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 Fame are presented to those who have made a significant contribution to the development of surfing in this country.
The awards include a number of support categories that recognise the broad spectrum of individuals and organisations who are involved in the sport through events, business, media, photography, movies, clubs, travel, administration or pioneering new initiatives.

2025 SURFING AWARDS

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Broadbeach, QLD

2025: A Landmark Year for Surfing in Australia

2025 has been a landmark year for Australian surfing, marked by world-class performances, breakthrough moments, and the continued evolution of surf culture across the country. On the international stage, Australian surfers made powerful statements, with major victories on the Championship Tour and consistent top-five finishes that reaffirmed Australia’s dominance in the global arena. Key wins at iconic breaks like Teahupo’o and J-Bay were not only career-defining but also sparked national pride and momentum heading into the next Olympic cycle. 

At home, the grassroots scene thrived, with local boardrider clubs showing up in force at national competitions. The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle once again showcased the passion and talent that runs deep through regional communities, with one standout club overcoming stacked heats and roaring crowds to clinch the title. Across the country, surf schools and youth development programs continued to build depth in the next generation, fostering future stars and embedding lifelong respect for the ocean. 

In the adaptive surf community, multiple national and international events celebrated skill, spirit, and inclusivity. Performances at the Australian Para Surfing Titles and the adaptive world tour stop in Byron Bay drew significant attention and elevated the profile of surfers who continue to redefine what’s possible. Similarly, the Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach offered profound cultural moments, blending heritage, power, and pride in a way that resonated far beyond the lineup. 

The year also saw milestones outside of competition. One remarkable endurance effort, surfing thousands of waves in a single month, captured public imagination and raised crucial mental health awareness. At the intersection of creativity and performance, new surf films, clips, and photo series emerged as standout expressions of surf culture, while emerging and sustainable brands gained traction through fresh design, community connection, and environmental leadership. 

Shapers pushed design boundaries, coaches guided rising stars to career-best results, and high-performance centres played a critical role in preparing surfers for the demands of the elite tour. Whether through innovation, impact, or inspiration, 2025 has been defined by the people and organisations working behind the scenes just as much as by those standing tall on the podium. 

From the grassroots to the global stage, this year has proven once again that Australian surfing is more than a sport, it’s a culture driven by passion, progression, and purpose. As the community looks toward recognising those who made the greatest impact, 2025 offers no shortage of deserving names and stories. 

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Female Surfer of the Year

Male Surfer of the Year

Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award

Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award

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

Surf Clip of the Year

Surf Film of the Year

PARTICIPATION & COMMUNITY

Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award

Simon Anderson Club Award

Surf School of the Year

Greater Good Award

Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year

Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award

Sustainability Award