Um, so the Surfer Poll Awards went down last week in Anaheim.  We weren’t there this year but we fully expected Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore to be rewarded for their great seasons last year.  After all, the awards are supposed to honor the best surfers from the last season, not right now.  Turns out we were wrong…

Anyway, it’s great that “Bustin’ Down the Door” won two awards.

We’ve gotten a few releases about the awards, so read on for those — you will also see the full results…

Dane Reynolds also won something.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF AT THE 2008 SURFER POLL AND VIDEO AWARDS PRESENTED BY SUZUKI AUTO

DANA POINT, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2008) — The masses have spoken and once again Kelly Slater and Sofia Mulanovich reign supreme in the ultimate annual election. The two accepted their awards last night at the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards presented by Suzuki Auto at The Grove in Anaheim, California. The venue was packed to the brim, with several being turned away at the door due to a record-breaking over-capacity crowd. The other big winner of the night, claiming both “Movie of the Year” and “Documentary of the Year,” was “Bustin’ Down the Door” featuring surf legends Shaun Thomson, Peter “PT” Townend, and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew.

The action began outside on the red carpet with celebrity sightings including Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness, Miami Ink’s Tim Hendricks, musical guest Mickey Avalon, Prison Break’s Dominic Purcell, Charger football legend Junior Seau and former Major League Baseball pitcher David Wells, alongside all the big-name pros. FUEL TV was on hand filming for an upcoming broadcast, which will feature highlights from the night and classic “Point Break” dead presidents reenactments. Hosted again by the dynamic duo of Sal Masekela and Benji Weatherly, the evening stayed true to its roots of irreverent commentary and soul-stirring highlights from all of the year’s best surf movies and action.

“SURFER Poll is by the people and for the people – which makes it unique,” proclaimed Masekela in his fifth consecutive year greeting the SURFER Poll audience. This sentiment was echoed throughout the night as Poll Award winners accepted their trophies with humble acceptance speeches thanking their fans for voting and their sponsors for supporting. “It’s pretty cool to have the readers of the magazine like what I’m doing,” said Taj Burrow upon claiming sixth-place in the Poll, which awards the top 10 men and top five females honors based on SURFER readers’ voting.

Special guest presenters for the evening and for the Video Awards portion of the show included: South African icon Shaun Thomson, who presented Kalani Chapman with “Best Tube Ride” for “Second to None;” former World Champion Sunny Garcia, who presented “Best Male Performance” to fellow Hawaiian Clay Marzo for “Just Add Water;” SURFER Photo Editor Grant Ellis, who presented “Photo of the Year” to Scott Aichner; new SURFER Editor Joel Patterson, who presented “Boost Breakthrough Performer” to Nathaniel Curran; and legendary filmmaker Bruce Brown, who presented “Movie of the Year” to the “Bustin’ Down the Door” crew.

While most of the names in the Poll remained consistent, only shuffling in order, two surfers made their debut. In the women’s Poll, 16-year-old phenom Coco Ho claimed the No. 5 spot and accepted her award modestly stating: “It’s an honor to be standing here with my heroes and friends,” and giving a shout out to best friend, Carissa Moore, who snagged third in the Poll for the second year in a row. In the men’s Poll, ASP World Tour rookie and aerial dynamo, Dane Reynolds, made an impressive first showing in the No. 3 spot. Reynolds also walked with the “Best Maneuver” award for “Dude Cruise.”

A testament to just how impressive Reynolds is, Kelly Slater, upon accepting his monumental 14th Poll focused heavily on giving props to the young up-and-comer.  “Dane Reynolds is the best surfer in the world by far,” said Slater. “Surfing has advanced to where it should be right now and Dane is proof of that. Sitting back and watching surfing today [at the Boost Mobile Pro] made me really proud.”

Completing the event’s “firsts,” Dave Rastovich was presented with the first-ever “Agent of Change” award for the work he is doing with Surfers for Cetaceans. He launched the nonprofit in 2004 to help support the protection and conservation of dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and is truly making a difference among the surfing community and beyond. Surfers for Cetaceans and Surfrider’s “Save Trestles” campaign were the two beneficiaries of this year’s VIP table sales, which raised $16,000 for the two organizations to share.

