41 The Best Australia Ranking Surfing Players in History

Tom Kershaw

Australia has long been known as one of the best countries in the world for surfing, and the surfers who come from there are some of the most talented and skilled in the world.

From the legendary Kelly Slater to the current world champion Tyler Wright, Australia is home to some of the most accomplished and renowned surfers in the world. Here we’ll take a look at some of the best surfing players in Australia and why they’re so great.

1. Mick Fanning

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Michael Eugene Fanning AO is an Australian professional surfer who has achieved great success in his sport. Fanning is a three-time champion of the Association of Surfing Professionals/World Surf League’s World Tour, winning in 2007, 2009, and 2013.

In 2015, he experienced a terrifying encounter with a great white shark during the J-Bay Open finals in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. Fortunately, Fanning was able to survive the attack without injury thanks to the quick thinking of fellow surfer Julian Wilson.

Wilson, who had seen the shark, paddled over and pulled Fanning to safety. The attack has become a symbol of Fanning’s incredible tenacity and strength, as he was able to overcome a dangerous situation and continue his career as a professional surfer.

2. Joel Parkinson

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Joel Parkinson is a professional surfer from Australia who has had a long and successful career. He used to compete on the World Surf League (WSL), which is a professional surfing organization.

Throughout his twelve-year career on the ASP World Championship Tour, he won an impressive eleven elite ASP events, cementing himself as one of the most successful surfers of all time.

During his career, Parkinson was renowned for his stylish approach and powerful backhand turns, which helped him to become one of the most respected and decorated surfers in the world.

He was also known for his passion for surfing, which he demonstrated through his commitment to the sport and his willingness to help the next generation of surfers reach their full potential.

Parkinson has since retired from professional surfing, but his legacy lives on in the surfing world and his accomplishments will continue to inspire future generations of surfers.

3. Stephanie Gilmore

Stephanie Louise Gilmore is an Australian athlete and a world champion surfer. She is currently considered one of the best female surfers in the world. She has won an incredible eight world titles on the Women’s World Surf League (WSL) World Tour.

This makes her one of the most successful surfers in the history of the sport. Stephanie Louise Gilmore was born in Murwillumbah, Australia in 1988.

She has been surfing since she was a little girl and her skills have seen her rise to become one of the top female surfers in the world.

She has won multiple world titles and is the only female surfer ever to win five consecutive world titles. Stephanie Louise Gilmore is celebrated for her powerful, graceful surfing style. She is well known for her competitive drive and her ability to stay composed under pressure.

She has also been praised for her commitment to helping others, having founded the Stephanie Gilmore Foundation in 2011.

This foundation works to create opportunities for young people to get involved in surfing and other ocean-related activities. Stephanie Louise Gilmore is an inspiration to surfers around the world.

She has achieved incredible success in her sport, while also making significant contributions to the surf community. She is a true champion and a great example of what is possible when you combine hard work and determination with a passion for the sport you love.

4. Sally Fitzgibbons

Sally Fitzgibbons is a renowned Australian professional surfer who competes on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour. She has earned the respect and admiration of her peers and fans alike due to her incredible achievements.

In June 2019, Sally achieved a major milestone in her career when she became the No. 1 ranked female surfer in the world. This was a result of her impressive performance at the Rio Pro event, which she won.

This achievement showcased Sally’s dedication and hard work in the sport of surfing and put her on the map as one of the best female surfers in the world.

Despite her success, Sally remains humble and continues to strive to improve her skills and reach even greater heights in the sport.

5. Owen Wright

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Owen Wright is an Australian professional surfer who competes on the World Surf League Men’s Championship Tour. He is a highly talented and successful athlete, having won multiple events and earned the respect of his peers.

His sister, Tyler Wright, is also a professional surfer, competing on the same tour. The two of them are the only siblings to have both achieved success on the Championship Tour, and they have become an inspiring example for aspiring surfers all over the world.

