WOMEN CROWNED AT THE 2020 AUSTRALIAN SURFING AWARDS

by Tru Starling 27 May

29 2 min 0

2020 has so far been quite an unconventional year with pretty much the whole civilisation needing to take a step back from their busy scheduled lives and try to find another way to connect with loved ones due to the social distancing rules.

Surfing Australia has put a bit of a different spin on the annual “Australian Surfing Awards” working with surf media icons Ronnie and Vaughan Blakey. This is the 36th Australian Surfing Awards Incorporating The Hall of Fame. Surfing Australia has allowed people to watch the event from their own home, which is pretty special.

THE BLAKEY BROTHERS AND STEPH GILMORE. *Pic. Surfing Australia*

The results have been finalised and champions crowned with some big names being dropped throughout all categories. The categories include FEMALE SURFER OF THE YEAR, FEMALE RISING STAR, HEAVY WATER AWARD and more.

Since our passion is female surfing we thought we would stick with the female surfers instead of the mens (sorry boys)…

Now, for the moment you have all been waiting for * insert drum roll *

WINNER OF THE FEMALE SURFER OF THE YEAR, STEPHANIE GILMORE. *Pic. Unknown*

FEMALE SURFER OF THE YEAR goes to Stephanie Gilmore! No surprise there… The seven time world champ continues to carry her elegance and finesse in and out of the water accompanied by that bright smile we all know and love. Coming in a close second is none other than Sally Fitzgibbons and the rookie on tour Isabella Nichols.

WINNER OF THE FEMALE RISING STAR AWARD MOLLY PICKLUM. *Pic. Unknown*

FEMALE RISING STAR goes to Central Coast ripper Molly Picklum! This fun-loving ball of energy has made herself known for her aggressive attack in the surf and great sportsmanship out of the water. Molly is currently 6th on the QS and has the potential to qualify this year pending on the call from the WSL being made on June 1st. Coming in a very close second is Zahli Kelly, who missed qualification by 1 heat last year and is definitely ready to give it all she’s got this year again, Natural footer Piper Harrison from Snapper Rocks came in 3rd.

LONE HEAVY WATER AWARD FEMALE FELICITY PALMATEER. *Pic. @flickpalmateer Instagram*

Now, even though the panel crowned Russell Bierke the winner of the HEAVY WATER AWARD, West Aus charger Felicity Palmateer was the only girl in the top three so I think it’s safe to say that she deserves a biiiig round of applause.

So there you have it. A list of some of the best female surfers in the world all with something different to contribute to the surfing community. We cannot wait to see the list for 2021…