Born: 1953 (Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Margo Oberg, born as Margo Godfrey on September 8, 1953, in Pennsylvania, emerged as a trailblazer in the world of professional surfing as the first female professional surfer. Her early accomplishments and enduring influence on the sport have solidified her legacy and positioned her as one of the most influential women in surfing history.
At the tender age of 11, Oberg tasted victory in her first surfing competition, setting the stage for a remarkable career ahead. Just four years later, at the age of 15, she clinched her first world title, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the surfing community. Her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport paved the way for her to become the first professional female surfer in 1975, a pivotal moment in the history of women’s surfing.
Oberg’s love affair with the ocean began when her family relocated to La Jolla, California, when she was five years old. Intrigued by the waves, she started surfing at the age of ten and quickly discovered her natural talent for riding the swells. A year later, at the 1965 Western Regional Surfing Championships, she emerged victorious in her division, showcasing her raw potential. In 1966, Oberg secured her first national title by dominating the 12-and-under division at the Menehune Championships, where she stood as the sole female competitor in her category.
Guided by mentorship from former World Champion Mike Doyle, who not only coached her but also shaped her surfboards, Oberg honed her skills during the early stages of her career. She initially rode longboards before transitioning to short boards in 1968. By the age of 15, she had risen to become the top-seeded women’s surfer in California, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
In 1968, Oberg achieved international recognition by capturing the World Contest title in Puerto Rico. The following year, she successfully defended her championship, solidifying her prowess in the sport. Despite her impressive achievements, she faced setbacks, including a devastating second-place finish at the 1970 World Contest in Australia, which led her to temporarily retire from surfing.
In 1972, Oberg graduated from high school and married Steve Oberg. The couple relocated to Hawaii, where Margo embarked on a new chapter of her life. She taught surfing and managed a beach concession stand while taking a break from competitive surfing. However, her passion for the sport remained ignited, and she returned to the competition in 1974, triumphantly winning a contest in Malibu.
The year 1975 marked a pivotal moment in Oberg’s career and women’s surfing history. She boldly competed alongside six other women in the men’s Smirnoff contest, further breaking gender barriers. Oberg emerged victorious among the women and secured an impressive third place overall, making history as the first woman to be paid for surfing. This milestone propelled her into a professional career, as she signed a contract with surf brand Lightning Bolt.
Oberg’s dominance continued over the next decade. Winning the first three professional world championships in 1975, 1976, and 1977, she solidified her position as the unrivaled champion. She further cemented her legacy by claiming additional world titles in 1980, 1981, and 1983. The WISA Hang Ten Championships and the women’s event at the Smirnoff World Pro-Am Surfing Championships also fell to her victorious grasp.
During 1976 and 1977, Oberg achieved unofficial Women’s World Champion status by triumphing at the Bells contest, the Coke, the Brazil International, and the Women’s Masters. In 1978, she continued her streak of victories by conquering the Stubbies contest and the Bells contest. Her exceptional talent and achievements were acknowledged by her peers, as she topped the overall Surfer magazine poll in 1978, a crown she had previously earned in 1968.
Oberg maintained her professional career, competing until 1991 when she finished fourth in the world championships. Her impact on the sport extended beyond her own achievements as she opened her own surfing school, the Margo Oberg Surf School, in 1977 on the island of Kauai. To this day, Oberg owns and operates her surf school, continuing to inspire and share her expertise with aspiring surfers.
A true pioneer, Margo Oberg’s dedication, skill, and trailblazing spirit have left an indelible mark on the world of professional surfing. Her contributions to women’s surf culture and her influential role in shaping women’s history remain a testament to her greatness. Oberg’s remarkable journey stands as an inspiration for all, propelling the sport forward and empowering generations of women to pursue their dreams in the realm of surfing.
Awards:
– World Contest Champion (1968, 1969, 1980, 1981, 1983)
– WISA Hang Ten Championships Winner
– Smirnoff World Pro-Am Surfing Championships Winner
– Unofficial Women’s World Champion (1976, 1977)
– Stubbies Contest Winner
– Bells Contest Winner
– Surfer magazine poll winner (1968, 1978)