15 Famous Australian Surfers: The Best!

It’s always up for debate, "who are the most famous Australian surfers"?

We list the current most famous Australian surfers, going into detail of their impact on Australia's surf culture and surfing as a whole.

The list of famous Australian surfers is forever growing so here is our 15 best!

Most Famous Australian Surfers

Famous Australian surfers include Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Jodie Cooper and Nicki Van Djik to name a few.

This list of the most famous Australian surfers is forever growing! Let's get into each famous Australian surfers story below in detail.

Want to find more surfers? View our list of the most famous surfers ever!

Damien Hardman

Born: January 23, 1966

Origin: Warriewood, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Damien Hardman, known as "The Iceman," is a former Australian surfer with a style characterised by strategic precision and a competitive edge.

About: Damien Hardman grew up in Narrabeen, a hub for renowned surfers like Simon Anderson and Col Smith. His father, Brian Hardman, served as the ASP World Tour's media director.

Achievements: Damien Hardman's surfing journey began with notable junior division achievements, including a third-place finish in the 1982 Australian National Titles and victories in the 1984 National Titles and World Championships. He turned professional in 1984, earning Rookie of the Year in 1985. Notably, at the age of 21, he secured the 1987 World Title in a showdown with Gary Elkerton. Over the next six years, Hardman consistently ranked among the tour's top competitors, claiming the World Title in 1991 and achieving several high placements. His career concluded with a total of 19 Pro Tour wins, including victories at prestigious events like the Stubbies Classic in 1986, the Rip Curl Pro in 1988 and 1993, and the Rip Curl Hossegor Pro in 1998.

Instagram: @damienhardman

Ethan Ewing

Born: September 2, 1998

Origin: North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia

Style: Professional surfer

About: Ethan Ewing embarked on his surfing journey at a young age. His breakthrough came in 2016 when, at the age of 18, he claimed the title of the WSL World Junior Champion. Despite facing challenges and a temporary hiatus from the elite surfing scene, Ewing made a triumphant return in 2021, securing a spot on the World Surf League (WSL).

Achievements: Ethan Ewing's career is studded with remarkable achievements. In 2022, he finished 4th overall in the WSL Finals, narrowly missing out on the top spot. Notably, he clinched victory at the prestigious Jeffreys Bay event in South Africa and secured another iconic win at Bells Beach in April 2023. His consistent strong performances at events like VIVO Rio Pro, Corona Open J-Bay, and Surf Ranch Pro underline his status as a top-tier competitor.

Instagram: @ethan_ewing

Joel Parkinson

Born: April 10, 1981

Origin: Nambour, Queensland, Australia

Style: Joel Parkinson, a surfing legend hailing from Nambour, Queensland, is known for his beautiful and powerful surfing style that has left an indelible mark on the sport.

About: One of the most famous Australian surfers, Joel Leslie Parkinson made a significant impact during his twelve years on the ASP World Championship Tour. With eleven elite ASP World Title Events, nine additional ASP tour victories, and four runner-up positions in the ASP World Title, Parkinson's legacy is one of unparalleled achievement.

Achievements: Joel Parkinson's list of achievements is impressive, including being a 1x ASP World Champion (2012), 2x World Junior Champion (1999, 2000), achieving a Perfect 20 at Billabong Pipeline Masters (2008), securing 12 ASP World Tour event wins, and claiming the Triple Crown of Surfing three times (2008, 2009, 2010).

Instagram: @joelparko

Julian Wilson

Born: November 8, 1988

Origin: Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia

Style: Julian Wilson, hailing from Coolum Beach, Queensland, is an Australian professional surfer known for his dynamic and versatile style on the waves.

About: Born on November 8, 1988, in Coolum Beach, Queensland, Julian Wilson is a prominent figure on the World Surf League Men's World Tour. With a height of 6 ft and a weight of 180 lb, Wilson's surfing prowess is complemented by his sponsorship from renowned brands like Hurley Clothing, Nike Footwear, Red Bull Energy, Oakley Eyewear, FCS traction and fins, Sunbum Sunscreen, Catch Surf, and JS Industries surfboards.

Achievements: Julian Wilson boasts an impressive career, with notable achievements including 5 WSL Championship Tour event wins, earning him recognition as the 2011 WSL Rookie of the Year and the 2014 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Champion. In 2018, he achieved his career-best ranking, securing the #2 spot on the WSL CT World Tour making him one of the most famous Australian surfers.

Instagram: @julian_wilson

Laura Enever

Born: November 14, 1991

Origin: Sydney, Australia

Style: Laura Enever, the Sydney-born Australian professional surfer, is recognised for her dynamic and versatile approach to the waves.

About: Born on November 14, 1991, in Sydney, Australia, Laura Enever emerged as a standout talent in the surfing world. Nicknamed "Lauzy," she currently resides in North Narrabeen, New South Wales. Standing at 5 ft 6 in and weighing 119 lb, Enever has become a prominent figure in both traditional and big wave surfing.

