Hometown: Margaret River, Western Australia
Era: Dominated the surfing scene in the 1970s and early 1980s
Style: Known for powerful, aggressive surfing, especially in big waves
Influence & Leadership
- Co-founder of the International Professional Surfers (IPS), which evolved into today’s World Surf League
- Former director of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
- Co-director of the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA)
- Head coach of the Surfing America team that won the 2009 ISA gold medal
Pioneering Roles
- Founding member of the iconic “Bronzed Aussies” surf team
- Stunt double for Gary Busey in the 1978 surf film Big Wednesday
Legacy
- With over 50 years in the sport, Cairns has played nearly every role competitor, innovator, coach, and leader
- Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in shaping modern professional surfing
Current Role
A respected mentor and voice in the global surfing community, continuing to inspire the next generation
Awards
- 1976 World Title runner-up
- Winner of the 1976 Smirnoff Pro
- Champion of the 1980 World Cup at Sunset Beach
- Claimed six Championship Tour (CT)-level victories during a decade-long professional career