Shaw and Partners puts on record prize money for this year’s Summer of Surf racing series

The Summer of Surf today announced a prize pool of $350,000 for its upcoming surf life saving series taking place this summer, the largest cash prize in its history.

The huge winners’ cheques are thanks to wealth management firm Shaw and Partners signing on for two years as major partners of the Summer of Surf, playing an influential role in the continuing growth of the series.

Shaw and Partners Co-CEO, Earl Evans, said after the success of previous years, partnering with the Summer of Surf for another series was an easy decision.

“Last season’s Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic was one of the most entertaining displays of modern surf sports racing, so we jumped at the opportunity to support more events this summer,” Mr Evans said.

In an exciting development, Shaw and Partners have committed $25,000 prize money to each of the three mixed taplin relays in a massive boost that will see the club rivalries flourish this summer.

Summer of Surf, in partnership with Shaw and Partners, has released its racing schedule for the summer, which will consist of three events at some of the country’s best racing beaches, including the Sunshine Coast, North Bondi Beach (Sydney) and Northcliffe (Gold Coast).

Beginning in December, the three-stop series will provide a massive cash injection into the sport, as well as a welcome shot in the arm for local economies over the Christmas holiday period. 

Summer of Surf General Manager, Trent Goulding, said he is especially committed to delivering the competition’s biggest series on record during a time when everyone could do with more good news.

“Building fun and exciting surf events is the cornerstone of the Summer of Surf series. Given the current challenging circumstances we are all facing, it’s the perfect opportunity to deliver our biggest series yet.”

The Sunshine Coast will kick off the new look series with a special thanks to the Sunshine Coast Council. Rolling over two days, the event will be a celebration of the Australian Surf Sports community being back racing after a difficult two years of uncertainty.

Fresh off her Olympic kayaking campaign, Alexandra Headland’s Aly Bull can’t wait to be back on the Sunshine Coast racing her surf ski. “There is nothing better than to be racing on your home stretch of water. I am so excited for round one!”

Rising surf star Charlie Verco is fresh off a breakthrough summer, finishing fourth in last season’s Summer of Surf Ironman standings, and cannot wait for the chance to race at home.

“It’s really exciting to have an event at North Bondi. I really enjoy getting the opportunity to race against all of the top athletes at the Summer of Surf events, so to get to do that on my home beach will be amazing,” Mr Verco said.

Northcliffe marks the perfect grand finale location as it rolls out the fourth edition of the Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic with the help of Major Events Gold Coast. While already one of the most exciting events on the summer calendar that coincides with great racing conditions, this year will see an extra bonus with athletes competing for overall series bragging rights as well as the biggest single event payday in the series.

“The Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic becomes bigger and better each and every year. We can guarantee that the racing will be some of the most exciting surf sports racing you will ever see and will wrap up the Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf Series in style!” says Mark Williams, Manager of Surf Sports BMD Northcliffe.

For more information please visit https://www.summerofsurf.tv

Watch the Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf media launch on Channel 9

2021/22 Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf Premier Racing Schedule

Sunshine Coast (QLD): 10 – 11 December 2021

North Bondi (Sydney): 7 – 8 January 2022

Northcliffe (Gold Coast) (Shannon Eckstein Classic): 11 – 12 February 2022