Duke Kahanamoku, Miki Dora, Kelly Slater: let’s learn about some of the surfers who have left their mark and made a big contribution to the success of surfing, a sport that is also becoming more and more beloved thanks to great sporting feats

Surfing, the sport that is more than a sport, owes its fame in part to the many surfers who have made its history, true legends of the waves, pioneers and new stars whose feats and innovations have transformed surfing into a globally recognized lifestyle.

From the earliest surfers, who took the discipline beyond its Hawaiian origins, to the modern champions who continue to move the bar of competition higher, each generation of surfers has helped make the sport increasingly popular and beloved, and the emerging new stars promise to carry on this tradition of excellence, ensuring a bright future for surfing.

Surfing pioneers

There are a number of surfing pioneers who have been credited with introducing one of the world’s most iconic and culturally significant sports to the world. Among them, Duke Kahanamoku is often considered one of the fathers of modern surfing. Born in Hawaii, Duke took the sport beyond the islands, making it known and appreciated from one part of the globe to another.
Kahanamoku was not only an excelling surfer, but also an Olympian in swimming, which helped make him a global ambassador for surfing and Hawaiian culture.

Another key figure was Tom Blake, who revolutionized surfboard design. He is credited with the introduction of the skeg (fin), which greatly improved the maneuverability of boards. Blake was also one of the first to photograph surfing: the dissemination of spectacular photos contributed to the sport’s popularity.

Marge Calhoun, on the other hand, was one of the first female surfing champions: in the 1950s, the American won numerous titles and was credited, in a world dominated by men, with proving that women, too, could have their say in the sport.

These surfers not only influenced the imagery of surfing and spread the culture of surfing, but also made a big contribution to improving surfing techniques and equipment.

Read also: The highest wave ever surfed? Here it is!

Mike Dora, an icon of the 1960s and 1970s

Miki Dora, known as“Da Cat,” was a symbol of surfing in the 1960s and 1970s, celebrated for his unique style and rebellious attitude: his attitude, his ability to tame Malibu waves, his over-the-top technique, and his rebellious aura made him an icon of those years. Miki Dora did not like the fact that surfing was becoming “commercialized” and spared no criticism about it: some provocative gestures, such as surfing while wearing a Nixon mask, helped create his legend.

Myths of our time: from Kelly Slater to Gabriel Medina

Kelly Slater is one of the most famous names in the world of competitive surfing: he has won a whopping 11 World Surf League titles and achieved quite a string of firsts. In fact, he was the youngest world champion at 20 and the oldest at 39, demonstrating unparalleled tenacity and skill. Kelly Slater has triumphed in such top events as the Pipeline Masters and the Pro Teahupoo, where Slater achieved perfect scores, making him the first surfer in history to achieve a total of 20 points under the ASP’s scoring system. Recently, the Cocoa Beach surfer announced his retirement: at 52, he has decided to hang up his board after rightfully joining the legends of the sport.

John John Florence is another surfing icon, famous for his extraordinary performance in the water and his ability to push himself over the edge. Growing up on the famous waves of the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, John John distinguished himself from a young age: he competed in the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing at just 13 years old. His career reached extraordinary heights when he won two world titles in a row, in 2016 and 2017, becoming the first Hawaiian to do so since Andy Irons.

John John has also influenced the surfing world through film: he has participated, both as an actor and as a filmmaker, in several surfing films (see View from a Blue Moon and Gravity), which have helped spread the culture, and the passion, for the board.

Stephanie Gilmore, originally from Australia, is another key figure in surfing. With seven World Surf League world titles to her credit, Stephanie Gilmore is famousa for her fluid and elegant style, which have earned her the nickname“Queen of Cool.” Her influence extends beyond competitions; Gilmore is a style icon and positive role model for young female athletes around the world.