Achievements: Laura Enever's surfing journey is marked by notable accomplishments, including being crowned the ASP Women's World Junior Champion in 2009. She made her professional debut in 2011 and has since competed at the highest level of professional surfing, touring with the World Surf League (WSL). In 2014, she finished 10th in the final standings for the Women's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour.

Instagram: @lauraenever

Layne Collette Beachley

Born: May 24, 1972

Origin: Manly, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Layne Beachley, the Australian former professional surfer from Manly, New South Wales, is renowned for her exceptional skills and achievements in the world of surfing.

About: Born Layne Collette Beachley on May 24, 1972, in Manly, New South Wales, she emerged as a surfing prodigy, eventually becoming a dominant force in the sport. Standing at 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in), Beachley not only conquered the waves but also made history with her remarkable achievements.

Achievements: Layne Beachley's legacy is marked by an extraordinary seven World Championship victories in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2006. Beyond her championships, she received accolades such as the 2005 Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year Award, the 2003 Teen Choice Awards Extreme Female Athlete of the Year, and induction into prestigious halls of fame including the Surfers' Hall of Fame (2006) and the Australian Sports Hall of Fame (2011). In 2015, she was honoured with the Officer of the Order of Australia making her up for contention for the most famous Australian surfers.

Instagram: @laynebeachley

Matt Wilkinson

Born: September 29, 1988

Origin: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Goofy

About: Matt Wilkinson, pro surfing’s most colourful and free-spirited character, is a 29-year-old Australian goofy footer known for his dynamic and creative approach to the waves. Growing up in the tiny town of Copacabana, just south of Avoca Beach in New South Wales, Wilko's surfing journey was shaped by lean years, living in the local Surf Life Saving Club or travelling the coast with his single-parent father, Neal, in their $3,000 van. Jovial, highly creative, and self-effacing, Wilko is beloved by his peers for his antics both in and out of the water.

Achievements: Wilko boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including being a 7-time World Champion (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006). He received the 2005 Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year Award and the 2003 Teen Choice Awards Extreme Female Athlete of the Year. His contributions to the sport led to his induction into the Surfers' Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Australian Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. Notably, he was honoured with the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2015.

Instagram: @mattwilko8

Mick Fanning

Born: June 13, 1981

Origin: Penrith, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Natural

About: Michael Eugene Fanning AO, known as "White Lightning," is an Australian professional surfer born on June 13, 1981. Growing up in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, Fanning learned to surf at a young age and later honed his skills in Tweed Heads. Alongside Joel Parkinson, he attended Palm Beach Currumbin State High School. Fanning became a dominant force in the surfing world, crowned World Champion three times (2007, 2009, 2013) and earning multiple accolades, including 6x Australian Male Surfer of the Year.

Achievements: Fanning's remarkable career includes 3 World Championships, 22 ASP/WSL Championship Tour event wins, and induction into the Surfers' Hall of Fame. Notably, he survived a shark attack during the J-Bay Open finals in Jeffreys Bay in 2015 making him one of the top famous Australian surfers.

Instagram: @mfanno

Nikki Van Djik

Born: November 28, 1994

Origin: Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

Style: Regular

About: Nikki van Dijk is an Australian professional surfer hailing from Phillip Island, Victoria. She has made a significant impact in the world of surfing, competing in the World Surf League, the pinnacle of international professional surfing.

Achievements: Van Dijk secured the women's world junior title in 2012 in Bali, showcasing her talent at an early stage. As a rookie, she finished 13th on the 2014 Women's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour. Notably, 2015 marked her best year on the WSL tour, finishing with six consecutive quarter-finals, earning her a 9th place for the season.

Instagram: @nikkivandijk

Owen Wright

Born: January 16, 1990

Origin: Culburra Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Goofy

About: Owen Wright, born on January 16, 1990, is an Australian professional surfer competing on the World Surf League (formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals) Men's Championship Tour. Notably, he secured Australia's first surfing Olympic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Achievements: Owen boasts four WSL Championship Tour event wins and holds the distinction of being the first surfer to post two perfect scores in a single event during the 2015 Fiji Pro. He clinched a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Instagram: @owright

Peter Townend

Born: 1953

Origin: Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia

Style: Regular

About: Peter Townend, also known as PT, is an Australian surfer and the first IPS/ASP World Surfing Champion. Born in 1953 in Coolangatta, Queensland, he became one of the world's top surfers in the 1970s and 1980s. Townend had an extensive career in the surfing industry, showcasing his skills, winning championships, and contributing to the sport's development.

Achievements: Townend's achievements include being the first IPS/ASP World Surfing Champion in 1976. He excelled in competitive surfing, with notable victories like the Hang Ten contest in Durban, South Africa, in 1979. Beyond his surfing prowess, he played roles such as a movie stuntman, contest organiser, writer, publisher, marketer, and coach.

Sally Fitzgibbons

Born: 19 December 1990

Origin: Gerroa, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Regular

About: Sally Fitzgibbons, born on 19 December 1990 in Gerroa, New South Wales, is a prominent Australian professional surfer known for her remarkable career on the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour (2009–2013). In June 2019, she achieved the No. 1 world ranking for women's surfing after triumphing at the Rio Pro.

