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Hermosa Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Laurie Wilson's Aggressive Style Earned Her a Place Among Top Surfers
The South Bay's pioneering female surfer reflects on surfing's golden era in Hermosa Beach
Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:18pm
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A pioneering female surfer's aggressive style and competitive spirit defined an era of surfing in the South Bay.Hermosa Beach TodayLaurie Wilson, a trailblazing female surfer from Hermosa Beach, California, developed an aggressive surfing style in the 1960s that earned her a spot among the top surfers, both male and female, in the local lineup. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated sport, Wilson competed in Western Surfing Association contests, won the Hermosa Beach Surfing Championship, and went on to play professional basketball before returning to her surfing roots.
Why it matters
Wilson's story highlights the barriers female surfers faced in the 1960s, as well as the pioneering spirit of those who refused to be deterred. Her aggressive, high-performance style helped pave the way for greater acceptance of women in the sport and contributed to Hermosa Beach's reputation as a hub of California's vibrant surf culture during that era.
The details
Wilson's introduction to surfing began as a child in the mid-1960s, when she would retrieve her older brother's surfboard after it washed ashore. She soon earned a spot in the local lineup, where she was inspired by the aggressive style of the top male surfers in the area, including future lifeguards and surf camp directors. Despite the lack of female representation in the sport at the time, Wilson competed in WSA contests, earning an AAA rating in her first year and securing sponsorships from Petrillo Surfboards and Sea Suit wetsuits.
- In the mid-1960s, Wilson began surfing as a child, retrieving her brother's board when it washed ashore.
- At age 15, Wilson started competing in Western Surfing Association contests.
- In 1969, Wilson and her friend won the Hermosa Beach Surfing Championship.
- After high school, Wilson played basketball at El Camino Junior College and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she was recruited to play in the first girls' pro basketball league, the World Basketball League, in 1979.
- Wilson later returned to surfing in the South Bay while working for FedEx.
The players
Laurie Wilson
A pioneering female surfer from Hermosa Beach, California, who developed an aggressive surfing style in the 1960s that earned her a place among the top surfers in the local lineup.
Jeff Wilson
Laurie Wilson's older brother, who introduced her to surfing by letting her use his surfboard.
Gene Cidello
The shaper of the surfboard that appeared on the cover of the Beach Boys' album 'Surfer Girl', which was popular in Hermosa Beach during the 1960s.
John Baker
One of the top surfers in the Hermosa Beach lineup in the 1960s, who later became a Los Angeles County Lifeguard.
Alfred Laws
Another top surfer in the Hermosa Beach lineup in the 1960s, who later became a Los Angeles County Lifeguard.
What they’re saying
“'They inspired my aggressive style. The South Bay only had a few female surfers in the mid 60's. Josette Legadaire (SWOF2020), Margo Scotten and Judy Carillo were the best. Linda Benson (SWOF 2004), and Candy Woodward (SWOF 2018), won most of the contests.'”
— Laurie Wilson
“'The other women were good surfers, with a graceful, cruising style. But I wanted to surf like the guys, who attacked the lip and sped down the line. I'm goofyfoot (right leg forward), and I loved surfing fast rights and doing backside off the lips.'”
— Laurie Wilson
“'It's the only surfing trophy I still have.'”
— Laurie Wilson
The takeaway
Laurie Wilson's story is a testament to the pioneering spirit of female surfers in the 1960s, who faced significant challenges but refused to be deterred. Her aggressive, high-performance style helped pave the way for greater acceptance of women in the sport and contributed to Hermosa Beach's reputation as a hub of California's vibrant surf culture during that era.
