The finalists for the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards, which include the prestigious Hall of Fame, have been announced, featuring some of the most prominent names in Australian surfing. Among those in contention are notable athletes Mick Fanning, Nathan Hedge, Laura Enever, Sally Fitzgibbons, Molly Picklum, Jack Robinson, and Ethan Ewing.
These awards recognize exceptional achievements in the surfing community, celebrating the talents of professional surfers and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes in event organization, business, media, and photography.
This year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Hosted by a renowned surf media personality, the event will feature 19 award categories, including “Shaper of the Year” and “Surf Photo of the Year.” The evening will also see the induction of Luke Egan into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame and the announcement of the Hyundai She’s Electric competition winner.
The CEO of Surfing Australia expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, highlighting the caliber of this year’s finalists, which range from iconic surfers to emerging stars. He emphasized the significance of the awards in bringing the surfing community together to celebrate and honor the sport’s best talent.
Finalists for the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards
High-Performance Categories
Female Surfer of the Year: Laura Enever, Sally Fitzgibbons, Molly Picklum
Male Surfer of the Year: George Pittar, Jack Robinson, Ethan Ewing
Female Rising Star Award (Under 18): Milla Brown, Sierra Kerr, Ziggy Mackenzie
Male Rising Star Award (Under 18): Kai Colless, Dane Henry, Hughie Vaughan
Female Para Surfer of the Year: Emma Dieters, Jocelyn Neumueller, Sam Bloom
Male Para Surfer of the Year: Kirk Watson, Mark “Mono” Stewart, Kai Colless
Heavy Water Award: Ned Hart, Laura Enever, Soli Bailey
Shaper of the Year: Dylan Longbottom, Dylan Perese, Darren Handley
Coach of the Year: Bede Durbidge, Matt Bemrose, Pete Duncan
Media Categories
Australian Surf Photo of the Year: To be revealed
Surf Clip of the Year: Milla Brown & Ryan Williams, Soli Bailey & Chris Peel, Nathan Hedge & Adrian Emerton
Surf Film of the Year: Jay Phillips Isn’t Dead, Desensitised, The Notes In Between
Participation and Community Awards
Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award: Phil McNamara, Max Wells, Gail Austin
Boardrider Club Award: Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Club, Burleigh Boardriders Club, Le-Ba Boardriders Club
Surf School of the Year: Surf Camp Down Under, Surfing Services Surf School, Salty Girls Surf School
Greater Good Award: Surfing Services Surf School, Mick Fanning, Surfrider Foundation
Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year: Rivvia, URBNSURF, Leash Bar
Indigenous Surfing – Community Celebration Award: Soli Bailey, Jordie Campbell, Russ Moloney
Sustainability Award: YETI, Patagonia, Rip Curl
Special Recognition
Hall of Fame Inductee: Luke Egan
The awards are open to Australian citizens and consider accomplishments made between January 1, 2024, and October 31, 2024. These honors underscore the rich culture of Australia
n surfing and the remarkable contributions of its community.