The 36th annual SURFER Poll and Video Awards Presented by Suzuki Automotive returns to The Grove in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 9, 2008. The history-making event draws the biggest names in surfing, as well as a who’s who of other elite action sports athletes and television, film and reality stars. Generous support from Suzuki Auto, which will present the event for the fourth consecutive year, in addition to other sponsors has allowed the event to grow and evolve to the epic proportions it is today, and this year promises even more great attendees, special guests and surprises.

“Suzuki’s philosophy is to encourage and support people who pursue new experiences and fulfill their sense of discovery, an attitude that clicks with surfing’s free-spirited lifestyle,” said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing for American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “With its rich content and its iconic covers, SURFER has long been a part of the adventure culture Suzuki also embraces, and we are proud of our ongoing relationship with the magazine and with the SURFER Poll and Video Awards.”

With a 36-year legacy, the SURFER Polls have helped write the history books of surfing, honoring greats like Phil Edwards, Nat Young, Mark Richards, Tom Curren, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons—a handful of surfers that have won the Poll and symbolize their respective eras.

“To win the Poll, a surfer has to capture the hearts and minds of the entire surfing world – not just ratings points,” said SURFER Publisher Rick Irons. “Many world champions have never won the SURFER Poll. It really is the most prestigious award in all of surfing, because it’s the hardest to win.”

Beginning in 1963, SURFER Magazine asked its readers to take part in this process, the ordeal of selecting names of the world’s best. For decades, readers have continually answered the call, and the SURFER Poll continues to be a yearly celebration driven by the voices of the fans. Back then, the winners were announced at a semiformal banquet at a small restaurant in Capistrano Beach. Today, the party is bigger and a bit more lavish, but the Awards retain the essence of the Poll, and the party is to connect the readers to the surfers.

In 1996, the SURFER Poll event took on added significance, as SURFER augmented the evening’s festivities with the SURFER Video Awards. By celebrating the achievements of directors, cinematographers, and the world’s best surfers, the SURFER Poll and Video Awards night represents the pinnacle of surf culture. Today, with added awards like the Breakthrough Performer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement, the SURFER Poll and Video Awards Show is unquestionably the surf world’s biggest night out.

The evolution of the SURFER Poll and Video Awards has also seen the eclipse of technology with a multi-dimensional media presentation featuring larger-than-life high definition video and live music. In addition to the surf celebs, the event also ensures a smattering of high profile athletes and stars on site for the festivities. Last year, skater and MTV star Ryan Scheckler was on hand. X-Games skater Jake Brown, who took a massive fall on last year’s ramp, also made an appearance. On stage, the show featured a live performance by Angels and Airwaves.

The event is invite-only, but this year one voter will receive VIP passes to the Awards Show held at The Grove of Anaheim on Sept. 9. For those unable to attend, the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards will be webcast live at www.surferpoll.com and will air on FUEL TV on October 27 in the “Meet & Brotatoes” Monday night special block at 8pm ET/PT.

Special thanks to the sponsors of the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards: Suzuki Automotive, FUEL TV, Red Bull, Boost Mobile.

About SURFER
Upon its inception in 1960, SURFER Magazine brought a unity of voice and vision to an otherwise niche and fragmented sport. Today, the original surf publication is widely recognized as the “Bible of the Sport” and the driving force in the surf world, reaching more surfers worldwide than any other surf magazine. SURFER is part of Source Interlink’s Action Sports Group (ASG) that reaches more than 2 million action sports enthusiasts through an integrated network of magazines, online properties, events, and television programming.

About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2007, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com .

Tags: Surfer

Posted by Cameron on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 in Press Releases.

• -History Repeats Itself at the 2008 SURFER Poll and Video Awards
• -Kelly Slater Passing the Torch
• -KEN BLOCK AND DC TO PRODUCE NEW GYMKHANA VIDEO
• -Tony Hawk Awarded at the 2008 Stoked Awards
• -“The Oscars of Surfing”: 5ones Pick for R.O.T.Y.