The Surf World Mourns the Loss of Lane Davey, a Pioneer of Women’s Big-Wave Surfing
The surf community is reeling from the loss of a trailblazer, a fearless waterwoman, and an icon in the world of heavy Hawaiian surf. Lane Davey, known for her groundbreaking role in pushing the boundaries for women in big waves, passed away after a battle with cancer. She was 55 years old.
Lane’s passing marks the end of an era but also highlights a legacy that will resonate across generations of surfers to come. With a presence as powerful as the waves she rode, Lane was more than just a surfer—she was a beacon of inspiration for those who sought to carve their own lines in a male-dominated arena. In a time when few women dared to paddle into the heaving surf of the North Shore, Lane not only showed up—she charged with grit, grace, and unwavering joy.
The news of her passing was shared over the weekend by her husband, the renowned surf photographer Sean Davey, through a heartfelt post on Instagram. His words were both a tribute to a beloved partner and a reflection of the incredible life she led. The response was immediate and profound. Tributes flooded in from across the global surf community, highlighting just how deeply Lane had touched lives both in and out of the water.
Among those who offered condolences was 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, who wrote:
“Oh man. I’m so sorry to read this. Hope we can all help lift your spirits, Sean. You’ve been an incredible support and partner for her through this.”
Slater’s message speaks volumes not only of Sean’s devotion, but also of the respect Lane commanded among surfing’s elite.
Moana Jones Wong, the reigning Queen of Pipeline and one of the fiercest female surfers today, honored Lane’s lifelong presence in the lineup, writing:
“She was an incredible woman and I am so grateful for all the times I got to surf with her throughout my whole life from V Land, to Pipe, to Bowls. She was always so happy and stoked in the ocean.”
Moana’s words reflect a generational torch passed from pioneer to present-day champion—proof that Lane’s impact went far beyond her own career.
Seven-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore added:
“Loved seeing her in the lineup at Pipe every day, I truly admired her dedication and love for the wave. Wonderful woman. Rest easy, Lane.”
That admiration for Lane’s commitment and spirit is echoed throughout the surf world. She wasn’t just a fixture in the lineup—she was a force of nature, whose energy radiated from the shorebreak to the surf community worldwide.
Throughout her life, Lane Davey broke barriers, surfed with heart, and never shied away from the raw power of Hawaii’s most intimidating waves. Her presence in the lineup at iconic breaks like Pipeline, Backdoor, and Sunset Beach was not only groundbreaking, but empowering for young women coming up in the sport. She led by example—never loud, always fierce. She proved that courage has no gender, and passion knows no limits.
Off the water, Lane was a creative spirit, a supportive wife, and a vibrant part of the surf photography world through her partnership with Sean. The pair were an indelible part of North Shore culture—Lane in the waves, Sean behind the lens capturing her spirit in motion.
As the swell continues to roll in on the Hawaiian shores, the void left by Lane Davey’s absence is deeply felt. But her legacy is woven into the fabric of modern women’s surfing. Every woman who takes off deep at Pipe, who paddles out with purpose and pride, surfs in Lane’s wake.
Lane Davey didn’t just ride waves—she created them.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by the ocean’s eternal rhythm she so dearly loved.