Greater Good Award

Some of the biggest names in surfing have been honoured at the 2023 Australian Surfing Awards, held last week at the Bondi Pavilion. The event, recognised the outstanding achievements of athletes and contributors across 19 award categories with Ethan Ewing and Molly Picklum awarded male and female surfer of the year.

Celebrating the heart of the surfing community with the Community Award, Cronulla’s Blake Johnston who broke the world record for the longest-recorded surfing session was recognised with the Greater Good Award.

Cronulla surfboard manufacturer Dylan Longbottom presented the Surfing Australia Heavy Water Award to the winner Laurer Enever who broke the World Record on one of his surfboards which he said was pretty special. Dylan’s big wave charging daughter Summa was a finalist in the Best Surf Picture award.

Blake hasn’t stopped after his big achievement and its only two weeks away from the Inaugural Cronulla Surf Festival, presented by The Chumpy Pullin Foundation,
It’s a big day with a massive board demo day by Triple Bull surf shop, live music, Junior King of the Beach battle between local clubs, a mechanical surfboard and an inclusive surf session for kids on the spectrum. Bookings essential.

The event concludes with a special ticketed event 707 at Sealevel Restaurant celebrating Blakey’s achievements and the shire community.

At that event Blakey the Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year will be launching his youth empowerment program SWELLBEING with The Chumpy Pullin Foundation and announcing a new world record attempt for 2025.

Photo: Blakey Johnston’s Cronulla Surf Festival will be held at The Alley on March 16 and is a free community event. For more information visit www.cronullasurffestival.com