Patti Paniccia (JD '81) Inducted Into Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame

Pepperdine Caruso Law alumna and adjunct professor Patti Paniccia (JD '81) was inducted into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame presented by the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation on November 6.  The Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame recognizes inductees for their sustained outstanding contribution to the sport, and their international, national, and local accomplishment and recognition.

Paniccia is a former professional surfer who organized the first World Pro surfing tour in 1976, running the women’s division. She surfed on the pro tour and consistently ranked in the top ten women in the 1970s. She left the tour to pursue her law degree at Pepperdine Caruso Law. She currently serves on the board of the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente, California.

Paniccia said at her induction, "It's the biggest honor of my lifetime because it's in the spirit of Duke. " Paniccia commented that although she had to spend a lot of time on the mainland for her career, she brought her family to Hawaii often because "I wanted them to know what aloha truly means so that they could glide humbly and gracefully in the spirit of Hawaii much like Duke and appreciate all that it means. This is about all of you tonight and the aloha you have shared with me. Mahalo piha." 

From the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation: 

She didn't wait for a seat at the table—she built the table, pulled up chairs, and made sure every woman had a place.

From Waialua grom to world-class competitor to changemaker across multiple arenas, Patti:

• Founded the first Women's Division of International Professional Surfing in 1976—creating the FIRST pro circuit for women, so she and other women could compete
• Co-founded the Hawaiʻi Women's Surfing Hui in 1974, advocating for female surfers so the pro surf industry would acknowledge them
• Became an Emmy-nominated correspondent who stood up to pregnancy discrimination—helping shift American workplace culture for mothers
• Has been teaching Employment Discrimination & First Amendment Law at Pepperdine since 1987, empowering future advocates
• Continues serving the surf community through the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center board

Her legacy? Building systems of equity—in the lineup, the courtroom, the newsroom, and the classroom.

This induction celebrates a trailblazer who understood that real power isn't just achieving greatness yourself—it's dismantling the barriers so others can rise too.

The event may be sold out, but her impact echoes across generations.

Additional information on the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame may be found at The Duke Kahanamoku Foundation