Benson, Linda (c. 1944–)

views updated

Benson, Linda (c. 1944–)

American surfer. Born c. 1944 in Encinitas, California.

At 15, was the youngest contestant to enter the International Championship at Makaha, then won (1959); was the 1st woman to ride Waimea; was Pacific Coast women's champion (1959, 1960, 1961); won the 1st women's US championship (1959), then defended the title (1960, 1961, 1964, 1968); was Annette Funicello's double in the "Beach Party" films and doubled for Deborah Walley in surfing action sequences for film Gidget Goes Hawaiian; was one of the best-known female surfers of her day.

More From encyclopedia.com