20 Facts About Layne Beachley

Layne Collette Beachley was born on 24 May 1972 and is an Australian former professional surfer from Manly, New South Wales.

At the age of 16 Beachley became a professional surfer.

Layne Beachley became the Women's ASP World Champion in 1998, and won the title again in 1999,2000,2001,2002,2003 and 2006.

Layne Beachley is the first woman in history to win 7 World Championships, and only surfer, male or female to win six consecutive world titles.

Layne Beachley shared the woman's record for most World Championships won with Stephanie Gilmore until Gilmore won her eighth title in 2022.

In 2004, Layne Beachley was given a wildcard entry into the Energy Australia Open held at Newcastle, one of the rare occasions a woman has competed in a men's surfing event.

In 2006, Layne Beachley was inducted into the Surfers' Hall of Fame.

Layne Beachley announced on 10 October 2008 that she would retire due to her age.

Layne Beachley has appeared in the movies Blue Crush, Billabong Odyssey, Step into Liquid, and the 2001 documentary 7 Girls.

Layne Beachley was born Tania Maris Gardner on 24 May 1972 in Sydney.

Layne Beachley's mother was only 17 years old and unmarried so Layne was adopted by Neil and Valerie Beachley, who lived in nearby Manly.

When Layne Beachley was only six years old, Valerie suffered a post-operative brain haemorrhage and died, leaving Layne Beachley and her brother to be raised by Neil.

Layne Beachley was brought up in the competitive Manly surfing scene and was competing and winning against men at the age of 15.

Layne Beachley has usually been available to support any worthwhile community cause, whether protesting about sewage outfall or promoting the sport and charities to which she is close.

Layne Beachley married Kirk Pengilly, a member of the Australian rock group INXS, in October 2010.

Layne Beachley is a keen supporter of the Manly Sea Eagles rugby league club.

Layne Beachley received the Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year Award in 2004 and was named the Extreme Female Athlete of the Year as part of the Teen Choice Awards in 2005.

Layne Beachley was inducted into both the Australian and US surfing halls of fame in 2006, and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2011.

At the 2015 Australia Day Honours, Layne Beachley was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community through support for a range of charitable organisations, as a mentor for women in sport, and to surfing as a world champion competitor.

Layne Beachley was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for her back to back world titles in 1998 and 1999.