Best Surfer in Australia - Top Australian Surfers To Know
Introduction
Australia has earned a signature for being a dominant force in surfing and has some of the best surfers and athletes meshed in its culture. This reputation makes Australia a powerful contender in the surfing scene. With an elaborate coastline, Australia became a paradise for surfers longing for world-class waves.
For years, Australia has maintained a position as a global surfing leader and the emergence of fresh talent makes Australians optimistic about the future. In this blog, I will explain the achievements and contributions of Australia’s finest surfers in 2025.
Criteria for the Best Surfers in Australia
- Any recent performance in World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) events, the WSL CT is where the top tier, most skilled surfers compete and their rankings showcase who amongst them are the best in the world.
- Having any competitive innovation in surfing techniques and overarching strategy, Surfers who are capable of performing other new moves or disengaging from aerial wave riding, as well as different approaches to riding the waves become well-known.
- Impact made in Australian and global surf culture – Impact should account for competition wins as well as the ability to restructure and define new ways of competition for younger generations.
- Impact on sustainability and social impact in the sport – Most elite surfers are actively young athletes, mentors and ocean conservation promoters.
Leading Australian Surfers in 2025
a) Ethan Ewing
- An Australian WSL competitor with numerous podium finishes and one of the best ranked in Australia.
- Reverberating the powerful yet very smooth surfing style of Australian legend Mick Fanning.
- An apparent contender for the WSL title while consistently making the finals in the major surf events.
b) Tyler Wright
- A role model for female surfers all over, she is a two-time WSL Women’s World Champion (2016, 2017).
- Speaks out about the inequalities in sports and brings awareness to mental health in athletics.
- Immensely competitive in the surfing world, she continues to showcase her strength and passion towards women’s surfing.
c) Jack Robinson
- Considered one of the most exciting surfers in Australia today, he is famous for handling big waves with ease.
- Recognized for excellence in barrel riding, particularly in rough conditions in Pipeline and Teahupo’o.
- Top results accumulated over WSL competitions put him as a strong contender for 2025 with preferences for the world title.
d) Molly Picklum
- A young but still very ranked surfer, she has impressively solidified her stance in the elite ranks of the WSL CT.
- Additional impressive performances in recent WSL events, especially top-level finishes against seasoned professionals.
- Known for effectively changing the face of the sport through her powerful turns and aerial attacks.
e) Sophie McCulloché
- 2025 Gold Coast Open Winner, proving her competitiveness at the highest level. Her ability to endure and perform on a CT level was high.
- She is also well known among Australian women’s surfing for her state of the art resilience, helping the next generation of women in sports.
3. Rising Stars: The Future Of Australian Surfing
a) Milla Brown Milla
- Age 17 from Sydney, and has already made a mark in both junior and professional competitions.
- She is well known for her progressive surfing style which includes aerials and tube-riding.
- Milla is already touted in major surf magazines as one of the finest young prospects to watch out for in 2025.
b) Hughie Vaughan
- 18-year-old surfer is quickly drawing a lot of attention and is considered to be one of the youngest superstars to emerge out of his native Australia.
- During the year 2024, he was voted as the best junior surfer in the world, which allows him to start his promising career as a professional athlete.
- He wants to dominate like many other Australian legends of surfing before him, and with great emphasis on power surfing, he is determined to do so.
4. Australia’s iconic surfing events in 2025
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach – Surfers from all over the world gather here annually in December for one of the most prestigious surfing tournaments. Competitors are welcomed to demonstrate their skills in one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, Moana Beach, South Australia, famous for its strong waves.
- Gold Coast Open – An important competition with a mixture of developing pros and well-known pros, which depicts the future of surfing in Australia.
- Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic – This event includes athletes of various surf disciplines, while not a surfing event per se, requires a high level of persistence, skill, and ocean savvy.
Contribution of Australian Surfers to the World Sport
- Australia’s impeccable record in international surfing events – Australian surfers as athletes are among the best in the world and a number of them have won world championships, thus, they dominate the sport even at the highest levels.
- Australian Surfer’s contributions to the sport and sustainable initiatives – A large number of Australian surf riders promote the use of eco-friendly materials for surfboards, the preservation of the ocean, and the responsible practice of surf tourism.
- Promotion of equality and inclusion within the sport of surfing – With the setting of the Women’s Australia, Australian female surfers have led campaigns on equal pay and recognition in the professional surfing arena.
Summary
Australia continues to lead the global surfing industry in 2025.
The future of Australian surfing seems promising thanks to current stars such as Ethan Ewing, Tyler Wright, Jack Robinson and upcoming athletes like Milla Brown, and Hughie Vaughan.
These sportsmen and women continue to break new grounds with their performances while, at the same time, representing Australia globally.
They transcend sport by becoming cultural icons, focusing on marine conservation, and motivating the youth to take up surfing.
FAQs
1. Who is currently the best surfer in Australia?
Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson make up two of the best rated Australian surfers in 2025 and actively compete in WSL events and fight for world championships.
2. Who is the best female surfer in Australia?
In 2025, Tyler Wright and Molly Picklum are amongst the top tier of women’s surfing competitors and are well known across the globe for their achievements.
3. What is the most famous surfing event in Australia?
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is the most famous Australian surfing event, which has a notable significance to the history of competitive surfing and draws top-level surfers from across the globe.
4. Which young Australian surfers should we look out for?
The Milla Brown and Hughie Vaughan are among the most promising Australian surfers that may become future world champions.
5. How has Australia influenced the cultures of surfing around the world?
Australian surfers have developed specific techniques, participated in surfboard design, and single-handedly advanced competitive surfing to unprecedented levels.
They are also well known for their contribution towards sustainable development in the sport and for promoting women’s equality in the sport.