Complete SURFER Poll and Video Award results:

Coors Heavy Water
Ian Walsh (The Life)

Worst Wipeout
Mark Healey (The Life)

Best Tuberide
Kalani Chapman (Second To None)

Best Female Performance
Stephanie Gilmore (Somewhere)

Best Male Performance
Clay Marzo (Just Add Water)

Best Maneuver
Dane Reynolds (Dude Cruise)

Best Cinematography
Waterman

Best Documentary
Bustin’ Down the Door

Movie of The Year
Bustin’ Down the Door

Boost Breakthrough Performer
Nathaniel Curran

Photo of the Year
Scott Aichner

Agent of Change
Dave Rastovich

Breakthrough Filmmaker
Matt Beauchesne

SURFER Poll Men
   1. Kelly Slater
2. Mick Fanning
3. Dane Reynolds
4. Joel Parkinson
5. Andy Irons
6. Taj Burrow
7. Bruce Irons
8. Rob Machado
9. Bobby Martinez
10. CJ Hobgood

SURFER Poll Women
   1. Sofia Mulanovich
2. Stephanie Gilmore
3. Carissa Moore
4. Layne Beachley
5. Coco Ho

Check www.surferpoll.com for complete details from the event including images and video.  See highlights on FUEL TV on October 27 in the “Meet & Brotatoes” Monday night special block at 8pm ET/PT. Check www.fuel.tv for additional airdates and times.

Special thanks to the sponsors of the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards: Suzuki Auto, FUEL TV, Red Bull, Boost Mobile and Coors.

QUIKSILVER SURFERS PICK UP FOUR WINS AT 2008 SURFER POLL AWARDS

(Huntington Beach, Calif.) September 11, 2008 – Quiksilver congratulates team-riders Kelly Slater, Clay Marzo, Dane Reynolds and Mark Healey for first-place nods in categories for Best Male Performance, Best Maneuver and Worst Wipeout at the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards presented by Suzuki.  Slater was once again voted into the top-spot in the poll, while Marzo picked up Best Male Performance for his role in “Clay Marzo: Just Add Water”.  Dane Reynolds locked in Best Maneuver for his sick sections in “Dude Cruise” while Mark Healey was lauded for continuing to chase shacks despite suffering Worst Wipeout on film in “The Life”.

The 36th Annual SURFER Poll award show was held on Tuesday, September 9 at the Grove of Anaheim, and was attended by top industry executives, pro surfers, celebrities and other notables.  Slater’s win Tuesday brings his tally of SURFER Poll awards to 14 in the year he is expected to win his ninth World Title.

Upon receiving his award the surf legend focused on praising the up-and-comer Reynolds, “Dane Reynolds is the best surfer in the world by far,” said Slater. “Surfing has advanced to where it should be right now and Dane is proof of that. Sitting back and watching surfing today [at the Boost Mobile Pro] made me really proud.”

For all up-to-date information on Quiksilver team-riders’ activities, and Kelly’s quest for number nine, please visit www.quiksilver.com and be sure to sign up for the Mountain Wave blog.

For additional coverage of the 2008 SURFER Poll Awards check out www.surferpoll.com.

ROXY PROFESSIONAL SURFERS TAKE HOME TOP HONORS AT THE 2008 SURFER POLL AWARDS
Sofia Mulanovich Claims #1 Spot for the Fourth Consecutive Year, With Young Gun Carissa Moore Claiming Her Second Consecutive #3 Ranking

Huntington Beach, Calif. – (September 11, 2008) – History repeated itself at this year’s SURFER Poll and Video Awards with Roxy team rider Sofia Mulanovich winning top female surfer for the fourth year in a row, her sixth SURFER Poll award altogether. Roxy’s young superstar Carissa Moore scored the #3 spot for the second consecutive year.

The 36th annual SURFER Poll and Video Awards is recognized as the most powerful voice in the surf industry because the list is determined by the people, those that love the waves. Roxy rider Mulanovich won her first #1 SURFER Poll award in 2005, and remains on top ever since. In addition, Mulanovich took home two awards in 2006 for Best Documentary and Best Female Performance in a Surf Film for “Sofia – A Documentary.”

“I am so stoked to have won the SURFER poll,” said Mulanovich, via video.  “It’s special because it is an award decided by the votes of surfers from around the world, which is the group that matters most in the end. To win the top honor four years in a row is so amazing, I can’t thank everyone who voted for me enough.” Currently Mulanovich is competing aggressively at the Billabong Girls Pro Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sofia Mulanovich was not the only Roxy girl making waves at this year’s award ceremony. Sixteen-year-old “Queen of the Groms” Carissa Moore nailed the #3 spot for the second consecutive year.  Over the past five years Carissa Moore has captured the surf world by storm with her incredible talent and vibrant personality.  Amassing a fan club that includes Kelly Slater, who said, “she’s a refreshing face of humility and kindness.  And she’s arguably one of the best ever at her age, in any sport.”  Moore thanked her fans and her father for the support given to her.

Sofia Mulanovich, the world’s first Latin American surfing champ, and Carissa Moore are proud members of the Roxy surf team.  Leaders both in and out of the water, they embody the spirit and heritage of the Roxy culture.

