According to the International Surfing Association (ISA), the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA) and Surfing Australia, the surfing population is estimated to be between 17-35 million. Here at Wetsuit Centre, we’ve decided to pick out some of the greatest surfing legends that have inspired us to get out into the sea and ride those waves!
If, like us, you also feel inspired to get out into the water, then what’s stopping you? If you need a suit, you can buy a wetsuit online from us here at Wetsuit Centre. We also offer advice and information about how to size your suit, whether it’s for a friend or yourself; take a look at our wetsuit guide below!
Image Credit: Mikefairbanks under CC BY-SA 3.0
Rob Machado
This Australian professional surfer and environmental activist has won 12 World Championship Tours and a Pipeline Masters title! He is one of the best-known goofy foot surfers to date; goofy foot is used to describe a ‘right foot forward’ surfing stance, coined from the surfing style of Walt Disney’s Goofy.
Rob Machado is mesmerising to watch as he effortlessly glides with irrefutable jazz and style; his hypnotic moves have most definitely earned him the name ‘Mr. Smoothy’.
Sharron Weber
Sharron Weber was one of the most influential surfers of her era. During her surfing career, Weber finished runner up to Margo Godfrey in ’68, earned six Hawaii state titles toward the end of the ‘60s and earned herself world champion in 1970 and 1972.
After retiring from her surf career, Weber opened her very own tyre business in Kauai. To date, she still enjoys surfing in her spare time! In an interview from 2001, Weber was quoted saying that there are only three things she knows, how to play golf, how to change a tyre, and how to surf.
Duke Kahanamoku
Nicknamed “The Duke” and “The Big Kahuna”, Kahanamoku is considered the father of ‘modern surfing’.
Born in Hawaii, Kahanamoku won five Olympic medals as a swimmer. By 21, he had beaten the 100 yards freestyle world record by 4.6 seconds, but this was waved off by the judges who believed the race floats had drifted. In 1912 Duke Kahanamoku won one gold and four silver Olympic medals.
Duke Kahanamoku inspired others to surf while introducing the sport to the shores of America and Australia. He was an ambassador for surfing, always prioritising it over his Olympic medals, showcasing the sport to the world.
Creditied: Fosterand sons under CC BY-SA 4.0
Kelly Slater
Slater holds almost every major record in surfing, from his 11 world tours to 55 career victories, and also being the youngest and oldest world champion in men’s history.
Kelly Slater is regarded as one of the greatest professional surfers of all time, and for good reason. He is a complete powerhouse; if anyone’s the real deal, it’s this guy. He rips waves with immaculate grace and poise. He incorporates an endless stream of jaw-dropping tricks that trigger awe-inspired smiles.
If you, too, feel inspired by these incredible athletes, why not try out some surfing for yourself? Here at Wetsuit Centre, we offer a number of different wetsuit reviews and helpful guides to get you started! If you have any questions about surfing, contact a member of our team or browse through our blog!