Style and emotion at the WSL Awards

Year 40 of the WSL is upon us… well, technically year two under the WSL acronym. The ASP lingers, occasionally making its way out of mouths who tend to forget the rebranding… anyone remember the IPS? If so, you’re probably feeling elderly about now.

Last night at the Gold Coast gala, the world’s best donned their chicest and celebrated the 2015 season. Adriano de Souza and Carissa Moore took their World Title honours. Both received keys to new Jeeps and were fitted with fresh koa wood trophies, ingrained with the names of all the former world champs. The new design also features sand from the beaches where the previous world champs hailed. Oh, the wonderful aura of yesteryears!

The glowing smiles of a beautiful table. Photo: Peter King

ADS tipped his hat to his heroes at the event. He paid tribute to his fallen brethren Ricardo dos Santos, his friends and family members who supported him on the road to bringing the title back to Brazil. He talked through his struggle, his upbringing, his first seven dollar surfboard, his learning experiences and championed the notion of chasing your dream. ADS has never appeared on the cover of an international surf mag, nor a poster in a surf store window. He’s always been the underdog and has fought and scrapped his way into the history books.

Mick and JJF looking slick. Photo: WSL

When Mick Fanning spoke he praised Adriano. “One thing a lot of people don’t know is that when Adriano heard about what happened to me at J-Bay,” Mick said, “he was already at the airport and checked in for his flight. But he turned around and drove all the way back from Port Elizabeth to come and be with me. That’s a huge testament to his character. I love you brother.”

Miss Moore accepted her third world title with glowing adoration… would you expect anything less from the gal? She’s a sweetheart who surfs in a bucket chucking league of her own. Greg Long toted his wheelbarrow on stage to give an always articulate speech in acceptance of his Big Wave World Champion title, which he won by only surfing two of the three events without a win. A second place at Todos and a third at Jaws was enough to solidify his presence as the man holding the title.

John, his lovely date and some elbow. Photo: Peter King

The breakthrough performers of the year were awarded to Filipe Toledo and Courtney Conlogue. Rookies of the year went to Italo Ferreira and Tatiana Weston-Webb. The Junior Champs were Lucas Silveira and Isabella Nichols. And, the heat of the year was awarded to John John Florence, Mick and Kelly Slater’s fourth round showdown at the Pipe Masters. “I got third place in the heat,” laughed Mr Florence. “This is the third year in a row I’ve earned this award for losing.”

Hit me with those laser-beams. Photo: Peter King