“EVERYONE SAW IT BUT THEY DIDN’T WANT TO GET SMACKED IN THE HEAD”

Jodie Cooper: Big Wave Trailblazer, Stunt Woman, Crowd Favourite

By today’s standard, Jodie Cooper had a late start to surfing, first learning on the solid beachbreaks around Albany when she was 16. Three years later Jodie was a runner-up at Bells, went on Tour, was rookie of the year and finished at number six in the world. Jodie stayed on Tour for 11 years, winning seven events, never finishing below fourth on the ratings, and her best result was number two in 1985.

Although a much expected World Title eluded her, Jodie dominated in Hawaii, and was one of the first girls to regularly surf Backdoor and Off The Wall. She was a level above most of her peers at places like Haleiwa and Sunset Beach and went undefeated on the North Shore between 1992 and 93, winning her last ever pro event there in 94.