Kelly wins in France in 2013. Photo: ASP/Kirstin
As surfing becomes more and more mainstream, the athletes are enjoying the benefits in terms of financial upgrades. We’re nowhere near the salaries of the NFL, but we are making headway in assuring that our sport’s practitioners are appropriately compensated. And these days, a surfer doesn’t even have to compete in order to make a living, due to sponsorship deals.
But for those who do compete in the men’s WSL league, there is an opportunity to take home some serious dough. Let’s take a look at the top 10 surfers currently on tour with the highest career earnings from competition.
(Spoiler alert: The surfer in the number one spot is bald)
10. John John Florence $1,023,800
John John looking extra relaxed as he gets absolutely slotted at the Box. Photo: WSL
9. Bede Durbridge $1,213,920
WSL/Kelly Cestari
8. Julian Wilson $1,260,400
Julian Wilson, arriving at the pinnacle of his own flow state. Photo: Red Bull
7. Gabriel Medina $1,326,550
Gabriel Medina, the hope of an entire nation. Photo: WSL
6. CJ Hobgood $1,420,620
Photo: ASP
5. Adriano de Souza $1,538,600
Adriano looked sharp as a tack in Australia. Question is: will he be able to keep that momentum? Photo: WSL / Kelly Cestari
4. Joel Parkinson $1,992,600
Parko. Wa-paa. Photo: ASP/Kirstin Scholtz
3. Taj Burrow $2,182,640
Taj Burrow has capitalized on the new ASP Judging criteria. His high-flying tendencies suit the judging style well. Photo: ASP/Rowland
2. Mick Fanning $2,458,620
Three-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner, Mick Fanning, utilizes his power and drive at the Bowl. Photo: Kristin Scholtz
1. Kelly Slater $3,678,560
