NEWS///06.18.07

The annual Surfer Poll and Video Awards Presented by Suzuki Auto return to The Grove in Anaheim, Calif. on September 11, 2007 for the 35th year.  The event, produced since 1963 by industry-leading surf publication SURFER Magazine, brings together renowned faces in action sports, music and entertainment for one prestigious night honoring the world’s best surfers and surf cinematography.  This milestone anniversary year promises the event will be the biggest and best it has ever been with votes already flooding in from around the world. 

The Poll allows readers to cast their votes for their favorite surfers via online voting at www.surferpoll.net or a ballot from the July or August issues of SURFER Magazine.  Voting closes on August 15.

The last few years have been a battle to dethrone 10-time Poll winner and eight-time world champion Kelly Slater.  Always neck-in-neck, Andy Irons has snagged the win from him twice before in 2002 and 2003, and will likely be a tough contender again this year.  Bobby Martinez, who finished fifth last year and earned 2006 WCT Rookie of the Year honors can’t be counted out either.  Other top 2006 finishers included Rob Machado, Bruce Irons, CJ Hobgood, Taj Burrow, Damien Hobgood and Cory Lopez.

In the Women’s Poll, last year’s title was claimed by Peruvian powerhouse and 2004 World Champion Sofia Mulanovich for the second year in a row.  Previous winners Lisa Andersen, Rochelle Ballard and Layne Beachley, along with Chelsea Georgeson, rounded out last year’s top five.

The Video Awards will honor the year’s best films in nine categories, including:  “Best Cinematography,” “Best Documentary/Storyline,” “Breakthrough Director” and “Movie of the Year.”  Additionally, SURFER Magazine will present awards for the “Canon Photo of the Year” and “Boost Breakthrough Performer.”  

The big night, best known as the Academy Awards of the action sports world, will take place at 8:00 p.m. on September 11, 2007, at The Grove of Anaheim.  Attendance is by invitation only, and the event will be covered exclusively on www.surfermag.com and broadcast for the fifth consecutive year on FUEL TV on October 22 at 9:30 p.m.  Check www.fuel.tv for additional airdates and times.  

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