A Place In The Sun: The Winners

Last week we wrapped our A Place In The Sun competition. We had 10 of our favourite surf companies each create a unique pair of trunks, free of economic limitations and aiming well outside the box.

This was a contest where we wanted the included designers to create the most contemporary and stylish beach trunk. Built not just for surfing (we wanted to avoid a batch of four-way stretch hyperflex heat-welded seams trunks although we’re not necessarily adverse to that style) but for summertime living after surfing.

And, so, we wanted a trunk that stands out from the pack.

That was well-made and well-finished.

That made women gape at the man inflating ’em.

That had that indefinable something.

The overwhelmingly posi response from the designers wrapped like a warm blanket. Because we couldn’t choose our favourite (they were all brill), we had to bring in some outside experts…

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Expert Designer’s Choice Award

First, there was our expert’s choice, a man who’s been in the game as long as anyone and who’s iconic heft should be most trusted: Shawn Stussy. The man who started the world’s raddest streetwear label chose…

Volcom

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Filmmaker’s Choice Award

Second, the video element. We cracked open the nut of Thomas Campbell, who’s art and, more pertinently, film work, we have always adored, and scooped out our best clip winner: 

Afends

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People’s Choice Award (and Overall Winner)

Then of course, there was you, the people, who for the second consecutive year, voted via much social media prompting, and revealed your favourite. And since we had a different winner for each category, and the People’s Choice Award holds the most weight, our overall winner, for the second year running, is…

The Critical Slide Society 

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Bravo TCSS. See you at the cover shoot.

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Oh oh oh, and the man who dropped the best comment? If we’re honest, it was slim pickings from our usually savvy commentators. But playful, tasteful wit always trumps. And one comment on The Critical Slide Society’s page ticked most boxes. It was written by:

Bondi Boi

It read:

“super cute” “extra grip” “just looks pretty” “full circumference” sounds like rama is describing his new indonesian lover wayan, not boardshorts

Come [email protected] boy from Bondi, and we shall feed you 10 pairs of one-off trunks…

Now, go find A Place In The Sun.