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The most influential female surfers of all time
Friday, 08 March 2013 12:28

Joyce Hoffman and Margo Godfrey: female surfing stars in 1968

The history of surfing is made of great achievements by female surfers. Since the early 1920s, surfer girls have been steadily evolving their style and skills in the surf line.


The most influential female surfers of all time have had several roles in the evolution of the sport. It's not only a matter of grace and classicism, but also a question of ability and commitment.

Mary Ann Hawkins was one of the first female surfers to show how to get waves ridden in California. She lived a troubled life, despite several career achievements in swimming and competitive surfing. Hawkins could hold her breath for more than two minutes.

Marge Calhoun is considered the first women's surfing champion, after taking the Makaha International surf contest. She pioneered female surfing in Hawaii and was inducted into the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame, in 2003.

Isabel Letham is the "first lady" of Australian surfing. Letham volunteered for a tandem surf session with Duke Kahanamoku, when the Hawaiian champion visited Freshwater, in Australia, back in 1914. She never quit surfing.

Margo Oberg is the first true legend of female surfing and the first multiple-time winner of world surfing championships. Oberg lived in Hawaii in a tree house. She is considered the first pro woman surfer.

Wendy Botha is the one and only South African female surfer to claim a world surfing title. She claimed a total of four trophies and posed nude for Australian Playboy.

Layne Beachley has been considered the ultimate surfer girl and probably the best female surfer of all time. The talented Australian has taken seven world surfing titles, a record that has never been beaten.

Sarah Gerhardt was the first woman to challenge the big wave surfing arena of Mavericks. The blond teacher opened the book of riding giants in feminine mode. Keala Kennelly and Maya Gabeira are also big wave surfing pioneers.

Take a look at the best female surf movies of all time.
The most influential female surfers of all time are:

Alana Blanchard
Bethany Hamilton
Carissa Moore
Chelsea Georgeson
Debbie Beacham
Frieda Zamba
Gail Couper
Isabel Letham
Joyce Hoffman
Keala Kennelly
Kim Mearig
Layne Beachley
Linda Benson
Linda Merrill
Lisa Andersen
Lynne Boyer
Marge Calhoun
Margo Godfrey-Oberg
Mary Ann Hawkins
Maya Gabeira
Pam Burridge
Pauline Menczer
Phyllis O'Donnell
Rella Sunn
Rochelle Ballard
Sarah Gerhardt
Sharon Webber
Sofia Mulanovich
Stephanie Gilmore
Wendy Botha

 

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SURFING

The most shark-infested waters in the world
17/05/2013
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There are over 470 species of sharks and they have been living on Planet Earth for 420 million years.
The smallest shark - the dwarf lantern shark - is only 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in length, while the whale shark is the largest specie in the world, with approximately 12 meters (39 feet). Sharks live in all oceans down to depths of 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). Usually, they do not live in freshwater with the exception of the bull shark and river shark.


From Teahupoo with love and rockets
17/05/2013
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Can surfers get bored of powerful and deadly waves because they're riding them for three consecutive days? Down at "The End of the Road", the big wave surfing hysteria keeps rolling. After all, it's Teahupoo isn't it?
Reef McIntosh confirms the theory of Teahupoo waves as freight trains, at full speed. He may have conquered the title of fastest tube rider of the French Polynesian islands. This thing called Teahupoo it's been pumping. Day one, day two and now chapter three. Kohl Christensen,  [ ... ]


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KITEBOARDING

"Death loop" kills kitesurfer in Quebec
14/05/2013
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A 32-year-old kitesurfer has passed away when he was sailing on the Lake of Two Mountains, in Quebec, Canada.
Julien Blanchard was enjoying a kitesurfing session in the part of the river delta widening of the Ottawa River, in Quebec, when he suffered what is commonly called the "death loop". The rider was dragged to his death on the lake, after fell and being kept underwater by his kite for about 20 minutes.


Kiteboard Open 2013 set for Noordwijk
13/05/2013
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The Kiteboard Open 2013 will run between the 18th-20th May, in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
During three days, the west of the Netherlands is invaded by some of the best regional kitesurfers in a beach lifestyle festival. Ruben Lenten, Kevin and Jalou Langeree will be showing off in the Kiteboard Open 2013, at the their home spot.


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WINDSURFING

Taty Frans and Kiri Thode blast the Curacao Challenge 2013
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Taty Frans and Kiri Thode have claimed the Slalom and Freestyle titles at the Curacao Challenge 2013, in the Netherlands Antilles.
A total of 85 windsurfers from some of the world's best sailing countries like Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao competed in front of hundreds of spectators. The 5th edition of the Curacao Challenge showcased an high level of competition mixed with a great atmosphere. The event held a Tow-In Freestyle contest, Slalom races and a SUP battle.


The windsurfing book for young people
14/05/2013
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"Go Windsurfing!" is a windsurfing book for young people published by the Royal Yachting Association.
Written and illustrated by Claudia Myatt, "RYA Go Windsurfing!" offers easy reading style and engaging content to children aged between 7-12 years old. The entertaining and clear format takes the reader from the beginnings through to starting to race and what they need to know to stay safe while out windsurfing. There is also an informative section at the back which explores Windsurfing amaz [ ... ]


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BODYBOARDING

Dan Ryan air drops into vertical Teahupoo
15/05/2013
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Dan Ryan has scored epic air drops into deep barrels, in Teahupoo, Tahiti, during the largest swell of the year.
The adrenaline-fueled 13th May 2013 has been considered an historical big wave surfing day, in the French Polynesian island. Too big to paddle-in, too vertical for surfers. No worries. Dan Ryan, member of the big wave bodyboarding club, was one of the few prone riders defying fear, at the Teahupoo bowl. When the moment came, he went for it, big time.


World's best tube riders fly to El Gringo
14/05/2013
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The 2013 IBA GoPro Arica Chilean Challenge kicks off on the 17th May, in Arica, Chile, at the infamous El Gringo bodyboarding spot.
The third stop of the 2013 IBA World Tour is a Grand Slam Series events, which means there's a lot at stake. With $40,000 in prize money and 2000 points for the winner, Chile is a must. Moreover, the Arica Chilean Challenge is celebrating its 10th anniversary and all riders will be trying to claim the trophy, in front of thousands of hardcore bodyboarding fans.  [ ... ]


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