LAYNE
BEACHLEY

Australian Layne Beachley tows into 15-18 foot Phantoms on December 22, 1997. She also wins the Triple Crown. This is the first year there is a women's division. Then in 1998, Layne wins the first of a record-setting six consecutive world titles. She wins the Triple Crown for a second year in a row, including the Bells, and the OP Pro. Powerful is the best word to describe Layne’s surfing. Layne’s personal story has inspired a generation of surfers. Born to a 17-year-old mother and the child of a rape, she was given-up for adoption, only to have her adoptive mother die when she was six. Her survivor mentality translated to the water where she became one of the toughest surfers in history, including and especially in large waves. As of early 2015, she has won more world titles than any other female competitor – a total of seven – six consecutive titles 1998-2003 and a final title in 2007. Since then, Stephanie Gilmore has broken her record seven world titles but Layne’s record of six consecutive titles still surpasses those of anyone, male or female. Ken Bradshaw, shaper of this board, was Layne’s boyfriend at the time it was made, specifically for Layne’s 3rd world championship hunt.

This board is in the permanent SHACC collection, donated by Mark “Buggs” Arico/surfboardline.com.
Portrait photo © Layne Beachley