Surf Expo SVP Roy Turner and SIMA Environmental Fund President Paul Naude.
ORLANDO, Fla.– (August 25, 2022) – Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, is proud to continue its support of the Waterman’s event, an industry gala and auction that raises money for the Surf Industry Members Association’s Environmental Fund.
Waterman’s 2022 took place on Saturday, Aug. 13, at The Ranch in Laguna Beach with proceeds benefitting 15 ocean and coastal charities including Surfrider Foundation, Surfers Against Sewage, Clean Ocean Action, Heal the Bay, and the North Shore Community Land Trust.
Surf Expo has been a main sponsor of the fundraiser since it started in 1989. To date, the annual event has raised $9 million for ocean and coastal charities.
“Surf Expo has been one of the longest, major sponsors and supporters of SIMA’s annual Waterman’s celebration,” said Paul Naude, president of the SIMA Environmental Fund. “Their contributions over the years have made a significant impact to the ongoing fundraising efforts for the protection of surf spots and our ocean environment.”
The event also honors those who have positively impacted the surf industry. This year’s honorees included
- Gotcha Co-Founder Michael Tomson, Lifetime Achievement Award
- Olympic Gold Medalist Italo Ferreira, Waterperson of the Year
- Marisla Foundation Founder Anne Earhart, Environmentalist of the Year
- Marisla Foundation Executive Director Beto Bedolfe, Co-Environmentalist of the Year
“Protecting our oceans, beaches and waves is crucial not only for the surf industry, but for coastal communities around the world,” said Surf Expo Senior Vice President Roy Turner. “We are happy to support SIMA in its efforts to help the grassroots organizations that are making a difference on the ground.”
