Swich on the light

The first women’s surfing events appeared in 1976, followed the next year—in 1977—by the inaugural women’s World Championship Tour (WCT). American surfer Margo Oberg was the first woman to win the women’s WCT title.

However, women’s surfing struggled significantly during the 1990s. Female surfers could barely make a living from the sport, and asserting themselves in the lineup was a challenge. Yet, this did not stop American surfer Lisa Andersen from making history in women’s surfing during that decade; notably, she sought to compete on the men’s professional circuit.

Today, top female surfers can earn up to four times more prize money in a single competition than they did twenty years ago. The reason is simple: women’s surfing is defined by a unique style, grace, and technique. It is visually captivating, which is a major part of its appeal. Many professional female surfers fully embrace this distinctive aesthetic to help the sport gain the recognition it deserves.