Posted by Sinead Eksteen | 03.05.2025 | Learn To Surf, Surf News, WB Surf Camp News, Womens Surf Camp

Making Waves: The Journey of Women’s Surfing

March is a month packed with excitement—March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, the first signs of spring—but most importantly, it’s Women’s History Month! And what better way to celebrate than by diving into the inspiring history of women’s surfing?

Though often seen as a male-dominated sport, women have been charging waves for centuries. The earliest recorded female surfer was Princess Kelea of Maui in 1445. She wasn’t just skilled—she was one of the best. So dedicated to surfing, she even left her marriage to a chief just so she could return to Maui and spend more time on the waves.

By the early 1900s, surfing was making its way to the U.S. mainland, but women still faced obstacles. Surfboards were massive—over 14 feet long and ridiculously heavy—making solo surfing a challenge. Many women had to tandem surf with men just to get in the lineup. But that didn’t stop them from embracing the sport and carving their own paths.

The 1950s brought a game-changer: foam and fiberglass boards, which made surfing more accessible. This shift helped legendary surfers like Marge Calhoun make their mark—she won the 1958 Makaha International Surfing Championships at age 32, proving that women had just as much of a place in the water as men.

Despite growing female participation, recognition lagged behind. In the 1965 World Championships, women’s results were left out of major surf publications. The prize money gap was staggering—one Australian contest paid the top male surfer $35,000, while the top female competitor received just $1,500. The message was clear: women’s surfing was still fighting for respect.

But today, the tides have turned. The World Surf League now offers equal prize money for men and women, and female surfers are breaking boundaries like never before. Athletes like Carissa Moore and Stephanie Gilmore continue to redefine what’s possible, proving that women’s surfing isn’t just strong—it’s thriving.

Pop culture has also played a huge role in inspiring the next generation of female surfers. Movies like Blue Crush (2002) gave young women an electrifying look at the competitive surf scene, proving that they too, could chase big waves and big dreams. Surf documentaries and films featuring icons like Lisa Andersen and Layne Beachley (Girls Can’t Surf) have further highlighted the determination, skill, and sheer grit of women in the sport.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the fearless pioneers who paved the way and the rising shredders who are taking the sport to new heights. The future of women’s surfing is bright, and the waves are calling.