Surfing WA life membership for Capes veterans as Jack Robinson and Bronte Macaulay honoured with top gongs

WA surfing’s peak body has unsurprisingly crowned local prodigy Jack Robinson as the State’s Surfer of the Year while dishing out life memberships and accolades to a host of Capes surfers. The Surfing WA awards held at Trigg Beach on November 12 highlighted Robinson’s stellar run in this year’s World Surf League Championship Tour which including his stunning aerial moves to nab the illustrious Margaret River Pro. Other surfers including veterans Bill Gibson, Lizzie Nunn and Mick Marlin were honoured at the awards. Surfing WA also paid tribute to the dedication and talent of more than 50 State Champions across all divisions including longboards and bodyboarding. Gibson told the Times he was honoured with the life membership award, being a prominent member of WA’s surfing fraternity since the 1970s and having a key role with the WA Surf Museum at Aravina Estate. Reflecting on the award, Gibson also paid tribute to Surfing WA’s support for the museum. “I’ve always admired the work they’ve done,” he said. Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane said it took a high level of commitment and dedication to win such honours. “It was great to see our life members awarded in front of all those young champions because they have committed their lives to improve surfing in WA for people just like them,” Mr Lane said. “Regardless of their age or achievements, one thing was clear on the weekend — that surfing, happiness and camaraderie go hand in hand.” Robinson claimed a third consecutive Ian Cairns Male Surfer of the Year Award. Gracetown’s Bronte Macaulay won another Jodie Cooper Female Surfer of the Year Award. Surf masters Alex McGuffin (Margaret River) won the open men award, Yanchep and ex-Margaret River star Felicity Palmateer won the open women, and Margs firebrand Jack Mitchell was named under-21 pro junior. Other accolades included Dunsborough’s Richard Sills in the open 35 men, Rick Jakovich in the over 40 men, Augusta’s Ruby Berry in the under-16 cadet girls, Dunsborough’s Maverick Wilson in the under-16 cadet boys, and Cowaramup’s Ace Flynn and Margaret River surfer Olive Hardy in the under-14 boys and girls grom categories.