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Maya (left) and the father of the surf industry. Photo: Instagram
Maya (left) and the father of the surf industry. Photo: Instagram

World Record big wave surfer Maya Gabeira roasts surf industry after annual Waterman’s Ball award show!

"I forgot a surf industry even exists."

You may, or may not, know that the annual Waterman’s Weekend took place some few days ago with the more appropriately, but chunky, titled Waterpersons of the Year awards presented by Surf Industry and going to Art Brewer (lifetime achievement), Dr. Cliff Kapono (environmentalist of the year) plus Justine Dupont (Waterperson of the Year). Hosted by the World Surf League Chief of Sport Jessi Miley-Dyer, in lieu of the handsy former CEO Erik Logan, it can almost be guaranteed that there was no dry eyes in the house.

Historic.

The award, once hoisted by professional surfing’s owner Dirk Ziff and his wife Natasha, was in good hands with Dupont and praise was near universal, Miley-Dyer herself leading the charge.

It was my absolute privilege to present the Sima Waterperson of the Year award this weekend to @justinedupont33 whose passion, courage, and skill have not only redefined the sport of surfing but have also inspired countless others to embrace to push their limits,” she penned. “And, it was extra special to be there for her while she made her own exciting announcement on the stage! Justine’s humility, kindness, and sportsmanship have not only endeared her fans to worldwide but have also made her a role model for young athletes everywhere. I know the best is yet to come for you!”

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Erin Brooks raised the roof while others made praying hands.

Record holding big wave surfer Maya Gabeira, though, wrote, “@surf_industry I forgot a surf industry even exists.

To be quite honest, I had too but, magically, the industry responded, itself, declaring, “We’ve been at it for 34 years. Where have you been? You’re always welcome here,” while throwing a shaka for good measure.

Well who would have ever guessed?

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And who knew its birthday was 1989?

Makes sense, I guess.

Martin Potter likely father.

Gabeira seems to have her hands full, in any case, working for the UN now and continuing to defy Kelly Slater by riding big waves.

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David Lee Scales and I did not discuss waterpersons of years but did entertain many other subjects that will be sure to interest you including, but not limited to, Laird Hamilton, Devon Howard… and maybe that’s all.

Worth listening to for a story about Sunny Garcia and Andy Irons in the wild.

Enjoy.

This story 4992 has been brought to you by Drink AG1. And that is all I have to say about that.

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World Shaving League

Maya´s still dating that German guy with a german name that I can’t remember??
I heard that now, after fame and awards in big waves, they are going to enroll in a Surf school to learn how to Surf and in the future, try to win the XXL Surf awards. I have a lot of faith in these two; I bet all my money on them

Low wide stinkbug stance

Cmon chas you could at least use the photo where she’s meeting the pope. Stalk her profile and its right there.

Theres even a nice play on words to be had with your caption about father of surf industry.

Frankie don’t surf?

tim_nelsen

JMD could have said same about Chas, IMO.

munnstrosity

I think clunky is a better word than chunky for Waterperson of the Year.

tim_nelsen

i’m on the blog but got re-directed to a commercial…re-ask questions to Warshaw ’bout Mickey…mouse/ “Here with David Lee…” Taxi walk-on song?

Hippy

When is JP going to drop his report on the Huntington connie?

Hippy

Will Erik Logan win the Waterman of the Year award next year posthumously?

Hippy

In anticipation of this sure thing awarding….

I will host a party to watch the awards show!

Going to ask Derek to run a live thread!

Black Tie amigos. Shoes optional.

Rocks local

… never suggest, imply or even respond to a query re whether a live thread should or should not be opened. It’s a kiss of death for said thread. Like stepping on the first base chalk line walking to the dugout, or leaving a live game before it ends.

Picard Madeoff

Are you anticipating that Elo bagged his ideal surfer boi?

astro

I remembermber when Wooz used to say the same or similar about Bethany….
Weasl words.

Hippy

hey astro, who is Justine dupont?

astro

French. Also on ISA committee board thingy. Which is why the award most likely…..

Hippy

The bar for that award is that low?

astro

Hey, Dirk n Natasha….. what more can I say.

Hippy

Thanks for trying.

Ok, NOT a trick question….

Who is DLS?

astro

It’s a fucken good question, hip.
No one knows.
I think it’s chas’ imaginary drinking buddy …

Hippy

Think he was the dude who captained the failed boating trip.

Low wide stinkbug stance

Was in some 80s hair band i think.

tim_nelsen

“meet me at the bar, Justine!”

Derek Hynd's Missing Fins

Chas, what are you going to do to celebrate 5000? Write another 12 pointless others in quick succession?

frank

he will. and they will all be about the 5000 articles, soooo meta

Sellme fitzgobbins

Seems after years of trying to be the most self promoting /winningest big wave woman ever Maya has forgotten the surf industry?
Is is because now there are some women that are good?
I am confused ?

Gil Gunderson

What was Juzzy’s exciting announcement? What have I missed? Pregnant? Retirement? Gender transition? Did she go all Asia Argento on Elo? So many fucking questions!!!!

tim_nelsen

Anthony Bourdain wished he had never visited Asia. RIP. now he WAS worthy of the enviro award ’cause he WAS inspiring US to see the foods of the world. growers are, after all, the first enviros!

Pauly Matt War-Shore
Gil Gunderson

Actual laugh out loud!

Dogsnuts

You can retire now xox

Stick man

Justine time eh?

Hippy

I think “Who is Justine Dupont” has replaced “Who is David Lee Scales” for me.

If only I had an IG account to celebrate properly.

Had no idea Maya was Amish.

Michael Flatlately

Whenever I read Justine Dupont I think Johanne Defay.

Occ Topus

Ugh.
How is such confusion possible?
One is young and sexy, the other is of indeterminate age and rather homely (she does charge in big surf, however).

Skippy

Getting whipped into big surf doesn’t count as “charging”.

tim_nelsen

no leash tho. and she couldn’t even body surf to the beach.

Michael Flatlately

In my mind they are young and of indeterminate age, with a homely sexiness. They surf and are/sound French.

Hippy

Gotta concur…. I don’t see anything hot about De Fay.

Maybe whispering in my ear after a box of beers….

ValiantScorn

“Box Beer”
You’re onto something…

tim_nelsen

or a left hook after that compliment. ha!

Michael Flatlately

Onto more important things – will Padang Padang run today? Where is Clay?

tim_nelsen

feel free to break in with new info. what channel?

Michael Flatlately

Still nothing to report.

tim_nelsen

dialed it in…looks fun with tide coming in…no immediate injuries. all leashed up. horizon looks bleak and no new reported swellheads…did you get it?

MyGFsChinese

“young and sexy”

ValiantScorn

Whenever I read Justine Dupont, I think more like Justin Dupont.


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