THE world’s best surfers, including Culburra Beach’s Tyler Wright, were honoured on Thursday at the World Surf League (WSL) Awards – the event that celebrates the achievements of the 2017 season and officially opens the 2018 WSL Championship Tour (CT) year.
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Recognition was delivered to those who have contributed to the sport, including the heat of the year, move of the year, and the WSL champions across all tours.
Heat of the year: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW) Quarterfinal at Trestles / Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS) Final in Tahiti
Move of the year: Carissa Moore (HAW) at Trestles / John John Florence (HAW) at Margaret River
Wave of the year: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in Maui / Filipe Toledo (BRA) at J-Bay
WSL junior champions: Vahine Fiera (PYF) and Finn McGill (HAW)
WSL qualifying series champions: Johanne Defay (FRA) and Griffin Colapinto (USA)
WSL longboard champions: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Taylor Jensen (USA)
WSL big wave tour champions: Paige Alms (HAW) and Billy Kemper (HAW)
CT rookies of the year: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) and Connor O’Leary (AUS)
WSL women's runner-up: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
WSL men's runner-up: Gabriel Medina (BRA)
WSL women's champion: Tyler Wright (AUS)
WSL men's champion: John John Florence (HAW)
“It is fitting that it’s International Women's Day, as I’d like to thank all of the inspirational women in my life,” Tyler Wright said.
“My mum and my aunties who were in Maui to celebrate with me.
“To Steph Gilmore and Layne Beachley, you two are my biggest inspirations in surfing.
“I’d also love to thank my coach Glenn (Hall) and his wife, Jemma (Hall), you two are so important to me and have helped so much in the last two years with everything from surfing to just talking, it means the world.
“2017 was so special for so many reasons but one of the best parts was watching my brother Owen (Wright) come back.
“It was amazing and heart-wrenching all at the same time.
“Getting over my knee injury at the end of the year was tough but thanks to all of the support I got through it and I am back up here, so thanks to all of my support crew.”
The 2018 WSL CT will commence with the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast starting Sunday, March 11 through March 22, 2018.
