Local surf store manager takes home national honour

A LOCAL surf industry veteran has taken home one of the highest individual honours at the 2024 Australian Surf Industry Association Awards.

Strapper Surf Torquay manager Dylan Schulze was awarded Store Manager of the Year at the surf industry’s night of nights last week in Sydney.

The ASI Awards annually celebrate the industry’s outstanding retailers, products, brands and contributors.

Winners are awarded following assessment from expert marketing, retail, architecture and environmental panels.

Mr Schulze has been central to the local surf brand for more than 20 years and has managed the Torquay main board store since 2014.

He said it was a huge honour to be recognised by his peers and the wider surf industry.

“I’m super-happy with it. Recently I found out I was up for it, and it was pretty cool to actually take it out.

“It’s a fairly new category, and you never know what the judging panel’s outlook on it all will be, but this was obviously a great outcome.

“The award is great reflection of the amazing staff we have. It’s so great to come to work every day and work with likeminded people who love surfing and product we sell.”

Strapper Surf owner Michael DiSciascio said the Mr Schulze had been integral to the success of the business over an extended period of time.

“Dylan is a real team leader and people just love him. This award is just so deserved.

“It’s acknowledgement of what we already knew, but to have our peers, suppliers and co back him in this way was really good.”

Strapper Surf Torquay was also finalists in the Australian Independent Retailer of the Year – Core Board Store and Australian Independent Retailer of the Year – Multi Store divisions.

Locally-born surf giant Rip Curl was victorious in the Wetsuit of the Year category.

For the full list of winners, head to sbia.com.au