We have photos from the EUROSIMA Waterman’s Ball, which included the European Surf Industry Awards ceremony and a tribute to former Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes, who passed away in January.
Here is a round up of the event provided by EUROSIMA. Click on the slide show to see the photos.
EUROSIMA Press Release
Friday, October 5, EUROSIMA brought together the European surfing industry at the Hossegor Casino for the 19th edition of the annual Waterman’s Ball.
Nearly 200 guests, including CEOs, public representatives, pro surfers, journalists and celebrities, attended the festive event.
EUROSIMA President Wilco Prins, kicked off the traditional European Surf Industry Awards ceremony and invited surfing legend Tom Carroll to join him on stage to launch his photo exposition “1980-1985” for the occasion.
SHOWCASING THE 80’S
The exposition “1980-1985” is a tribute to the 80s through twenty or so shots from the Australian World Champion’s private collection. The images tell the story of the early days of pro surfing with a peek at how things were on the inside of the famous tour.
TRIBUTE TO PIERRE AGNÈS
The awards ceremony began with a heart-felt tribute from the surfing world to former pro surfer and Quiksilver CEO, Pierre Agnès, who disappeared at sea near Capbreton last January 30.
Close friends from within the industry, including athletes Robbie Naish and Jérémy Flores as well as founders of other legendary brands like François Payot, Frédéric Basse and Stephen Bell shared their own personal recorded tributes on a giant screen for the audience to see as an opening to the ceremony.
Pierre Agnès was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the exceptional accomplishments in his career as well as for his unconditional dedication to surfing as a culture, a sport and an industry throughout the world.
ENCOURAGING THE YOUNG GENERATION OF SURFERS
Miky Picon, Global Sports Marketing Surf Manager at Quiksilver and former pro surfer reminded us about how much Pierre Agnès supported and encouraged the young generation of surfers: “Pierre always wanted to encourage the newest generation and this year, with EUROSIMA, we decided for the first time to hand out a “Rookie of the year” award.”
The award was given to young French surfer Justin Bécret for his results on the international junior pro tour (3rd place in the European championship with 2 victories on the tour and a participation in the Quiksilver Young Guns finals at Surf Ranch) as well as for his commitment in free surfing and big wave riding.
EUROPEAN PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR
French surfer Johanne Defay was awarded the prize of European Female Surfer of the Year for the 4th year in a row for her performance on the international professional surfing tour.
Johanne Defay added to her already incredible track record in elite world surfing by winning the Uluwatu CT in Bali last June, allowing her to reach 6th place in the world rankings.
“It’s a unique time for women’s surfing at the moment. Lots of things are happening and I am really proud to be able to be a part of that,” says Johanne Defay.
Her male counterpart, Jérémy Flores, received the European Male Surfer of the Year Award for his two victories at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii (2010 and 2017) and for taking 3rd place at the Tahiti Pro at Teahupoo last August.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent France and Europe on the highest steps of the podium. I will do my best to pave the way for the next generation of surfers,” added Jérémy Flores.
QUIKSILVER WALKS AWAY WITH NOT ONE, BUT TWO PRIZES
EUROSIMA took the time to congratulate Quiksilver for winning the Beach Party contest in September. The laid- back and friendly yet competitive event brought the various European surfing companies to the beach for a friendly surfing competition, which Quiksilver won. The trophy will remain in the company for one year but will be up for grabs at the next Beach Party competition in 2019.
Quiksilver also received the Product of the Year Award for their inflatable Highline Airlift vest. This life vest designed for big wave surfing includes the latest technology out there. Pull tabs at the front of the vest allow the surfer in distress to inflate the vest and immediately reach the water surface.
“This project is the product of significant work, research and collaboration between engineers and big wave riders, who for three years tested the product and altered it accordingly. I’d like to thank Pierre (Agnès) who showed unwavering support for the project. He loved surfers, he loved challenging them and he also loved seeing them safe. He fought so this project could exist, ” said Peyo Lizarazu, Innovation Surf Manager at Quiksilver.
The evening then continued with a solo concert by musician and surfer Lee-Ann Curren. Her music, which includes a mix of 80’s indie rock and electric folk, draws inspiration from her bi-cultural upbringing between France and the US and her frequent trips around the world.
