Twiggy makes history by winning 'Ride of the Year Award' at the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards

Twiggy has made history after winning the premier ‘Ride of the Year Award’ at the prestigious Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards, in California this evening (23rd April) and early this morning SA time. During a glittering ceremony, with over 2000 guests in attendance plus hundreds of thousands watching around the world via webcast, the proud Durbanite stood behind the podium with his Bafana Bafana scarf draped over his shoulders and monetarily soaked up the overwhelming atmosphere. He lifted the $50 000 winners check above him and claimed; ‘South Africa is a proud nation. We are hosting the Soccer World Cup this year and tonight I am proudly South African’.

Twiggy was presented with the evening’s most sought after award by last year’s winner and close friend, Greg Long. The build up saw all nominees on stage nervously awaiting the envelope. One by one Greg read the results out from 5th to 3rd place. When it came time to present the winner it was Ramon Navarro from Chile and Twig standing shoulder to shoulder on stage. Ramon was given second, making Twig the winner.

Twiggy thanked all nominees and the current El Niño for a remarkable big wave season. ‘I did not expect this,’ said Twig in front of the mic. He also thanked everyone back in South Africa for the support, especially all his Dungeons peers.

After the speech Zigzag got on the phone and called Twiggy for a one on one take on the historical moment. ‘This was for Andy (Marr) for coming second, when he should have won in 2008,’ said Twig over the crackling line.

‘I think a big factor for this award has been Dungeons and the Big Wave Africa. South African big wave surfing was always there. It just needed the world to take notice. The Big Wave Africa showed that. We used to have to go to Mavericks to prove ourselves, now it is almost the other way around. I want to thank the Dungeons crew. Especially Simon Lowe. Simon called it. He said I was going to win.’

‘I have had a lot of support from back home and thank everyone in South Africa for that. Thank you auntie Cheron, Cheo, Aari, my family working on the orphanage and to all the support back home. This is for all of you,’ said Twig.

In his acceptance speech grant claimed that drinks were on him. With hundreds expected at the after party, the prize money might just be spent in one evening. Congratulations Twig you made SA proud today.