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.
2024 SURFING AWARDS
HOTA, HOME OF THE ARTS
SURFERS PARADISE
2024 was a thrilling year for Australian surfing…
The year kicked off with the Australian Junior Online Surf Championships, where Mila Grainger and Max Goold soared to success in the U12s, Leihani Zoric and Locana Cullen dominated the U14s, Samantha Arderne and Jack Bulloch took out the U16s, and Milla Brown and Landen Smales were victorious in the U18s.
Australian sensation Sierra Kerr made headlines early in the year, winning the WSL World Junior Surfing Championships in San Diego and setting the international stage for a stellar year.
Sally Fitzgibbons became the first athlete to win individual gold four times at the ISA World Surfing Games. She further cemented her legacy with a spectacular win at the WSL US Open of Surfing, marking back-toback wins at the Challenger Series event.
The world’s biggest grassroots club surfing event, the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final, drew a record-breaking 30,000 spectators to Burleigh Heads. With 70 of the nation’s top clubs competing in the series, Burleigh Boardriders delivered an outstanding performance, with Isla Huppatz posting the highest single wave score of the event.
The Irukandjis took home overall gold at the 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. Dane Henry (U18 men’s) and Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie (U16 women’s) secured individual gold, solidifying Australia’s dominance on the global stage.
The record-breaking documentary Come to the Edge premiered on the Nine Network after the State of Origin Game 3. This gripping documentary followed Australia’s Olympic Surfing team, The Irukandjis, as they prepared to tackle the notoriously perilous Tahitian wave, Teahupoo.
At the Paris 2024 Games, Jack Robinson delivered Australia’s best-ever result in Olympic surfing with a silver medal. Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright also made their mark, with Wright narrowly missing the semifinals and Picklum braving challenging conditions. Ethan Ewing’s quarterfinal clash with Robinson showcased Australia’s fierce competitive spirit.
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Djarrak / Bells Beach saw Landon Smales make history with two perfect 10-point rides, winning both the Men’s Longboard and Junior Boys divisions. Ocea Curtis triumphed in both Junior Girls and Open Women, while Jessie Muir claimed the Longboard title with a dramatic last-minute victory.
Australia hosted its first Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP) World Championship Tour event at The Pass in Byron Bay, where Dale Taylor and Jocelyn Neumueller won their divisions. Kai Colless and Mark “Mono” Stewart went on to win the Wold Title for their divisions. Mono also took out the coveted inaugral AASP ‘Male Athlete of the Year’.
At the HPC Australian Surf Championships (ASC), Dane Henry and Freya Prumm were crowned Open Men’s and Women’s Shortboard champions. Jack Jackson and Jack ‘Money’ Matthews won the Para Surfing Titles. The Australian Australian Longboard Titles, which were held as a stand-alone event at Cabarita, saw Mia Waite (U18) and Lennix Currie (U18) both defen their 2023 crowns, Tully White won the Open Women’s division, and Declan Wyton secure his third Australian Title in Open Men’s.
As the year draws to a close, the Surfing Australia Awards will celebrate these and the many more extraordinary achievements or our Australian surfers, honouring their dedication, skill, and spirit and continue to push the boundaries of the sport.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Female Surfer of the Year
Male Surfer of the Year
Presented by Boost
Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award
Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award
Female Para Surfer of the Year
Male Para Surfer of the Year
Presented by URBNSURF
Heavy Water Award
Shaper of the Year
Presented by Blackroll
Coach of the Year Award
MEDIA
Australian Surf Photo of the Year
Presented by Tracks
Surf Clip of the Year
Surf Film of the Year
PARTICIPATION & COMMUNITY
Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award
Simon Anderson Club Award
Presented by Jim Beam
Surf School of the Year
Greater Good Award
Presented by Kennards Hire
Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year
Presented by QMS
Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award
Sustainability Award