World’s best surfers ride wave of success at World Surf League awards on the Gold Coast
THE world’s best surfers swapped boardshorts and bikinis for suits and gowns at surfing’s night of nights on the Gold Coast.
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THE best wave riders in the world swapped their boardshorts and bikinis for suits and gowns and hit the red carpet at surfing’s night of nights on the Gold Coast last night.
The annual World Surf League awards night celebrated the achievements of the 2014 season and officially opened the 2015 season — the first year under the World Surf League banner.
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Six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore arrived in a stunning white gown with Black Coffee Lyrics owner Mark Shawyer by her side, while world No. 4 Sally Fitzgibbons opted for a head-turning bright orange dress.
Not to be outdone, Central Coast surfer Matt Wilkinson arrived sporting an eye-opening white cowboy outfit while reigning world champion Gabriel Medina brought his entire family as his entourage.
Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater was notably absent on the night along with past world champion Joel Parkinson, who reportedly lost almost $600,000 in the fallout of the Gold Coast Titans NRL takeover.
Accolades and awards were handed out to those that have contributed to the sport, including the Heat of the Year, Breakthrough Performers and the WSL Champions of 2014.
The 2015 men’s and women’s WSL season will begin on the Gold Coast on Saturday when the competition window for the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro opens at Snapper Rocks.
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