Their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they are a powerful example of what two siblings can accomplish when they work together.

6. Peter Townend

Peter Townend, more commonly known as PT, is a professional surfer from Australia. He is widely regarded as the first IPS/ASP World Surfing Champion, and he is considered a legend in the surfing world. PT grew up in Sydney, Australia, and began surfing at an early age.

As a young man he trained hard and eventually became a member of the Australian National Team. His career took off when he won the 1976 IPS/ASP World Surfing Championship, the first of its kind.

This win put him in the spotlight and earned him a lot of recognition. Throughout his career he has continued to compete in various surfing events, including the World Cup of Surfing and the Quiksilver Pro France.

He has also served as an ambassador for Billabong, promoting the sport of surfing and its lifestyle. In addition to his competitive career, PT has also been involved in the business side of the surf industry as well.

He has served as the CEO of Billabong and as a board member of various surfing organizations.

He has also written several books about surfing, including his autobiography, PT: A Surfer’s Life.PT has had a long and successful career in the surfing world, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

He is an inspiration to many and a true pioneer in the sport of surfing.

7. Tyler Wright

Tyler Wright is an inspirational athlete from Australia. She is a professional surfer who competes on the world stage, as part of the WSL World Tour. What makes Tyler Wright stand out from the crowd is that she is a consecutive WSL Women’s World Champion.

She has achieved this feat by winning the title in both 2016 and 2017. Tyler’s success has not only been seen in the world of surfing but has also been recognized in the sporting world, with her being named the 2017 Australian Female Athlete of the Year.

In addition, she was also inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 2017. Tyler Wright is a remarkable athlete and a true role model for aspiring surfers around the world.

8. Laura Enever

Laura Enever is an Australian professional surfer that has had an impressive career. She first made her mark in 2009, when she won the ASP Women’s World Junior Championship. This win marked the beginning of her professional career, which she officially launched in 2011.

Since then, her career has continued to grow and flourish. She is now competing at the highest level of professional surfing, touring with the World Surf League. This is an impressive achievement for Enever and is evidence of her hard work and dedication to the sport she loves.

Enever’s journey has been far from easy, however. She has had to overcome many obstacles and challenges.

From fighting injuries, to making sure she had the necessary resources to stay competitive, Enever has had to remain determined and focused in order to reach the level of success she has. Enever continues to inspire many people, both in and out of the surfing world.

Her talent, determination, and hard work have made her a role model for others, and her achievements serve as an example of what can be accomplished with dedication and passion.

9. Mark Occhilupo

Marco Jay Luciano “Mark” Occhilupo is an Australian surfer who achieved international fame when he won the World Championship Tour in 1999.

He is better known by his nickname, “Occy,” and has been surfing competitively since he was 17 years old. Occhilupo is one of the most successful professional surfers to come out of Australia, having won a total of seven World Tour events in his career, as well as seven other major surfing titles.

He is also the only male surfer to win a world title after the age of 35. Occhilupo’s success is credited to his strong competitive spirit and natural ability in the water.

He is known for his powerful, aggressive style of surfing, and his flawless technique and ability to read the waves.

His success has also been attributed to his strong work ethic and dedication to the sport. Occhilupo has been a positive influence on the surfing world, inspiring many young surfers to take up the sport and pursue a professional career.

He is a beloved figure in the surfing world and continues to be a major influence in the sport.

10. Layne Beachley

Layne Collette Beachley is an Australian surf legend. She hails from Manly, New South Wales and is a former professional surfer. Her career highlights include winning the World Championship a record seven times, making her one of the most successful surfers of all time.

Layne is now the chair of Surfing Australia, a role which allows her to use her influence and knowledge to help shape the future of surfing in the country.

She is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success, and her accomplishments are a source of inspiration for aspiring surfers.

11. Wayne Bartholomew

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Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew AM is an accomplished Australian, who has achieved success in a variety of fields. He is a world champion surfer, having achieved success in multiple surfing competitions.

