The planet’s best big wave surfers, photographers, filmers and fans gathered at the Grove in Anaheim on Friday night to celebrate another boundary-pushing season of big wave surfing at the 2013 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. Here are the six important points from the night:
1. Alex Gray and Mark Occhilupo made for fine, rowdy and hilariously interactive hosts. They graciously congratulated the winners, spoke highly of all the nominees, and marveled at the progress of their beloved sport.
2. Shawn Dollar won $35,000 in the form of two awards (Biggest Wave, Pacifico Paddle and an additional nomination) for a Guinness World Record breaking wave (at 61 feet tall) which he paddled into at Cortes Banks. Ken “Skindog” Collins threw wads of cash in the air each time Dollar was called to the stage. Dollar said upon accepting the award, “When Peter Mel called me to go on that mission I didn’t even want to go.” He dedicated his wave to the late Sion Milosky. Good on ya’ mate.
3. Aussie Chris Shanahan won the XXL Wipeout Award for a monster of a thrashing he took at The Right. He wasn’t in attendance. Alex Gray theorized he was likely off being a “Mad Aussie.”
4. New mother Keala Kennelly was underpaid ($5,000) for winning the Billabong Girls Performance Award. She had a lot (of good things) to say. Dave Wassel later admits she has a large set of balls. Click here to see why. It’s safe to say women’s big-wave surfing is in good, strong hands.
5. Greg Long humbly received the Best Overall Perfomance Award. In a well-worded, lengthy speech Greg thanked friends, family, and those who saved his life during a near-drowning experience at Cortes Banks. Including the Coast Guard crew that flew out to get him (who were in attendance and recieved a standing ovation).
6. Shane Dorian went home with two awards for his unbelievable barrel at Jaws earlier this season. Dorian won $55,000 (and lost a bet to Dave Wassel) for the Pacifico Tube and Billabong XXL Ride of The Year. When Dorian’s name was first announced for winning the Pacifico Tube Award he couldn’t be found for a couple minutes. Occy had to yell over the microphone for Dorian to put down his drink and come get his check.
Here’s to another safe and successful season ahead.
