The legendary surfing career of Mark Occhilupo will enter a new chapter in 2006. ‘Occy’ has announced that the 2005 season will be his last year on the World Championship Tour. The announcement came just weeks before Occy’s induction into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame held prior to the opening event of the year, the Quiksilver Pro. After 22 years, 21 career victories and a coveted 1999 world title, the ‘Raging Bull’ has decided it’s time.

 "I have had a great career and done all the things from when I was a grommet that I've wanted to do, that’s why I'm calling 2005 my last year. I want to leave on a high note. I feel like I could probably keep on going for a few more years but I want to finish my career surfing as good as I can – and I feel as though I am at that stage right now. I don't want to be going at about 50 per cent and just making up the numbers," said Occy.

Fame and Foster’s flow at Pro Surfing’s gala night Midget predicts: “One day everyone will surf!”

The world’s best surfers were toasted with style and stoke at the Foster’s ASP Champions of the World awards banquet at Conrad Jupiter Casino on the Gold Coast. Over 500 invited guests gathered to witness the crowning of the 2004 Foster’s Men’s World Tour and ASP Women’s World Tour and the presentation of supporting awards, just days prior to the opening event on the 2005 ASP WCT, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro.

Former Olympian athlete, Ron Clarke, now Gold Coast City Lord Mayor, welcomed the surfing world, as well as special guest Cathy Freeman. Speeches from ASP Chairman, Richard Grellman, new CEO, Brodie Carr, President, Rabbit Bartholomew, Chris Cummins MP, representing the Queensland State Premier, Peter Beattie and Surf-Aid International convener, Dr. David Jenkins. Josi Syahrial, on behalf of the Indonesian people, thanked the surf industry for its support of the tsunami appeals, especially that of Billabong and Quiksilver who both donated over half a million dollars.

Historical guests for the evening were Bernard ‘Midget’ Farrelly and Phyllis O’Donnell. Midget gave a steadying speech, remembering the past, embracing surfing’s spirit and boldly predicting: “…one day everyone will surf.”

The sport’s Cultural Award went to Jeffreys Bay unofficial Lord Mayor, Cheron Kraak, The Special Acknowledgment Award went to former ASP Europe Administrator, Delphine Stein, while current ASP Tour Manager, Renato Hickel, was presented with the Service to the Sport Award.