He is also an innovator in the field of surf sports, having created the Dream Tour format of professional competition surfing. He has also shown a commitment to the community, advocating for the best interests of those involved in surfing and other water activities.

Finally, he has also become involved in politics, using his influence to advocate for the causes that he believes in. In recognition of his achievements, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

His success in these various fields has made him a respected figure in Australian and international surf culture.

12. Mark Mathews

Mark Mathews is an Australian professional big wave surfer who has been pushing the boundaries of the sport since the late 1990s.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Mathews has been surfing since the age of 12 and is now considered one of the most experienced big wave surfers in the world.

He is renowned for his fearless approach to riding huge waves and his commitment to the sport of big wave surfing. Mathews is also a respected board shaper, regularly designing and crafting custom boards for both himself and other surfers.

He is currently sponsored by Billabong and Quiksilver and is the founder of the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group, an organization dedicated to research and education on big wave surfing safety.

Mathews has been featured in countless surf films, magazines, and television shows and has won several awards for his achievements in big wave surfing. He is an active member of the surfing community and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of big wave surfers.

13. Pam Burridge

Pam Burridge is an Australian surfer who has made a name for herself as one of the pioneers of women’s surfing in Australia. Born in Sydney, she began her career in the sport in 1977 when she entered her first surfing competition.

From there, she went on to win a number of regional and national titles in the following years, solidifying her status as a great surf champion and paving the way for other female surfers. Her success in the sport was not limited to regional and national titles, however.

Burridge was also the first female surfer to win the World Title in 1987.

Additionally, she was the first female surfer to be inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 1996, and she was honored as an inductee of the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California in 2007. Burridge’s accomplishments have been immense, and she continues to be an inspiration to female surfers around the world to this day.

She has dedicated her life to the sport, and her contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

14. Serena Brooke

Serena Brooke is an inspiring figure in the world of professional surfing. Hailing from Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia, she has made a name for herself in the sport with her impressive performances.

Brooke has competed in many competitions around the world, including the World Surf League and the World Championship Tour, where she has achieved success with multiple podium finishes.

Her passion for the sport is evident in her dedication and commitment to it, as she continues to train hard and compete with the best in the world.

As a role model for aspiring young surfers, Brooke has served as an example of what it takes to become a successful professional surfer. She is an inspiration to many, and her career has been an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

15. Isabella Nichols

Isabella Nichols is a professional surfer from Australia who is currently competing at the World Surf League. She has been a surfer since she was young, and she has been competing professionally since she was 13 years old.

She has won multiple events throughout her career, including the 2016 World Junior Championship and the 2018 Tweed Coast Pro. She has also been ranked as the number one female surfer in Australia in the past.

Isabella is known for her powerful yet graceful style in the water, which has made her a fan favorite. She is also known for her dedication to the sport and her willingness to push her boundaries in order to achieve success.

In addition to her dedication to the sport, Isabella has also been very vocal about environmental issues, such as ocean pollution. She is an advocate for ocean conservation and has given numerous interviews on the subject.

Isabella has become an inspiration to many young surfers around the world. She is proof that hard work and dedication to one’s craft can lead to success, no matter where you come from.

Her story has been an inspiration to many, and she continues to be a role model for aspiring surfers everywhere.

16. Julian Wilson

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Julian Wilson is an Australian professional surfer who is currently competing on the World Surf League Men’s World Tour. Wilson began his professional career in 2009 and since then, he has gone on to become one of the most successful surfers on the tour.

He has won numerous international surfing competitions, including the US Open of Surfing in 2012 and the Rip Curl Pro in 2013.

His competitive success has earned him numerous sponsorships and endorsements from surf companies, including Quiksilver and Oakley. Wilson is an outstanding athlete who is known for his stylish and innovative surfing maneuvers.

He is also an all-around competitor who is just as successful in big waves as he is in small ones. His determination and commitment to the sport have made him a fan favorite and one of the most respected surfers on the World Surf League.

