Through the support and vision of these companies, we have an opportunity to appreciate our surfing past while we recognize our current champions and encourage the next generation of West Australian surfers.

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The Ian Cairns Award Awarded to the Western Australian Male Surfer of the Year First awarded in 1999 Born 24th July 1952 in Melbourne, Ian developed his skills off Cottesloe. He dominated the local scene winning state Junior and Open titles. The state Open champion from 1969 to 1973 collected the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Trophy at the Australian titles in 1969 - an award that encourages the most promising junior male or female surfer. The tall, powerfully built surfer moved quickly on to the international stage. Arguably Ian's finest contest victory was the Smirnoff Pro at Sunset Beach in 1973 - an event widely considered the unofficial world title. Cairns also won the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Classic in Hawaii in 1975. With four professional titles on the world tour between 1976 and 1980, Ian clearly established himself as one of the world's most aggressive big wave riders. He was an innovative surfer that inspired a new generation. Ian Cairns' impact on surfing is not just measured by his competitive record, which includes being runner up to the inaugural world professional title in 1976. His vision in developing surfing from a recreational activity into a professional sport and subsequently a world circuit increased the profile of surfing and helped to provide young men and women with an elite sports opportunity and career path. In 1988 Ian became the first Life Member of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). "Cairns founded the ASP in 1982 after heading up the first OP Pro. While a top notch professional surfer, he and five other Australians formed the Bronzed Aussies in 1976 which advanced the concept of sponsored - endorsed athletes in surfing. After leaving the ASP in 1986, he returned to head the BUD Surf Tour in the United States." Bob Yehling - Official ASP Tour Guide 1997. Ian is based in California. He was inducted into the WA Sports Hall of Champions in 1990. Award Recipients: 1999 Taj Burrow 2000 Jake Paterson 2001 Jake Paterson 2002 Taj Burrow

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