When winter is still hanging around, it is easy to start dreaming about warmer days, sunny beaches and the sound of waves rolling onto the shore. Few places offer a better escape than a beautiful beach, where sunshine, sand and the ocean create the perfect setting for relaxation.
For professional surfers, however, the ocean is much more than a place to unwind. It is their workplace, training ground and passion. These athletes combine skill, strength, balance and determination to take on challenging waves around the world. Many of the women featured below have also become well-known for their distinctive style and presence both in and out of the water.
From world-class competitors and big-wave pioneers to surfers who have made their mark in fashion and modeling, here are 15 memorable women from the professional surfing world.
15. Kelia Moniz – Longboard Champion
Hailing from Oahu, Hawaii, Kelia Moniz grew up surrounded by one of the world's most famous surfing cultures. Her longboarding talent helped establish her as a standout competitor, and she went on to win multiple women's longboard championships.
Moniz's smooth style and natural approach to surfing have made her a popular figure in the sport. Her connection to Hawaii, competitive success and strong presence outside the water have helped make her one of the most recognizable names in women's longboarding.
14. Tyler Wright – The “Wright” Stuff
Australian surfer Tyler Wright comes from a renowned surfing family and is the younger sister of professional surfer Owen Wright. She established herself as a major competitor on the international surfing circuit at a young age.
Born in Culburra Beach, New South Wales, Wright has collected major victories around the world and built a strong reputation for her powerful surfing style. Her international success has made her one of Australia's most prominent female surfers.
13. Coco Ho – The “Flying Hawaiian”
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Coco Ho grew up in a legendary surfing family and began surfing when she was very young. Her natural ability and energetic personality quickly made her a fan favorite.
Ho has competed successfully at the highest levels of professional surfing and has represented major international brands throughout her career. Her combination of experience, style and competitive ability has helped secure her place among Hawaii's best-known surfing personalities.
12. Alessa Quizon – Hawaiian Surf Style
Alessa Quizon, another talented surfer from Hawaii, made her name through competitive surfing and her strong connection to the islands' rich surf culture. Born in Makaha, she grew up in an environment where surfing is deeply woven into everyday life.
Quizon has competed against some of the world's best surfers while also becoming recognized for her fashion and swimwear work. Her athletic background and distinctive personal style have made her a memorable figure in the surfing community.
11. Malia Manuel – Barrel Rider
From Kauai, Hawaii, Malia Manuel became one of the standout surfers of her generation. She gained international attention at a remarkably young age and developed a reputation for handling powerful waves with confidence.
Manuel made history by winning the U.S. Open of Surfing as a teenager and later competed on the international women's tour. Her smooth technique and competitive consistency have made her an important name in modern Hawaiian surfing.
10. Anastasia Ashley – California Surf Star
Anastasia Ashley developed her surfing skills along the California coast and became a successful competitor before expanding her career into modeling and media.
Her competitive accomplishments include hundreds of amateur event victories during her teenage years, followed by recognition on the professional surfing scene. Her appearances in major sports and fashion publications helped introduce her to an audience well beyond surfing.
9. Alana Blanchard – Surfing Rockstar
Alana Blanchard became one of the most recognizable names in women's surfing. A native of Kauai, Hawaii, she developed her skills in challenging waves and built a successful career as both a professional surfer and model.
Blanchard has worked with major surf and lifestyle brands and became particularly well known for her involvement in swimwear design and modeling. Her surfing background and media presence helped make her one of the sport's most recognizable personalities.
8. Maud Le Car – French Caribbean Talent
Born in Saint Martin in the French Caribbean, Maud Le Car brought an international perspective to the professional surfing scene. Her aggressive and energetic approach to surfing helped her stand out on the competitive circuit.
Le Car also recorded important victories during the early part of her professional career, including wins in California and Israel. Her dedication to fitness, healthy food and an active lifestyle has remained an important part of her surfing journey.
7. Ellie-Jean Coffey – Aussie Surf Power
Australian surfer Ellie-Jean Coffey became widely recognized for her surfing, adventurous lifestyle and strong social media following. Born in Coolangatta, Australia, she grew up around some of the country's most famous surf breaks.
Coffey has worked with several major surf brands and developed a reputation for combining competitive surfing with fashion, travel and lifestyle content. Her distinctive personality has helped her build an audience both inside and outside the sport.
6. Sage Erickson – Rising Surfing Force
Sage Erickson grew up surfing the powerful waves of Oahu's North Shore before moving to Ventura, California. Her competitive career progressed through the NSSA and Pro Junior circuits before she reached the women's world tour.
Erickson earned major victories during her career, including a win at the Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro in Oceanside, California. Her persistence, competitive mindset and technical ability established her as a respected name in women's professional surfing.
5. Quincy Davis – East Coast Surf Star
Quincy Davis proved that great surfing talent can come from anywhere. Born in Montauk, New York, she developed her skills on the East Coast before spending significant time surfing in Puerto Rico and other warm-water destinations.
Davis became known for her powerful turns and competitive performances. She also collaborated with surf and fashion brands, bringing together her interests in surfing, travel and design.
4. Catherine Clark – Reef Girl
Catherine Clark has built a career that combines surfing, modeling, photography and creative work. A native of Ventura, California, she grew up surrounded by the beaches and surf culture of the West Coast.
Clark has worked with major surfwear brands and traveled extensively while developing her career. Her interests have also expanded into writing and photography, giving her a creative presence beyond the waves.
3. Maya Gabeira – Big-Wave Pioneer
Maya Gabeira is one of the most accomplished big-wave surfers featured on this list. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she developed a reputation for taking on some of the world's most intimidating waves.
Her career includes multiple Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards and recognition at the ESPYs. She has surfed enormous waves at locations including Dungeons in South Africa and Nazaré in Portugal, helping establish her as a pioneer of women's big-wave surfing.
2. Bruna Schmitz – Brazilian Surfing Beauty
Brazilian surfer Bruna Schmitz made her mark on professional surfing at a very young age. She became the youngest athlete to win a professional event in Brazil at just 14 and soon began competing internationally.
Schmitz went on to compete on the ASP World Tour and also developed a successful modeling career. Her work with surfwear brands helped make her a familiar face in both professional surfing and the fashion world.
1. Bree Kleintop – O’Neill Surf Star
Bree Kleintop, originally from San Clemente, California, developed her love of surfing at an early age. She began riding a longboard as a child and later spent winters on Hawaii's North Shore, gaining valuable experience in one of the world's most respected surfing destinations.
Kleintop built a career that combined surfing and modeling, working with major surfwear brands and appearing in surf publications. Away from the water, she enjoys an active lifestyle that includes yoga, paddleboarding, hiking and other outdoor activities.
These 15 women represent different sides of the surfing world, from championship longboarding and professional competition to big-wave riding, modeling and surf-inspired fashion. Their careers helped bring greater attention to women's surfing while showing just how diverse and exciting the sport can be.