Billabong is proud to announce the re-signing of Australian surfer Felicity Palmateer to the company’s roster of international athletes.
The multi-year arrangement will see Felicity move into the role of ambassador for the brand, continuing a relationship that began when she was a budding competitor first sponsored by Billabong aged just 14.
The brand ambassador role is an evolution of Felicity’s nine years as a sponsored competitive team rider – the role will include an increased focus on global photo shoots, surf trips, collaborative artistic projects and campaigns that incorporate her interests in marine conservation and art.
“2016 marks the tenth year of our partnership between Felicity and Billabong and we are thrilled to announce that Felicity has re-signed,” stated Cathey Curtis, Billabong Women’s Global Vice President, Marketing.
“One of our greatest pleasures is to work with multi-dimensional, talented young women. It’s not only Felicity’s surfing that continues to inspire us; it’s also her accomplishments and aspirations as an artist and her passion for environmental conservation that make her hugely relatable,” said Curtis.
“Importantly, Felicity is also a lovely person. We’re excited by the prospects of further growing what has already been a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship,” said Curtis.
Palmateer’s competitive achievements include multiple state, national and pro junior wins. She was an ISA world junior finalist and twice finished inside the top 10 on the women’s World Qualifying Series. At age 18 she replaced former World Champion Chelsea Georgeson (Avalon, NSW, AUS) at the elite level on the Women’s ASP World Tour.
More recently she has triumphed as an invitee to the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro trials; held her first solo art exhibition at Paddington, Sydney, NSW and last year became the first artist to exhibit solo at renowned Western Australia winery, Cape Mentelle.
In May of 2015 environmental organisation, MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) appointed her as a global ambassador and in June of 2015 Felicity made history by riding waves considered the largest-ever surfed by an Australian female when she tackled a XXL swell at remote Cow Bombie in West Australia.
“It’s really exciting for me to be able to look ahead knowing that between Billabong and I we have some exciting projects in store. It was my dream as a kid to be sponsored by Billabong. I had posters of the whole team on my walls, above my bed, everywhere I looked,” said Palmateer. “To step into a role as global ambassador and be more intrinsically involved with the brand is an exciting step. I’m looking forward to working together on a variety of levels for a long time to come.”
CURRENTLY:
• Felicity has three different commercial product collaborations, including her 2015/16 Summer Essentials range with Billabong.
• Felicity is one of three females nominated for Female Surfer of the Year in the annual Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame, alongside Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa, NSW, AUS) and Tyler Wright (Culburra, NSW, AUS). The winner is to be announced at official ceremony at Manly, Sydney, March 3rd.
• Felicity has received entries into the 2015/16 Oakley Big Wave Awards (Australasia, only the second female entrant ever, behind Layne Beachley) and annual Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards.
• Felicity will compete at the upcoming Taggart Women’s Pro, Newcastle (Feb 22-28) and Aussie Bodies Women’s Pro, Manly (Feb 29-March 6).
• In addition to major sponsor Billabong, Felicity’s other sponsors include Channel Islands surfboards and Future Fins.
• She is an ambassador for Aussie Bodies and the MSC.
