Australian Surfing Hall Of Fame

07/12/2025

Surfing Australia today hosted the 2025 Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (QLD)
Graham “Sid” Cassidy’s induction into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame headlined a spectacular celebration of Australian surfing talent at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD.
An influential journalist, promoter, and event director, Graham “Sid” Cassidy was instrumental in shaping professional surfing throughout the 1970s and 1980s — not just in Australia, but across the global sport.
As a lifelong surfer, Graham first used his platform to elevate the sport and attract major corporate sponsorships, including the long-running 'Coca-Cola Surfabout'. Graham was there when the APSA (Australian Professional Surfing Association) was formed, pre-dating the IPS (International Professional Surfers) organisation. An expert in PR and marketing, Graham was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to putting surfers at the heart of everything he did.
When the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP, now the World Surf League: WSL) World Tour idea was conceived, Sid was on board from day one and pivotal in bringing other key events into the ASP fold. Cassidy went on to serve as Executive Director of the ASP from 1987 to 1994, where he helped establish the tiered competition structure that underpins the modern World Tour. In the early 1990s, Sid was instrumental in linking the ASP and the 'Bud Surf Tour', creating what is globally recognised as the World Qualifying Series.
The night also celebrated Australia’s elite surfing achievements, with Olympians and World Tour surfers Dane Henry and Molly Picklum named Male and Female Surfer of the Year, respectively. Locana Cullen received the Mick Fanning Rising Star Award presented by Boost Mobile, while Leihani Kaloha Zoric was honoured with the Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star Award presented by the AIS. Annie Goldsmith and Joel Taylor were recognised as the Female and Male Para Surfers of the Year, respectively.
After an incredible year and claiming her maiden world title, Molly Picklum was deservedly crowned the Female Surfer of the Year, presented by NRMA Insurance:
“To come off the back of that season and the world title victory, then go straight home to North Shelly Boardriders Club on the Central Coast was amazing. The warm welcome I received really made it feel real, just like moments like this, standing here in front of everyone.
This year, Hawaii was a big focus for us, especially performing well at Pipeline. We really worked on heavy-water surfing, and the results paid off. For the rest of the year, we traveled so far from home. You know, we talk a lot about culture and community, and I just didn’t want to let this Aussie down on the other side of the world. When I had a few runner-up finishes, I had to stay true to myself, and when I finally cracked the win in Brazil, it tasted even sweeter.
In Fuji, for the WSL Final Five, after the first heartbreaking loss, I felt that dream to win burn even stronger. That loss didn’t put it out. I knew I hadn’t surfed how I wanted in that first heat, so I went back out, stuck to my game plan, and surfed my own way.
I haven’t really thought about next year yet, I’m just trying to enjoy the off-season and soak it all in. But I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of my surfing yet, and I’m so excited for the future. I want to thank Surfing Australia and everyone here for their support. I feel so welcome and supported by all of you—thank you so much for having me.”

Back-to-back ISA Gold Medalist Dane Henry etched his name into an elite list with his victory in this year’s Open Men’s division. Henry was awarded Male Surfer of the Year, presented by Dometic:
“I couldn’t be more honoured. It’s been a massive year, full of ups and downs. I’d like to dedicate this to my mum and dad, I owe everything to them. Their dedication to me is so special. My mum is also my manager and the greatest woman on this earth; she’s my biggest inspiration.
I also want to make a special mention of my coach, Adam Dufner. I’ve been training with him since I was 10 years old, and to see him win Coach of the Year is incredibly special. Thank you to everyone for their support, and thank you, Surfing Australia. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Shaping the boards of 2025 World Champion Molly Picklum, Darren Handley won the Shaper of the Year Award, presented by Thermos:
“It’s fantastic to be here in this room, and it’s amazing to see what Surfing Australia has done for surfing over the years. I absolutely love what I do, working with the world’s best surfers to push the boundaries of surfboard design. Mick Fanning, Molly Picklum, Ethan Ewing, Joel and Hughie Vaughan, and many others, I feel so proud to work with these surfers and to receive this award. These athletes are helping create better surfboards for everyone by constantly pushing the limits.”