He continues to be a source of inspiration for up-and-coming surfers around the world and a role model for young athletes.

17. Taj Burrow

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Taj Burrow is a renowned and respected Australian surfer who retired from the WSL World Tour in June of 2016. Throughout his career, he has been widely regarded as one of the most powerful and impressive surfers of all time.

His presence in the surfing world was undeniable, as his explosive and technical approach to the sport set a standard for excellence.

Taj Burrow’s skill and determination to push the boundaries of surfing was evident in his competitive career, where he won numerous world titles and dozens of professional events.

He has also been honored in his home country, being inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 2007. In addition to his accomplishments in the competitive world of surfing, Taj Burrow has had a lasting influence on the sport.

His innovative and awe-inspiring performances have inspired many generations of surfers, and his legacy has left a mark on the sport that will not soon be forgotten.

His passion for surfing was evident in his retirement, as he left the WSL World Tour with a sense of pride and a lasting legacy of power and impressive surfing.

18. Nat Young

Robert Harold “Nat” Young is a renowned Australian surfer and author. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in the development of surfing in the country.

Nat is credited with helping to revolutionize the sport by introducing innovative surfing techniques and tricks.

He is also well-known for his passion for the ocean and environmental conservation. Nat began surfing at a young age, competing in national and international competitions. He won multiple titles, including the Australian National Championship in 1966.

He was inducted into the International Surfing Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 1990. In addition to his success in the surfing world, Nat is also an acclaimed author.

He has penned several books, including the critically acclaimed “Surfing and Life: A Spiritual Journey” and “The Art of Surfing”.

The books focus on the connection between surfing and spirituality, as well as the importance of environmental conservation. Nat’s passion for surfing and the environment have made him an inspiration to many.

His lifetime of achievement has earned him the respect of both the surfing and non-surfing community. He is a true testament to the power of dreams and the ability to turn them into reality.

19. Mark Richards

Mark Richards OAM, known as MR, is an Australian surfing legend. He has won four World Surfing Championships, making him one of the most decorated surfers of all time. Born in 1963 in Sydney, Australia, Mark Richards has been surfing since he was a young child.

His passion and dedication to the sport has earned him the title of four-time world champion. He is credited with revolutionizing the sport and inspiring generations of surfers all over the world. Mark Richards has been awarded numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

He was inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Australian Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

He was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1997 for his outstanding contribution to the sport of surfing. In addition to his world titles, Mark Richards is also recognized for his philanthropic work.

He has been involved in various charitable organizations, and in 2011 he was appointed to the board of the World Surf League, the governing body for professional surfing. Today, Mark Richards is still involved in the sport of surfing, offering his expertise and advice to the younger generations of surfers.

He is a shining example of how dedication and hard work can pay off, and he continues to be a source of inspiration to many.

20. Nikki Van Dijk

Nikki van Dijk is an Australian professional surfer who has achieved great success in her sport. She began her professional career in 2012 and quickly rose to the top of the surfing world.

Her impressive list of accomplishments includes winning the World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour in 2016, and a string of prestigious competitions in Australia and around the world.

She is currently a touring competitor in the WSL, the world’s most elite international professional surfing competition.

Nikki is one of only a few female surfers who have made it to the top of the professional surfing world, and she continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring female surfers.

Her career is a testament to her dedication, talent and hard work, and she is well on her way to becoming one of the most accomplished female surfers of all time.

21. Tom Carroll

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Thomas Victor Carroll is an Australian legend in the sport of surfing. Born in Sydney, he won the Australian Junior Title in 1978, the Pro Juniors in 1977 and 1980, and the 1983 and 1984 ASP World Tour.

His career highlight came in 1987 when he won the Pipe Masters, one of the most prestigious surfing events in the world. Following his success, Carroll was rewarded with a contract from Quiksilver in 1989.

