Top 10 Greatest Surfers of All Time
Surfing isn't just a sport. It's a way of life. It's about that incredible feeling of catching a wave, connecting with the ocean, and pushing the limits of what's possible on a board. Over the years, some surfers have done more than ride waves - they've changed the game. They've inspired others, set records, and become icons in and out of the water.
Kelly Slater is an 11-time World Surf League champion, widely regarded as one of the most dominant figures in the sport. He has also influenced surfboard design and sustainability efforts. I've only heard of surfers a few times from other people, but the only one I kept hearing about is Kelly Slater. He tweeted me once after I complimented him on a surf I saw on TV. It really changed my view of the game of surfing.
I can rightfully say Michael Jordan was the Kelly Slater of basketball and vice versa. You can't say that about any other surfer, bar none.
Kelly is not only the best surfer. He's the best athlete there ever was. Nine-time world surfing champion, he won the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles, the same San Clemente, Calif. venue where he won his maiden victory as a pro nearly 20 years ago to the day.
He is a very aggressive, powerful, and motivating surfer, enjoyable to watch. I happened to find myself out in the water with him and two other people yesterday at Hanalei, surfing overhead, choppy, fun waves. I saw him using his airplane board thing, and he was just going so fast that it literally hurt my feelings in a nice, humbling way.
After recovering from a failed duck dive due to my study of his style on an overhead wave sectioning through the bowl, I had to turn around and paddle in. I was kind of tripping because my mother had a surf shop when I was growing up in Sequim, Washington, along with a second one located in Carlsborg, Washington.
Being raised in a surfing family and having surfed for nearly my entire life, it really means a lot to enjoy the company of these legendary gentlemen after many hard, cold, rainy, frozen, blown-out, flat, gargantuan, or even mind-blowing days.
If you follow your dreams, you will accomplish what you want out of life. Don't let anybody ever tell you that you can't do something. If they laugh at you and tell you that it's impossible, laugh at them and tell them that you will not hear that. Anything is possible. Study quantum physics.
Anywhere, anytime, anything can happen and appear different to one than to another. Keep it mellow, and thank you guys for being cool in the water and sharing good energy. Enjoy the day. Aloha.
Andy Irons has the best flow and style I have ever seen. He is the surfer who inspired me to start surfing. Every time I watch one of his surfing videos, I can't wait to get back into the water.
R.I.P. Andy Irons.
Andy's style is matched only by his brother Bruce. He is a fierce competitor who took down the sport's elite.
Andy, you're a legend. You will always remain in our hearts. You are and will forever be number one. We miss you.
Bethany Hamilton became internationally recognized after surviving a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her arm and returning to professional surfing. Her story of resilience has inspired many beyond the surfing community. Bethany Hamilton is my hero, and her faith and story helped me get closer to Jesus. Now, I want to become a professional surfer and maybe even get on this list! I want to be friends with Bethany because she seems like a very nice person to be friends with, even though she is 17 years older than me. She really does seem like a great person to be friends with, and I think she is the world's best surfer.
HOW IS BETHANY NOT NUMBER 1? She is the reason I started surfing and is the greatest surfer of all time! Her movie was very inspirational, and to think that it's a true story...
Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a tiger shark when she was 13. Her heroic recovery and amazing journey back to the board is the reason I started surfing. To see why Bethany keeps on going with the sport when she could have given up! One taste, and I'm hooked for life! I can see why Bethany carries on!
When I went to Hawaii, I visited her home island of Kauai! It was beautiful there, but all I was doing was looking for Bethany, hoping to meet her! I didn't end up meeting her, but I went surfing at the beach where she learned!
She is the most inspirational, fantastic, amazing surfer ever and has earned her place among surfing legends! #BETHANYHAMILTONRULEZ
Watching Taj surf always gets me stoked! He's just got the coolest style, and you can always tell he's having fun when he surfs. His good air game doesn't hurt either.
Duke should be number one. The man was a graceful tank in the water. What other surfer holds a gold medal in the Olympics and was a movie star in a time when race was a big issue? He won the country over with his aloha.
The power and speed needed to surf the gigantic wooden koa boards in the old days - I doubt half of the surfers on this list could even control them!
It was because of him and the Kahanamoku brothers of Waikiki that surfing stayed alive in those hard days. We owe everything to him and those guys! Much love, Surf God! Plus, I still think George Freeth should be up here somewhere!
Since I started to surf, I have always identified with him. He has always been my role model. He is different. He is unique. His fluid and unique style and how he connects with the wave stand out.
I also think what makes Rob different is his humble personality, generosity, and always good mood.
I love Rob for his surfing style and his contribution to our local surf community, especially for the youths.
Rob Machado is one of the best surfers in history! He is the most laid-back man on planet earth and still manages to be in the top ten surfers. :) I honestly think he should be number 1!
Awesome, take-charge surfer. Gerry controlled the wave and didn't allow the wave to control him.
Best surfer all around: in small waves, big waves, flat, hollow, perfect, gnarly. Best attitude: mellow, respectful, happy, funny. What else?
I think John John is amazing! He is so young, and his style is really smooth and exciting! He's the future!
Still young, and he's already a legend! Best surfer in the world. He may turn out to be the best surfer ever.
The Newcomers
Layne Beachley is a seven-time World Champion and the most successful female competitive surfer in history. She has been a vocal advocate for women in sports.
Guys, have you watched Chasing Mavericks? It's so sad but happy too. Jay should be number 1 or 2 because it doesn't matter whether you're rich or poor, clean or dirty.
Jay died doing the things he loved, and he died so young... 22. He drowned. The end scene is shocking. I would have never guessed. But if you are inspired by him, "live like Jay."
This should be first. I love the movie Chasing Mavericks! He did, however, die young at the age of 22 from free diving. I think he was a great goal setter and a good achiever.
I think Jay Moriarity should be ranked about number nine on the list. He is so good.
Surfs the best wave on the planet better than anyone else.
Larry was the first to take shortboarding to the level it is at today. He could switch foot easily to get barreled. He ripped and had style.
Dane Reynolds is celebrated for his progressive and experimental approach to surfing, often blending innovation with high-risk maneuvers. Though not a competitive regular, he has become a symbol of free surfing. He is an amazing surfer with perfect turns and airs. I rate him second best after Kelly Slater. His surfing style is rare and hard to find. He can change your perspective of surfing in just a few seconds of watching DANE REYNOLDS.
I think he rocks because he can do the sickest tricks ever!
Mick Fanning is a three-time World Champion recognized for his precision and competitive consistency. He gained additional fame for his encounter with a shark during a live competition, which he heroically survived. One of the greatest surfers ever. Amazing style. He and Joel are the two best ever.
I like this choice because it isn't just another dude with multiple world championships. Plus, he really was (is) a freak talent. Perhaps the most innovative surfer ever in the water.
I'd add Butch Van Artsdalen, Dane Kealoha, and the entire Fletcher family to the list, along with Larry Bertleman. Kelly Slater is the most talented and the best in every condition, though. Perhaps if Buttons had more focus and wasn't so far ahead of his time, he'd have ten world titles.
I lived and surfed the North Shore for 12 straight years. Ask anyone who saw him in action (when he wasn't wasted) - the first driving backside 360, at Pipe no less, the first real aerial attack, vicious cutbacks, etc. Yes, Bertleman was great, but Buttons was the best ever for maybe two years...
Stephanie Gilmore is an eight-time World Champion and a dominant force in women's surfing, known for her graceful and technical surfing style. She has been a trailblazer in elevating the visibility of women's surfing.