Lisa Andersen: The female surf 'rebel' that conquered the sport

Lisa Andersen is arguably one of the most successful female surfers of all time. She broke stereotypes and elevated the sport to new heights. As a four-time world champion, Andersen fought her way to the top, earning the title of "queen of surfing" in the 1990s. A city girl who took the surf world by storm, she dominated the lineup and redefined women's surfing. Let’s take a closer look at her legendary career.

Regarded as "enigmatic, introspective, talented, and graceful," according to Surfer Today, Andersen was a great role model within the surfing world. The 'good-looking' blonde surfer's technique and natural ability alongside her strong character made her seem unstoppable.

The legendary female surfer had a relatively short career due to chronic back issues. Despite this, she spent 15 years at the top of the surfing world, capturing numerous important titles. Her trophy room is full of awards and accolades, worthy of a surfer who inspired thousands of women in the water.

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Andersen was born on March 8, 1969, in Amityville, New York (USA), but was raised in Maryland and Virginia. She had three brothers growing up and struggled with an alcoholic father who lost his family business when they were young. Young Andersen sought out sports as an outlet, and began her athletic career in the city's men's basketball team.

The New York surfer started 'ripping' by the age of 13, after her family moved to Ormond Beach, Florida. She picked up surfing and displayed a great natural talent regardless of being a city girl.

According to Surfer Today, Andersen's board was later destroyed by her alcoholic father, as her parents didn't want her to pursue a career in surfing. They associated the sport with drugs, alcohol, and a beach bum lifestyle.

Nevertheless, that didn't stop Andersen's dreams of becoming a surfer. At the age of 16, she packed her bags for Los Angeles with some money she saved up, leaving only a note, saying she was off to California to become a women's world surf champion.

In her biography, Andersen highlights how rough of a start it was for her at first. She worked part-time jobs as a waitress around Huntington Beach and slept wherever she could.

Andersen carved out her little kingdom in the water, earning herself the famous nickname "Trouble". However, she states in her book "Surfing didn't let me give up," highlighting how important it was in her life.

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The story goes that Australian surfing legend Ian Cairns found Andersen sleeping below a table placed in a contest scaffolding. She wanted to compete but lacked her parent's authorization to enter the event. Cairns waived her flyer and let her put on a number...

That was the start of it all. In 1986, "after eight months and dozens of trophies, the East Coast-born surfer embarked on her first trip to Newquay, England, for the World Amateur Championships in Cornwall", according to Surfer Today.

She turned professional at the age of 17 and won Rookie of the Year in 1987. But young Andersen struggled to impose her talent on the tour. Undermined by fragile self-confidence, she had to dig deep.

Quicksilver signed her on to the team in 1992, earning herself her first sponsorship. The New Yorker later won four consecutive ASP Titles in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. Andersen cites Frieda Zamba as her inspiration, underlining her goal is to "surf like a guy".

Andersen married in 1993 to head judge Renato Hickle. She continued surfing while pregnant, and only missed the last event of the season... Rad! After giving birth, she returned to the groove and picked up right where she left off. The couple later split in 1996, after their daughter Erica was born.

Surfer Magazine gave her a front cover with a great headline: "Lisa Andersen surfs better than you." She was riding Cloud 9, but unfortunate back issues forced her off the tour.

Lisa Andersen was inducted into the Surfer's Hall of Fame in 2002 and into the Surfing Walk of Fame in 2004. Well deserved recognition to what was one of the first female surfer pioneers. She still surfs today and currently lives in Florida with her family, still pulling great waves!

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