by Zach Weisberg
Surfer Magazine Online Editor
Click here to view photos from the night!
Check out full results here.
Watch SURFER Poll Movie of The Year Highlight Clip: Bustin' Down The Door.
It's hard to wrap an all-encompassing energy around the SURFER Poll Awards. Yes, this is the election that "really matters." And yes, this is the one night out of all three hundred and sixty five nights in the unforgiving year (excluding leap years) that the best surfers in the world (and all the people who help make them as great as they possibly can) agree to meet in the same place, dress up in fancy clothes, and take photographs together, but is that all there is to making it so special?
Yep. Pretty much.
As SURFER Poll 2008 host, Benji Weatherly, put so succinctly, "Everyone who is anyone in the surf industry is here tonight. That is what makes this the biggest night in surfing."
Whether it was Shaun Thomson reflecting on his cohorts' impact on the surf-world or Dane Reynolds' punch-drunk acceptance speech as the third most adored surfer in the world - one thing is certain: this night transcends all boundaries for passionate surfers around the globe.
And even if it takes a shove from the Red Bull-vodka auctioneers greeting attendees from across the bar, the feeling is real. All present can attest to that.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM ELECTION 2008
Kelly wins 14. "More of the same" has become a familiar slogan concerning the Republicans' hope to retain captainship of the United States of America, but it might as well have been Kelly Slater's mantra - because that's exactly what's happened once again. Our fearless leader takes us into 2009 with a progressive vision of the future, and if the last decade was any indicator, it seems we're in goods hands.
A Young Gun cracks the Top 5. A change we can believe in. Dane Reynolds. The world loves your sailor tattoo. The world loves your nonchalant attitude. And the whole world wants more. If you keep flying across the cobblestones of Lowers with reckless abandon then it looks like we've got a bright future.
Bruce. We've grown accustomed to the irreverence, but grace and composure are two things that have rarely trailed Bruce Irons' flanks. When accepting his award, Bruce graciously thanked all those who have helped catapult his career as well as the surfers who continue living the dream. Without spite, Bruce Irons announced his new direction away from the Dream Tour and he did so humbly. Impressive.
The Door Busts Down. Decades later, the men who made pro surfing what it is are as relevant as they will ever be. That's something to acknowledge, as in many sports, the legends are merely footnotes on the menu highlighting the flavor of the week. Congratulations to the cast of Bustin' Down the Door and those who recognize its significance. We move forward confidently with one foot firmly rooted in the past.
VOTING BEGINS FOR THE 36TH SURFER POLL AND VIDEO AWARDS PRESENTED BY SUZUKI AUTOMOTIVE
DANA POINT, Calif. (June 11, 2008) - Got an itchy election finger like the rest of the populace? Don't worry. You don't have to wait until November to use it. SURFER Magazine opened voting today for the 2008 SURFER Poll, a tradition recognized as the most powerful voice in the wave-riding world-a voice given its power by the people. Now in its 36th year, SURFER readers have been asked to cast their ballot to elect their favorite shredders in the sport and, like the Democratic Party, we're offering nominees from both genders with the top ten male and top five female finishers honored in September when the polls close.
Unlike traditional American politics-an arena where, presidentially, we've been ruled by two families for two decades-the SURFER Poll actually sees healthy fluctuation in the ruling elite. The men's top ten and women's top five lists are constantly shuffling as the most relevant and exciting surfers at the vanguard of the sport rearrange their ranks. But that's not to say the top slot turns over every year. In fact, during the SURFER Poll's 36-year history, only 13 surfers have been crowned the Men's Champ. Those who have obtained this honor are fewer in number than those who've been crowned ASP World Champion.
Past winners include iconic surfers such as Phil Edwards, Tom Curren, Andy Irons, and, of course, 13-time SURFER Poll winner Kelly Slater. Female recipients include Lisa Andersen, Rochelle Ballard, and Sofia Mulanovich. But those big names shouldn't sway the vote. Fans are encouraged to be a part of the only election this year directly determined by the people by visiting Surferpoll.net, the official website of the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video awards presented by Suzuki Automotive. Online, they can choose their own candidates, nominate a film for movie of the year, check out photos, videos, skits, and more from the biggest awards ceremony in the business. But, like we said, the point of the whole operation is to give fans a voice, either by voting online or through the mail with the mail-in ballots provided in the July and August issues of SURFER Magazine. Voting ends on August 15, 2008.
"This is an important election for surfers," says SURFER Magazine publisher Ricky Irons. "This year, the stakes are higher than ever, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some of the guys, the 'candidates,' pull out all the stops to get the votes they need."
After the ballots are tallied, they'll be announced on September 9, 2008 at The Grove of Anaheim. Best known as the Academy Awards of the action sports world, The Surfer Poll and Video Awards show is significantly more fun than hunkering down with a bunch of political hacks and waiting for 50 states to turn red or blue. With the biggest personalities in the industry in attendance, it's always a night to remember.
The 2008 Surfer Poll and Video Awards presented by Suzuki Automotive will air on October 27 in the "Meet & Brotatoes" Monday night special block at 8pm ET/PT ON FUEL TV. The 2008 Awards will be covered fully by SURFER Magazine and FUEL TV.
Special thanks to the sponsors of the 2008 Surfer Poll and Video Awards: Suzuki Automotive, FUEL TV, Red Bull, Boost Mobile, and Toña Beer.
About SURFER
Upon its inception in 1960, SURFER Magazine brought a unity of voice and vision to an otherwise niche and fragmented sport. Today, the original surf publication is widely recognized as the "Bible of the Sport" and the driving force in the surf world, reaching more surfers worldwide than any other surf magazine. SURFER is part of Source Interlink's Action Sports Group (ASG) that reaches more than 2 million action sports enthusiasts through an integrated network of magazines, online properties, events, and television programming.
About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 192 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.
Media Contact:
Dawn Hamilton
KHPR for SURFER
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com
Alex Wilson
Associate Editor, SURFER Magazine
Alex@surfermag.com