Beaches’ surfer, Laura Enever, is having an incredible year.
The 31-year-old from North Narrabeen has just been crowned female Surfer of the Year at the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards.
Enever was the only Australian woman to be nominated in any category.
The Surfer of the Year category recognises those surfers who are dedicated to the big-wave pursuit by chasing the biggest, heaviest waves. After an epic big wave season, Laura says she’s honoured to receive the highest accolade.
“With so many incredible women in big wave surfing, it’s an honour just to be nominated for an award like this,” Enever said. “I’m so grateful to receive this recognition for doing what I love.”
Known for her remarkable achievements in big wave surfing, Enever made history in late 2023 by setting the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by paddle-in by a female surfer after riding a huge 13.3m wave in Hawaii.
Hailing from North Narrabeen, Laura’s passion for surfing was ignited during her youth, spending countless hours surfing with her brother and dad. Her dedication and talent quickly led to significant achievements, including the ISA Junior World Champion and Triple Crown Rookie of the Year titles in 2008, the ASP Women’s World Junior Champion title in 2009, and her professional debut in 2011. In 2015, she took out the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing in Manly.
During her seven-year tenure on the World Tour, Laura consistently achieved top-10 rankings. Her travels took her to surfing spots around the globe, and turning her hand to more creative pursuits, she released her film ‘Undone’ (2020) which follows Laura as she navigates the unpredictable and male-dominated world of big wave surfing. The documentary went straight to Number 1 on iTunes and is certainly a must watch.
Beyond her competitive career, Laura is fearlessly tackling challenging waves and pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Looking ahead, she is preparing for the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, where she will once again join the world’s best big wave surfers. Laura is one of just 10 women invited to surf at the 2024-25 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, and one of only two Aussie women invited to compete.
Laura’s surfboard collection (designed in collaboration with Mick Fanning) was recently awarded a 2024 Good Design Award for excellence in design and innovation. See the collection at MF Softboards.
The prestigious international event known as the Super Bowl of surfing. Each year, the world’s best big wave surfers are invited to take on monster waves in Hawaii’s Waimea Bay.
Laura is looking forward to returning to Hawaii and bringing the same determination that landed her a Guinness World Record to The Eddie.
“I’ve got my own goals and dreams for the big wave season, and I can’t wait to give it my all,” Enever said.
“Being invited to surf at the Eddie is the highest honour. I grew up watching my heroes compete here and to be invited is a dream come true.”
As she prepares for The Eddie and the upcoming big wave season, Enever is focused on preparation and the unique training required to tackle big waves.
“Heading into the big wave season is always exciting. My training and preparation is focused on strength training and breath hold training, so I’m prepared for whatever comes my way,” Enever said.
One of the biggest surfing events in the world, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational honours the life and legacy of the great Hawaiian waterman, Eddie Aikau. The event will only run if wave face heights at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu consistently reach 40-feet (12m) between December 14, 2024 through March 13, 2025. Last year in 2023, it ran for only the 10th time since it began in 1984 and drew an audience of more than 2 million streamers in over 195 counties.
We’ll be watching!
To follow Laura’s journey, connect with her on Instagram and Tik Tok, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Images: Supplied.
Credits: Nick Green / Sarah Lee (www.sarahlee.photo) / Andrew Buckley/Red Bull Content Pool.
