Surfing Mourns the Loss of a Fearless Pioneer: Lane Davey
Lane Davey, a legendary figure in the world of surfing, has passed away, leaving the surfing community in deep sorrow. Known for her fearless approach, Lane would venture out to surf the second and third reef at Pipeline, tackling massive 12-foot waves with her 115-pound frame—a sight that captivated fans. Her daring spirit broke barriers for women in surfing, and her recent passing has left a void that many are struggling to come to terms with.
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Lane had been battling stage 4 colo-ovarian cancer since 2023. By the time her illness was diagnosed, it had already spread to her liver and lungs. Chemotherapy became her only option, and she fought the disease with everything she had. Her husband, Sean Davey, a well-known surf magazine photographer, shared how Lane bravely endured multiple serious operations that left her physically scarred but never broke her spirit. Despite her immense courage, she passed away on April 26, 2025.
Sean paid tribute to Lane on Instagram, sharing heartfelt words that revealed the depth of his grief: “I lost my best friend early this morning.” He described her relentless will to fight for life, saying, “She threw everything at it, including the proverbial kitchen sink.” He ended his tribute with a touching message: “I hope you’re making up for time out of the water and surfing plenty of beautiful waves up there in God’s kingdom, my warrior princess.”
The news of Lane’s passing touched many, including surfing legends. Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater expressed his condolences, acknowledging Sean’s strength and Lane’s battle. Surfer Nathan Florence also offered support, reminiscing about seeing Lane early mornings at Pipeline.
For those unfamiliar with her, Lane Davey’s impact on surfing was profound. She was among the rare women to surf some of Oahu’s most challenging spots in the early 1990s, including riding massive 18-foot waves at Waimea Bay. In 2005, alongside Banzai Betty, she helped organize the first-ever women’s surfing contest at Pipeline, further cementing her status as a trailblazer.
Beyond surfing, Lane’s achievements stretched into other areas. She studied fashion and went on to design the first women’s boardshort in 1993. She was the creative mind behind “Us Girls,” one of the first dedicated women’s sports apparel brands. Lane also served as a professor at the University of Hawaii and had a background in breakdancing, showcasing her multi-talented nature.
Fans and fellow surfers flooded social media with tributes. One admirer recalled how Lane’s presence at Pipeline, often marked by her recognizable pink helmet, gave them the courage to surf intimidating waves. Another remembered the joy of sharing the ocean with her around Rocky Rights and Pūpūkea, describing her as a positive force in the water.
Lane’s competitive career was equally impressive. She clinched the Hawaii State Championship in 1994, triumphed at the Volcom Pro Am, and won the China Wahine Classic, among other events. She was also honored with the Surfing Girls Biggest Maneuver Award in 2000, the same year she won gold at the Local Motion Surf Into Summer competition.
Her commitment extended globally when she participated in the WQS Pro Tour from 1999 to 2001, surfing at locations across California, Virginia Beach, Africa, Australia, and France. Her best result on the tour was a commendable 7th-place finish.
Today, Lane Davey is remembered not just for her contributions to surfing but for her spirit, courage, and trailblazing legacy. She will forever remain an inspiration for future generations of surfers.