Being named as ‘Male Para Surfer for 2023’ by Surfing Australia has given Lennox Head surfer Joel Taylor the perfect fillip he needs ahead of the Australian Open later this month.
‘I’m so stoked to be awarded Male Para Surfer of the Year. It was the perfect way to cap off the perfect year,’ Joel said.
‘I had a huge 2023; Australian Champion, World Champion, Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year and I was also the first ever prone para surfer to land an air on video. So I think the award was for a bit of everything.
‘There are no tangible benefits with the award, but I’m hoping it will open up more sponsorship opportunities so I can continue to compete and represent our region on the world stage’.
Joel was expecting a quiet start to the 2024.
‘But that didn’t happen. Winning the awards has given me a huge boost of confidence leading in to the Byron event and for the year ahead,’ he said.
‘I can’t wait to compete locally and show our community what para surfing is all about. Fingers crossed for waves in the bay!’
The Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championship will be in Byron Bay next week, from Sunday, March 17 to Friday, March 22.
‘My biggest competition is myself; being as strong as possible, both mentally and physically, is imperative when competing at a high level.
‘This is the first time there’s been an international para surfing event on Australian shores, I’ll be doing everything I can to win in front of my family and friends,’ Joel said.
