Gorge windsurfers have spoken. The winners for the 2010 Gorge Windsurf Awards were announced at Sailworks’s end-of-season party on Sunday, September 5th.
The nominees were sent in from the windsurf community and voted on by 164 participants.
The winners and nominees are as follows:
MOST SELFLESS WINDSURFER - This may reflect a one-time rescue or rescue attempt or several selfless acts of kindness to fellow Gorge windsurfers.
Nominees:
Bruce Peterson
Temira Wagonfeld
Jim Tracy
And the winner is Bruce Peterson.
“Bruce has committed his entire life to promote windsurfing. He is a person who will bend over backward to get you out on the water and have fun. He helps out anyone with questions about any aspect of the sport. On the beach, he is always handing out spare parts and tidbits of critical information.”
MOST STOKED – You know these people- their smiles are contagious and add to your stoke. His or her positive attitude inspires and adds joy to your sessions.
Nominees:
Sean Aiken
Rael Isakowitz
Colleen Mihalik
Wyatt Miller
Daryl Morrissey
Bart Vervloet
Rob Warwick
MacRae Wylde
Jeff Young (posthumous nomination)
And the winner is Sean Aiken.
“Sean Aiken is old school Hood River, yet remains as innovative today as he was in the 80s. He has an encouraging spirit and enthusiasm for all things outdoors.”
DALE COOK BIG AIR AWARD - We all know Dale gets the biggest airs in the Gorge; that’s why we named this award after him. Now we want to know who else is going big and hucking huge.
Nominees:
Diane Chicon
Sven Esslinger
Brian Metcalf Perez
Garth Pond
And the winner is Garth Pond.
“Garth has an amazing amount of energy, passion, and enthusiasm for windsurfing – even after many years of sailing. He is extremely humble and modest about his gifted talents on the water, whether he is hucking big, doing an amazing laydown jibe on a swell, or just smok’n fast at the Hatch. He is always positive, has a smile to share, and is inspirational to many.”
GROM OF THE YEAR – Groms 18 years of age and under are a big part of the Gorge windsurfing community. This youth windsurfer is a good role model for his or her peers & enthusiastic about Gorge windsurfing.
Nominees:
Fiona Wylde
And the winner is Fiona Wylde.
“Fiona’s love of the sport is infectious. She wants to do everything. She has competed in wave, formula, slalom, long distance, and freestyle this year. Her results have been great, but more importantly, she has tried to improve herself every time she is on the water. She simply loves to sail.”
GORGE WINDSURFER OF THE YEAR – This person is a steward of the Gorge and of windsurfing. He or she is a positive influence within the community. Overall good spirit, friendly windsurfer, kind to comrades and strangers, embodies and/or respects the Gorge lifestyle, etc.
Nominees:
Sean Aiken
Lars Bergstrom
Nathan Mershon
Jim Oakes
And the winner is Jim Oakes.
“Jim is out there every windy day for the sheer love of it. The guy goes off, has the full bag of tricks, but just does his own thing for the pure joy it brings him- he is not trying to show off for the crowds or cameras or trying to win any awards or accolades- he just loves to sail!”
FRED NOBLE GOLDEN SHOVEL AWARD – This award goes to an outstanding volunteer and supporter of CGWA and Gorge windsurfing. The original recipient, Fred Noble, left his mark on most sites in the Gorge by literally digging in and creating new beaches at a time when beach access in the Gorge was scarce. This year, the Board of Directors selected a person who has worked largely behind the scenes, donating several weekends and then some in support of CGWA. Her smile lights up a room, and her hard work and dedication to the swap meets and other events are incredibly appreciated by the Board of Directors.
And the winner is Vel Budworth.