At the Waterman's Ball

You’ve got to love the surf industry. They know how to throw a charity “ball.”

Was there a tuxedo in the house Friday night at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa in Dana Point? Not that I could see. There were plenty of jeans, Vans, and tattoos on display though.

And this group knows how to have a good time. When I was parking, an SUV pulled up behind me, and a large crew of men and women spilled out, all carrying red plastic cups, drinks sloshing. Doubt that happens at Philharmonic events.

I had lots of interesting conversations with many interesting people but here’s the best quote of the night.

I asked Fernando Aguerre what’s the best part of his “retirement.” Fernando along with brother Santiago sold their company Reef to VF Corp a few years back.

Konni and Toby Bost.
Toby is CEO
of La Jolla Group,
maker of Lost,
O’Neill and Metal Mulisha clothing.

“I have time to hug my wife at 11 in the morning in the bed,” said Fernando. He also also devotes many hours to the International Surfing Association and Surfaid International and is writing a book. Fernando hands down wore the most original outfit of the night – a silver embroidered cape-like jacket that nearly reached the floor.

The Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association put on the ball, which was expected to raise nearly $500,000 for 16 environmental non profits.

Greg Osthus of Lost Clothing, left,
and wife Olga, right, with Bobby Abdel
of Jack’s Surfboards, one of the most
important surf shops in the world.

The crew from Shout PR, L to R: Bethany
Boehme, Brooke Gantt,
Meryl Haley, owner Erika Klein
and husband Pelle Klein.

Paul Naudé, president
of Billabong USA,
smiling after his winning
$35,000 bid for
a Wolfgang Bloch painting.
He outbid Kelly Slater.
The money benefits environmental
non-profits.