Growth in Women's Surfing:
3 inspirational Women and Her Stories
Surfing has become more and more popular over the years all around the world and also the women’s interest in the sport has seen a significant increase. It has become one of the largest growing sports amongst women in Australia since the pandemic and the percentage of women surfers has been increasing overall. Also in our Kima Surf Camps in Bali and Sri Lanka, we welcome many female guests.
There have been challenges for women in the surfing industry, such as female surfers not receiving the same prizes as male surfers or female surfers being put in poor conditions during surfing competitions compared to male competitors. But this has not stopped women from surfing.
Whereas thoughts on women surfing not long time ago sounded still like: “You see a girl out in the surf and it looks ridiculous to me.” or “I think they should involve themselves with more feminine activities.”, Idols such as Carissa Moore, Bethany Hamilton or Stephanie Gilmore proofed the opposite. All these women have had a significant impact on the women's surfing industry as well as on young and upcoming female surfers. Why? We’ll show you now.
Carissa Moore: A Trailblazer for Women in Surfing
Carissa Moore is a professional surfer from Hawaii who has made a remarkable impact on the growth of women in surfing. She is a five-time WSL world champion surfer and the first woman who won a gold medal in surfing at the Olympic Games.
It's my hope that anyone who's young and chasing their dreams knows that anything is
possible if they work hard and put their heart and mind to it.
- Carissa Moore -
Carissa Moore, who is also to be called Riss, was born in 1992 in Hawaii. At just 5 years old, Riss’ dad Chris introduced her to surfing in the turquoise waters of Waikiki Beach - the moment, when a legend was born. Moore became the youngest person to win a surfing title when she was just 18. In 2010 she won two contests and finished third overall, so she earned the Rookie of the Year. Riss followed up on these successes a season later, won three events, bet Stephanie Gilmore (another inspirational woman in Surfing about whom we tell you also in that blog post) and earned her first World title. The Rip Curl Newcastle Curl in 2021 was another milestone in Carissa Moore’s career. She launched a perfectly grabbed Frontside Air-Reverse that was so lofted that she disappeared out of the top of the livestream screen momentarily. This aerial was so impressive that even her opponent clapped and was the catalyst to another World title.
Her success and style of surfing have inspired countless young girls and women to take up surfing and pursue their dreams, while her advocacy for gender equality in the sport has helped to increase the visibility and opportunities for women surfers. As a young surfer, she broke through barriers and shattered stereotypes about what women could achieve in surfing. In 2018, she launched the non-profit “Moore Aloha”, which encourages young female surfers to be strong, confident and compassionate.
She has been a vocal advocate for equal prize money, pushing greater visibility of women’s surfing both through her support and performances in surfing events. Moore’s influence has been particularly strong in her home state of Hawaii, where she is a beloved figure and role model for young female surfers.
Bethany Hamilton: A Women in Surfing who never gave up
Bethany Hamilton - the spitting image that shows that with willpower, strength and perseverance, almost everything is possible. In 2003, Bethany was at the beginning of her surfer career when she survived a shark attack at the age of 14. She lost her left arm but instead of the injury holding her back, she continued to surf after one month! Hamilton had to relearn how to surf with her injury. After not even 2 years of the biggest nightmare a surfer can imagine, Hamilton’s faith, strength and unbeatable willpower guided her to her first national surfing title. From this moment on she realised her dream of surfing professionally and is still an active Women in surfing.
Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you.
- Bethany Hamilton -
Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, and it has resonated with women all over the world. Bethany Hamilton has shown that women can be just as skilled and competitive as men in surfing - even with an injury like hers. Her success in the sport has not only helped to increase the visibility and recognition of women in surfing but also to inspire others to believe in themselves and never give up. Today she is a wife, mother, author, motivational speaker and still a great surfer. Bethany's story was made into the movie Soul Surfer.
Stephanie Gilmore: A swift and impressive figure for Women in Surfing
Stephanie Gilmore is a professional surfer from Australia who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female surfers of all time. As she started surfing from a young age she had achieved a lot already and by taking part in her first season in 2005, a remarkable career began.
The ocean humbles you. You can go and win a world title, but you’re never going to
beat the ocean.
- Stephanie Gilmore -
In 2007, at the age of 19, Stephanie Gilmore became the youngest surfer EVER to win a world championship. Gilmore went on to win four more world championships in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Winning a world title as a rookie and following with five titles in as many attempts – an accomplishment no other surfer, male or female, has achieved in the history of surfing. As one of the most successful and influential female surfers of all time, Gilmore has used her platform to inspire and empower women around the world. Off the water, Gilmore has aimed at supporting young people in need waiting to pursue their dreams. Her success in competition, advocacy for gender equality and commitment to philanthropy have made her an inspiration to fans all around the world. In 2010 Stephanie Gilmore has also been awarded the Laureus World Sports Award, considered the most prestigious award in action sports worldwide.
3 Women in Surfing with 3 impressive stories that inspire a sport like nobody else. At Kima, we probably won’t make you the next World Champion in surfing but we’ll show you how to learn how to surf and improve your skills by taking you to the waves and spots that match your skills, daily video analysis, surf theory sessions and more - all included in your Kima Package!
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