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From: Jimbo September 16, 2009 |
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The best of Surfer Poll - Kelly Slater & well, you
know - Photo - James Sullivan
Once a year surfers gather to recognize greatness, remember past glory and rejoice amongst friends. It is The Surfer Poll Awards.
Held yet again at The Grove Theater in Anaheim, California the 2009 Surfer Poll Awards did not disappoint. Beautiful women, lots of choice cocktails and enough frothy surf footage to stoke out even the crustiest waveriders.
The Surfer Poll Awards attracts more than just
accolades for pros. Photo - James Sullivan
Surfer Magazine has long been the leading voice among surf publications. Its history, authority and class are epitomized at the Surfer Poll Awards - bright lights, red carpets and eye candy for miles.
Freddy P. hosts the 2009 Surfer Poll Awards before a
full house at the Grove. Photo - James Sullivan
Giving the boardshorts and sandals crew an opportunity to adorn pressed shirts, closed toed shoes and smiles symbolic of surfing's unique and amazing lifestyle, the awards showcase professional prowess, upstart potential and plenty of proverbial pats on the back.
The night brought first timer revelry and familiar results that, like surfing itself, combined a sense of past with the present while also looking ahead.
Ian Walsh, Benji Weatherly and Pat Towersey. Photo -
James Sullivan
Kelly Slater claimed his 15th Surfer of the Year Award while Brett Simpson grabbed Breakthrough Performer of the Year. The guard changed for the women as Stephanie Gilmore earned top spot among the ladies.
Newcomer Irish filmmaker Joel Conroy saw his film about surfing in Ireland rise to the peak of the documentary heap with Waveriders, while longtime cinematography legend Thomas Campbell returned to the top with The Present.
Taj Burrow and Jordy Smith each won with their high-flying abilities with Best Maneuver and Best Web Clip of the Year, respectively, while a more grounded individual, Dr. Dave Jenkins, received the Agent of Change award for his work with SurfAid International.
Todd Glaser with his picture of Greg Long - Photo of
the Year. Photo - James Sullivan
Greg Long and Todd Glaser shared the spotlight in front and behind the lens with Best Photo of the Year while Best Movie of the Year went to Billabong's Jarrod Tallman and Enich Harris for Still Filthy.
Though still a bit filthy in his own right (despite the hand washing) Nathan Fletcher was smiling bright with his Coors Heavy Hitter Award from Lavese Los Manos with fellow Californian Skindog Collins celebrating getting a clock cleaning of his own via Best Wipeout.
Even through all the celebration of life and liberty inherent in the Surfer Poll Awards, the crowd took time to remember those lost in the last year, most notably Dick Baker who will long be held high in the annals of surf history.
Freddy P., Andy Irons and Corey Lopez have it rough.
Photo - James Sullivan
Freddy Pattachia did fine work on stage as a host with notable help from Sal Masakela, Benji Weatherly and the man at the helm, Surfer Editor, Joel Patterson.
Much thanks to Surfer Magazine for hosting a great event and congratulations to all the winners. See you next year!
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