Australian Surfing Awards nominations open

NOMINATIONS have opened for the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards, which will recognise top surfers and industry contributors on December 7.

The awards will celebrate Australia’s top surfers and honour those contributing behind the scenes in areas such as event organisation, media and photography.

New categories this year include Shaper of the Year and a Sustainability Award, reflecting the evolving focus of Surfing Australia.

Nominations are open until October 31, covering achievements from January to the end of October.

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said this year’s event will bring exciting changes while maintaining its prestigious reputation.

“The Australian Surfing Awards have always been a special celebration of our sport’s rich history and the incredible talent that continues to emerge,” Mater said.

“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.”

The ceremony will see renowned surfer Luke Egan inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame.

Egan, who spent 22 years on the ASP/World Surf League World Championship Tour, is being recognised for his achievements, including four world tour wins and a runner-up finish in the 2000 world title race.

“It is a great honour to be inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in 2024,” Egan said.

“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.”

The event will take place at HOTA, Home of the Arts, in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

HOTA, an iconic venue known for its blend of arts, entertainment and lifestyle, will host the event for the first time.

While the ceremony is largely invite-only, a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase starting mid-October via the event website.