Rocking out to an electro-bass-synth, the 4th annual SA Surfing Awards went off in classic style on Sunday evening (4 July) at Suncoast Casino in Durban. The 80's themed gala event drew the who's who of SA surfing in a neon celebration. SA surfing legends were honoured and the very best SA surfers were given their due. Most notably was the chief award of the night, the 'SA Surfer of the Year Award', which went to SA’s next great hope for a world title, Jordan Michael Smith.
In a short space of time Jordy has a gone from dominating the local junior ranks to being a world beater, leaping up to 11h place on the 2009 ASP ratings. But it was not only Jordy’s 2009 charge up the ASP ranks that earned him the prestigious nod. His freakish free-surfing performances captured on film last year was also a factor in earning the Durban surfer the right to take on the Title of SA Surfer of the Year.
Recipients of other awards on the evening were Cape Town big wave rider Chris Bertish, whose underdog performance in the Mavericks contest certainly helped sway the decision to give him the ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ Award. At the Mavericks event, the modest South African claimed with gold in conditions called by many as ‘the biggest surf ever for a contest’. Along with the likes of Grant Baker (Durban), Bertish has been instrumental in putting South Africa’s name on top. The ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ award is by no means limited to big wave accomplishments, but it was once again a big wave surfer who raised his hand for the award this year.
One of the extraordinary moments of the event took place spontaneously, almost un-announced, when Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker was asked to join fellow big wave charger, Chris Bertish on stage. The two big wave combatants stood side by side as they were venerated with official South Africa surfing colours, handed over by Surfing South Africa’s Robin De Kock. After donning his newly acquired Springbok blazer a highly stoked Twiggy strode up to the mic and mentioned that this was one of his most ‘special moments that he had ever experienced’. Chris also offered an emotional and heart felt message where he mentioned that he had finally realized his life dream and that he dedicated his 'Pushing the Boundaries Award' to all South African surfers who put their heart and minds into reaching their goals.
During the evening three South African surf legends were also inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame, namely Peers Pittard, Christine Petrucci (1942-2009) and Hugh Roe. Classic archive photos of Peers, Christine and Hugh accompanied the legends as they were honoured in front of the packed auditorium. Christine’s award was accepted on her behalf by her son and daughter.
The Surf Photographer of the Year award was deservedly won by Greg Ewing (Durban), whose continued hard work and dedication to the art has helped him emerge as the country’s leading surf photographer over the past 12 months. The award was decided by a public vote and a prestigious panel that included Surfer Magazine photo editor Grant Ellis, Surfing Magazine photo editor Peter Taras, and legendary SA lensman Chris van Lennep.
The Blowing Up Performer Award, awarded to the country’s most exciting up and coming junior surfer under the age of 20, was presented to Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga) who has wreaked havoc on the local contest scene, stepped it up overseas with an impressive ASP WQS campaign beyond his years, captained the SA team, and set the benchmark with his freesurfing.
Cecil Solomon (Cape Town) was given the 'Agent of Change Award'. The award goes to an individual, group or body who embodies this spirit of transformation, spreading the stoke of surfing among all communities and at all levels. Cecil has done exactly that for more than 20 years, as founder of the country’s first non-racial surf club, and growing through the ranks of the unified sporting body to become president of Surfing South Africa. His energy has remained focused on grass roots level surfing, and he has achieved it all with a humble approach and nothing but the love the surfing as his reward.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship by Carling Black Label, Brandon Jackson and Steven Price were able to walk away with 6 and 12 month supplies of the product for the best 80’s getout and most ridiculous 80’s kit respectively.
Both ASP Africa and Surfing South Africa were integral to the South African Surfing Awards again this year, and South Africa’s top surfers on the domestic circuits were honoured on the evening. The floating trophies for ASP Africa went to Royden Bryson from Cape Town (Men’s Division), Chad du Toit from Durban (Pro Junior Men) and Sarah Baum from Durban (Pro Junior Women). The Surfing South Africa Pro Surf Tour winners were Bianca Buitendag from George (Pro Junior Girls), Chris Leppan from Umhlanga Rocks (Pro Junior Boys), Chantal Rautenbach from Melkbos Strand (Women) and Warner Beach powerhouse Gary van Wieringen in the Men’s. All the tour winners, along with the recipients of the various other awards, were presented with giant canvases of themselves surfing to commemorate the evening.
South African surfers who qualified for the World Tour include Nikita Robb (East London), Rosy Hodge (East London), Travis Logie (Durban) and Jordy Smith (Durban).
The 4th Annual SA Surfing Awards was proudly presented by Zigzag and Surfing South Africa in association with Paarl Media and Carling Black Label.