Tom Myres, who took the world by storm in 2025, has won the Heavy Water Award, presented by Better Beer.
“It’s been a year beyond my wildest dreams. A year being a dad, a year going surfing, a year surfing big waves simply because I love it. I can’t believe everything that’s happened; I’m so stoked to be here. It’s strange that it’s all happening at home. I’m a Freshwater local, and we try to claim the Queenscliff bombie as our own. I’ve pretty much stayed in the postcode all year.”

Recent NSW Hall of Champions inductee Mark 'Mono' Stewart was tonight named honouree of the Greater Good Award presented by Kennards Hire. Stewart reflected on his experience captaining the Irukandji Para Team at the 2025 ISA Para Surfing Championships and expressed how humbled he is to receive such a prestigious honour:
“I was extremely proud to captain the Australian team at the ISA World Para Championships this year. We finished fourth overall, but the whole team—especially the women—truly excelled and did an incredible job.
To receive the Greater Good Award is such an honour. I’m humbled to be recognised alongside so many inspiring nominees, and proud to be part of the adaptive surf community.”

'Friction Of Perception' from Liam O'Brien and Darcy Ward was awarded Surf Film of the Year presented by Channel 9. Director Darcy Ward praised Liam and fellow nominees:
“It’s pretty special working with Liam—he’s one of the most creative people I’ve had the privilege to work with. He’s got his fingerprints all over this film.
It’s an honour to win this award among such strong competition. The first surf film I ever worked on was with Toby Cregan, so it’s amazing to be here tonight, nominated alongside him for the same award.”
Liam O'Brien was nearly lost for words, but praised his team's hardwork:
“Man, the other films nominated were absolutely incredible. I can’t believe it, I’m pretty speechless. Winning this award is unreal, and I’m so stoked to get the recognition for this film, the team, and all the hard work that went into it. I’m really lucky to have such an amazing team behind me.”

Byron Bay prodigy Leihani Kaloha Zoric claimed the Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star Award, presented by the AIS:
“It feels incredible. I can’t believe I even got nominated, let alone won! The other girls are so good. I’ve had such an unbelievable year, from the 9.97 at the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final, to getting second at Stab High Japan, and now winning this award.”

Raising the bar year on year, and consistently redefining what is possible as a junior surfer, Locana Cullen has been awarded the Mick Fanning Rising Star Award by Boost Mobile:
“I can’t believe it — it’s been a crazy year. Winning this award is probably my proudest achievement ever. I’m just so stoked. Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible.”

2025 Australian Surfing Awards - Winners

High-Performance
• Female Surfer of the Year presented by NRMA Insurance
Molly Picklum
• Male Surfer of the Year presented by Dometic
Dane Henry
• Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by the AIS
Leihani Kaloha Zoric
• Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Boost Mobile
Locana Cullen
• Female Para Surfer of the Year presented by Surfing Australia
Annie Goldsmith
• Male Para Surfer of the Year presented by Surfing Australia
Joel Taylor
• Heavy Water Award presented by Better Beer
Tom Myers
• Shaper of the Year presented by Thermos
Darren Handley - DHD
• Coach of the Year presented by Blackroll
Adam Dufner
• Surfing Australia Academy Award presented by Bede Durbidge
Mac Brindley

Media
• Australian Surf Photo of the Year presented by Fujifilm Photos & Tracks
Josh Tabone
• Surfing Australia Surf Clip of the Year presented by Celsius Energy Drinks
Simon 'Sky Monkey' of Tom Myers
• Surfing Australia Surf Film of the Year presented by Channel Nine
Liam O'Brien - Friction of Perception

Participation & Community
• Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Surfing Australia
Gail Austen
• Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award presented by Jim Beam
Long Reef Boardriders Club
• Surf School of the Year presented by Cooee Toys
Surf Camp Down Under
• Greater Good Award presented by Kennards Hire
Mark 'Mono' Stewart
• Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year presented by The Star
Ritual Vision
• Indigenous Surfing – Community Celebration Award presented by Surfing Australia
Undalup Association
• Sustainability Award presented by ACCIONA
Surfers For Climate

About the Australian Surfing Awards Incorporating the Hall of Fame
First convened in 1985 by the Australian Surfriders Association (now Surfing Australia) to preserve the history of Australian surfing and honour its great achievers. Each year the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame are presented to those who have made a significant contribution to the development of surfing in this country.
The Australian Surfing Awards celebrate and honour the people and organisations shaping our surf culture and industry. They recognise excellence across high performance, participation and community, media, and innovation.

