Layne Beachley AO is set to receive Surfing Australia Life Membership in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the sport. Credit: Dave Hukka Surfing icon and former Chair of Surfing Australia, Layne Beachley AO, is to be honoured with the Surfing Australia Life Membership during the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards, acknowledging her significant impact on the sport. This esteemed […]
Layne Beachley AO is set to receive Surfing Australia Life Membership in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the sport. Credit: Dave Hukka
Surfing icon and former Chair of Surfing Australia, Layne Beachley AO, is to be honoured with the Surfing Australia Life Membership during the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards, acknowledging her significant impact on the sport. This esteemed accolade will be awarded on 7 December at HOTA, Home of the Arts situated on the Gold Coast, celebrating Beachley’s exceptional legacy both as a competitor and a champion for the advancement of surfing.
A Legacy of Excellence
Beachley ranks among the most decorated surfers of all time, having secured seven world titles, which includes an unprecedented six consecutive wins—a milestone unmatched by any other surfer. Her distinguished career boasts 29 tour wins and 17 years among the world’s top 10, covering almost two decades.
Having triumphed over personal adversities, including adoption, mental health challenges, and injuries, Beachley has emerged as an ambassador for resilience and mental health initiatives, endorsing organisations like The Black Dog Institute, RUOK? Day, and Gotcha4Life.
In addition to her competitive accolades, Beachley’s influence has spread to leadership and charitable works. While serving as Chair of Surfing Australia, she advocated for pay equity, improved the women’s tour, and was integral to the creation of the Hyundai High Performance Centre, propelling progress for Australian surfing across all tiers. Through her Aim For The Stars Foundation, she has granted $1 million in scholarships to over 500 women, helping them realise their ambitions in both sports and life.
A Humbling Recognition
In her reflections on the accolade, Beachley remarked, “This award is incredibly humbling. Surfing has provided me with a sense of purpose, and advocating for equality and advancement has been my way of giving back. This recognition motivates me to continue pursuing transformational change.”
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater commended Beachley’s contributions, noting: “Layne didn’t merely participate in the sport; she uplifted it for those who come after. Her leadership and foresight exemplify the spirit of this award.”
About the Australian Surfing Awards
The Australian Surfing Awards honour the success of Australia’s elite surfers and pay tribute to those working diligently behind the scenes in event management, media, and community involvement. This year’s ceremony, hosted by surf media luminary Vaughan Blakey, will showcase 20 award categories, including the prestigious Australian Surfing Hall of Fame induction.
The awards will acknowledge achievements occurring between 1 January 2024 and 31 October 2024 and are available to Australian residents.
2024 Finalists by Category
High-Performance:
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Female Surfer of the Year (Presented by BC™ Snacks):
- Laura Enever
- Sally Fitzgibbons
- Molly Picklum
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Male Surfer of the Year (Presented by Boost Mobile):
- George Pittar
- Jack Robinson
- Ethan Ewing
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Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (U18, Presented by QAS):
- Milla Brown
- Sierra Kerr
- Ziggy Mackenzie
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Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (U18, Presented by AIS):
- Kai Colless
- Dane Henry
- Hughie Vaughan
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Female Para Surfer of the Year (Presented by Experience Gold Coast):
- Emma Dieters
- Jocelyn Neumueller
- Sam Bloom
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Male Para Surfer of the Year (Presented by URBNSURF):
- Kirk Watson
- Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart
- Kai Colless
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Heavy Water Award (Presented by Zuum Energy Gum):
- Ned Hart
- Laura Enever
- Soli Bailey
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Shaper of the Year (Presented by Blackroll):
- Dylan Longbottom – Dylan Shapes
- Dylan Perese – DP Surfboards
- Darren Handley – DHD
-
Coach of the Year (Presented by Surfing Australia High Performance Program):
- Bede Durbidge
- Matt Bemrose
- Pete Duncan
Media:
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Australian Surf Photo of the Year (Presented by Tracks): Finalists TBC
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Surfing Australia Surf Clip of the Year (Presented by Surfline):
- Milla Brown & Ryan Williams
- Soli Bailey & Chris Peel
- Nathan Hedge & Adrian Emerton
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Surfing Australia Surf Film of the Year (Presented by Channel Nine):
- Jay Phillips Isn’t Dead
- Desensitised
- The Notes In Between
Participation & Community:
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Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award (Presented by Surfing World):
- Phil McNamara
- Max Wells
- Gail Austin
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Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award (Presented by Jim Beam):
- Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Club
- Burleigh Boardriders Club
- Le-Ba Boardriders Club
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Surf School of the Year (Presented by Cooee Toys):
- Surf Camp Down Under Surf School
- Surfing Services Surf School
- Salty Girls Surf School
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Greater Good Award (Presented by Kennards Hire):
- Surfing Services Surf School
- Mick Fanning
- Surfrider Foundation
-
Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year (Presented by QMS Media):
- Rivvia
- URBNSURF
- Leash Bar
-
Indigenous Surfing Community Celebration Award (Presented by ASC):
- Soli Bailey
- Jordie Campbell
- Russ Moloney
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Sustainability Award (Presented by ACCIONA):
- YETI
- Patagonia
- Rip Curl
Hall of Fame Inductee: Luke Egan
The 2024 Australian Surfing Awards proudly receives support from partners such as ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Tracks, Surfers for Climate, and the Hyundai High Performance Centre.
For further details, visit australiansurfingawards.com.