This made him the first professional surfer to become a millionaire, a milestone that would open the door for many more professional surfers to become financially successful. Carroll’s success has been instrumental in the growth of the sport of surfing.

He paved the way for the sport to become a mainstream and lucrative career path for many athletes. His accomplishments have also provided inspiration for aspiring surfers to reach their dreams. Today, Carroll is still involved in the sport of surfing.

He continues to be an ambassador for the sport, working in a consulting role with Quiksilver and other brands. He also gives back to the community by helping to fund surfing events and mentoring young surfers.

Carroll is an iconic figure in the surfing world and his legacy will live on for many years to come.

22. Gary Elkerton

Gary Elkerton, better known as Kong, is a renowned Australian surfer who has earned immense respect from his peers for his remarkable and powerful surfing style.

Throughout his impressive career, he has achieved a number of accolades, including three-time World Masters Champion, three-time World Professional Runner-up, twice Hawaiian Triple Crown Champion and Australian Amateur Champion.

Kong is widely recognized as an iconic big-wave rider. His unique technique and power have been admired and praised by fellow surfers, making him one of the most respected figures in the sport.

He is often credited for pushing the boundaries of big wave surfing and inspiring the next generation of surfers. Kong’s accomplishments have had a lasting impact on the surfing world, and he will always be remembered as an exceptional athlete.

His passion and commitment to the sport have shaped the way it’s practiced today, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for many.

23. Barton Lynch

Barton Lynch is an iconic figure in the world of surfing. He is a former professional surfer from Australia who is renowned for his impressive talents and unique style. In 1988, he achieved the greatest honor of his career when he became the ASP World Tour Champion.

He added to his legacy by winning the 1991 Rip Curl Pro, further cementing his status as one of the greatest surfers of all time. Throughout his career, Barton Lynch has accumulated many awards and accolades.

He has won numerous professional surfing events, including the most prestigious competitions in the world. His achievements have earned him a place among the elite of the sport and have helped to shape the sport for future generations.

Barton Lynch’s influence in the world of surfing is undeniable. His style and competitive drive have inspired many young surfers to pursue their dreams of becoming professional surfer.

His legacy will continue to live on for generations to come, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest surfers of all time.

24. Midget Farrelly

Bernard “Midget” Farrelly was an Australian surfer who made history as the first world surfing champion. He achieved this remarkable feat in 1962 when he won the Makaha International Surfing Championships, which was the unofficial world surfing championship of the day.

This victory made him the first Australian to win a major surfing title, opening the door for future generations of Australian surfers to follow in his footsteps. Farrelly was a highly respected surfer, known for his innovative surfing techniques and stylish moves.

He was an inspiration to many younger surfers who looked up to him and admired his skill and passion for the sport.

He was also an ambassador for surfing, travelling around the world to promote the sport and encourage others to take it up. Farrelly was posthumously honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (AM) in 2005 in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

His legacy continues to this day, with many surfers still taking inspiration from his groundbreaking achievements in the sport. He is remembered as a pioneer of surfing and an example to generations of Australian surfers who have since followed in his footsteps.

25. Mitch Parkinson

Mitch Parkinson is an Australian professional surfer. He makes a living competing on the World Surf League’s (WSL) World Tour. On September 29, 2019, he achieved a major milestone in his career when he won the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 title, which is a part of the WSL.

In the final, he defeated Indonesia’s Oney Anwar. This was his first ever WSL title and a huge accomplishment in his surfing career. His victory at this event proves that he is a formidable competitor on the world stage and a force to be reckoned with.

He is a great example of hard work and dedication paying off, and his success will serve as an inspiration to aspiring surfers everywhere.

26. Wendy Botha

Wendy Botha is renowned for her success in the world of surfing. She is a four-time world surfing champion, having won her first title in 1987 while competing as a South African citizen.

After claiming her first title, Wendy became an Australian citizen and cemented her legacy by winning three more world titles in 1989, 1991, and 1992.