Finally, due mention for Gabriel Medina, Brazilian surfer, a name well known to fans forhis aggressive style and spectacular stunts. Medina won his first world title in 2014 at just 20 years old, becoming the first Brazilian to do so, and then won again in 2018 and 2021. His ability to perform complex maneuvers with ease has inspired many surfers to constantly strive to improve and push their limits.

Rising stars of surfing

Surfing today is fertile ground for young talents who are gaining a foothold in surfing. These include Erin Brooks and Mikey McDonagh: the two showcased their talents in the 2024 Challenger Series, and both scored a victory at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, rightfully entering the world stage with performances that combine excellent technique with a certain boldness in their maneuvers.

The very young Erin Brooks, thanks to her ability to handle the board even in difficult conditions, has caught the attention of industry experts and fans.Her performances, which have also allowed her to set a few records, show a maturity far beyond her age.

Australian Mikey McDonagh has a similar path to his colleague: in a short time he has proven himself a particularly technically gifted surfer. His victory in Gold Coast confirmed his potential even in the most prestigious competitions. McDonagh showed an impressive combination of speed, power, and technical innovation, foreshadowing a promising career on the professional circuit.

Read also: Here are the 5 best of Italian surfing to date

In conclusion

Pioneers such as Duke Kahanamoku, Tom Blake, and Marge Calhoun have profoundly influenced surfing, promoting its global spread and innovating board design. Figures such as Miki Dora also left an indelible mark for their rebellious style, shaping part of the cultural imagery associated with surfing.

On the modern scene, icons like Kelly Slater, John John Florence, and Stephanie Gilmore have made surfing even more popular around the world, while young talents like Erin Brooks and Mikey McDonagh promise to take surfing to new heights. These athletes represent the future of an ever-evolving sport, which besides being a tremendously spectacular discipline tells so much about the relationship between man and nature.

If you want to imitate these surfing legends and try to imitate their exploits (with caution!), sign up for our surfing courses in Fuerteventura: our instructors are ready to introduce you to the wonderful world of the sport.

Takeaways

• Surfing has a long history of pioneers who contributed to its global spread and technical innovation. Duke Kahanamoku, one of the fathers of modern surfing, brought the sport from Hawaii to the rest of the world, becoming an ambassador for Hawaiian culture;
• Miki Dora, with his unique and rebellious style, became an icon in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his skill and his criticism of the commercialization of surfing, Dora left an indelible mark on the cultural imagination of the sport;
• Kelly Slater is one of the greatest surfers of all time, with 11 world titles. His long career and numerous records have made him a living surfing legend. John John Florence, with his two consecutive world titles, has demonstrated extraordinary skills and has also contributed to surf culture through film;
• Stephanie Gilmore, with seven world titles, is one of the most influential and respected female surfers. Her elegant style and influence beyond competition make her a role model for young female athletes around the world.
• The future of surfing is bright thanks to young talents like Erin Brooks and Mikey McDonagh. Both have shown exceptional skills in recent competitions, promising to take surfing to new heights with their bold performances and innovative techniques.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Duke Kahanamoku and what contribution has he made to surfing?

Duke Kahanamoku, born in Hawaii, is considered one of the fathers of modern surfing. He was not only an excelled surfer, but also an Olympian in swimming. He took surfing beyond the Hawaiian islands, making it known and appreciated globally. Duke was an ambassador for surfing and Hawaiian culture.

Why is Miki Dora considered a surfing icon?

Miki Dora, known as “Da Cat,” was a surfing icon in the 1960s and 1970s. Celebrated for his unique style and rebellious attitude, he was known for his ability to tame Malibu waves. Dora criticized the commercialization of surfing, and some of his provocative gestures, such as surfing while wearing a Nixon mask, helped create his legend.

What have been Kelly Slater’s greatest achievements in surfing?

Kelly Slater is one of the most famous names in competitive surfing, with 11 World Surf League titles. He was the youngest world champion at 20 and the oldest at 39. He has triumphed in major events such as the Pipeline Masters and Pro Teahupoo, achieving perfect scores and setting numerous records. Slater recently announced his retirement at age 52.