For more information head to https://australiansurfingawards.com/

Pic Graham "Sid" Cassidy (c) Dick Hoole

30/11/2025

2025 Australian Surfing Awards FINALISTS (in no particular order)
High-Performance:
Female Surfer of the Year pres. by NRMA Insurance:
Molly Picklum, Milla Brown, Sierra Kerr.

Male Surfer of the Year pres. by Dometic:
Jack Robinson, Joel Vaughan, Dane Henry.

Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (U18) pres. by Boost Mobile:
Ocean Lancaster, Mitchell Peterson, Locana Cullen.

Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (U18) pres. by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS):
Milla Brown, Leihani Kaloha Zoric, Charli Hately.

Female Para Surfer of the Year pres. by Surfing Australia:
Jocelyn Neumeller, Sarah Gibson, Annie Goldsmith.

Male Para Surfer of the Year pres. by Surfing Australia:
Kai Colless, Joel Taylor, Kirk Watson.

Heavy Water Award pres. by Better Beer:
Ned Hart, Kipp Caddy, Tom Myers.

Shaper of the Year pres. by Thermos:
Parrish Byrne (Byrne Surfboards)
Darren Handley (DHD)
Darren Burge (Dburge Surfboards)

Coach of the Year Award pres. by BLACKROLL:
Jade Wheatley, Adam Dufner, Peter Duncan.

Media:
Australian Surf Photo of the Year pres. by FujiFilm Photos & Tracks Magazine:
(in alphabetical order):
Hannah Anderson
Jack Ogrady
Josh Tabone
Mark Ontorati
Matt Pearce
Peter Wilson
Simon Sheppard
Stuart Gibson
Ted Grambeau

Surf Clip of the Year – Surfer & Filmer Award (under 45 sec) pres. by Celsius Energy Drink:
Simon 'Sky Monkey' (surfer Tommy Myers)
Stuart Gibson (surfer Mikey Brennan)
Stuart Gibson (surfer James Holmer)

Surf Film of the Year – Filmer Award, pres. by Channel 9:
Rage 5 (Toby Cregan, Creed McTaggart, Noa Deane, Beau Foster)
Friction of Perception (Liam O'Brien, Darcy Ward, Daniel Lawrie, Nick Colclough)
Horse (James Kate, Noa Deane)

Participation & Community:
Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award pres. by Surfing Australia:
Bob Weeks, Gail Austen, Mark 'Mono' Stewart.

Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award pres. by Jim Beam:
Long Reef Boardriders, Kirra Surfriders Club, Seaview Road Boardriders.

Surf School of the Year Award pres. by Cooee Toys:
Surf Camp Down Under, Central Coast Surf Academy, Manly Surf School.

Sustainability Award pres. by Acciona:
Surfers For Climate, Need Essentials, Patagonia.

Greater Good Award pres. by Kennards Hire:
Blake Johnson, Mark 'Mono' Stewart, Surf Aid.

Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year pres. by The Starr:
Rivvia Projects, Ritual Vision, Former.

Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award pres. by Surfing Australia:
Undalup Association, Naru Surf Gatherings, Leihani Kaloha Zoric.