Her achievements in the sport of surfing have been widely recognized, with her even being featured on the cover of Australian Playboy in the September issue of 1992; where she posed nude for the magazine.

Wendy Botha’s career is a testament to her hard work and dedication, as she has achieved great success while overcoming various obstacles.

27. Pauline Menczer

Pauline Menczer is an Australian surfer who has achieved incredible success in the competitive world of professional surfing.

She has been competing in international surfing competitions since the early 1990s, and in 1993 she won the Women’s World Championship in Professional Surfing.

This crowning achievement made her the first Australian female surfer to win the title, and she has since become a role model for aspiring female surfers. Menczer is known for her style and finesse on the waves, and her determination to succeed.

She is an inspiration to many young women in the sport, and her victory in 1993 is still remembered and celebrated today.

Through her success, she has broken down barriers and inspired a new generation of female surfers, proving that women can compete in the professional surfing world. Pauline Menczer’s legacy will never be forgotten.

She has forever changed the landscape of professional surfing, and she is a true champion. Her win in 1993 is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport, and she is an inspiration to all who practice the sport of surfing.

28. Koby Abberton

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Koby Abberton is an Australian former professional surfer and a member of the Bra Boys, an Australian surf gang. The Bra Boys are a group of surfers from the Maroubra area in Australia, who have been active since the late 1990s.

The group is known for their strong sense of loyalty and a unique style of surfing. Abberton has been a member of the group since its inception and has become a well-known figure in the surf community. He is known for his wild lifestyle and his strong commitment to the group.

Abberton has been featured in numerous documentaries and films about the Bra Boys and is considered an influential figure in the surfing world. He has also used his fame to advocate for social and environmental causes.

29. Bede Durbidge

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Bede Durbidge is an Australian professional surfer who is currently competing on the World Surf League World Tour. He has been a professional surfer for over a decade and has been highly successful in the sport.

He is well known for his incredible talent in the waves and is highly respected by his peers. He is also well known for having a few nicknames, such as “Durbo”, “Bej” and “The White Fijian”.

These nicknames have been given to him by his fans and fellow surfers due to his skill and style in the waves. He is an incredibly talented surfer and is sure to make an impact on the World Surf League World Tour for years to come.

30. Kalani Ball

Kalani Ball is a professional surfer from Stanwell Park, New South Wales, Australia. As a professional surfer, Kalani has been competing on the qualifying series since 2017. By the end of the year, Kalani had achieved a ranking of 86th on the series.

Kalani is supported by a number of sponsors, including Ocean and Earth, Sanuk, and Mayhem Surfboards. This sponsorship allows Kalani to compete at the highest level, providing her with the best equipment and opportunities to further her surfing career.

Kalani’s success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport, and her sponsors are proud to be a part of her journey.

31. Mark Scanlon

Mark Scanlon is an Australian surfer who is renowned for being one of the first to take on the challenge of surfing in the Maldives. Along with his fellow Australian, Tony Hussein Hinde, Scanlon helped to pioneer surfing in the islands in 1973.

That year, Scanlon and Hinde found themselves shipwrecked on the North Malé atoll in the Maldives, while they were on a voyage as crewmembers aboard a ketch called the Whitewings.

The two Australians made the most of their unexpected stay in the Maldives, taking on the challenge of surfing in the area. Thanks to Scanlon and Hinde’s pioneering efforts, surfing in the Maldives has become a popular pastime for many in the region.

32. Richie Vaculik

Richie Vaculik is a renowned athlete from Maroubra, Australia. He is a mixed martial artist and big wave surfer. Richie has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship Flyweight division, one of the most competitive divisions in the sport.

He has had an impressive career, having competed in the division since 2014. He is well known for his aggressive and powerful style of fighting. Richie is also a big wave surfer, often seen tackling some of the biggest waves in the world.

He has gained a great deal of respect from his peers for his fearlessness and skill in both disciplines. Richie Vaculik is truly an inspirational athlete, with a unique combination of skills and a passion for both sports.

