Shaw and Partners Co-CEO Earl Evans declares he wants the Summer of Surf to have a $1m prize pool within five years

The major financial backer of the Summer of Surf (SOS) lifesaving series is determined to take the prizemoney on offer beyond $1 million within the next five years. Read the latest Shore Thing here.

Ali Day says surf life saving has needed a major cash injection for two decades. Picture: Summer of Surf

The major financial backer of the Summer of Surf (SOS) lifesaving series is determined to take the prizemoney on offer beyond $1 million within the next five years.

Earl Evans, Co-CEO of SOS sponsor Shaw and Partners, wants to deliver a seven-figure prize pool that would eclipse the $900,000 purse on offer during the famous “cereal wars” back in ironman’s hay day of the 1990s.

There is currently over $600,000 on offer in the series.

It comes ahead of the Shannon Eckstein Classic double header, on Saturday and Sunday after Friday’s qualifiers, an event that started with a $50,000 prize pool and 250 people six years ago.

“In five years time it could be a million dollar-plus prize pool and gain the national exposure it once did in the hay day,” Evans said.

Getting ready to race in the Shannon Eckstein Classic on Friday and Saturday at Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club are (from left) Hannah Sculley, Georgia Miller and Lana Rogers. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We are on the path to doing that and we are on the path to bringing the sport back to the glory days.”

“Are we there yet? No but there is a lot more competition our there in terms of telecasting and other groups participating in the same market.

“We have some big things coming.”

Northcliffe athlete Hannah Sculley, 26, said the prize boost made her want to train even harder and help deliver the best performances she can.

Matt Bevilacqua (left) and Georgia Miller with Shaw and Partners joint CEO Earl Evans. Picture Glenn Hampson

“That is phenomenal. Just seeing where the sport has gone in the last few years with the backing of Shaw and Partners. we have been able to grow the sport and show the entertainment that our sport can deliver.

“It is mind blowing. Earl has so much vision and passion for the sport. To have someone like that in our sport who wants to put in and grow it is fantastic.”

Joe Collins is currently leading the Summer of Surf iron rankings and could be one of the major beneficiaries as he continues to stamp himself as one of the future champions of the sport.

“It is unreal to hear that. I’m only 21 so it is music to my ears,” Collins said.

Northcliffe athlete Joe Collins has reacted to news the Summer of Surf prizemoney could reach $1 million. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I’m leading the scoring at the moment and if it continues like that for the next five or 10 years then I’m happy.”

An emotional Ali Day, one of the greatest iron athletes of all time, said he may be retired before it happens but believed the cash injection was what the sport had needed for two decades.

“It makes me emotional thinking about it,” Day, 33, said.

“Whether I’m around or not, hopefully I’m still involved in some way, I’m stoked for the young kids coming through.

“I love the sport and to see the athletes get what they deserve and see the sport I believe is the best in the world reach those heights is phenomenal.

“It’s what we have needed for 20 years.”

The 2023/24 Summer of Surf series boasts 13 events on the calendar held between Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia and New Zealand.

The series has also been at the forefront of innovation, introducing things like the golden ticket which enables the under-17 male and female iron winners to compete in the final of the open iron races.

This week’s Shannon Eckstein Classic will also provide an opportunity for every under-15 and under-17 board finalist to buy a Race One, a surf equipment company also owned by Evans, board for half price.