Layne
Beachley

Speaker Profile

Layne Beachley is renowned as a seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Surfer, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Born in 1972, Layne was given up for adoption by her 17-year-old un-wed Scottish mother. At the age of six, she lost her adoptive mother and now credits her father, Neil and family friends for filling the void. At the age of eight, upon discovering she had been adopted, Layne decided she was going to prove her worth by becoming the best in the world at something.

Turning pro at the age of 16, by the time she was 20 Layne was rated number six in the world and well on her way to achieving her ultimate goal of World Champion.

In 1998, after years of dedication and determination, two bouts of chronic fatigue, depression and many injuries, Layne won her first of seven world titles, earning the last in 2006 and becoming the most successful female surfer of all time. She is the only surfer, male or female, to win six consecutive world titles.

For the first eight years of her surfing career, Layne predominantly supported herself, working up to four jobs at any one time. In 2003, with the desire to prevent other young women from having to endure the same hardship, she established the Aim for the Stars Foundation with the goal to encourage, motivate and provide for all aspiring women. Inspired by its motto, 'Dare to Dream, Pursue Your Passion and Aspire to Achieve', the foundation to date has provided over 170 girls with financial and moral support in areas such as music, science, culture, arts and sport.

Not one to rest on her laurels, in 2006 Layne staged the richest women's stand alone surfing event which continues to build on its enormous success. The Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic prides itself as being one of the most prestigious and enjoyable events on the ASP Women's World Tour. Now in its seventh consecutive year, Layne is passionate about giving back to the sport that provided her with such an enviable lifestyle for 20 years.

In 2008, she released her autobiography, titled Beneath the Waves.

Recently retired from professional surfing, Layne is as busy as ever fulfilling media commitments, with motivational speaking, and in representing five other charities and organisations as an ambassador or spokesperson. She recently launched the Layne Beachley B'INSPIRED program, established to encourage children to realise their potential, building confidence and a sense of self-assurance within their first year of high school.

Willing to learn and dedicated to success, Layne's positive attitude and hard work ethic is a constant reminder that there are no boundaries when it comes to realising one's potential.

Travels from New South Wales