A sold out crowd attended the Surf Industry Members Association’s (SIMA‘s) Waterman’s Ball Friday night at The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, Calif.
With the World Surf League in town for the Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, both current and past professional surfers attended Waterman’s this year, including Erin Brooks, Tom Curren, Rabbit Bartholomew, Noah Beschen, Blair Conklin, and more.
The three people recognized this year for their contributions to the sport of surfing and ocean conservation are:
- SIMA Waterperson of the Year – Caroline Marks, a World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist.
- SIMA Lifetime Achievement Award – Shaun Tomson, legendary surfer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.
- SIMA Environmentalist of the Year – Surfrider Foundation, a leader in coastal protection that has worked tirelessly to keep beaches and waters clean and safe for surfers and beachgoers alike.
The Waterman’s Ball, which includes both a silent and live auction, has raised over $10 million for environmental charities that protect the oceans over the years.
Duke and Val Aipa. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Team I-SEA. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Carla, Shaun, and Luke Tomson. Photo by SESO.
The WSL rolled deep this year: Renato Hickel, Graham Stapelberg, Ryan Crosby, Paige Larsh, Jed Pearson, Dave Prodan. Photo by SESO.
Tara Parsons, Caroline Marks, Erin Brooks. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Nanette De La Pena and Vince De La Pena of Vissla. Photo by SESO.
Tom Curren, Maky Curren and PT Townend. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Meghan Hamill and Shawn Peterson of Rip Curl, Jesse Blackburn of Billabong. Photo by SESO.
Team Roxy there to support honoree Caroline Marks: Jeff Brusven, Hannah Connor, Sasha Hartloff, Michael Fernandez. Photo by SESO.
Eddie Anaya of Surfrider and Shea Perkins of Reef. Photo by SESO.
Bruna Bittencourt and pro surfer Blair Conklin. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Don Dyer of I-Sea and Shawna Dyer. Photo by SESO.
Chad Nelsen of Surfrider Foundation, Ashton Hurley of Florence, Chris Evans of Finisterre, Jake Schwaner of Hobie, and Kayla Coscino of Florence. Photo by SESO.
Erica Zankich and Boston Titensor of Katin. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Jeff Brusven of Roxy and Matt Biolos of Lost. Photo by SESO.
Heath Walker of The Sauce Suppliers, Karen Tomlinson, and Rod Tomlinson of Surf Expo. Photo by SESO.
Debbie Naude and Debbie Hild. Photo by SESO.
Chad Nelsen, CEO of Surfrider Foundation. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Shaun Tomson. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
Peter McKenna of NRI and Kristi Jones-McKenna. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
SIMA Executive Director Vipe Desai. Photo courtesy of SIMA.
