Hoffman has been a trailblazer in the surfing world from her teens. She broke new ground as a woman from the day she first paddled into the surf in front of her parents’ home in Capistrano Beach. Now 75, Hoffman is sharing memories of her adventures as a woman in a predominantly male sport.  

Throughout her career she has won many championships. The City of Dana Point recently unveiled a bronze statue of her likeness. It is displayed in Waterman’s Plaza among the likenesses of other surfing legends Hobie Alter, Phil Edwards and Bruce Brown. And again, Hoffman is the first woman to be so honored. In fact, Hoffman’s statue is believed to be the first life-sized statue of a female surfer in the country. 

Among her accolades:  

• She was the first American to win the International Surfing Association’s World Championships in 1965 and 1966. 
• She won the United States Surfing Championships in 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1971. 

• She won the Makaha International in 1964 and 1966, and the Laguna Masters in 1965 and 1967. 
• She was the first woman documented to surf the Pipeline. 
• In 1994 Hoffman became the only female in the first class inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach.  

“As a highly accomplished woman in a male-dominated sport, Joyce is a positive role model for young women everywhere,” says Ocean Institute CEO and President Wendy Marshall. “She personifies the characteristics and enthusiasm the Ocean Institute strives to encourage among kids who come here to learn about the ocean. It’s an honor to have her with us as a Distinguished Speaker.”