About the Australian Surfing Awards Incorporating the Hall of Fame
First convened in 1985 by the Australian Surfriders Association (now Surfing Australia) to preserve the history of Australian surfing and honour its great achievers. Each year the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame are presented to those who have made a significant contribution to the development of surfing in this country.
The Australian Surfing Awards celebrate and honour the people and organisations shaping our surf culture and industry. They recognise excellence across high performance, participation and community, media, and innovation.
The 2025 Australian Surfing Awards will be held on December 6, 2025, at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Broadbeach, QLD and are proudly supported by Jim Beam, ACCIONA, The Star Gold Coast, FujiFilm Photos, Thermos, Tracks Magazine, Holly Grail Events, Surfers For Climate, The Australian Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport, Zuum Energy Gum, Surfing Australia High Performance Centre.
For more information head to

The Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame were first convened in 1985 by the Australian Surfriders Association (now Surfing Australia) to preserve the history of Australian surfing and honour its great achievers. Each year the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fa...

10/11/2025

10/10/2025

Nominations for the 2025 Australian Surfing Awards are open!
The awards celebrate Australia’s top surfers and those contributing behind the scenes in areas like business, media, development and event organisation.
Head to the link in bio to nominate for:
High-Performance:
Female Surfer of the Year
Male Surfer of the Year
Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (U18)
Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (U18)
Female Para Surfer of the Year
Male Para Surfer of the Year
Heavy Water Award
Shaper of the Year
Coach of the Year Award
Media:
Australian Surf Photo of the Year presented by
Surf Clip of the Year – Surfer & Filmer Award (under 45 sec)
Surf Film of the Year – Filmer Award
Participation & Community:
Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award
Simon Anderson Club Award presented by
Surf School of the Year Award
Greater Good Award
Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year
Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award
Sustainability Award
Cover photo:
The 2025 Australian Surfing Awards will be held on December 6, 2025, at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Broadbeach, QLD and are proudly supported by

20/01/2025

Surfing Australia is proud to announce that Luke Egan, one of Australia’s most accomplished surfers, has been inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame at this year’s awards. Luke’s induction is a testament to his legendary career, which spanned over two decades on the ASP/World Surf League World Championship Tour, where he competed for 22 years, claimed four world tour event wins, and was runner-up in the world title race in 2000. Luke’s remarkable career also saw him finish in the top 5 on five occasions.

He joins an elite list of past inductees, including last year’s honouree Chelsea Hedges, as well as Joel Parkinson, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Mark Occhilupo, Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Bob McTavish, Pauline Menczer, Ross Clarke-Jones, Pam Burridge and Layne Beachley.

Egan, who grew up in Newcastle, NSW, and competed with Merewether Boardriders said: “It is a great honour to be inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 2024. I am completely humbled! To be named alongside my heroes and greats of Australian Surfing is a dream. I have so much respect for everyone before me on the Hall Of Fame honour roll, it’s definitely a highlight of what has been an incredible surfing career, representing Australia on the international stage. Thank you to all the inductees that voted for me, that alone means so much.”

17/12/2024

Luke Egan’s induction into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame headlined a spectacular celebration of Australian surfing talent at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast tonight. The Newcastle native and former World Tour surfer was honoured for his remarkable 22-year career on the ASP/World Surf League Championship Tour, which included four event wins and a runner-up finish in the 2000 World Title race. Egan was presented the award by good friend Matt Hoy and joined by fellow legends Joel Parkinson, Mark "Occy" Occhilupo, and Mark Richards for a sit-down interview, where he reflected on his career and expressed gratitude for being recognised alongside his heroes.

The night also celebrated Australia’s elite surfing achievements, with Olympians and World Tour surfers Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum named Male and Female Surfer of the Year, respectively. Dane Henry received the Mick Fanning Rising Star Award, while Sierra Kerr was honoured with the Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star Award. Jocelyn Neumueller and Kai Colless were recognised as the Female and Male Para Surfers of the Year, respectively.

Surfing legend Layne Beachley was honoured with Surfing Australia Life Membership for her extraordinary contributions to the sport. A seven-time World Champion and the only surfer to win six consecutive titles, Beachley’s legacy extends beyond competition. As former Chair of Surfing Australia and a long-time advocate for women’s surfing, she championed pay equity, improved events, and greater opportunities for future generations.

Tasmanian photographer Nick Green captured big wave surfer Laura Enever during "one of the gnarliest wipeouts" at Shipstern Bluff to win Surf Photo of the Year. Soli Bailey took home the Heavy Water Award and, along with Chris Peel, won Surf Clip of the Year. The Surf Film of the Year was awarded to Jay Phillips Isn't Dead.

