Woman of the Year

Layne Beachley 2006 The Best Keep Getting Better Arguably the finest female competitive surfer in history, Layne Beachley’s legacy at the top is far from over. She recently announced the inception of the richest women’s professional surf contest in its 29 year history – the Beachley Surf Classic - to be held in October 2006 at her childhood home break of Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia. At the 2005 Surfer’s Poll and Movie Awards, the regular footed powerhouse took home the Best Female Performance Award for her showing in “Life in the Fast Layne.” She’s also won the high profile Surfer’s Poll Award in 2004 and 2003. Opinions aside, Beachley rips and has the contest resume to back it up. Even though her big-wave reputation supersedes her results at time, she’s undeniably claimed six consecutive ASP World Titles from 1998 – 2003. This unsurpassed feat made her the only female surfer to achieve utter dominance for such longevity. Beachley also sits atop the all time record list for most female tour victories with 28 as well as retains the largest amount of career prize earnings for a woman.
PHOTO: Merkel		Once undertaking a serious training regimen which she still maintains today, Beachley etched her name among surfing’s big-wave elite after towing into the elusive North Shore break Phantoms in 1997. Soon thereafter, she whipped into 25-foot waves at outside Log Cabins and then conquered Todos Santos, Mexico.
This could possibly seem hard to believe for those who knew her in the early days back in Sydney. Born in 1972, Beachley began surfing at age four but didn't become hooked until 16. During these years she hung out at the beach with the guys, but after enough hazing Beachley rapidly became competitive with them in the water. She had no traceable amateur record to speak of and turned pro in 1989. To this day, Beachley actively remains a World Title threat and aims to tie Kelly Slater’s record of seven ASP World Championships. Her sprightly personality and spontaneous demeanor ensure Beachley’s presence will emanate throughout surfing’s history and future.