The top 10 female surfers around the world – ranked

Women's surfing has seen incredible growth over the past two decades, with some great athletes shaping the sport, from fearless big-wave riders to WSL legends, determined to make a name for themselves in a male-driven scene. Let's take a look at some of the best female surfers around the world.

The Canadian surfer is considered one of the best female surfers out there and has made giant strides for women in surfing. She is considered a pioneer by many after she conquered the 2016 Big Wave championship, making her the first female winner ever.

In 2023, she was among the first women to compete at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, also known as 'The Eddie'. "I could name 50 big wave surfers that are at the top now. Yet there are only about a dozen women," she shared during an interview with Mpora.

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One of the youngest talents on the tour is Caroline Marks, who shows incredible growth year after year. Born in 2002, in Florida, the young surfer continues to impress on tour with her powerful moves.

"I want to be the next generation that is pushing the sport and leading the way, surfing bigger waves, getting barrelled more, and doing airs," shared Marks during an interview with Surfd.

Despite a horrific shark accident at the age of 13, Bethany Hamilton returned to surfing just a month later after the incident. She proved to many that a serious disability shouldn't stop anyone from pursuing their dreams.

Regardless of her 'pro' career being cut short, she became a major inspiration worldwide for many athletes across multiple disciplines. "Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts... That is what little girls are made of," wrote Hamilton on social media.

The young Australian superstar is slowly carving out herself a reputation within the Qualifying Series, following big wins in 2023 and 2024.

Her dynamic performances highlight a very promising future for female surfing. Will she be able to match Stephanie Gilmore?

The French surfer is considered a top big-wave surfing talent. She has tackled big wave surfing using multiple disciplines like: tow-in, and stand-up paddleboarding, which display her fearlessness in the water.

Dupont has claimed the Nazare Tow Challenge twice, alongside her multiple nominations for XXL Biggest Wave at Nazare. She is taming aquatic giants!

Caitlin Simmers is the youngest WSL (World Surf League) champion after snatching a major victory from Caroline Marks, at just 18 years old. Originating from Oceanside, California, Simmers has quickly risen through the amateur ranks with her unique style, charging head-on.

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"The best wave of your life is still out there," stated Simmer after she won her first Pipeline final.

The veteran Hawaiian surfer is considered by many as pioneering big-wave surfing for females around Hawaii. Kennelly has broken barriers in a male-dominated world, becoming the first woman to win the 'Barrel of the Year' award.

The surfer from Kauai has seen her fair share of wipeouts but "surfing teaches to embrace uncertainty with grace," as she shared during an interview once.

Beachley is regarded as an Australian surf legend for her seven World Surf League titles throughout her career. From 1999-2006, she dominated the heats with her dynamic surfing.

"There are so many people out there who tell you what you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say, 'Watch me'," she shared on social media.

What is there to say about the four-time world champion from Hawaii... She is simply amazing. Recognized for her powerful moves and aggressive style, she is one of the most feared rivals.

Moore also made history after winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal for women's shortboard, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The all-mighty Stephanie Gilmore. The eight-time world champion from Australia is regarded as the godmother of modern female surfing. She has enjoyed the longest and most successful surfing career possible.

The 36-year-old surfer has stepped away from competitive surfing for a one-year sabbatical, but intends to return on tour in 2025, according to Red Bull.

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