A 10-year-old surfer from Ocean Grove has become the first-ever recipient of the new Clean Up Award at the BL Blast Off Online Surfing Competition.
Finn Murphy’s award-winning submission combined his surfing with his commitment to circular economy and ocean health initiatives. His entry highlighted environmental work undertaken through collaborations with his father’s business Sea All Dolphin Swims in Queenscliff. Now in its 20th year, the competition celebrates the world’s best young groms from across the globe. The 2025 event marked the competition’s 20th anniversary, attracting entries from 26 countries worldwide.
Through the submission, Finn demonstrated how his dad’s business removes microplastics from the ocean, and how community-collected bottle tops are recycled into practical products such as surf wax combs and school benches.
The submission received praise with Finn featured by 1988 World Surfing Champion and competition organiser Barton Lynch before going on to win the Clean Up Award category in its inaugural year.
Finn said he was “so stoked to be recognised and to win the category”. He plans to use the prize money to purchase a new mould to create custom recycled keyrings, which he intends to sell at local markets.
Finn was one of only three Australians to secure a category win in the competition and was the only successful Victorian surfer.
Finn’s submission video can be viewed on his parent-managed Instagram account: @oceanfinn_