Jordie Campbell was awarded the Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award. The Greater Good Award went to the Surfrider Foundation, Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year was Rivvia Projects, and Shaper of the Year went to Darren Handley.

Renowned surf media icon Vaughan Blakey hosted the event, which recognised the outstanding achievements of athletes and contributors across 20 award categories. Held for the first time at the iconic HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast, the awards celebrated not only surfing champions but also individuals excelling in media, business, and innovation, highlighting the depth of talent and dedication within Australian surfing.
2024 Australian Surfing Awards - Winners
High-Performance
• Female Surfer of the Year presented by BC Snacks™
Molly Picklum
• Male Surfer of the Year presented by Boost Mobile
Jack Robinson
• Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS)
Sierra Kerr
• Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
Dane Henry
• Female Para Surfer of the Year presented by Experience Gold Coast
Jocelyn Neumueller
• Male Para Surfer of the Year presented by URBNSURF
Kai Colless
• Heavy Water Award presented by Zuum Energy Gum
Soli Bailey
• Shaper of the Year presented by Blackroll
Darren Handley - DHD
• Coach of the Year presented by Surfing Australia High Performance Program
Matt Bemrose
• Surfing Australia Academy Award presented by Bede Durbidge
Mac Brindley
Media
• Australian Surf Photo of the Year presented by Tracks
Nick Green featuring Laura Enever
• Surfing Australia Surf Clip of the Year presented by Surfline
Soli Bailey & Chris Peel
• Surfing Australia Surf Film of the Year presented by Channel Nine
Jay Phillips Isn't Dead
Participation & Community
• Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Surfing World
Max Wells
• Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award presented by Jim Beam
Burleigh Boardriders Club
• Surf School of the Year presented by Cooee Toys
Surfing Services Surf School
• Greater Good Award presented by Kennards Hire
Surfrider Foundation
• Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year presented by QMS Media
Rivvia Projects
• Indigenous Surfing – Community Celebration Award presented by Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
Jordie Campbell
• Sustainability Award presented by ACCIONA
Patagonia
Plus
• Hall of Fame Inductee
Luke Egan

• Hyundai She's Electric
India Robinson
About the Australian Surfing Awards:
The Australian Surfing Awards honour the outstanding achievements of Australia’s top surfers and celebrate those contributing behind the scenes in areas such as event organisation, business, media, photography, and more.

06/11/2024

VALE PHYLLIS O'DONELL
Sad news today for the Australian surfing community with the passing of pioneer female surfer and Hall of Fame inductee Phyllis O’Donell. Born in Sydney in 1937 Phyllis was a bit of a late bloomer in the surfing sense. The diminutive (5’2”)Phyllis took to the waves as a 23 year old and within a few years was surfing competitively winning the Queensland women’s title in 1964. Later that year Phyllis would win the Australian Championship at Manly. (this would later be recognized as a world Championship). She would win the Queensland title again in 1965 and 1966 and win the Australian Championship again in 1965 before being runner up in 1966 and finishing 3rd at the Makaha Championship that year. Phyllis confessed to being “horribly aggressive” in the water, but her surfing success would resonate with following generations of Australian surfers. Phyllis was the most outstanding female surfer of her era and a founding member of Australian Surfriders Association Queensland (now Surfing Queensland), she was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 1996, the second female surfer to be so honoured.

01/10/2024

Surfing Australia is thrilled to announce that the prestigious Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame will take place on December 7, 2024, at new location HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the event, making it one of the longest-standing celebrations of Australian surfing talent.

For the first time, the awards will be held at HOTA, an iconic cultural precinct that mixes arts, entertainment, and lifestyle. Located in Surfers Paradise, QLD, and renowned for hosting unforgettable events, HOTA is the ideal venue for this year’s Australian Surfing Awards.

The event will once again honour the outstanding achievements of Australia’s top surfers, as well as those who have made significant contributions behind the scenes in areas like event organisation, business, media, photography, and more.

