Layne Beachley

Seven-time Womens World Champion Layne Beachley was widely regarded as the greatest female surfer of all time, until the arrival of eight-time Womens World Champion Stephanie Gilmore reshaped the record books.

Growing up in Manly, Layne had to fight for every wave in a male-dominated lineup. That resilience defined her career. Once she reached the top of the sport, she was relentless. Former rival Keala Kennelly has since remarked that Layne “made her life a misery” through consistent and uncompromising victories.

Layne’s competitive reign eventually gave way to a new generation led by Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore, but her influence on the sport extended far beyond competition results.

Her legacy was hard-fought and hard-won, and she became a powerful inspiration for women surfers worldwide. Refusing to step away quietly, Layne went on to challenge the sport’s leadership structures, becoming the first female Chair of Surfing Australia in 2017. The following year, women’s prize money achieved parity with men’s, marking a defining moment for gender equality in professional surfing.

Layne has continued to advocate for healthier, more sustainable pathways for women in surfing, and for the long-term protection of the environments that make the sport possible.

Two years ago, she was appointed Ambassador for the Manly Freshwater World Surfing Reserve, and last year she received one of Australia’s highest sporting honours for women, the prestigious Dawn Award, inspired by Olympic champion Dawn Fraser.

The Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve is honoured that Layne Beachley has accepted an invitation to be a key speaker at the 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference.

“I’m honoured to be invited to the 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference. As Ambassador for the Manly Freshwater World Surfing Reserve, I’m committed to protecting the surf ecosystems we love and championing the role each of us can play in preserving the ocean environments that sustain our sport and our spirit.”