And The Winners Of Snapt4’s Best Barrel And Monster Maneuver Are…
$10k for you, and you!
Roughly a month ago, Snapt4 premiered online for all to see.
The long-awaited film included parts from 15 of the world’s most electric surfers, all of whom were vying for the grand prize of $50,000 USD.
That award would be won by the surfer with best overall section, as decided by three of Snapt’s original stars — Mick Fanning, Bobby Martinez, and Taj Burrow. The second and third place sections will also win a cash prize.
But the film’s director, Logan ‘Chuckie’ Dulien, wasn’t done there. He also wanted to award the best individual barrel and Monster Maneuver from the film, so he put up $10,000 for each. Much to our surprise, Logan asked if the Stab staff would pick the winners of these particular awards.
Sure, we’ll hand out free money.
The first step was whittling the 50-minute film down to the best few barrels and maneuvers. It wasn’t easy. But here’s where we landed.
Monster Maneuver nominees
Best barrel nominees
Then came the voting.
I was in the unenviable position of collating the choices of my coworkers, who believe it or not, have shockingly different tastes when it comes to quality surfing.
But as the votes started rolling in, I noticed some patterns. Jack Robinson’s name was mentioned early and often, for both categories. Seth Moniz’s pool flip got more votes than expected. Clay Marzo was oddly absent (I personally thought he won at least the Monster Maneuver).
Alas, this is a democratic society. No one man’s vote counts more than another’s, and at the end of the day, we’ve landed with two highly deserving champions. Drum roll, please…
Monster Maneuver winner: Eithan Osborne (for the backside spin on the self-shaped board, sans-leash no less!)
Best Barrel winner: Benji Brand (for his behind-the-peak Pipe bomb)
As a result, Eithan and Benji are each $10k richer, courtesy of Snapt4 sponsors Monster Energy and Banzai Bowls.
Aside from the prize, these wins are each especially meaningful in their own ways.
This is now Eithan’s third “Monster” maneuver win of his career, if you are to include the first Stab High Waco event, and the most recent one in Costa Rica, where he won the Monster Air Award. Kid knows how to go big.
As for Benji, well, this win not only re-emphasizes the fact that he’s one of the best barrel-riders on the face of the earth, but it’s a little wind in the sails of a criminally unsponsored surfer. Seriously, someone get some vinyl on this kid’s nose.
Now, I’m sure you want to know who won the $50k prize for the best Snapt4 section. For legal reasons, I can’t provide that answer just yet, but I promise it will come soon (perhaps Monday?).
What I can say is that the results will cause a firestorm all their own. Salmon Boy has reportedly lawyered up and is already demanding a recount. The decision might go to the Supreme Court.
Keep your eyes on this space.
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