surfing. Known for her clean, aggressive style, she raised the performance bar and showed the world what elite female surfers could really do.
Impact: A powerhouse who helped bring international respect to women's surfing.
@100pambo
Heidi Zumbrun (1990s–present) – USA
Heidi Zumbrun’s photography told the real stories — women in skate and surf culture with grit, soul, and authenticity. Her work gave visibility to underrepresented surf communities and redefined what surf photography could be.
Legacy: She shifted the lens toward female strength and diversity.
@heidizumbrun
Kassia Meador (2000s) – USA
A longboard legend known for her elegant noseriding, Kassia Meador helped lead the women’s longboarding revival in the 2000s. She went on to launch her own surfwear brand, Kassia+Surf, focused on sustainability and female empowerment.
Why she matters: She’s a style icon, movement leader, and business visionary.
@kassiasurf
Jamilah Star (2000s–present) – Hawai‘i, USA
Jamilah is a paddle-in big-wave surfer and cultural activist. She’s carved her place at iconic spots like Waimea and Mavericks, all on her own terms — no sponsors, no shortcuts. She’s also working to reclaim Indigenous Hawaiian surf traditions and make surfing more inclusive.
Why she’s essential: She surfs with purpose, power, and deep ancestral pride.
@jamstarsurf
Bianca Valenti (2010s–present) – USA
Bianca isn’t just surfing giants like Mavericks — she’s leading the charge for gender equality in surfing. As a co-founder of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, she was instrumental in achieving equal pay for women in WSL competitions.
Real talk: She surfs skyscraper waves and changes policies.
@bigwavebianca
Erin Brooks (2010s–present) – Canada / Hawai‘i, USA
Don’t let the age fool you — Erin Brooks is a teen phenom surfing waves that most adults avoid. She’s already turning heads at Pipeline, Jaws, and beyond, with a calm power that’s redefining what young girls are capable of in the water.
Why we’re watching her: She’s not just the future — she’s the now.
@erinbrookssurf
Laura Enever (2010s–present) – Australia
From World Junior Champion to big-wave record breaker, Laura walked away from the WSL to chase something bigger — and found it at Shipstern Bluff. She now holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave surfed paddle-in by a woman.
Legacy in motion: From elite competitor to fearless explorer.
@lauraenever
Why These Women Matter in Surf History
These trailblazing women helped reshape global surf culture. They:
Broke gender boundaries
Dominated competitions
Preserved Indigenous traditions
Fought for equality and inclusion
Brought new style, stories, and spirit to the sea
Whether through activism, art, or raw athleticism, their legacies continue to inspire new generations of surfers around the world.
Join Us on a Female Surf Retreat in Fuerteventura
Want to ride waves and connect with an empowered global sisterhood?
Join our women-only surf retreats in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands — a magical surf destination with warm waters, epic vibes, and personalized coaching. Whether you’re a first-timer or ready to level up, this is your space to grow, explore, and ride with soul.
📍 Small groups, pro guidance, island magic.
🧜♀️ Surf. Sisterhood. Sun. Let’s go. 🌞
11 Oct - 18 Oct 2025
18 Oct - 25 Oct 2025
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