Surfing is a thrilling and exciting sport that has been enjoyed by many across the globe. The United States of America is home to some of the best surfers in the world.
The country is known for its world-class beaches and perfect waves that have attracted surfers of all ages and abilities. From iconic surfers in the early days to modern champions, the USA has produced some of the most talented and innovative surfers in the world.
We will explore some of the best surfing players in the United States of America.
1. Kelly Slater
Robert Kelly Slater is a legendary surfer, having won a record 11 World Surf League championships, the most by any surfer in the history of the sport.
His accomplishments in the sport have earned him the title of “greatest professional surfer of all time,” a title few can compete with. Throughout his career, Slater has achieved 56 Championship Tour victories, a testament to his commitment and skill in the sport.
Slater’s career has been an incredible journey, full of success and accolades, and it is clear that he has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest surfers of all time.
2. Laird Hamilton
Laird John Hamilton is an American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and an occasional fashion and action-sports model and actor.
He was born as Zerfas and is married to Gabrielle Reece, a former professional volleyball player, television personality, and model. Laird is well-known for being a pioneer of big-wave surfing.
He is credited with co-inventing tow-in surfing, which is a technique that allows surfers to ride waves much larger than they would be able to catch on their own, by being towed into them by a jet ski or other watercraft.
In addition to his surfing, Laird has also modeled for fashion and action-sports brands and has also appeared in some acting roles. Laird is married to Gabrielle Reece, who is a former professional volleyball player, television personality, and model.
She has been a featured athlete on ESPN and has also been featured in several fashion magazines.
In addition to her professional career, Gabrielle is also an advocate for healthy living and is an active philanthropist. Laird and Gabrielle have been married since 1997 and have two daughters.
They are both involved in their local community and have raised awareness about ocean safety, physical fitness, and environmental conservation.
3. Dane Reynolds
Dane Reynolds is a professional surfer from Ventura, California who is renowned for his fearlessness and progressive style of surfing. His “go for broke” approach to riding waves means that he is always pushing the boundaries of possibility in the water.
He is known for incorporating a variety of aerial and experimental maneuvers into his surfing. This is most visible when he performs maneuvers such as the “reverse snap” or the “frothy flip” which involve a great deal of risk.
His willingness to take risks has set him apart from other surfers and has allowed him to become a respected figure in the surfing community. He has been featured in multiple films and documentaries and has even won several awards for his contributions to the sport.
His unique style of surfing has allowed him to influence and inspire a generation of riders who look to him for inspiration.
4. Greg Long
Greg Long is an accomplished American surfer from San Clemente, California.
He has won three major surfing events: the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay, the Red Bull Titans of Mavericks event held at Mavericks in Northern California, and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event held at Dungeons in Hout Bay, South Africa. The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational, also known as “The Eddie,” is a prestigious big wave contest in honor of Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aikau, held at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu.
The event celebrates Aikau’s legacy and his contributions to the sport of big wave surfing. Greg Long has won this event twice, cementing his place in surfing history. The Titans of Mavericks is a big wave surfing event held at Mavericks in Northern California.
This treacherous spot is one of the most challenging waves in the world and the competition is highly sought after.
Greg Long has won this event, showing his skill and determination. Finally, Greg Long has also won the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event held at Dungeons in Hout Bay, South Africa.
This event is another big wave competition, and Greg Long has proven himself to be a big wave specialist. Through his accomplishments, Greg Long has become one of the world’s premier big wave surfers, and his success at these three events is a testament to his skill and determination.
5. John John Florence
John “John John” Alexander Florence is an American professional surfer who has achieved remarkable success in his career. He is widely recognized as one of the most talented and dominant surfers of his era.
His accomplishments include winning back-to-back world titles on the 2016 and 2017 World Surf League Men’s Championship Tour.
His mastery of the sport has earned him a tremendous amount of respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike. John John has been involved in the sport of surfing for most of his life.
He began competing when he was only 13 years old, and it quickly became clear that he was a natural talent. His impressive skills and determination have enabled him to become one of the most successful surfers of all time.
He has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Pipeline Masters title in Hawaii in 2015. John John is also known for his unique style of surfing. He is able to combine power and grace in a way that few other surfers can match.
