Bianca Buitendag isn’t just a surfer—she’s a story of resilience, faith, and breaking barriers. From learning to surf in Victoria Bay to winning Olympic silver, here’s everything you need to know about South Africa’s surfing icon.
Bianca Buitendag’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bianca Buitendag |
| Nickname | – |
| Born | November 9, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| College | Northeastern University (B.Sc. in Finance & Management, 2018) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 (competitive surfing) |
| Net Worth |
Estimated $1 million |
| Salary | Undisclosed (peak earnings during WSL career) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | Inactive since 2019 (@biancabuitendag) |
Early Career
Bianca’s surfing journey began at Victoria Bay, a right-hand point break perfect for honing her backhand attack.
By 14, she was competing nationally, winning six South African titles before 16. Her big break came in 2011 when she claimed the Billabong ASP World Junior Champion title, setting the stage for her pro career.
Professional Career
Buitendag qualified for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in 2013, earning Rookie of the Year after finishing 8th globally.
The 2015 season was her peak—ranked World No. 4 despite her father’s sudden death.
She became known for explosive performances in Fiji and Brazil, but her career highlight came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she stunned fans with a silver medal.
Retiring after the Games, she left behind a legacy as South Africa’s most decorated surfer.
RELATED ARTICLES
Bianca Buitendag’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Bianca Buitendag’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million, built through competition earnings, sponsorships, and post-retirement ventures.
Career Earnings
| Year | Event | Earnings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tokyo Olympics | $50,000+ | Silver Medal |
| 2015 | Fiji Women’s Pro | $40,000 | Runner-up |
| 2014 | Roxy Pro Gold Coast | $35,000 | Runner-up |
| 2013 | Rio Pro | $20,000 | 3rd Place |
| 2012 | ASP World Junior Championships | $15,000 | Champion |
Endorsements
- Roxy: Sponsored during her Championship Tour years for apparel and wetsuits.
- Channel Islands Surfboards: Rode custom Al Merrick models throughout her career.
- Moskova Underwear: Partnered post-2015 for lifestyle campaigns.
Career Stats
| Opponent | Event | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carissa Moore | Tokyo Olympics Final | Loss (Silver) | 2021 |
| Stephanie Gilmore | Maui Pro Semifinal | Loss | 2014 |
| Sally Fitzgibbons | Fiji Women’s Pro Final | Loss | 2015 |
| Tyler Wright | Rio Pro Semifinal | Win | 2015 |
| Lakey Peterson | US Open of Surfing | 3rd Place | 2015 |
FAQs
1. Who is Bianca Buitendag and what is she known for?
Bianca Buitendag is a South African professional surfer who won a silver medal in women’s shortboard surfing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming one of the most decorated South African surfers.
2. Where was Buitendag born and where did she grow up?
Buitendag was born on November 9, 1993, in Cape Town, South Africa. She grew up near False Bay before moving with her family to Victoria Bay, a coastal town known for its surf.
3. How did Bianca start surfing and who influenced her?
She started surfing at age eight, learning from her father, Collin, alongside her two brothers. Her family’s passion for the ocean and encouragement played a central role in her love for surfing.
4. What are some highlights from Bianca Buitendag’s competitive surfing career?
Buitendag finished fourth in the 2015 World Surf League rankings, won the Billabong ASP World Junior Championship in 2011, and secured runner-up finishes at major events like the Roxy Pro Gold Coast and Fiji Women’s Pro.
5. What adversity has Buitendag faced in her personal life?
She lost her father, Collin, in 2015, which deeply affected her career and motivation. Later, her mother battled colon cancer and lymphoma, inspiring Bianca to persevere and dedicate her Olympic medal to her mom.
6. What achievements did Buitendag accomplish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
Buitendag qualified as the 17th seed but advanced to win the silver medal in women’s surfing, defeating top competitors, including a surprise victory over Caroline Marks, before finishing second to Carissa Moore in the final.
7. When did Bianca Buitendag turn professional and how did her early career develop?
She started competing at age 10 and was crowned South African National champion six times before turning professional at 19. Her rookie year on the World Championship Tour was 2013, where she was named Rookie of the Year and finished eighth overall.
8. What educational background does Buitendag have?
Bianca earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management from Northeastern University in Boston while competing internationally as a professional surfer.
9. Which sponsors and surfboard shapers have supported Bianca Buitendag?
Her key sponsors include Roxy and Channel Islands Surfboards, with her boards regularly shaped by Al Merrick. She has also received support from Moskova Underwear throughout her career.
10. What is Buitendag’s surfing style and stance?
Buitendag is recognized for her powerful backhand attack and goofy-footed surfing stance. Her height and style provide an advantage on right-hand point breaks, especially at locations like Victoria Bay.
