Surf Legends
Our All-time Favourites
From the first surf legends back in the day to the ones who navigate the waves of today's surf scene, get inspired by our 12 most favourite surfers of all time! These surfers all have timeless contributions and indelibly shaped the sport. Fame is measured in more ways than just winning surf comps or the number of followers on Instagram. We based our 12 personal favourite surfers on the ones that inspire us, have a story to be told, on their unbelievable determination, willingness, their connection to our favourite place to surf (Bali) and their impact on the sport as a whole.
These great surfers celebrate the achievements of both men and women from diverse backgrounds, including Indonesian surfers, each leaving a mark on the world of surfing. Join us as we duck dive into the lives and legacies of these surf icons who have not only conquered the waves but have also inspired us and other surfers to hit the waves too.
1. Duke Kahanamoku
Let's start at the beginning of it all, the beginning of the sport - Duke Kahanamoku. In the early 20th century, Duke introduced the world to the sheer joy of riding waves. After surfing was transcended from Polynesia to Hawaii, Duke became one of the best surfers on the Hawaiian Islands, surfing backwards and doing handstands and other stunts. He travelled around the world, introducing surfing to regions far beyond the Pacific. His legacy goes beyond competition victories; he was the one who created the deep connection between surfing and the ocean, aloha!
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: August 24, 1890
Nationality: Hawaiian
2. Gerry Lopez
Now, let's move to the Master of Pipeline – Gerry Lopez. Born in 1948, this guy practically owns the waves at Pipeline in Hawaii. His approach to the challenging and big waves there has influenced a lot of surfers. He is known for his smooth and great style and technique. After retiring as a professional surfer, Lopez continued to share his passion and expertise by shaping boards and distributing them worldwide. We even include these boards in our 5-star quiver selection at our Kima Surf Camps. Here you can channel your inner Gerry and ride the waves with the same style as Gerry himself!
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: November 7, 1948
Nationality: America
3. Tom Curren
Tom Curren, is a former American world-class surfer. He’s the son of surfing great, Pat Curren, and he began surfing at the age of six on a family trip to Hawaii, he never looked back! He is the first American surfer to win the World Surf League Title and has 33 event wins in his career, the 2nd most of all time, only bettered by Kelly Slater. Tom had a well-known surfing style, and as he showed his trademark, the recognizable ‘double-pump bottom-turn technique’ everyone wanted to mimic it.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: July 3, 1964
Nationality: American
4. Kelly Slater
And then there's Kelly Slater or as he is also known in the surfing community: The GOAT - the king of surfing. Kelly's love for the waves started at five years old and by 10, he was already winning age-division events up and down the Atlantic coast. In '84, he snagged his first age-division United States championship title. He even became the youngest surfing world champion at the age of 20 after conquering the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii.
Kelly won eleven World Surfing Championships since he has been riding the waves since the late '70s. He even won the Pipe Masters in Hawaii in February 2022 just a couple of days before turning 50, becoming both the youngest and oldest surfer to claim the championship.
Just a couple of days ago he might have surfed his last competitive wave after losing in the round of 32 at the Margaret River Pro against 27-years junior Griffin Colapinto. This time “feels like the end,” Slater told World Surf League and that would definitely mark the end of an era.
Stance: Goofy
Date of Birth: February 11, 1972
Nationality: American
5. Layne Beachley
If there is a king of surfing, there is also a queen of the waves. Meet Layne Beachley, a seven World Championship winner (six of them back-to-back!). Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth, Layne has an honest and determined approach to life and success inspires us all. Her journey from the 80s to the present day mirrors the evolution of women's surfing, inspiring a new generation to ride the waves fearlessly. She is still surfing every day!