His signature maneuvers include powerful tube rides, deep carves, and powerful backside snaps. He also has a flair for performing aerials and maneuvers that are rarely seen in surfing.
His style is often described as aggressive and stylish, and he is known for pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport. John John is a true inspiration to all aspiring surfers.
His commitment to the sport and his impressive accomplishments make him one of the most respected and admired surfers in the world. He is a true champion of the sport and an example of what is possible with hard work and dedication.
6. Keala Kennelly
Keala Kennelly is a remarkable individual who has achieved success in three distinct industries. Originally from Kauai, Hawaii, Kennelly is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress.
She has spent much of her career in the world of professional surfing, having been ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour for a decade. In 2007, she took a break from the tour and began to explore other avenues of her talents.
Kennelly has since become an accomplished DJ, performing at various clubs and events across the globe. Additionally, she has made appearances in a number of films and television shows, including a role in the 2010 film, Blue Crush 2.
Kennelly is an inspiration to many, having achieved so much in such a short amount of time. Her determination and passion for her work has allowed her to make a name for herself in a variety of industries.
She has become a role model for other women, showing them that it is possible to break into any industry with hard work and dedication.
7. Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Meilani Hamilton is an inspiring figure in the world of professional surfing and writing. She is well known for her remarkable story of overcoming a horrific shark attack in 2003.
At the time, she was only 13 years old and had been surfing at Tunnels Beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. During the attack, her left arm was bitten off by the shark, yet she managed to survive.
Despite the immense physical and psychological trauma, Hamilton was determined to get back into the water and resume her career in competitive surfing.
She returned to the sport only one month after the attack, with her father and friends helping her to adjust her technique to account for the lack of a left arm.
Through sheer grit and determination, Hamilton was able to not only continue competing but excel at the sport, winning several competitions and earning a spot on the World Surf League Championship Tour in 2015.
In addition to her surfing career, Hamilton is also an accomplished writer. She has written multiple books, including one about her personal story, entitled Soul Surfer.
In her writing, she has been open about her experiences and how she was able to overcome tremendous adversity. Her story has been a source of inspiration for many people around the world.
Bethany Meilani Hamilton’s amazing story of perseverance and courage is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. With her inspiring words and actions, she has shown the world that anything is possible if you never give up.
8. Carissa Moore
Carissa Kainani Moore is an inspirational figure whose many accomplishments have earned her a place in the annals of history. She is an American Olympian, a world champion surfer, and an activist.
In 2020, Moore achieved a major milestone when she became the first ever woman to win the Olympic Gold Medal in women’s short board surfing.
This feat alone is a testament to her athletic prowess. Moore’s long career as a professional surfer has been marked by numerous titles and awards. She is a five-time World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Tour Champion, having won the title in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
This incredible achievement is further proof of her exemplary talent and dedication to the sport. Moore is also an activist, dedicating her platform to helping create change in her local and global communities.
She has used her voice to speak out against racism, sexism, and environmental injustice. Her passion for creating a better world for everyone is evident in her work.In summary, Carissa Kainani Moore is a true champion and an inspiration to many.
Her incredible accomplishments in surfing, her advocacy work, and her impact on the world make her an iconic figure. She is a shining example of what it means to be a successful athlete, activist, and role model.
9. Kai Lenny
Kai Lenny is a multi-talented and accomplished water sports athlete who hails from the United States. He is an expert in big wave surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, tow-in surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foiling.
Lenny has gained notoriety for his passion and skill in the world of watersports and is an enthusiast of the various disciplines.
As a professional athlete, Lenny resides on Maui, an island paradise in Hawaii, where he has access to some of the world’s best waves and conditions for his many water sports.
On his days off, Lenny can be seen taking advantage of the beauty of his surroundings and honing his skills in the water. From the beaches of Maui to the biggest waves in the world, Kai Lenny is a true water sports ambassador and an inspiration to all.
10. Kolohe Andino
Kolohe Andino is an American surfer who has had a long and successful career. He began surfing at a young age and has been rising to great heights ever since.
Andino holds the record for winning the most National Scholastic Surfing Association titles of any male competitor, an impressive feat. He became the youngest to win a championship title at only 15 years old in 2009, a feat which still stands today.
His success has only grown since then, and he has become one of the most renowned surfers in the world. He has achieved success in various competitions and events, and continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring surfers.
