At just 23 years old, Annie Reickert has emerged as one of the most dynamic and versatile figures in ocean sports, embodying a new generation of waterwomen who are redefining what it means to be an all-around athlete in the surf world.
Raised on the island of Maui, Reickert was introduced to surfing at the age of two. By ten, she had already set her sights on a professional career in the water. Today, she is known for mastering an impressive array of disciplines, including longboarding, shortboarding, tow-in surfing, prone and downwind foiling, winging, and stand-up paddling.
Her dedication and versatility culminated in two landmark achievements in 2024: competing in the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, where she placed highest among the female competitors, and becoming the fastest woman to complete the Molokai to Oahu crossing on a foil.
“Whether I’m foiling, shortboarding, or surfing big waves, I see improvements across all areas,” Reickert told The Inertia. “The sports complement each other, and Maui is the perfect training ground.”
Big Waves and a Big Break at The Eddie
Reickert’s passion for big wave surfing began when she was 17, catching her first significant swell at the legendary Jaws break on Maui. Mentored by accomplished surfers such as Paige Alms, Andrea Moller, Bianca Valenti, and Keala Kennelly, Reickert quickly fell in love with the adrenaline and raw power of big surf.
That same thrill accompanied her debut at the Eddie Aikau Invitational—one of surfing’s most revered events. Though she missed the initial year that included women, Reickert was invited as a full competitor in 2024. Without any prior experience surfing Waimea Bay, she entered the lineup for her first heat under the guidance of Hawaiian surf veteran Dennis Pang.
“I had never surfed Waimea before the event,” Reickert admitted. “But I had so much support. Uncle Dennis Pang showed me where to sit and what waves to go for. That guidance made all the difference.”
The moment was particularly meaningful for Reickert, who recalled watching the Eddie as a child and wondering why no women were included. “To now be one of the first women to compete is incredibly special,” she said.
Injury, Recovery, and Resilience
Reickert’s path to success has not been without setbacks. In 2022, she underwent shoulder surgery after sustaining a torn labrum—an injury that sidelined her for over a year.
“I started to doubt whether I’d ever return to who I was in the water,” she said. “Now, having come through the other side, I’ll never take my health or abilities for granted again.”
She credits a strong recovery team and personal determination for her return to peak performance.
Art as Meditation
Beyond the waves, Reickert is gaining recognition for her artistic talents. She creates intricate, dot-based animal designs on her surfboards—a passion she describes as both meditative and deeply personal.
“It started as a creative outlet,” she explained. “I watched YouTube videos, studied animal photography, and taught myself how to translate that into detailed sketches.”
Each board she paints takes between 45 and 50 hours, a labor of love that she isn’t quite ready to commercialize.
“I don’t want to cut corners. The time and detail are what make it meaningful,” Reickert said. “I’ve done a few custom boards for others, but I’m still figuring out where I want to take it.”
Looking Ahead
Reickert’s sights are firmly set on the future. She hopes to earn another invitation to the Eddie and dreams of competing in a potential return of the Jaws Big Wave Championship—an event she last entered at age 18.
“Surfing Jaws again in competition would be incredible,” she said. “I’d love to see how much I’ve grown since then.”
Above all, Reickert hopes her journey inspires more women to enter the world of big wave surfing.
“We’re seeing so much progress in shortboarding,” she said. “Now, I want to see that same momentum on the big wave side. I want more girls out there with me, pushing limits and honoring the women who paved the way.”
As both an athlete and artist, Annie Reickert continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day waterwoman—charting her course one wave, and one brushstroke, at a time.