Achievements: She secured the ASP World Junior Champion title in 2007 and consistently clinched the World Runner-up position on the WSL World Tour in 2010, 2011, and 2012. With an outstanding record of 12 victories on the WSL Championship Tour, Fitzgibbons has consistently proven her prowess in elite competition. Her accomplishments extend to the ISA World Championships, where she earned the title of ISA World Jr Champion in 2008 and 3-time ISA World Women's Champion in 2008, 2018, and 2021. Additionally, Fitzgibbons achieved gold medal success at the World Games in 2008, 2018, and 2021, solidifying her status as a surfing icon.

Instagram: @sally_fitz

Steph Gilmore

Born: January 29, 1988

Origin: Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Regular

About: One of the all most famous Australian surfers, Stephanie Louise Gilmore, born into the waves of Murwillumbah is an Australian professional surfer whose journey began at the early age of 9. With a natural foot stance, she became a dominant force on the Women's WSL World Tour, clinching the World Champion title eight times (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2022). Her exceptional career includes victories at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast and the Havaianas Beachley Classic. Gilmore's influence extends beyond the surf, earning her a place in the Surfers' Hall of Fame (2010) and the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award. Her indomitable spirit at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics further solidified her legacy.

Achievements: A remarkable eight-time World Champion, she claimed the coveted title in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Her dominance extends to the WSL Championship Tour, where she has triumphed in 34 prestigious events. Such accomplishments have rightfully earned her a place among surfing legends, as she has been inducted into the esteemed Surfers' Hall of Fame.

Instagram: @stephaniegilmore

Tyler Wright

Born: 31 March 1994 (age 29)

Origin: Culburra Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Style: Regular

About: Tyler Wright, a standout Australian professional surfer, emerged from the tight-knit surfing community of Culburra Beach. In 2008, at just 14, she made history as the youngest-ever winner of a Championship Tour event, Layne Beachley's Beachley Classic. Overcoming champions twice her age, Wright joined the World Surf League Women's Championship Tour in 2011. Known for her exceptional talent and competitive prowess, she secured back-to-back World Titles in 2016 and 2017. Tyler, who identifies as bisexual, is sponsored by Rip Curl, Monster Energy Drink, Oakley, Ocean & Earth, and Power Base Fins.

Achievements: Tyler Wright boasts an impressive surfing resume, including two World Championships (2016, 2017) and a total of 16 victories on the WSL Championship Tour. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her status as a surfing icon.

Instagram: @tylerwright

Wayne Lynch

Born: 1951

Origin: Lorne, Victoria, Australia

Style: Soulful surfer

About: Top fo the list of famous Australian surfers, Wayne Lynch born in 1951, is an iconic surfer and surfboard shaper from Lorne, Victoria. He gained fame for winning six consecutive Victorian junior titles and four Australian junior titles. Lynch's soulful surfing style and international recognition through surf movies like "Evolution" and "Sea of Joy" set him apart. Despite winning major contests, he's celebrated more for his soulful approach than competitive prowess. Lynch overcame mid-1970s injuries, featured in the documentary "A Day in the Life of Wayne Lynch," and founded the Evolution board brand in 2000.

Achievements: Six-time Victorian junior champion, four-time Australian junior champion, winner of the Sydney Surfabout in 1975, and ranked the third-best surfer of all time by Surfing magazine in 2004.

Instagram: @waynelynchsurfboards

More Famous Australian Surfers

Famous Australian Surf Spots

• Bells Beach, Victoria:
  • Known for hosting the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach is an iconic surf spot with powerful waves and a rich surfing history attracting famous Australia surfers.
• Snapper Rocks, Queensland:
  • Located on the Gold Coast, Snapper Rocks is home to the Quiksilver Pro and offers consistently good waves for surfers.
• Byron Bay, New South Wales:
  • A popular destination for surfers of all levels, Byron Bay has diverse surf breaks and a laid-back surf culture.
• Margaret River, Western Australia:
  • Renowned for its big waves and powerful surf, Margaret River attracts experienced surfers seeking challenging conditions.
• Bondi Beach, New South Wales:
  • One of Australia's most famous beaches, Bondi offers a great mix of surf, sun, and a vibrant beach culture popular amongst famous Australian surfers.
• Noosa Heads, Queensland:
  • Known for its long, gentle waves, Noosa Heads is a favorite for longboarders and those looking for a more relaxed surfing experience.
• The Superbank, Queensland:
  • The Superbank is a famous stretch of surf breaks on the Gold Coast, including Snapper Rocks, Kirra, and Greenmount, providing consistently good waves.
• Manly Beach, New South Wales:
  • Close to Sydney, Manly Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering various surf conditions for different skill levels.
• Crescent Head, New South Wales:
  • A classic point break, Crescent Head is known for its long, peeling waves, making it a favourite among famous Australian surfers.
• Surfers Paradise, Queensland:
  • Another famous spot on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise has a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of surf breaks suitable for different skill levels.

Summing It Up: What To Do Now

Now you have a vast list of the most famous Australian surfers, be sure to check out famous surfers from countries around the world such as America and New Zealand!

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