Rip Curl Team shines at Surfer Poll Awards
Steph Gilmore, Alana Blanchard & Mick Fanning star at surfing's night of nights...
Costa Mesa, CA (September 17,2009): As surfing’s royalty congregated for yet another year of the industry’s favourite popularity contest and party, the Rip Curl crew was in full effect for the festivities.
Our reigning 2x ASP World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, solidified yet another milestone in her young yet decorated career by winning the 2009 Women’s Surfer Poll.
“It feels amazing,” said Steph shortly after graciously accepting the hardware. “I’ve had such an amazing time living over here, and this makes the experience that much more special.”
Steph becomes Rip Curl’s first Surfer Poll winner in well over a decade, since Curren’s era of Surfer Poll domination came to and end. Having spent 3 months living in so-Cal, working on her video blog site (ripcurl.com/sephintheus), and squeezing in numerous surf trips, this has been a summer to remember for the 21-year old.
Also representing to the fullest for Rip Curl was 2007 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning, who sat comfortably at #4. However, making major strides up the ladder was the always beautiful and cheery Alana Blanchard who remarkably cracked #5 amidst her rookie year on the ASP Women’s World Tour.
“I’m really excited about this,” stated Alana on stage. “Thanks to everyone who voted for me, and everyone who has supported me. Have a great night!”
After months living it up in so-Cal on "holiday", working on her video blog site, and balancing last minute Mexico swell-chasing stints, Steph Gilmore has officially achieved another major milestone in her young yet decorated career: 2009 Surfer Poll Winner.
"It feels amazing," said Steph shortly after graciously accepting the hardware. "I've had such an amazing time living over here, and this makes the experience that much more special."
For Steph, it's back to business. With the ASP Women's World Tour set to resume at the end of this month for the Beachley Classic, Steph currently sits at #1 and has no intentions of relinquishing that top spot.
Visit the Surfer Poll website here
