Far North Coast talent shines at Surfing Australia awards night

FAR North Coast surfers Dane Henry and Joel Taylor have been recognised at the Australian Surfing Awards on the Gold Coast after both claimed world titles this year.

Henry was named male surfer of the year after winning gold for Australia at the ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.

The 19-year-old, who is based in the Tweed, is the only Australian surfer to have won both junior and senior world titles at ISA level.

“I couldn’t be more honoured. It’s been a massive year, full of ups and downs,” he said.

“I’d like to dedicate this to my mum and dad; I owe everything to them.

“Their dedication to me is so special. My mum is also my manager and the greatest woman on this earth; she’s my biggest inspiration.

“I also want to make a special mention of my coach, Adam Dufner. I’ve been training with him since I was 10 years old, and to see him win Coach of the Year is incredibly special.”

In other awards, Lennox Head-based Taylor was named male para surfer of the year after winning a second world title last month.

 

He was the only Australian to claim gold at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in the United States.

Taylor secured the title with a 10-point ride and a record heat total of 19.83 out of 20.

He has also been featured at film festivals this year in the documentary Beyond the Break, which follows his return to surfing after being confined to a wheelchair following an accident in 2001.

“I want para surfing to be seen as much as possible because what these athletes do in the water is inspirational,” Taylor said.

“It’s still a niche sport, but it’s growing worldwide and I can’t wait to see what happens with it in the future.”

Byron Bay surfer Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart won the Greater Good award for his role as captain of the Australian para team at the world championships.

Broken Head’s Leihani Kaloha Zoric claimed the Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star award.