EYES ON THE PRIZEMONEY WITH SURF COMP’S SIX-FIGURE SURGE
Summer of Surf Series prizemoney reaches $400,000
SUMMER of Surf ironman leader Matt Bevilacqua says the formerly struggling code is back “on the map” with a six-figure prizemoney bump. The Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf will get a $100,000 boost in in 2023, taking the total to $400,000. On top of that is $200,000 up for grabs in the Nutri-grain Ironman and Ironwoman series. “It’s massive for our sport and starting to put us on the map,” Bevilacqua said.
THE richest surf sports series will receive a prizemoney boost to more than $400,000 next year in a move athletes believe will keep the conveyor belt of world-class talent coming through. The Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf will receive a $100,000 increase for 2023.
“It’s massive for our sport and it is starting to put us on the map,” competitor Matt Bevilacqua said ahead of the Shannon Eckstein Classic being held at BMD Northcliffe this weekend.
THE richest surf sports series is set to boast prizemoney in excess of $400,000 next year in a move athletes believe will keep the conveyor belt of world class talent coming through.
The Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf will receive a $100,000 boost in prizemoney in 2023, taking the total money on offer to over $400,000.
With the Nutri-grain Series also boasting $200,000 in prizemoney it gives athletes a chance to compete for over $600,000.
It is another shot in the arm to a sport that was on its knees in recent years and struggling to garner corporate backing and support from broadcasters.
Now it has a heartbeat again and current Summer of Surf ironman leader Matt Bevilacqua said it put the sport another step closer to returning to the glory days.
“It’s massive for our sport and it is starting to put us on the map,” Bevilacqua said ahead of the Shannon Eckstein Classic that is being held at
BMD Northcliffe this weekend.
“It puts us up there with where we deserve to be in terms of sports in Australia.
“We are definitely heading (towards the glory days again). As athletes in the sport we are blown away by what we are getting. The sky is the limit for what our sport can achieve.”
Fellow Northcliffe competitor Georgia Miller said the prizemoney on offer would ensure the best athletes remained in the sport longer and kept the next generation of stars pushing towards the top level.
“It is huge, it is how we make a living,” Miller said.
“The Summer of Surf series is so incredible because it is so inclusive. You have specialists in ski, swim and board. You will also get those younger people coming through because there is a pathway there. It opens the door for so many athletes.”
Shaw and Partners CO-CEO Earl Evans was sitting by a pool in Hawaii in 2018 when Shannon Eckstein floated the idea of hosting a race at Northcliffe in an effort to give back to the sport.
Evans, who grew up in Palm Beach, immediately put $50,000 behind it and it has since evolved to become the biggest race in surf sports and part of a 10-leg Summer of Surf Series that has events around Australia.
“It is a grossly unappreciated sport by the corporate world,” Evans said.
“The physicality of the athletes and what they do is amazing. I came into the sport seven years ago and fell in love with it. I have the greatest admiration for the men and women who do it.”
BMD Northcliffe president David Shields said the financial backing was a “Godsend” for the sport.
“It has secured out future,” Shields said.
“With increased prizemoney for next years Series, the Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf will truly cement its place as the premier series on the calendar providing exciting opportunities for members from Under-15, 17, 19 and Open members.”