When Matt Warshaw mentioned there were no girls in the Venice Beach lineup in 1969, it sent us down a wave-chasing, goddess-worshipping, surf-history rabbit hole. From the naked surf duels of ancient Hawaii to Princess Kelea, Queen Ka‘ahumanu’s heavy-wave skills, and the legend of Namahana’s dexterous drop-ins—we’re asking: who was the first woman in surf history? Spoiler: it’s not as simple as one name. But it’s a hell of a ride.