sports

The 6 Best Surfers of All-Time, Ranked

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Published May 18, 2023

So, you're wondering who the best surfers of all-time are? Let's talk about it!

The art of surfing is a sport unlike any other. In most sports, you fight for the glory of being the best. However, the culture inside surfing is drastically different. Surfers put an emphasis on inclusivity and it has led to massive growth, evolving into a worldwide sport that millions participate in around the world.

Hawaii has played a significant role in popularizing surfing. In the early 1900s, Hawaiian surfers such as Duke Kahanamoku showcased the sport to a broader audience. Kahanamoku gained international recognition for his surfing and swimming achievements, and he helped introduce and promote the sport during his travels.

Surfing really took off during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. This era is often referred to as the "Golden Age of Surfing." During this time, advancements in surfboard design, the introduction of lighter materials such as fiberglass, and increased media coverage helped bring it into the mainstream.

Here is our list of the best surfers of all time:

1. Duke Kahanamoku

Born: August 24th, 1890
From: Hale’ākala, Honolulu, Hawaii

Duke Kahanamoku was a renowned Hawaiian athlete and surfer. He is often considered the father of modern surfing and played a significant role in popularizing the sport worldwide.

Kahanamoku was born in Hale’ākala, Honolulu, Hawaii on August 24th, 1890. Growing up in Hawaii, he spent most of his youth on the beach learning to surf and swim at high levels. Duke also dominated the Olympic swimming field, winning five medals, including three golds. He previously held the world record for the 100-yard swim at 55.4 seconds, 4.6 seconds better than the previous record.

Later in life, Duke was an actor, playing roles as a background character in various movies. He also had a brief stint as a military officer where he was positioned in Hawaii. After his Olympic days he continued to travel the world to showcase his swimming talents. Alongside showing off his swimming prowess, he put on shows entertaining with his surfing skills. These world tours of his skills is a key reason why surfing became a global phenomenon.

Another story that emphasizes how incredible of an individual Duke Kahanamoku was took place in Newport Beach in 1925. After a fishing vessel capsized, men in the boat began to drown. Duke made multiple trips from the shore to the boat on his surfboard to rescue four men.

After passing away in 1968 due to a heart attack, he was buried at sea, accompanied by a 30-man police escort that traveled across Waikiki Beach in a proper send off.

2. Kelly Slater

Born: February 11th, 1972
From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
World Championships: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011

Kelly Slater ranks on top of almost any list of all-time modern day surfers. Born on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Slater has achieved unprecedented success and dominance in professional surfing, winning a record-setting 11 World Surf League (WSL) Championships.

He turned professional at the age of 18 and quickly rose to prominence. Throughout his career, he's showcased exceptional skills, technical mastery, and versatility in various wave conditions. His competitive drive and innovative approach to surfing have earned him immense respect and admiration from fans and fellow surfers alike.

In addition to his remarkable competitive achievements, Slater has also played a role in popularizing surfing globally. He has been a prominent ambassador for the sport and has appeared in numerous media projects, including movies and television shows. Slater's influence extends beyond competitive surfing, as he has been involved in environmental and sustainability initiatives, aiming to protect the oceans and raise awareness about environmental issues.

3. Shaun Tomson

Born: August 21st, 1955
From: Durban, South Africa
World Championships: 1977

Shaun Tomson was born in Durban, South Africa on August 21, 1955. He became one of the top surfers during the 1970s and 1980s and was known for his smooth and stylish approach to surfing, displaying a combination of power and grace on the waves.

In 1975, Tomson won the International Professional Surfers (IPS) World Championship. He was also a standout performer at the Pipeline Masters competition in Hawaii, where he achieved notable success.

Tomson's surfing career was not limited to competition. He was one of the key figures in the early development of professional surfing, working to establish the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) in 1983. This organization eventually became the World Surf League (WSL), which oversees professional events globally.

4. Tom Curren

Born: July 3rd, 1964
From: Santa Barbara, California
World Championships: 1985, 1986, 1990

Tom Curren was born in Santa Barbara, California on July 3, 1964. He gained prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s, achieving remarkable success in both competitive and free-surfing.

Known for his smooth and stylish approach, Curren's surfing is often described as graceful and innovative. He had a unique ability to adapt to various wave conditions and was particularly renowned for his performances in powerful and hollow waves. His style combined powerful turns, deep tube rides, and fluid maneuvers, captivating both fellow surfers and fans.

In terms of competitive achievements, Curren won three ASP World Championships (now known as the World Surf League Championship) in 1985, 1986, and 1990. His competitive success extended beyond traditional surf contests, as he also won the prestigious Pipeline Masters event in Hawaii and claimed victories in various other high-profile competitions.

In addition to his competitive endeavors, Tom Curren is celebrated for his free-surfing abilities and his contributions to surf culture. His performances in surf videos and films, such as "The Search" series by Rip Curl, showcased his creativity and innovative approach to riding waves.

5. Layne Beachley

Born: May 24th, 1972
From: Manly, New South Wales
World Championships: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006

Layne Beachley is an Australian professional surfer and one of the most successful female surfers in history. She was born on May 24, 1972, in Sydney, Australia. Beachley's surfing career spanned over two decades, during which she achieved numerous milestones and accolades.

Beachley won a record-breaking seven World Surf League (WSL) Women's Championships, earning her the distinction of being the most successful female surfer in history. She won her first world title in 1998 and went on to dominate the women's surfing scene throughout the early 2000s. Her powerful and aggressive style set her apart from her competitors.

Aside from her competitive success, Beachley played an influential role in promoting women's surfing and pushing for gender equality in the sport. She advocated for equal prize money and opportunities for female surfers, leading to significant progress in the recognition and support of women's professional surfing.

After retiring from professional competition in 2008, Beachley has remained actively involved in the surfing community. She has taken on roles as a mentor, coach, and commentator, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of surfers.

6. Mark Richards

Born: March 7th, 1957
From: Newcastle, New South Wales
World Championships: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982

Mark Richards, commonly known as MR, made a significant impact on the sport in the 1970s and early 1980s. He was born on March 7, 1957, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

He won four consecutive World Surfing Championships from 1979 to 1982, establishing himself as one of the most successful and influential surfers of his time. His innovative and aggressive style, combined with exceptional wave-reading skills, allowed him to excel in a variety of conditions.

One of Richards' notable contributions to the sport was the development of the twin-fin surfboard design. Along with fellow shaper and surfer Reno Abellira, Richards refined the design, incorporating twin fins instead of the traditional single fin. This innovation revolutionized surfing and led to increased speed and maneuverability, influencing board design for years to come.

Beyond his competitive success, Mark Richards has remained involved in surfing as a shaper, continuing to refine surfboard designs and work with emerging talents. He is also regarded as a respected figure in the surfing community, known for his humility, sportsmanship, and contributions to the sport's development.

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