Industry turns out for Waterman's Ball

The industry showed up in force Saturday night for the 2012 Waterman’s Ball at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, Calif.

The event honored big wave surfer Shane Dorian as Waterman of the Year, ocean explorer, filmmaker, television personality and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau as Environmentalist of the Year, and wave forecaster and surfing Hall of Famer the late Sean Collins with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Collins’ sons gave moving speeches about their father and the role he played in their lives and the positive example he set by following his passion.

The annual Waterman’s Weekend raises money for environmental groups that work to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and Waves.

SIMA also surprised Paul Naude, Chairman of the Waterman’s Weekend Event Committee and President of the SIMA Environmental Fund Board of Directors, by recognizing him for his years of hard work and dedication to raising money for the SIMA Environmental Fund.

See photos from the event above in our slide show.