The Board and staff of Surfing Western Australia (WA) are deeply saddened by the recent passing of our CEO, Mark Lane after his long battle with cancer.
Our sincere condolences go to Mark’s family, loved ones and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts are with all those closest to him.
Known affectionately throughout the surfing community as “Laney”, Mark made an enormous contribution to surfing in Western Australia, nationally and internationally over more than two decades of leadership. He served as CEO of Surfing WA from 2000 to 2006, led Surfing Australia as CEO from 2006 to 2009, and returned to Surfing WA as chief executive in June 2010.
Throughout his career, Mark was a passionate advocate for surfing and the people who make it what it is. His leadership, passion and genuine care helped strengthen Surfing WA, create opportunities for surfers across the state and build lasting relationships throughout the wider surfing community.
Beyond his contribution to the sport, Mark was a much-loved colleague, mentor and friend to many. His warmth, humour and unwavering passion for surfing left an indelible mark on Surfing WA, and his loss will be deeply felt by our staff, Board and the many people whose lives he touched.
A significant part of Mark’s legacy is the strength of the organisation he leaves behind. During his long tenure as CEO, he helped build Surfing WA into a strong, stable, and well-governed organisation, supported by an experienced and dedicated team that will continue to deliver for the Western Australian surfing community.
Surfing WA Chief Operating Officer Matt Wilson will undertake CEO duties at this time. Having worked closely alongside Mark, Matt will be supported by the Board and Surfing WA’s experienced team as the organisation navigates this difficult period and continues the work Mark cared so deeply about.
The Board is committed to an orderly transition in leadership and to ensuring the organisation continues to build on Mark’s extraordinary contribution to Surfing WA and the sport more broadly. Surfing WA will continue that work by supporting surfing at every level across Western Australia, from our athletes and clubs to our events and programs, volunteers, partners and the wider surfing community.
Mark will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on through the people, places and surfing community he dedicated so much of his life to supporting.
A paddle out to remember and celebrate Mark’s life will take place this Saturday, August 29 at Scarborough Beach. Mark’s family, friends and the wider surfing community are invited to gather at Sunset Hill from 8am before paddling out together in his memory.
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