EUROSIMA’s 19th Waterman’s Ball
On October 5, EUROSIMA brought together the European surf industry at the Hossegor Casino for the 19th edition of the annual Waterman’s Ball.
Nearly 200 guests – CEOs, public representatives, pro surfers, journalists and celebrities attended the event. EUROSIMA President Wilco Prins, kicked of the traditional European Surf Industry Awards ceremony by inviting surf legend Tom Carroll to join him on stage to launch his “1980-1985” photo exposition. This was a tribute to the 80s through twenty images from the Australian World Champion’s private collection. The awards ceremony began with a heart-felt tribute 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 from other legendary brands, including François Payot, Frédéric Basse and Stephen Bell shared their own personal recorded tributes. Pierre was awarded the Life me Achievement Award in recognition of the exceptional accomplishments in his career. Pierre always wanted to encourage the newest generation and this year EUROSIMA, decided for the first me to hand out a “Rookie of the year” award” which was presented by Miky Picon, Global Sports Marketing Surf Manager at Quiksilver to young French surfer Justin Bécret for his results on the international junior pro tour.
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. Jérémy Flores, received the European Male Surfer of the Year Award for his 2 victories at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii (2010 and 2017) and for taking 3rd place at the Tahiti Pro at Teahupoo.
Quiksilver won the Beach Party contest award and also received the Product of the Year Award for their inflatable Highline Airline vest. The evening then reached its climax with a solo concert by musician and surfer Lee-Ann Curren.
