Who is Layne Beachley?
Layne Beachley is an Australian surfer who won seven women's world surfing titles, including six in a row from 1998 to 2003. She is regarded as one of the greatest female surfers in history.
Beachley was born in Sydney in 1972 and grew up in Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches. She started surfing at the age of four.
She joined the professional tour in 1989 and became known for her aggressive, powerful surfing, particularly in big waves.
Six in a row
Beachley won six consecutive world titles from 1998 to 2003, a record for consecutive titles in professional surfing. She won her seventh title in 2006.
She was a pioneer of big wave surfing for women, riding huge waves in Hawaii and elsewhere. She helped raise the profile and prize money of women's surfing.
After retiring, Beachley founded the Aim for the Stars Foundation to support girls and women in achieving their goals. She has served as chair of Surfing Australia and is married to Kirk Pengilly, a member of the band INXS.
Did You Know?
Beachley's record of seven world titles was later passed by Stephanie Gilmore.