Layne started surfing at the age of 4 and grew up surfing Manly Beach. 

She first represented Australia on the Association of Surfing Pros (ASP) Women’s World Tour in 1988 winning her first event in 1993. During her career she was the ASP Women’s World Champion 7 times, in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2006 and achieved a total of 29 world tour victories both in Australia and abroad.

After retiring from the ASP Women’s World Tour, Layne has continued to be involved in surfing, mentoring, coaching and championing female participation for her local boardriders club, as well as being a board member and chairperson at Surfing Australia. 

Layne is an ambassador for The Black Dog Institute, RUOK? Day and Gotcha4life and has co-authored 2 books: Awake Academy with Tess Brouwer and Layne Beachley with Michael Gordon.

During Layne’s career she has received many awards recognising her contributions and efforts for the sport including:

• 2000 Australian Sports Medal 
• 2005 Extreme Female Athlete of the Year
• 2006 inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
• 2006 inducted into the USA Surfing Hall of Fame
• 2011 inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame
• 2015 Officer of the Order of Australia
• 2023 inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend
• 2024 Surfing Australia Life Membership