(Photos: Ellis)
TURTLE BAY, Oahu, HI (December 7,2010) --- As the sun set behind billowing clouds over an endless deep blue ocean, the most talented surfers from all over the world began to make their way to the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O’ahu for the 40th Anniversary Surfer Poll Awards. While previous years the award show had been hosted in Los Angeles, this year Surfer had decided that their anniversary deserved a special location. What better setting than the birthplace of surfing itself? Every year the event is held to honor the best and the worst alike. As host Sal Masekela said it best, “No other sport in the world would recognize an athlete for getting a foul, or wiping out. If you’re in the NBA and you miss the dunk, you don’t get celebrated”. Yet that is exactly what makes surfing unique. We don’t surf to be good, to score, or to win; we surf because we love the ocean that continually pushes us forward, encouraging us as we ride its wave. “The ocean is a blessing for all of us”, pro surfer and fellow host Fred Patacchia aptly noted to a crowd full of ocean lovers… and so the night began.
As expected, Kelly Slater took the No. 1 spot in the Mens Division for the 16th time, along with his impressive 10 World Titles. The No. 2 spot went to the talented Dane Reynolds who stood at the platform in disbelief. Dane was followed by Jordy Smith and Mick Fanning. Later on, Kai Neville’s Modern Collective took the award for Movie of the Year while Best Cinematography went to the creative genius himself, Taylor Steele. Maya Gabeira took the stage to present the Heavy Water Award, giving credit to the big wave riders that continually push the limits. “We have to be willing to pay the ultimate risk to get the ultimate ride,” stated Gabeira, a big wave rider herself so it was only fitting that she present the award to winner Jamie O’Brien. Jamie also won Best Performance.
As for the talented women taking the top spots, it was Stephanie Gilmore  who was to be celebrated for her recent fourth consecutive ASP World Title. Stephanie was at a loss for words when she was congratulated, mentioning that “[she] couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating this in such a beautiful place”. She was right. As the women collected their awards, their words of wisdom were empowering and inspiring, making the night that much more special as they recognized the reason behind their choice to make surfing their lifestyle. An animated Carissa Moore took the No. 2 spot this year, announcing “it has been a really exciting year for me”... “I turned 18, got my driver’s license..” and now this! Moore is currently ranked No. 3 on the ASP Women’s World Tour. Coco Ho placed No. 3 in the peoples surfer choice award, followed by Sofia Mulanovich and Alana Blanchard. Anastasia Ashley was also in attendance at this years show after a few years break. “What made me want to go this year was the location, and I’m here to support my good friend Jamie O’Brien who is nominated for a lot of awards tonight”.
 While the best surfers made their way to the stage to collect the infamous surfer poll trophy and make their acceptance speech, the night was sparkling but also surreal as Bruce Irons walked toward the platform to accept the No.6 peoples choice surfer award and the Best Barrel award on behalf of his brother, the late Andy Irons. Bruce thanked the surfing community for “being really loving” during this time and also mentioned for everyone to “have a good time, because that’s what [Andy] would have wanted”, and that’s exactly what everyone did.
It was an emotional yet exciting night on the North Shore, as many brilliant surfers were recognized for their progressive talent and dexterity. While everyone was congratulated, the top honors went to Gilmore and Slater. What makes a surfer worthy of a top spot, you ask? It is both their determination and spirit that continues to accelerate them forward. Although I don’t know how it could get any better, or how such talent could progress, I eagerly anticipate what is to come next.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SURFER POLL AWARDS by visiting www.surferpoll.com/ |
