Seven-time World Champion, Hall of Famer Layne Beachley AO makes Surf Aus history

A seven-time World Champion made history, becoming the first woman to receive Life Membership of Surfing Australia after decades of contributing to the sport. Details and full list of awardees from the night inside:

Seven-time World Champion Layne Beachley AO made history after becoming the first woman to receive Life Membership of Surfing Australia, following over three decades of pioneering contributions to the sport.

The Surfers’ Hall of Fame and Australian Sports Hall of Fame inductee was honoured at the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards Saturday night and said it was honour to be recognised at the event.

“It’s fantastic to be surrounded by people who love sharing the stoke which is what Surfing Australia is all about, so tonight, I’m stoked to be receiving this award,” Beachley said.

Ros Franklin, Layne Beachley and Angie Bell at the Australian Surfing Awards 2024 at HOTA for Gold Coast at Large. Picture, Portia Large.

“It’s not just a recognition of my individual journey, but a celebration of what we as a community have achieved together.

“Surfing has given me so much: community, belonging, growth and pure joy, so it only feels eight for me to give back to a sport that’s given me so much.”

The decorated champion admitted surfing had not only shaped her life, but saved it on countless occasions - from her first steps on a foam board at manly Beach to today

“My journey has been sculpted by resilience, a dream team of support and shared dreams,” she said.

“Those early days finding my place in the lineup weren’t easy but they taught me lessons about courage, persistent and to stand up for what I believed in.

“Lessons learned through the challenges and encouragement offered by the people around me.”

Beachley is no stranger to making waves in the sport for women, and spoke highly of those who helped her achieve such great steps this past 30-odd years.

“Women’s surfing in particular has travelled along a transformative road,” she said.

“When I joined the tour back in the 90s it faced immense obstacles, limited recognition, scarce opportunities and an uphill battle for respect.

“Progress was driven by the collective determination to challenge the status quo.

“We set the standards by what we accept, and to change those standards we need to commit to collaboration, to building trust and believing in a shared vision.”

Beachley pointed to the history making moment in 2018 when pay equity was announced by the World Surf League; it’s effect on her career and the careers of those still following.

Australian surfing legend Layne Beachley pictured at Queenscliff Beach. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“That milestone wasn’t achieved alone,” she said.

“It was years in the making ... relentless effort of countless individuals who believed in the future of women’s surfing.
“Surfing Australia’s growth over the past few years has been extraordinary; investing in grassroots, establishing a high performance training facility for future champions and seeing those efforts are fruit on the world and Olympic stage.

“This award isn’t just about me, it’s a testament to the power of a community united by a love of the ocean and the drive to push boundaries.

“Being the first woman to receive this recognition is humbling and it comes with a responsibility to keep paving the way for those who follow.

“Thank you to everyone who has shared this journey, who has stood up for progress and celebrated the beauty of our sport.

“Together we have made waves. Let’s keep riding them.”

Full list of award winners:

High-Performance

Female Surfer of the Year presented by BC Snacks™: Molly Picklum

Male Surfer of the Year presented by Boost Mobile: Jack Robinson

Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS): Sierra Kerr

Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Australian Institute of Sport (AIS): Dane Henry

Female Para Surfer of the Year presented by Experience Gold Coast: Jocelyn Neumueller

Male Para Surfer of the Year presented by URBNSURF: Kai Colless

Heavy Water Award presented by Zuum Energy Gum: Soli Bailey

Shaper of the Year presented by Blackroll: Darren Handley - DHD

Coach of the Year presented by Surfing Australia High Performance Program: Matt Bemrose

Surfing Australia Academy Award presented by Bede Durbidge: Mac Brindley

Media

Australian Surf Photo of the Year presented by Tracks: Nick Green featuring Laura Enever

Surfing Australia Surf Clip of the Year presented by Surfline: Soli Bailey & Chris Peel

Surfing Australia Surf Film of the Year presented by Channel Nine: Jay Phillips Isn’t Dead

Participation & Community

Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Surfing World: Max Wells

Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award presented by Jim Beam: Burleigh Boardriders Club

Surf School of the Year presented by Cooee Toys: Surfing Services Surf School

Greater Good Award presented by Kennards Hire: Surfrider Foundation

Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year presented by QMS Media: Rivvia Projects

Indigenous Surfing – Community Celebration Award presented by Australian Sports Commission (ASC): Jordie Campbell

Sustainability Award presented by ACCIONA: Patagonia

Plus

Hall of Fame Inductee: Luke Egan