Layne Beachley's rash vest
Date1999
Object number00026034
NameVest
MediumNylon elastane
DimensionsOverall: 600 x 815 mm
Display Dimensions: 640 x 840 mm
Display Dimensions: 640 x 840 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Layne Beachley
DescriptionA red Rip Curl surfer's rashvest worn by Layne Beachley and worn by Layne Beachley in a competition at the 1999 Sunsmart Classic, Bells Beach, Victoria.HistoryLayne Beachley is one of Australia's greatest athletes, dominating the sport of surfing for almost two decades. Layne made her debut on the ASP Women’s World Tour at the age of 16 and by the time she was 22, she was ranked number three in the world.
Layne’s first tour event win came in 1993 and in 1998 Layne won the first of her six consecutive world titles (from a total of seven) in her illustrious career, making her the most successful female professional surfer of all time.
In a career that spanned 19 years on the professional circuit, seven world titles and 29 procontest victories, Layne announced her retirement from full-time professional surfing in 2008.
She remains the surfer with the greatest number of consecutive world titles, male or female. In 2004 Layne was presented the prestigious Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson Award. Layne was also inducted into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame in 2011.
In addition to her sporting and business endeavours, Layne established the Aim For The Stars Foundation which provides financial and moral support for girls and women across Australia to invest in their future and fulfill their potential in academia, the arts, business, music and sport.
Layne was awarded an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for her outstanding achievements and service.SignificanceLayne Beachley is one of Australia's greatest athletes, dominating the sport of surfing for almost two decades. She was instrumental in progresing the field of womens surfing and has since established the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation which aims to support young Australian women to "pursue their passion and aspire to achieve in all endeavours including, acaedemia, business, arts and sport."
