Surfwear designers support Surfrider

The surf is always “up” in Newport. Recently, the protectors of the

surf gathered for the 16th annual Waterman’s Ball held at the St.

Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa.

Sponsored by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Assn., the event

attracted a large and diverse gathering of folks under the

chairmanship of Paul Naude of Billabong USA. Quiksilver chief

executive Bob McKnight was front and center, as were Newport

residents Shelley and Bob Hurley, founders of Hurley International.

The big guns of surf attire came to honor Andy Irons, world

champion surf master from Kauai, Hawaii. Irons won the surfing world

championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Also honored was Chris Evans, named environmentalist of the year

by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Assn. Evans, an Orange County

lawyer, was executive director of the Surfrider Foundation.

Larry Moore, a professional photographer with his lens aimed on

the ocean and surfing champions, was lauded with a lifetime

achievement award. Moore’s photographs have graced 43 covers of

Surfing Magazine, among many other publications.

The Waterman’s Ball was only part of the festivities being called

“Waterman’s Weekend.” A golf event and other activities on the Orange

Coast brought together enthusiasts including committee members Dick

Baker, Ross Garrett, Dave Gilovich, Jenna Holland, Lori Jenks, Doug

Palladini, Cindy Sample and John Warner who worked to make the

experience a success.

Funds raised will benefit a number of organizations related to

oceanic concerns. They include the Surfrider Foundation, Ocean

Institute, Wildcoast, Heal the Bay, Orange County CoastKeeper,

Surfing Education Assn., Alaska Wilderness League, Seymour Marine

Discovery Center, Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and the Save

the Waves Coalition.

Spotted in the crowd were local patrons Carla and Shaun Tomson, Ed

Lee, Lyndie Dupuis, Bobby Lockhart, Wing Lam, and Petra and Donavon

Frankenreiter.

Ladies, mark your calendars for Sept. 22 and plan to support the

Sophisticates of the Assessment Treatment Services Center. The 23rd

annual membership reception welcomes public support, as organizers

throw an elegant late summer cocktail supper to thank longtime donors

and celebrate with new friends of the center.

Newport hostess Cindy Gates will open her residence for this

“ladies only” night. For reservations, please call Barbara Magness at

(949) 759-0212. Tickets are $45.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.