The best female surfers of all time

The world of women's surfing has evolved over the years into a major industry due to its great talents. Names like Carissa Moore and Stephanie Gilmore have dominated the scene for almost a decade. With such prominent legends entering the final stages of their career, there needs to be a change of guard. New talents are knocking on WSL's door, asking for a spot on the tour. Let's take a look at some of the best female surfers out there.

The five-time world champion and defending Olympic gold medalist is leaving behind a remarkable legacy within the sport. Moore is a massive inspiration for female surfers all around the world, being considered one of the main pioneers of competitive female surfing. She will step away from the WSL Tour (World Surf League Championship Tour) at the end of the 2024 season.

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During her last two WSL seasons, she led the points battle in both campaigns ahead of the finals. That would have won her two more world titles in any regular season, but she crossed paths with the infamous Steph Gilmore and the young Caroline Marks. "I would have loved to have won a world title and then dropped the mic and walked away, I would have loved the fairy tale ending," shared Moore with Inertia.

Despite being only 21 years old, Caroline Marks is ranked number within the top 5 right in front of Carissa Moore, one of her childhood idols. She won the WSL Championship, making her the youngest female surfer to ever win the tour. The Florida surfer has been an absolute sensation in the 2023-24 season.

Her youthful vigor outmatched Gilmore and Moore, becoming the second female surfer to alter the World Tour Tittle hegemony between the two in 15 years.

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Bethany Hamilton is another world-class female surfer, determined to challenge herself time after time. According to Surfer Magazine, she was considered one of the best junior surfing champions in the world until she encountered a 14ft (4.2m) tiger shark. She lost her arm in 2003 and survived the attack after losing 60 percent of her blood.

A major traumatic moment for young Bethany, and a life-altering setback for her promising surfing career. Nevertheless, Hamilton was determined to continue pursuing her passion for surfing and after an intensive recovery process, she was back on her board just a month after the attack.

The Australian surfer was considered one of the best female competitive surfers during the early 2000s. Beachly had an incredible run, winning seven ASP World Titles - including six in a row (1998-2006).

According to Red Bull, Beachly was shunned by the surf industry, so she founded her clothing brand. She was never a big fan of competitive surfing and chose to develop her brand on the side.

Molly Picklum has garnered much recognition over the last few years, and for good reason. Picklum conquered the Australian Championship titles back-to-back. Most recently, Picklum put up a fight at the World Surf League Champions Tour, pulling off a big win at the Vans Pipe Masters and the 2023 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach (Hawaii). She left her mark on the North Shore.

Picklum was granted a SAHOF (Sport Australia Hall of Fame) Scholarship, a massive step in her professional career. SAHOF Scholarships aim to provide programs to assist young elite Australian athletes reach the highest level of their chosen sport, by providing financial support and one-to-one mentoring.

"I was so excited to hear that my SAHOF Scholarship Application was successful. Being able to receive one-on-one mentoring from a sporting mentor, especially someone like Debbie Watson (Australian water polo champion) will be so valuable for me at this stage of my career," shared Picklum on social media after being selected as a 2021 Tier 1 Scholarship holder.

Stephanie Gilmore is one of the best female surfers in the world, and her longevity in the WSL tour proves her caliber. Now in her late 30s, she broke the record for women's world title wins, previously held by Aussie surfer Layne Beachley.

The Australian surfer won world titles in 2018, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007. With her most recent 2022 World Title, the only thing left for her to win is an Olympic title.

In case you didn't know, Zoe Benedetto has been ripping it up. The 18-year-old American surfer has become a major sensation from coast to coast. Despite her age, she is number one in the Women's Qualifying Series.

American Surf Magazine described the young American surfer as a future champion. "Not only is Zoe a bright spot when you talk about up-and-coming Florida surfers; she's a name to watch amongst the talent pool on the Qualifying Series."

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