33. Michael Peterson

Michael “MP” Peterson was an iconic and highly-regarded professional Australian surfer. He was renowned for his impressive skills in the water and was considered to be one of the best surfers in Australia during the early to mid-1970s.

Peterson was particularly known for his deep tube riding ability, which he was able to display at the renowned Kirra surf break on the Gold Coast in Australia.

His skill and talent in the water saw him become a respected figure within the surfing community, with his peers and fans praising him for his ability to “pull off” moves that were considered to be difficult and dangerous.

Peterson’s legacy lives on to this day, with his name remembered fondly among Australian surfers.

34. Bob McTavish

Bob McTavish is a legendary figure in the world of surfing. He is an Australian surfboard designer and shaper who has helped revolutionize the sport.

A member of the Surfing Hall of Fame, McTavish is known for pioneering the shortboard revolution in the 1960s, which saw surfers shifting from longboards to shorter, more maneuverable boards.

This change allowed surfers to perform radical maneuvers and tricks which had never been seen before.McTavish has had a tremendous influence on the sport of surfing.

His innovative designs and techniques have been used and refined by many of the most renowned surfboard shapers in the world. He has also had a hand in designing some of the most popular surfboards in the industry, such as the “V-Bottom” and the “Twin Fin”.

He is also credited with introducing the “Bonzer” surfboard, which is a sharp-edged board that allows for greater control and speed in the water. In addition to his surfboard design work, Bob McTavish is also a renowned surfer.

He has competed in and won multiple surfing competitions, and has been inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

McTavish has also been featured in numerous magazines and documentaries and is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on surfing and surfboard design.

35. Ross Clarke-Jones

Ross Clarke-Jones is an Australian big wave surfer who originates from Terrigal, a Central Coast town in New South Wales, Australia.

It was in this coastal town that Ross first developed his love for surfing, particularly Terrigal Haven, a point break that produces some of the most majestic waves.

During a big swell, waves can last up to 300 metres, making it a truly special experience for surfers from all around the world.

Ross has been able to use his knowledge and skills gained from his local surfing spot to become a renowned big wave surfer, travelling around the world to catch some of the most impressive waves.

He is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and passion and serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring surfers from his hometown and beyond.

36. Simon Anderson

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Simon Anderson is a legendary figure in the world of surfing. He is an Australian competitive surfer, surfboard shaper, and writer. Anderson is credited with inventing the three-fin surfboard design in 1980, which is now known as the “thruster”.

This design revolutionized the sport of surfing as it provided surfers with more speed, control, and maneuverability than ever before.

Anderson’s invention significantly impacted the competitive surfing scene, allowing surfers to perform more complex maneuvers and take their surfing to the next level.

His design also became a popular choice for recreational surfers, as it was easier to use and provided a more stable ride. Anderson’s influence in the sport of surfing is undeniable, as his thruster design remains one of the most popular choices today.

37. Jessi Miley-Dyer

Jessica Candice “Jessi” Miley-Dyer is an accomplished professional surfer from New South Wales, Australia. She is well-known in the surfing world for her skill and style, having won numerous competitions.

Jessi was born and raised in New South Wales and has been surfing since she was a young girl. She is an inspiration to many aspiring surfers and is an avid advocate for ocean conservation and sustainability.

Jessi continues to make a name for herself in the surfing world, and her passion for the sport is evident in her commitment to her craft. She loves to explore new surf spots and challenge herself on different waves.

Her dedication has allowed her to compete at the highest level in professional surfing. Jessi has become an icon for the sport over the years, and her influence on the surfing community has been immense.

She is a role model for aspiring surfers and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Jessi is also an active member of the Sydney community and currently resides in the city. She is often seen at surf events and has been an advocate for ocean conservation and sustainability.

