The Annual Surf Industry Honours Night, held at The Sands Resort in Torquay, was an evening of celebration and recognition for outstanding contributions to the surfing community. With a gathering of industry professionals, athletes, surfing enthusiasts and supporters, the event was one of the best on the calendar.

Our 2024 Honourees celebrated last night were:

• Ethan Ewing as Surfer of The Year.  In recognition of his 2023 WSL campaign; which included injury setbacks, perseverance and sheer grit, and his outstanding contributions to the sport.

• SurfAid received the Environmental and Social Impact recognition for their commitment to improving the health, well-being and resilience of remote communities connected to surfing throughout Indonesia and the Solomon Islands.

• Geoff Backshall as our Service to the Industry recipient.  A true industry stalwart and a foundation SBIA (ASI) Brand Board Member. Geoff’s dedication, influence and significant contributions to the surfing industry earned him this title.

The event was a testament to our vibrant surf culture, featuring live music by local musical legends, Jarosite and our undeniably favourite DJ, Dimity Stoyle. In keeping with our commitment to the surfing industry and ocean, trailblazing winemakers The Hidden Sea partnered with us to bring our guests a stellar selection of wines on the night.

Leading the evening’s festivities was well known industry personality Neil Ridgway, who served as the Master of Ceremonies with his trademark wit and charm and Damian ‘Damo’ Campbell kept the audience entertained as the charismatic charity auctioneer. We are proud to announce that just over $16,000 was raised, with proceeds heading to SurfAid, Youth Focus WA, and One Wave.

Heartwarming moments are commonplace at our events, and last night was no different as our 2023 Service to the Industry recipient Shayne Patterson graciously handed over the baton to 2024 recipient Geoff Backshall, marking the continuation of excellence and camaraderie within the surfing community.

The success of the ASI Surf Industry Honours Night would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners, including The Hidden Sea, Stryker Media and the Surf Coast Times, whose commitment to the surfing community is deeply appreciated.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Lyndall Browning | Executive Officer

lyndall@sbia.com.au