Nominations are now open, and Surfing Australia is excited to announce new awards that will be introduced this year, including Shaper of the Year.

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said: "The Australian Surfing Awards have always been a special celebration of our sport’s rich history and the incredible talent that continues to emerge. This year, with the awards taking place at HOTA for the first time, we’re adding some exciting changes to the event, including new awards, while maintaining its prestigious reputation. We've also brought the event forward several months to ensure we celebrate these achievements within the same calendar year and during the festive season and buzz of summer. We look forward to honouring not only our elite surfers but also the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate our sport to new heights."
Luke Egan to be Inducted into Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
Surfing Australia is also proud to announce that Luke Egan, one of Australia's most accomplished surfers, will be inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame at this year’s awards. Luke’s induction is a testament to his legendary career, which spanned over two decades on the ASP/World Surf League World Championship Tour, where he competed for 22 years, claimed four world tour event wins, and was runner-up in the world title race in 2000. Luke's remarkable career also saw him finish in the top 5 on five occasions.

He joins an elite list of past inductees, including last year’s honouree Chelsea Hedges, as well as Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning and Mark Occhilupo.

Egan, who grew up in Newcastle, NSW, and competed with Merewether Boardriders said: "It is a great honour to be inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 2024. I am completely humbled! To be named alongside my heroes and greats of Australian Surfing is a dream. I have so much respect for everyone before me on the Hall Of Fame honour roll, it’s definitely a highlight of what has been an incredible surfing career, representing Australia on the international stage. Thank you to all the inductees that voted for me, that alone means so much."

2024 AUSTRALIAN SURFING AWARDS CATEGORIES:
High-Performance:
Female Surfer of the Year
Male Surfer of the Year
Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (U18)
Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (U18)
Female Para Surfer of the Year
Male Para Surfer of the Year
Heavy Water Award
Shaper of the Year *new
Coach of the Year Award
Media:
Australian Surf Photo of the Year presented by Tracks
Surf Clip of the Year - Surfer & Filmer Award (under 45sec)
Surf Film of the Year - Filmer Award
Participation & Community:
Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award
Simon Anderson Club Award presented by Jim Beam
Surf School of the Year Award
Greater Good Award
Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year
Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award
Sustainability Award *new
PLUS
Australian Surfing Hall of Fame Inductee

The 2024 Australian Surfing Awards are open to Australian citizens and cover achievements between January 1, 2024, and October 31, 2024.

The Australian Surfing Awards are proudly sponsored by ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Tracks, Surfers for Climate, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Queensland Academy of Sport, Zuum Energy Gum, Hyundai She's Electric, the Hyundai High Performance Centre (HPC) and Surfing Australia High Performance Program.

Nominations are now open and will close on October 31, 2024.

The awards are majority invite-only with a small allocation of tickets to go on sale mid-October via the event website.

Please visit australiansurfingawards.com for a list of award categories and nominations as well as T&Cs.

The Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame will be held on December 7, 2024, at HOTA on the Gold Coast.

12/09/2024

GROMMETS!
14 year old Isabel Letham joined Duke Kahanamoku to ride tandem during surfing demonstrations in January 1915, in doing so she became one of Australia's most celebrated early pioneer surfers. Pam Burridge was a grom from Manly in the '70s who would go on to be a pro surfing stalwart and Professional World Surfing Champion in 1990. The pair are pictured together here in 1978 when Isabel was named as "Grand Patron" for the Australian Women's Surfriders Association. Isabel and Pam have both been inducted into The Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in recognition of their influence on Australian surfing.

07/06/2024

THE BEST TO NEVER BE WORLD CHAMP
After a conversation in the office about who was the best Aussie (men's) surfer never to win a world championship we came up with this short list. All of these Aussie rippers have been inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame (except Luke Egan). Yeah, yeah we know Cheyne and Kong won Masters championships but we are talking about the pro tour here. Bit of a loaded question that generated some emotive responses last time, but we are keen to see what people think. So who do you reckon is the best surfer of this bunch not to win a world championship. let the debate begin, in 3..2..1.

