Waterman's Ball: Excellently Accessorized
The annual Surf Industry Manufacturers Association's Waterman's Ball featured the usual cast of industry legends and bigwigs, from surf pioneer Gerry Lopez and Rob Machado, the poster boy for big hair and cool style, to Hurley's Bob Hurley and Volcom's Richard "Wooly" Woolcott. Held Aug. 7 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, SIMA's Waterman's Ball honored its own and raised funds for 18 ocean and environmental charities. Machado took home the Waterman of the Year award; surfer and activist Dave "Rasta" Rastovich was honored as Environmentalist of the Year; and much-loved Dick Baker, the late SIMA president and surf executive, was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, which his sons, Jack and Ryan, and wife, Una, accepted on his behalf.
The event, which included auctions of everything from hybrid cars and travel to surf-inspired art and surf boards, drew a healthy cross-section of the surf industry - much of it stylish. As is to be expected, some dudes showed up in T-shirts, but the more sartorially-minded opted for quirky and cool accessories. Standouts included sneakers spray-painted neon pink, moss green driving shoes and neckware ranging from bowties to colorful ties.
I played street style photographer for the evening. I have to say, it's a pretty fun gig.
Reef co-founder Fernando Aguerre enjoys the occassional hat
Dylan Odbert in the forefront, The Dude in the background. In this case, I consider the beard/sunglasses combo an accessory.
That's a good tie.
A good bow tie.
A selection of the cool shoes. I'll point out that both pairs of green shoes belong to writers. Coincidence?
Excellent combination of colors, prints and patterns. Nicely done, sir.
Rob Machado (left) wins both Waterman of the Year and Most Enviable Volume. Monica Wise (center) of L*Space and her friend didn't even stand a chance.
