Benson, Linda (c. 1944–)

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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.

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Benson, Linda (c. 1944–)

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