Overall, Jessica Candice “Jessi” Miley-Dyer is an accomplished professional surfer from New South Wales, Australia who is an inspiration to many aspiring surfers. She is a role model for the surfing community and is actively involved in ocean conservation and sustainability.

Jessi currently resides in Sydney and continues to make a name for herself in the surfing world.

38. Claire Bevilacqua

Claire Bevilacqua is a professional surfer and has been competing since 2004. She hails from Perth, Western Australia and has been making waves in the surfing world ever since.

She joined the prestigious World Championship Tour in 2004 and has since been competing against the best surfers in the world. Her hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off with several successes under her belt, including the 2009 Pipeline Pro Hawaii competition.

Bevilacqua is an inspiration to many aspiring surfers, proving that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She is a shining example of what dedication and dedication to the sport can achieve.

With her continued success, she is sure to inspire many others to take up the sport.

39. Phyllis O’Donnell

Phyllis O’Donnell was a trailblazer in women’s surfing, making history when she became the first Women’s World Surfing Champion in 1964.

At the time, surfing was an overwhelmingly male-dominated sport, and O’Donnell’s victory was a major step forward for female recognition and participation in the sport.

She was 27 when she won the championship, and her success proved that women could compete with the best surfers in the world.

O’Donnell’s victory was a milestone in the history of women’s surfing, and it opened the door for other female athletes to reach the highest levels of competition. The legacy of her championship win continues to inspire female surfers today.

40. Damien Hardman

Damien Hardman, more commonly known as The Iceman, is a renowned Australian surfer hailing from Sydney. His waves of success began in 1988 when he won the Rip Curl Pro, an accomplishment he repeated five years later in 1993.

He was also a runner-up in this competition three times, having come second in 1989, 1991 and 1997. Hardman also achieved two victories in the ASP World Tour in 1987/88 and 1991, further cementing his name as a formidable competitor in the world of surfing.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Hardman was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 1999.

His multiple victories and second place finishes demonstrate that Hardman is a skilled, experienced surfer, a title rightfully earned by his hard work and dedication to the sport.

41. Ian Cairns

Ian Cairns is a legendary figure in the world of surfing. He is a former champion surfer who was instrumental in establishing the professional surfing circuit, including the World Championship Tour.

His surfing style was characterized by power and aggression, and he was considered the premier power surfer of the mid-seventies to late-seventies. He was so dominant during this period that he was referred to as the king of the North Shore.

During this time, Cairns was a major force in professional surfing, pushing the boundaries of the sport and inspiring countless young surfers. He is credited with helping to make surfing the popular sport it is today.

Conclusion

Australia is a great place to experience the best of surfing and its talented players. With a variety of beaches, surf spots, and surfing communities, Australian surfers have access to some of the best waves in the world.

Australian surfers have a strong international presence and have been successful in several surfing competitions and events. Australia is home to some of the best surfers in the world and they continue to inspire and motivate other surfers from around the world.

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Tom Kershaw

As a sports reporter at The Times & The Sunday Times, my passion lies in covering Olympic sports. With years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of witnessing and reporting on some of the most thrilling moments in sporting history. From the adrenaline-pumping races on the track to the intense battles in the pool, I strive to capture every moment with accuracy and enthusiasm. My goal is to provide readers with comprehensive coverage that goes beyond mere scores and statistics, delving into the stories behind each athlete's journey and showcasing their triumphs and challenges. Having covered multiple Olympic Games, I understand the importance of delivering timely and engaging content that keeps readers informed and entertained. Whether it's a feature article highlighting an underdog's remarkable rise or a live blog capturing the excitement of a nail-biting final, I am committed to delivering top-notch reporting that brings the Olympic experience to life. With my deep knowledge of various Olympic sports, coupled with my strong storytelling skills, I aim to provide readers with a unique perspective on these incredible athletes and their pursuit of greatness. As a sports reporter at The Times & The Sunday Times, I am dedicated to bringing you all the latest news, insights, and memorable moments from the world of Olympic sports.