| Maxime Huscenot is the European surfer of the year |
| Monday, 04 October 2010 14:35 |
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The annual European surf industry gala dinner took place last Friday, October 1st, 2010 in a new location, the Quiksilver Campus in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France. Organized by EuroSIMA, the European boardsports industry manufacturers association, the Waterman’s Ball aims to federate the boardsports industry and raise funds to promote ecological and environmental organizations. ECOLOGICAL INNOVATION PRIZE A panel of experts gathered by the EuroSIMA Cluster assigned the 2010 Ecological Innovation Prize of 5000 euros to the brand Völkl for its ranges of eco-friendly snowboards – Cashew, Yavana, and Vice – designed in accordance with sustainable development considerations. The boards are all equipped with a tear-proof hemp/canvas surface instead of plastic topsheet, with flexible wooden instead of traditional ABS sidewalls. The edges are constructed of recycled steel and only minimal amounts of resin and other toxic materials were used. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION PRIZE The same experts awarded the 2010 Technological Innovation Prize of 5000 euros to Sport Contrôle for the protective earplugs SORKY developed in partnership with Sympatex. The SORKY aims to protect ears from infections or other diseases linked with aquatic activities while ensuring ease of use, hearing and balance. An awareness of a health problem that affects many board sports participants! PERFORMANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD GSM Europe (Billabong, Element, Von Zipper, Nixon, Tigerlily, Dakine, Xcel, Sector 9, 2 Seasons, Kustom, Honolua, Palmers, RVCA) was awarded for its 2009-2010 results but also for its steady growth for the past 10 years, as well as for its promising business perspectives for years to come thanks to an outstanding collection of youth lifestyle brands. EUROPEAN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD Maxime Huscenot received the European Athlete of the Year award for his ASP World Junior title at Narrabeen, Australia. The 17 year-old Reunion Island surfer entered the French surfing history by becoming the first European surfer to win this trophy. EuroSIMA SPECIAL AWARD The EuroSIMA Board honored Amaury Lavernhe with the EuroSIMA Special Award for his exceptional performance on the IBA world tour. Amaury won the 2010 professional bodyboard world champion title before the end of the world tour. It is the first time in the history of professional action sports that a French athlete (and moreover a European) has reached such a level! LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Michel Hoff, former general manager of SAS Aupa Hoff and EuroSIMA founder member, received the Lifetime Achievement award for his active contribution to the development of the boardsports industry and culture in France and Europe.
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