$20k Raised for Charity at Surfer Poll Awards

Nearly 2,000 arrived in red-carpet style to honor the top names in surfing last night at the 33rd annual "SURFER Poll and Video Awards Presented by Suzuki Motor Corporation" at The Grove of Anaheim, Calif. After a solid day of surfing at the Boost Mobile Pro, spirits were high as all in attendance were anxious to see who would clench the top honor in the ongoing battle between Kelly Slater and Andy Irons for the men's SURFER Poll award. In the end, Slater reigned victorious to win the coveted trophy. In the women's category, current world champion and Peruvian sensation Sofia Mulanovich defeated former world champ and last year's winner Layne Beachley to win the honor. Both Slater and Mulanovich were surprised with keys to brand new Suzuki Grand Vitaras to drive home courtesy of Suzuki Automotive. The feelings of camaraderie were felt by all as Slater humbly accepted his award for the second year in a row and acknowledged the fellow surfers and friends that inspire him everyday. "When I started surfing, I'd forget about everyone and everything and just go out and surf," said Slater while accepting his award. "I surfed by myself, but surfing has allowed me to have friends around the world. It's an exciting time for me and I'm having fun. That's probably why I'm surfing so well."

Additionally, $20,000 was raised through VIP table sales and will be split evenly between Surfing America to support the USA Surf Team as they go on to compete in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach in October and Surfzone Relief Operations (SRO) that was founded in January of this year to help after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Asia. In early September, SRO joined the rescue and relief work in the disaster stricken city of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to assist in the daunting task of assessing the remaining survivors.

"It was a huge night," says SURFER editor Chris Mauro. "Especially for our Poll winners Kelly Slater and Sofia Mulanovich, who were both extremely surprised to learn they were each walking away with a brand new Suzuki Grand Vitara. But the entire night was full of emotion. From Australia's Rabbit Bartholomew receiving a standing ovation after getting our Lifetime Achievement Award, to a very moving tribute to the huge number of surfers who have passed away in the past year, to a gracious runner-up speech from three-time world champion Andy Irons, who pre-empted the suspense by walking to the podium before announced, and everything in between. The night was filled with all the things you'd expect when you put a bunch of legendary surfers in a room."

The awards began with the SURFER Video Awards hosted by Peter King and Alex Gray and with guest presenters actor William Katt, stunt double and surf legend Peter Townend, actress Nia Peeples, motocross legend Jeremy McGrath and reigning supercross champ Ricky Carmichael. Top honors were bestowed on The Bruce Movie which was awarded the prestigious "Video of the Year" award. Kudos to the Volcom crew who produced the in-depth look at one of the most renowned surfers on the planet. Next up, the "Canon Photo of the Year" and "Boost Breakthrough Performer" awards were presented to Vince Street and Jamie O'Brien respectively. The awarding of the "Lifetime Achievement" award captured the spotlight as Tom Curren reminisced about past experiences with award recipient and surfing legend Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew.

Concluding the awards show were the SURFER Poll Awards, a notable part of surf culture as nearly 20,000 SURFER Magazine readers voted for and recognized their favorite athletes. The Poll awards were presided over by sports commentator and X Games personality Sal Masekela. After the awards, attendees and award winners commenced in the courtyard as Redbull's DJ Ted Shred took the celebration several decibels higher.

The event can be viewed at www.surfermag.com or on FUEL TV during a special
one-hour television special. Check www.fuel.tv for airdates and times.

Special thanks goes out to presenting sponsor American Suzuki, co-sponsors Boost Mobile and Red Bull and media sponsor Fuel TV for their contributions to make the event a success.

2005 SURFER Video Award Results

Worst Wipeout
Damon Eastaugh, A Day in the Life

Video of The Year
The Bruce Movie

Best Cinematography
A Broke Down Melody

Best Performance by a Male
Bruce Irons, The Bruce Movie

Worst Wipeout
Damon Eastaugh, A Day in the Life

Guts for Glory
Shane Dorian, Solid

Best Tuberide
Dane Reynolds, Young Guns II

Most Radical Maneuver
Kelly Slater, A Broke Down Melody

Best Performance by a Female
Layne Beachley, Life in the Fast Layne

SURFER Poll Award Results (number in parenthesis indicates last year's
finish)

Men's Winners:
Kelly Slater (1)
Andy Irons (2)
Bruce Irons (5)
Mick Fanning (7)
C.J. Hobgood (6)
Taj Burrow (3)
Rob Machado (4)
Joel Parkinson (8)
Damien Hobgood (9)
Cory Lopez

Women's Winners:
Sofia Mulanovich (4)
Keala Kennelly (3)
Rochelle Ballard (2)
Lisa Andersen (5)
Layne Beachley (1)

Three special recognition awards for 2005 were given to:

Canon Photo of the Year - Vince Street

Boost Breakthrough Performer - Jamie O'Brien

Lifetime Achievement - Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew

Source: ASP

>> SURF NEWS INDEX <<