American Surfer Caroline Marks Named Honoree for 2025 Waterman's Ball

Professional surfer, Caroline Marks, continues racking up respect with her Honeree designation at the 2025 Waterman's Ball.

Maria Aldrich | Mar 4, 2025

The Red Bull Foam Wreckers tour was in Cocoa Beach at Minutemen Causeway Saturday with local Olympian Caroline Marks competing. The Foam Wreckers Tour is the anti-surf-contest surf contest where only soft-boards are allowed and anyone can participate. It is minimal rules and maximum fun. Red Bull Foam Wreckers / MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK

Caroline Marks has become quite the household name in the surf community after dominating in numerous competitions and events. The 23-year-old surfer is a two-time Olympian who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. In Paris, Marks earned her first gold medal — a massive milestone in the young woman's career.

In acknowledgment of her achievements, the Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA) announced that Marks is the honoree for the 2025 Waterperson of the Year Award.

"Marks has redefined women's surfing with her powerful style and record-breaking achievements," the organization wrote on social media. "Her influence extends beyond competition, embodying the spirit and culture of surfing while inspiring future generations of surfers worldwide."

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In addition to Marks, two other names have been announced as 2025 honorees, including Shaun Tomson for the Lifetime Achievement Award and Surfrider Foundation for the Environmentalist of the Year Award.

The Waterman's Ball event was born in 1989 and has continued showing endless passion and support for the surf community. Being recognized by SIMA for this event is a tremendous honor — one that is irreplaceable. Vipe Desai, SIMA Executive Director, shared a heartfelt statement regarding the 2025 event.

"The Waterman's Ball is not just a celebration of surfing — it's a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting the oceans and the sport we love," he explained. "This year's event is a testament to the surf industry's dedication to preserving our environment for future generations. We're excited to honor those who have made a lasting impact on both surfing and ocean conservation, and we look forward to another unforgettable evening of unity, inspiration, and action."

The Waterman's Ball will be hosted at The Ranch in California's Laguna Beach on June 13. Marks, Tomson and the Surfrider Foundation will be in attendance as they receive their well deserved honors. Related Adventure Surfing Article

Published Mar 4, 2025

MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.