11. Taylor Knox
Taylor Knox is an American professional surfer who got his start at a young age. He was born in Thousand Oaks, California, and began surfing at 8 years old.
His passion for the sport was so strong that he and his family moved to Carlsbad, California when he was 13, a place known for its excellent surfing conditions. Knox continued to pursue his dream of becoming a pro surfer and eventually achieved it.
He has since become a successful professional surfer, competing in various surfing competitions around the world and securing sponsorships from some of the top brands in the industry.
Knox has used his success to help others by mentoring up-and-coming surfers and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. He is an inspiration to many, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
12. Tom Curren
Thomas Roland Curren is a highly decorated former professional surfer. He is the first American surfer to win the World Surf League World Title, a feat he achieved by winning three World Titles in total.
His impressive career was also highlighted by 33 event wins, the second most all time only behind the legendary Kelly Slater. This incredible success in the surfing world has earned Curren a well-deserved place in the annals of surfing history.
Curren’s achievements have earned him praise from the surfing community and beyond. He is widely considered one of the greatest surfers of all time and his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.
His talent, dedication, and passion for the sport are unsurpassed and it is clear that he is a true surfing icon. The impact of Curren’s success reaches far beyond the surfing world.
His accomplishments have inspired countless surfers to follow in his footsteps and have made a lasting impression on the sport. He is a role model for many, showing that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.
Thomas Roland Curren is a living legend in the surfing world and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come. He has cemented his place in history as a true surfing great and his example will continue to inspire generations of surfers for years to come.
13. Caroline Marks
Caroline Marks is an incredible and inspiring athlete. She is an American professional surfer and the 2023 WSL Women’s World Tour Champion.
She has achieved incredible success in the world of surfing, having won multiple national championships and becoming the youngest female to compete in a World Surf League event.
Her accomplishments are even more impressive when you consider that she is the youngest surfer to qualify for the women’s Championship Tour. Her career has been marked by hard work, dedication, and commitment, and she serves as an example to young female athletes everywhere.
Caroline Marks has proven that anything is possible with the right attitude and determination.
14. Peter Mel
Peter Mel is an acclaimed American professional surfer who has made his mark in the world of surfing. He started his career in Capitola, California and later moved to Santa Cruz to further his surfing career.
His reputation as a ‘big wave’ surfer is well-known among the surfing community. He is the son of John Mel, who is a four-time surfing National Champion. This admiration for the sport of surfing has been passed down to Peter, giving him an edge in the competitive surfing world.
He has been able to combine his natural talent with the skills he has learned from his father to become a successful surfer in his own right. It is no wonder that he is held in such high regard among the surfing community.
15. Lakey Peterson
Laura Louise “Lakey” Peterson is a renowned American professional surfer. She has been ranked as one of the top female surfers in the world, reaching the No.1 spot on the World Surf League and No. 6 on the ASP Women’s World Ranking.
Peterson has had a successful career, making history in 2009 when she achieved the first ever aerial in NSSA women’s competition, ultimately winning the title. This success has cemented her place as one of the premier female surfers in the world.
She continues to compete in professional surfing tournaments and is an inspiration to many aspiring surfers.
16. Gerry Lopez
Gerry Lopez, often referred to as “Mr. Pipeline,” is a legendary figure in the surfing world. He is an American surfer who is particularly renowned for mastering Pipeline, one of the most difficult and dangerous waves in the world.
Aside from being a surfer, Gerry Lopez also shapes surfboards and is a journalist and film actor. He has been featured in many films and documentaries, and his writing has been featured in various publications.
His accomplishments throughout his career have earned him a place among the greats of surfing.
17. Lani Doherty
Kalulani “Lani” Doherty is an inspiring and passionate American surfer. She is an icon in the surfing community and a role model for many aspiring surfers.
Lani has been surfing since she was a young girl and has since become one of the most successful female surfers in the world. She is well-known for her daring and innovative style of riding waves, which has earned her multiple international titles.
Doherty has also been featured in multiple surf films and documentaries and continues to be a leader in the industry. She is a strong advocate for ocean conservation and environmental protection, working with a number of organizations to promote these causes.
Lani Doherty has achieved great success in her career, both in the water and on land, and is an inspiration to all who seek to make a career out of their passion for surfing.
