The year 2024 proved to be a landmark year for surfing, packed with high-flying performances, groundbreaking achievements, and unforgettable moments. From monumental Olympic feats to the dramatic return of surf legends, this year’s highlights have captured the essence of the sport. Here’s a look at seven pivotal moments that defined the surfing scene in 2024.
Gabriel Medina’s Viral Moment at Teahupo’o
As the 2024 Olympics took place at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, the surfing world was poised for historic moments. But few could have predicted that one of the year’s defining images would be a single, striking photo—not of a wave, but of a surfer suspended mid-air. Jérôme Brouillet’s now-iconic shot of Gabriel Medina showed the Brazilian champion standing bolt upright, three feet above the water, his board trailing behind him as he raised his finger in triumph. The image quickly became one of the most powerful symbols of the 2024 Olympics, transcending the sport and earning a place in global cultural history.
Laura Enever Named Surfer of the Year
Laura Enever’s achievement at the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards in Nazaré was a well-deserved recognition of a decade-long dedication to big wave surfing. Named Surfer of the Year, Enever’s impressive performances in challenging locations such as Oahu’s Outer Reefs, Teahupo’o, Cloudbreak, and Shipsterns marked her as a trailblazer for women’s big wave surfing. Known for her consistent style, positive energy, and unyielding commitment to the sport, Enever’s passion is a driving force for the future of women’s surf. “The rush of riding big barrels and the adventure of tackling slabs is unlike anything else,” she told SURFER magazine. “That’s where the focus will be in the next decade, and I plan to be a big part of it.”
John John Florence’s Historic Layback Turn
John John Florence delivered one of the most memorable moments of the World Surf League (WSL) Finals in 2024, when his stunning layback turn at Trestles propelled him to his third World Title. The move came after a lengthy wait in the second matchup of the finals and showcased Florence’s resilience after multiple setbacks, including serious injuries. It was a moment that captured both his talent and determination, as he fought through years of recovery to claim his place atop the surfing world once again. His performance in the final, particularly the layback that earned him a near-perfect score of 9.17, was a fitting conclusion to a comeback story years in the making.
Kelly Slater’s “Last” Competitive Heat
The surfing world has been bracing for Kelly Slater’s eventual departure from competition, but 2024 was the year that seemed to mark his official farewell—though, in true Slater fashion, the end was anything but straightforward. His Round 2 exit at Margaret River, followed by a wildcard invitation to the rest of the season, hinted that the 11-time World Champion might be nearing the end. His final official competitive heat, however, came at Cloudbreak, where a loss to Yago Dora signaled what many believed to be his last appearance in a WSL heat. Yet, Slater’s parting words left fans wondering if he’d left the door open for more: “This was probably the last heat I’ll ever surf out here,” he remarked, offering a small glimmer of hope that the legend might return.
Snapper Rocks Legends Heat Delivers the Ultimate Show
The Snapper World Champs Heat at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro was unlike any other. While “legend heats” are a well-established tradition in the surfing world, this year’s iteration brought a new level of excitement. With perfect surf and a star-studded lineup that included Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Joel Parkinson, and Dingo Morrison, the heat was an exhilarating display of elite surfing. To add to the spectacle, Occy (Mark Occhilupo) joined in at 58 years old, proving that age is no barrier to high-level performance. As the crowd gathered on the beach, the energy was palpable, and the heat delivered one of the most enjoyable and memorable 60 minutes of competitive surfing in 2024.
Lucas Chianca’s Epic Waves at Nazaré
In February, Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca made waves at Nazaré, pushing the limits of big-wave surfing in a session that saw him tackle massive conditions. Despite the challenging, onshore waves, Chianca was undeterred, describing the experience as “something different” from previous sessions. In the company of his team and fellow surfer Sebastian Stuednter, Chianca rode some of the most intimidating waves of his career, describing it as a day of chasing the biggest waves possible. Nazaré continues to be a proving ground for surfers, and Chianca’s fearless approach to the massive swells cemented his status as one of the sport’s leading big-wave surfers.
Indonesia’s Unforgettable Dry Season
Indonesia’s surf season in June and July was nothing short of spectacular. For six weeks, the archipelago delivered consistent, world-class waves, attracting top surfers from across the globe. Locations like Krui, Teahupo’o, and the famous Koa Rothman spots at Kandui were abuzz with surf action, as surfers like the Florence brothers and Barron Mamiya shared incredible moments on social media in real-time. As perfect conditions prevailed across Indonesia, it felt as though every session was a peak experience. Mamiya’s unforgettable barrel at Kandui is considered one of the standout moments of the year, further solidifying Indonesia’s status as a premier surf destination.
2024 will be remembered as a year of both monumental achievements and stunning performances that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport of surfing. From the iconic images at Teahupo’o to the intense showdowns at Snapper Rocks, this year has offered a wealth of unforgettable moments that will resonate with surfers and fans for years to come.