AOE 2020 – Surf Sports Award Winners

Surf sports form a core part of the Surf Life Saving movement and there are four awards. Surf sports provide surf lifesavers with opportunities to develop and compete in the skills that keep them rescue ready for patrol.

Official of the Year – Tamara Brawn, Point Leo SLSC, LSV

Official of the year recognises and rewards officials who have made a significant contribution to the area of officiating. This includes both the commitment shown to officiating over the calendar year and contribution towards official’s educational development.

Tamara is a fair, positive, dedicated and highly skilled role model for officiating in surf lifesaving. The first female Referee to lead a national surf boat carnival, the ASRL Open held at Mollymook, and was Referee for the National Surf Boat Team selection event. Tamara is a representative on the SLSA Surf Boat Panel and Lifesaving Victoria Aquatic Sports Executive. Tamara embodies the values and dedication of modern Surf Life Saving.

Coach of the Year – Andrew Ridley, Sorrento SLSC, WA

The Surf Sport Coach of the Year recognises and rewards coaches who have made a significant contribution towards the area of coaching.  This includes both athlete’s performance and contribution to coaching educational development.

Andrew is an Age Manager and accredited Pool Rescue and Swim/Surf Coach for Sorrento SLSC. Developing high performance athletes at State, National and International level with a high retention and level of performance. Also named Coach of the Year for WA and his club. Andrew prides himself on representing the club and Surf Life Saving, developing strong relationships with athletes and presenting a positive image as coach and mentor for new and upcoming coaches.

Youth Athlete of the Year – Connor Peabody, Kurrawa SLSC, QLD

The Surf Sport Youth Athlete recognises and rewards athletes who have demonstrated sporting excellence and contribution to the development of surf sports.

Connor experienced great results during 2019/20 clocking the fastest time for the Short Course, Coolangatta Gold in the U19 & Opens categories. He placed first at the QLD 2k swim endurance event and won two gold medals at the SLSA Pool Rescue Championships. Connor is a valued member of Kurrawa assisting with Nipper training, school holiday camps and delivering Surf Safety Talks.

Athlete of the Year – Lana Rogers, Noosa Heads SLSC, QLD

The Surf Sport Athlete of the Year recognises and rewards athletes who have demonstrated sporting excellence and contribution to the development of surf sports.

Lana had a phenomenal season placing first in the Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series including taking first place in the Coolangatta Gold. Lana is an extremely focused, determined athlete and role model, assisting with nipper sessions, sponsorship breakfasts and is always encouraging young athletes at the club. Lana continues to show support to her peers and the broader Lifesaving community.

Congratulations to all our Surf Sports Award winners for 2020.