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: May 24, 1972
Nationality: Australian
6. Rizal Tandjung
Meet Rizal Tandjung, a regular-footed Indonesian surfer born on July 10, 1977, who has been riding the waves since the age of eight. Making the move from Jakarta to Bali, he discovered the perfect waves of Bali and skillfully rode them. Beyond the breaks, Rizal owns a couple of businesses in the surfing community and spearheads Hurley Indonesia/Bali. His journey extends beyond surfing; he is actively shaping the surf culture in Indonesia and paving the way for the next generation of surf enthusiasts. Rizal’s influence also extends to his own family. His son, Varun Tandjung, is already competing in the WSL, following in his father's footsteps.
Moreover, Rizal and his family are also involved in hosting and taking care of Bronson Meydi, a promising young Indonesian pro surfer. For an in-depth look at their journey, watch the inspiring documentary, "Becoming Bronson."
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: July 10, 1977
Nationality: Indonesian
7. Mick Fanning
Mick Fanning AKA the White Lightning, a surfer from the Western Suburbs of Sydney to the world stage. Mick's surfing journey kicked off at a young age, marked by a lot of dedication and passion for the waves. Even though he had a career-threatening hamstring injury in 2004, Mick recovered and came back stronger, clinching three World Championships in 2007, 2009, and 2013. Facing challenges like the loss of his brother, his injury, and a shark encounter in 2015, his journey has victories and losses. His fame extends beyond his victories, he is celebrated for his contributions to the sport and his inspiring journey in the world of professional surfing.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: June 13, 1981
Nationality: Australian
8. Stephanie Gilmore
With seven Women's World Championships, Stephanie Gilmore's dominance in women's surfing is unmatched. Her love for the world-class waves at Snapper Rocks in Australia reflects a surfer who has become a living legend in the sport. She is known for her paddling strength, elegant surf lines, explosive performances, and excellent wave-reading skills.
Besides hitting the waves like a pro, she's made a massive impact on women's surfing, probably more than anyone else in the world. She boosted the sport into the spotlight and hyped up young girls to ride the waves.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: January 29, 1988
Nationality: Australian
9. Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Hamilton, a true surfing icon, cannot be missed on this list! Her incredible story, including overcoming a shark attack and achieving seven Women's World Championships, has not only left a mark on the surfing community as a whole but has also inspired a lot of individuals to face their challenges and celebrate their triumphs, a source of inspiration for surfers worldwide. From the iconic waves of Hanalei Bay to her home break in Hawaii, Bethany's love for surfing knows no boundaries.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: February 8, 1990
Nationality: American
10. Diah Rahayu
Diah Rahayu paved the way for Indonesian female surfers. Starting surfing when she was 12 years old, she became the first of three female surfers who make up half of Indonesia’s Olympic surf team. She was one of the very first women in Indonesia to consider surfing as a career. Her journey reflects the growing community of Indonesian surfers on the global stage. Diah has a deep passion for the ocean and spends her time travelling through Indonesia and the world, in search of perfect waves.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: May 10, 1995
Nationality: Indonesians
11. Made "Bol" Adi Putra
Picture this: a local kid, barefoot and vibrant, taking on the breaks with a surfboard in Bali that has become a second home. Growing up amidst the waves from the Island of Gods, Bol became a really good surfer and his presence in the local surf scene made it grow stronger. From the playful waves of Kuta to the more challenging breaks at Uluwatu, Made Bol is Bali’s homegrown talent.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: November 27, 1984
Nationality: Indonesian
12. Rio Waida
Indonesian rising surfer Rio Waida has made waves in the World Surf League, showcasing the emerging talent from Indonesia. From starting his surfing journey at the age of five with his friends to winning back-to-back Challenger series competitions, Rio Waida symbolises the future of Indonesian surfing. The rising Olympic surfer from Indonesia has beaten Filipe Toledo and idolises Kelly Slater. “I do nothing else besides surfing; surfing, eat, sleep, training, that’s all I do.” He qualified twice for the Olympics: in 2020 and just lately for the Olympics in 2024.
Stance: Regular
Date of Birth: September 9, 1998
Nationality: Indonesian
We could go on and on with this list because the surfing community is just as diverse as the waves in this world. But they all have one thing in common: a love, passion and fervour for the ocean and the waves.
