User:Spongeprincess/sandbox



= Betty Depolito = Betty Depolito, also know as "Banzai Betty" is a notable figure in the world of professional surfing, known for her pioneering achievements in big wave surfing and contributions to women's surfing media. Born September 11, 1943 in the State of Florida, Depolito made a significant impact on the North Shore of Oahu starting in 1979, where she charged formidable waves at renowned spots such as Waimea Bay.

Depolito began her surfing career on the California West Coast and quickly gained recognition as a champion surfer, earning the title of California West Coast Champion. She was also a prominent member of The California Golden Girls, a group of influential female surfers.

Internationally, Depolito achieved top-ten rankings as a competitive surfer, showcasing her skill and passion for the sport across the globe. She became known as "Banzai Betty," a nickname that

In the 1980s, Depolito expanded her influence by delving into media and production. She pioneered women's surfing videos and notably produced the first-ever DVD dedicated to surfing during this era. Her innovative work contributed significantly to the visibility and growth of women's surfing, inspiring generations of female surfers worldwide.

Depolito has also played a pivotal role in surf reporting, for over 40 years, she has served as a surf reporter for  the Surf News Network in Hawaii, providing insightful coverage and updates on surfing conditions and events over Hawaii's many radio stations. Additionally, she has contributed as a surf news reporter for the North Shore News for the past 30 years, and is a trusted voice in the surfing community.

Transitioning into television, Depolito worked as an ESPN reporter, technician, and media & marketing professional, further cementing her role as a multifaceted contributor to sports media.

Her expertise extended to event production and direction, where she organized prestigious surf competitions including The Queen of the Bay, The North Shore Tow-In Championships, and The Pipeline Women's Pro.

In recognition of her significant contributions to women's surfing, Betty "Banzai" Depolito was honored by the Hawaii State House of Representatives in House Resolution 184. Alongside fellow female surfers Carissa Moore, Keala Kennelly, Paige Alms, Honolua Blomfield, Carol Philips, and Sabrina Brennan, Depolito received a certificate of achievement during a ceremony on March 10, 2020 at the Hawaii State Capitol. This recognition coincided with National Women's History Month and underscored Depolito's enduring impact on the sport and her advocacy for women in surfing.

Currently, Depolito continues to champion women's sports through her production of "FlHi Girls Sports TV," a television and online show dedicated to showcasing women's achievements in sports, with a particular emphasis on surfing. The show aims to celebrate and empower female athletes by providing them with a platform to share their stories and achievements.

Betty "Banzai" Depolito remains an influential figure in the surfing community, celebrated for her pioneering spirit, dedication to advancing women's surfing, and contributions to sports media and event management.

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