In the surfing world, a whole new wave of influence is being carried on the digital currents of social media.
From the transparent barrels of the Pacific to the thunderous beach breaks of the Atlantic, surfing luminaries are not just making their mark on the waves but are also shaping the digital landscape, amassing legions of followers who hang on to every post.
The rise of social media has profoundly impacted surfing, transforming it from an alternative, somewhat elusive pursuit to a mainstream, globally-followed sport.
It has given us a privileged window into the lives of our favorite surfers and made us privy to their training regimens, recovery routines, dietary habits, and uniquely intimate relationships with the ocean.
These insights do more than just humanize these athletes; they empower us, the everyday individuals, with knowledge and inspiration to dive into the sport and, perhaps, spark the next generation of surfing talents.
For our surfing idols, social media has not just amplified their influence but also democratized it.
Also, the surfer with the most competition wins isn't necessarily the most influential.
Instead, those who can connect with their audience, share their highs, lows, and everything in between, and spread the stoke of surfing with authenticity and passion find themselves riding the crest of digital influence.
Interestingly, only one surfer has over 10 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And only 19 athletes get past a combined total of one million fans.
A Wave of Influence
The power of this digital influence cannot be underestimated.
It can inspire change, drive environmental awareness, and advocate for the preservation of our oceans.
Today's top surfers often leverage their digital platform to rally their followers behind causes close to their hearts, imbuing their athletic prowess with a profound sense of social responsibility.
Our curated list of the top 40 most influential surfers on social media is a testament to the transformative power of this digital tool.
This illustrious group, comprising world champions, big wave chargers, free-surfing connoisseurs, and rising stars, resonates deeply with their audiences by reflecting the surfing community's diverse, inclusive, and vibrant spirit.
These influential surfers also have a significant impact on the industry.
Their product endorsements can make or break brands, their style can set trends, and their innovative maneuvers can push the boundaries of what's possible on a wave, fostering a continual evolution of the sport.
In today's world, social media is as integral to surfing as the board and the waves.
As we traverse through our list of the top 40 most influential surfers on social media, we celebrate not just their professional accomplishments but their ability to inspire, enact change, and draw us all a little closer to the ocean's embrace.
Stay tuned to this digital surf safari and catch the wave of influence redefining the sport, one post at a time.
From videos of audacious rides to tranquil beach sunsets, these athletes are bringing the magic of the ocean into your hands.
In the age of social media, everyone can share the stoke. So, ultimately, this is more than just a list of popular and famous surfers. It's a sign of the power of connection between us.
1. Gabriel Medina
Instagram: 11.1 million
Facebook: 1.4 million
Twitter: 475,700
2. Pedro Scooby
Instagram: 6.1 million
Facebook: 757,000
Twitter: 663,800
3. Kelly Slater
Instagram: 3.2 million
Facebook: 1.8 million
Twitter: 884,300
4. Bethany Hamilton
Instagram: 2.1 million
Facebook: 2.3 million
Twitter: 1.3 million
5. Alana Blanchard
Instagram: 1.7 million
Facebook: 2.1 million
Twitter: 140,700
6. Anastasia Ashley
Instagram: 1 million
Facebook: 2.1 million
Twitter: 104,300
7. Italo Ferreira
Instagram: 2.8 million
Facebook: 210,000
Twitter: 149,100
8. John John Florence
Instagram: 1.5 million
Facebook: 694,000
Twitter: 90,500
9. Mick Fanning
Instagram: 1.2 million
Facebook: 560,000
Twitter: 305,500
10. Filipe Toledo
Instagram: 1.1 million
Facebook: 457,000
Twitter: 65,300
11. Sally Fitzgibbons
Instagram: 559,000
Facebook: 672,000
Twitter: 366,700
12. Coco Ho
Instagram: 681,000
Facebook: 773,00
Twitter: 133,200
13. Kai Lenny
Instagram: 1.1 million
Facebook: 438,000
Twitter: 23,300
14. Maya Gabeira
Instagram: 607,000
Facebook: 919,000
Twitter: 2,800
15. Jamie O'Brien
Instagram: 1.1 million
Facebook: 332,000
Twitter: 65,700
16. Julian Wilson
Instagram: 784,000
Facebook: 441,000
Twitter: 180,800
17. Stephanie Gilmore
Instagram: 705,000
Facebook: 537,000
Twitter: 125,100
18. Jordy Smith
Instagram: 590,000
Facebook: 384,000
Twitter: 98,900
19. Kelia Moniz
Instagram: 727,2000
Facebook: 272,000
Twitter: 25,300
20. Lucas Chianca
Instagram: 866,000
Facebook: 52,000
Twitter: 54,700
21. Rob Machado
Instagram: 593,000
Facebook: 325,000
Twitter: 47,600
22. Adriano De Souza
Instagram: 436,000
Facebook: 394,000
Twitter: 73,600
23. Lakey Peterson
Instagram: 635,000
Facebook: 196,000
Twitter: 39,200
24. Laird Hamilton
Instagram: 461,000
Facebook: 325,000
Twitter: 49,800
25. Laura Enever
Instagram: 403,000
Facebook: 353,000
Twitter: 35,800
26. Carissa Moore
Instagram: 555,000
Facebook: 156,000
Twitter: 48,100
27. Shane Dorian
Instagram: 492,000
Facebook: 227,000
Twitter: 3,500
28. Kanoa Igarashi
Instagram: 593,000
Facebook: 78,000
Twitter: 27,200
29. Owen Wright
Instagram: 439,000
Facebook: 243,000
Twitter: n.a.
30. Carlos Burle
Instagram: 302,000
Facebook: 342,000
Twitter: 17,600
31. Miguel Pupo
Instagram: 311,000
Facebook: 191,000
Twitter: 42,900
32. Kolohe Andino
Instagram: 357,000
Facebook: 115,000
Twitter: 38,100
33. Jack Freestone
Instagram: 371,000
Facebook: 113,000
Twitter: n.a.
34. Nathan Florence
Instagram: 445,000
Facebook: 14,500
Twitter: 2,100
35. Joel Parkinson
Instagram: 390,000
Facebook: 65,000
Twitter: n.a.
36. Laura Crane
Instagram: 417,000
Facebook: 10,000
Twitter: n.a.
37. Jack Robinson
Instagram: 379,000
Facebook: 30,000
Twitter: n.a.
38. Koa Smith
Instagram: 277,000
Facebook: 65,000
Twitter: n.a.
39. Caroline Marks
Instagram: 252,000
Facebook: 54,000
Twitter: 7,800
40. Koa Rothman
Instagram: 281,000
Facebook: 17,000
Twitter: n.a.
Have we missed someone in the top 40 of the world's most-followed surfers? Send us an email.
Last update: May 22, 2023