09/05/2024

Some of the biggest names in surfing have been honoured at the 2023 Australian Surfing Awards, held at the Bondi Pavilion in Bondi Beach, Sydney.

Renowned surf media icons Vaughan Blakey and Jess Grimwood hosted the event, which recognised the outstanding achievements of athletes and contributors across 19 award categories.

Ethan Ewing and Molly Picklum were named Male and Female Surfer of the Year, respectively. Both accepted their awards from Puerto Rico, where they are currently competing at the ISA World Surfing Games.

Picklum said: “Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. I’m really honoured to have won Female Surfer of the Year this year. Surfing is looking bright for the future of Australia. Congrats to everyone who won and hope y’all had a good night.”

Ewing said: “It feels amazing to be Male Surfer of the Year. It was a huge year, last year. A lot of effort went in. I’m honoured to win this award. My greatest moment from 2023 was definitely my Bells win, super emotional and just to win an event at Bells. It’s such an iconic event. It meant a lot to me. I’m super proud of that. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me me over the years. Definitely wouldn’t be here without them.”

Among the many highlights of the night, Harley Walters received the Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award, while Sierra Kerr was honoured with the Stephanie GilmoreRising Star Award.

Gilmore said: “With Surfing Australia supporting the juniors so much, it just seems like there’s a real clear pathway for the young groms to come through and know what they want to do and have the support in and out of the water, in the gym, with the jet skis and coaches. It’s a fantastic way to encourage kids to chase their dreams. Watching these last two (Championship Tour) events with Molly going absolutely mad and Sierra’s going to be there behind her too. It’s really special and I’m very privileged to be here to watch it.”

Otis Carey was celebrated with the Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award for his contributions to the sport and community.

Carey said: “I do what I do for the next generation because as Indigenous people we have to work twice as hard to get to where we want to get to. I want to make it easier for the next generation.”

Surf Witches Boardriders Club received the Surf Culture Award. The club aims to provide a friendly, supportive network for female surfers of all ages and its number of members has soared, several of whom, aged in their 60s and 70s, feature in the inspiring doco Taking Off: Tales of Older Women Who Surf.

Surf Clip of the Year – Surfer Award went to Outer Edge of Leisure – Russell Bierke.

World Record holders Laura Enever (largest paddle-in wave) and Blake Johnston (longest-recorded surfing session) were recognised with the Heavy Water Award and the Greater Good Award, respectively.

Former Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark received Surfing Australia Life Membership for his dedication to Australian surfing and Gilmore also presented one of the the biggest gongs , inducting Chelsea Hedges into the Surfing Australia Hall of Fame.

Winners of the 2023 Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame:

Male Surfer of the Year presented by the AIS
Ethan Ewing

Female Surfer of the Year presented by the AIS
Molly Picklum

Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award presented by Griffith University
Harley Walters

Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Griffith University
Sierra Kerr

Male Para Surfer of the Year
Joel Taylor

Female Para Surfer of the Year
Jocelyn Neumueller

Heavy Water Award
Laura Enever

Indigenous Surfing – Community Celebration Award
Otis Carey

Greater Good Award
Blake Johnston

Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year Award
Need Essentials

Innovation Award presented by ACCIONA
Flowstate

Surf Culture Award presented by Jim Beam
Surf Witches Boardriders Club

Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award presented by Curly Lewis
Byron Bay Boardriders

Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Surfing World
Steve Foreman

Coach of the Year Award
Jay “Bottle” Thompson

Surf School of the Year Award
Coastrider Surf Academy – Clifton Beach

Surf Clip of the Year – Surfer Award (under 15 minutes)
Outer Edge of Leisure – Russell Bierke

Surf Film of the Year – Filmer Award
Kamchatka – Spencer Frost and Guy Williment featuring surfers Letty Mortensen and Fraser Dovell
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Surf Photo of the Year presented by Tracks
Ben Jackson “Darcy Piper”

Hall of Fame
Chelsea Hedges

The Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame are proudly sponsored by Griffith University, ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Le Tan, Small Things Wine, Tracks, Surfing World, Curly Lewis and OnStone.