18. CJ Hobgood
Clifton James Hobgood is an accomplished surfer who has made a name for himself on the Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship circuit.
He and his twin brother, Damien, are both professional surfers who travel around the world to compete in some of the most prestigious surfing competitions.
C.J., as he is commonly known, began his competitive surfing career in 1989 at the age of 13 when he entered his first surfing contest. He made it to the Open Boys final, marking the beginning of his successful career as a professional surfer. Over the years, C.J.
has continued to compete in various surfing events around the world, and his efforts have been rewarded with numerous wins and titles. He and his brother have both earned the respect of the surfing community and are two of the most successful surfers in the world today.
19. Rob Machado
Robert Edward Machado is an accomplished and successful American professional surfer. He has been involved in the sport since 1993 when he began competing on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
During his time on the tour, Rob established himself as a formidable competitor, consistently ranking among the top surfers in the world. Since leaving the tour in 2001, Rob has continued to surf professionally as a free surfer.
He is well-respected in the surfing community for his impressive skills and for the positive attitude and enthusiasm he brings to the sport.
Rob is also known for his commitment to giving back to the surfing community, often taking part in charity events and other initiatives that promote and celebrate the sport of surfing.
20. Lisa Andersen
Lisa Andersen is an incredible athlete who has made a mark in the world of surfing. She has won four world championships in a row from 1994 to 1997, an incredible feat that showcases her great talent and determination.
Her career began in 1987 when she was named Rookie of the Year by the Association of Surfing Professionals. This was the start of her extraordinary journey to becoming one of the greatest sportswomen of the century.
Her incredible achievements have been recognized by Sports Illustrated for Women, who included her in their list of 100 “Greatest Sportswomen of the Century”. This is a testament to her incredible talent and relentless pursuit of excellence in her chosen sport.
Lisa Andersen is an inspiring role model for young athletes; she is a living example of what dedication and hard work can accomplish.
21. Eddie Aikau
Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau was an incredibly talented and courageous Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. He was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu and is credited with saving the lives of over 500 people during his time as a lifeguard.
He was also well known for his skill in surfing the big waves of Hawaii and was the winner of several awards, including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. Aikau was respected by his peers and loved by the public for his bravery and skill.
He will always be remembered as a legendary figure in Hawaiian surfing and lifeguarding, and his memory will live on for generations to come.
22. Jamie O’Brien
James Duncan O’Brien is a professional surfer from the North Shore of Hawaii. He is well known in the surfing community as one of the best surfers on the island.
His skills on a board are incomparable, and he often puts on an impressive show for his fans when competing in events. Growing up in Hawaii, James was surrounded by the ocean and began to surf as a young age.
He quickly became passionate about the sport and eventually turned it into a full-time career. He travels all over the world to compete in events and is always pushing himself to reach new heights with his surfing.
He is a dedicated athlete who puts in countless hours training and preparing for his competitions. His fans appreciate his determination and natural talent, and it’s no surprise that he is one of the most successful surfers from the North Shore.
23. Bruce Irons
Bruce Irons is a highly accomplished professional surfer from Hanalei, Kauai. He is known for his regularfoot surfing style, which he has honed and perfected over the years.
Bruce is the younger brother of three-time world champion Andy Irons, which has helped to propel him into the spotlight. Bruce has been on the professional surfing circuit for a number of years and has competed in many of the world’s major surfing events.
He has achieved a great deal of success, including multiple wins and podium finishes in various competitions. Bruce is highly respected in the surfing community for his technical skill and commitment to the sport.
He is an inspiration to many younger surfers who look to him as a role model and mentor.
24. Frieda Zamba
Frieda Zamba is an American professional surfer who has cemented her place in history as a four-time world champion. She first began her dominating streak in 1984, when she became the youngest female to win a professional contest at age 16.
She went on to win the world championship in 1984, 1985, and 1986, making her the youngest surfing world champion ever. To cap off her incredible run, she won the world title again in 1988.
Nowadays, Frieda resides in Costa Rica, where she continues to inspire others with her story and her remarkable success.
Conclusion
It is clear that the United States of America has a deep pool of talented surfing players. From Kelly Slater to Kolohe Andino, these athletes have proven themselves to be some of the best in the world.
With their passion for the sport and their commitment to excellence, these surfing players are an inspiration to all who love the ocean.
