Peterson is an inspiration to young girls because she has achieved so much in her career and continues to push herself to new limits. She is a powerful surfer with a great attitude, and she loves what she does. Peterson is proof that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams. Kids who look up to Peterson can aspire to reach their full potential, both in surfing and in life.
Who Is Lakey Peterson?
Lakey Peterson is one of the most successful professional surfers in the world, known for her progressive aerial maneuvers, athletic force, and rise through the ranks at a young age. She is the daughter of a national swimming champion and an all-around incredible person.
In an interview with Risen Magazine, we learn the origin of her nickname “Lakey Surf Legend”
“Risen Magazine: When you were five years old, your parents decided to take you and your two older siblings on an extensive trip around the world, which is when you first learned to surf. Describe that experience.
a big trip around the world once they had kids. So when I was five, and my older brother [Parker] was 10, and my sister [Whitney] was 13, my parents pulled us out of school and we just traveled for seven and a half months. We went everywhere except Asia. We traveled to Switzerland, Paris, and it was when we were in Manly, Australia, that I learned to surf. It wasn’t my first experience with waves, but it was my first experience surfing them. I got to surf every day at a surf camp, so I got a lot of time in the ocean. I still remember my instructor, Tom, called me “Lakey Surf Legend,” and I loved it. That stuck. It’s very freeing being in the ocean, it’s just you and the wave. I loved that trip; I think that we became so much closer as a family because of it.”
Lakey Peterson: It was an awesome experience. My mom had always told my dad that she wanted to do a big trip around the world once they had kids. So when I was five, and my older brother [Parker] was 10, and my sister [Whitney] was 13, my parents pulled us out of school and we just traveled for seven and a half months. We went everywhere except Asia. We traveled to Switzerland, Paris, and it was when we were in Manly, Australia, that I learned to surf. It wasn’t my first experience with waves, but it was my first experience surfing them. I got to surf every day at a surf camp, so I got a lot of time in the ocean. I still remember my instructor, Tom, called me “Lakey Surf Legend,” and I loved it. That stuck. It’s very freeing being in the ocean, it’s just you and the wave. I loved that trip; I think that we became so much closer as a family because of it.”
See the rest of the interview here https://www.risenmagazine.com/professional-surfer-lakey-peterson/
After the trip around the world, her family went back to California where Lakey played flag football with the boys until she was 10, then played baseball and basketball too. She grew up right on a point break, Rincon, that her neighbors would take her to and she absolutely loved it.
From age 12 Lakey won multiple NSSA titles and at age 14 she won the NSSA Open Women’s Title by performing the first-ever female aerial maneuver in competition. At 16, she finished runner-up at the US Open of Surfing, qualified that same year, and came back to win the US Open in 2012. This was the year she claimed Rookie of The Year.
In 2018, Lakey claimed victories on the Gold Coast and at Keramas which led her to surf against Stephanie Gilmore for the World Title. Sadly she was defeated by Alana Blanchard in Round 2 of the Beachwaver Pro Maui, giving her the No. 2 position that year.
The same thing happened when she lost to Stephanie Gilmore in Maui in 2019. Her positivity, consistency, and talent mean she will continue to be a threat.
Is Lakey Peterson Married?
Yes, Lakey is married to Australian surfer Thomas Allen. On January 21, 2018 they got engaged near Peterson’s hometown. They later married in February 2, 2019.
What Board Does Lakey Peterson Ride?
Lakey rides both the Channel Islands Happy 5’10 x 18 3/8 x 2 1/4 | 25.3 L and the Black & White that’s 5’8 x 18 3/8 x 2 5/16 | 24.9L. https://cisurfboards.com/pages/lakey-peterson
How Many World Titles Has Lakey Peterson Won?
Peterson hasn’t won any World Titles yet. We’re hoping that we can see her win one soon. Let’s go Lakey!!
Where Is Lakey Peterson From?
Peterson was born in Santa Barbara, California. She currently lives in Montecito, California which Travel + Leisure named one of “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019.”
How Old Was Lakey Peterson When She Started Surfing?
Lakey Peterson started surfing when she was five years old.
How Tall Is Lakey Peterson?
Lakey Peterson is 5’7″ tall.
Lakey Peterson – Philanthropist
In addition to First Descents, Lakey Peterson donates her time and resources to Pray For Daisy, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Cottage Children’s Hospital, Hands4Others, and Waves For Water.
Lakey Peterson’s Movie, Zero to 100
This inspiring documentary follows surfer Aaron Lieber around the world as he explores one of surfing’s most innovative women’s careers in this eye-opening film. Lakey Peterson, 2012 US Open champion, opens up about her life in this emotional documentary. Zero to 100 is a stunning film with breathtaking visuals and a fantastic soundtrack. A true tale that will have you laughing, crying, and probably doing push-ups by the end.
Random Did You Know:
- Lakey’s grandfather, Herb Peterson, was the inventor of the McDonald’s Egg McMuffin.
- Lakey’s dad manages 6 McDonald’s stores in Santa Barbara
Peterson is an excellent role model for young girls because of her dedication to surfing, her accomplishments at a young age, and her positive attitude. Girls who look up to Peterson can aspire to reach their full potential, both in surfing and in life.