Meet The Icons: Lizzie Welborn

Rockwear Icons strive to inspire, push the boundaries, and smash goals. In this series, we shine a light on the incredible powerhouse women in our community. 

Meet Lizzie Welborn – a true force in the world of Surf Ironwoman racing. From her humble beginnings in nippers to becoming one of the youngest women ever to make the professional series, Lizzie’s journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and dedication.

Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey to becoming a professional Surf Ironwoman? 
A: Hi, I’m Lizzie Welborn, and I’m a professional Surf Ironwoman. I started doing nippers when I was ten years old, and it wasn’t long after that I dreamed of being an Ironwoman. I’ve always loved the ocean and the challenge of pushing my body to its limits. When I first started competing, I wasn’t very good, but I had a huge passion for the sport. That drive kept me going, and I’m so glad I stuck with it. Not long after, I became one of the youngest women to ever make the professional series, which was a huge achievement for me.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a Surf Ironwoman?
A: The most rewarding thing for me is knowing that all the hard work and training I put in is paying off, and I’m continuing to improve season after season. Surf Ironwoman racing isn’t just about competing, it’s about mastering a variety of skills—ski paddling, board paddling, swimming, and running. The challenge of training for and mastering all these disciplines really pushes me to grow as an athlete and a person. And the feeling of crossing the finish line after all the hard work is unbeatable.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face in your sport?
A: The hardest part is definitely the training—it’s a full-on sport! We train up to 16 times a week, juggling all the different disciplines involved. Ski paddling, board paddling, swimming, and running each require their own focus and skill set, so combining them all into one training week is a lot of work. But it’s also what makes the sport so unique and exciting. The challenge of balancing all these elements is tough, but it’s also what keeps me coming back for more.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing Surf Ironwoman racing?
A: Trust the process and be patient. It’s been a turbulent journey for me, but every step along the way has been worth it. This season has been the best one I’ve had so far, and it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come after ten years of competing. It’s not an easy sport, and it takes time to develop your skills. But if you’re passionate and dedicated, you can absolutely improve and achieve great things.

We can’t wait to see where Lizzie’s journey takes her next. Her relentless determination and commitment to her craft inspire us all to push our boundaries and continue growing.

Follow @lizziewelborn on Instagram to keep up with her Surf Ironwoman activity. 
  
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the amazing women who embody the Rockwear spirit, pushing boundaries, and inspiring others every step of the way. #RockwearIcons #WePlayStrong