Surfer Magazine just announced the video nominees for the highly anticipated and prestigious Surfer Poll and Video Awards for the 36th Annual ceremony presented by Suzuki Auto.  And even though he has made the transition over to the big leagues to the E Channel and the host of “The Daily Ten” Sal Masekela will co-host the event along with Benji Weatherly.  And it doesn’t end there.  Super Hipster Mickey Avalon and his questionable rapping will take the stage and perform. 

The five nominees for the prestigious “Movie of the Year” title are Just Add Water, Out There, Dude Cruise, Surfwise and Bustin’ Down the Door. The nominees for the remaining video categories have also been finalized and include:

 
Heavy Water
Garrett McNamara (Out There)
Mark Mathews (Sessions)
Ian Walsh (The Life)
Shane Dorian (Out There)
 
Worst Wipeout
Raimana Van Bastolaer (Out There)
Garrett McNamara (Out There)
Mark Healey (The Life)
Maya Gabeira (Second To None)
Andrew Mooney (Sessions)
 
Best Tube Ride
Kalani Chapman (Second To None)
Yadin Nicol (Life As A Movie)
Ricky Basnett (The Pursuit)
Cory Lopez (The Life)
Timmy Reyes (The Life)
 
Best Female Performance
Bethany Hamilton (Walking On Water)
Stephanie Gilmore (Somewhere)
Jessi Miley-Dyer (Somewhere)
Sarah Gerhardt (One Winter Story)
Maya Gabeira (Out There)
 
Best Male Performance
Dane Reynolds (Dude Cruise)
Clay Marzo (Just Add Water)
Bruce Irons (Dude Cruise)
Jordy Smith (The Life)
Mick Fanning (Lightning Strikes)
 
Best Maneuver
Dane Reynolds (Dude Cruise)
Dion Agius (Behind The Black Curtain)
Dane Reynolds (Dude Cruise)
Pat Gudauskas (The Pursuit)
Clay Marzo (Just Add Water)
 
Best Cinematography
Just Add Water
Out There
Under The Sun
Waterman
Walking On Water

Best Documentary
Surfwise
Bustin’ Down The Door
Between The Lines
Under The Sun
Archy

In addition to the Video Awards and the unveiling of the top 10 male and top five female SURFER Poll winners, honors will be presented for “Breakthrough Filmmaker,” “Breakthrough Performer” and the first-ever “Agent of Change” award for a surfer who is making a difference.
 
The 36th annual SURFER Poll and Video Awards will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 at The Grove of Anaheim. Attendance is by invitation only, but the event will be Web cast live at www.surferpoll.com   from 7-10 p.m. and will air on FUEL TV on October 27 in the “Meet & Brotatoes” Monday night special block at 8pm ET/PT. Check www.fuel.tv for additional airdates and times.

To vote for your favorite, go to www.surferpoll.com. Best bet is that Kelly Slater will end up missing out on the top spot for the first time in ages since Mick Fanning was so dominant last year.

For more about the site, check out the press release that follows. Otherwise, feel free to check out our coverage from last year’s party (including photos).

2008 SURFER POLL WEBSITE IS LIVE
Voting for 36th SURFER Poll And Video Awards Presented by Suzuki Automotive Continues Through Aug. 15

DANA POINT, Calif. (July 8, 2008) — With votes pouring in, the 36th SURFER Poll and Video Awards presented by Suzuki Automotive is shaping up to be another contentious battle to the finish. As of today, the official website at www.surferpoll.com  is live and offers a plethora of background information to inspire voting. Readers can cast their ballot now through Aug. 15.

Before casting a vote, readers are encouraged to explore past winners, memorable moments, historical photos and videos, and hilarious past SURFER Poll Skits. The site offers a behind the scenes look at the SURFER Polls over the years and a chance for SURFER readers and fans to see what actually goes down at the annual Awards show, touted as the biggest night in surfing.

In addition to voting for the top 10 male and the top five female surfers, readers may also nominate the film they deem worthy of the coveted 2008 Video of the Year.

Not only will casting a ballot allow SURFER readers a chance to voice their opinion, but this year one lucky voter and four friends will receive a VIP pass to the 2008 SURFER Poll Awards Show held at The Grove of Anaheim on Sept. 9. The invite-only Awards show is always a who’s who of modern day surfing stars and legends, celebrities, action sports elite and industry insiders.

For those who don’t get the lucrative invite, not all is lost as the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards will be webcast live at www.surferpoll.com and will air on FUEL TV on October 27 in the “Meet & Brotatoes” Monday night special block at 8pm ET/PT.

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.