South Africa’s Rosanne Hodge has been named Most Improved Female Surfer at the ASP World Champions’ Crowning gala, the premiere evening in professional surfing, in Queensland, Australia.
Hodge, who was a silver medallist for South Africa at the ISA World Surfing Games in Costa Rica last year, qualified for her fourth consecutive season on the ASP Women’s World Tour by finishing 2009 ranked ninth in the world, the first time the 22-year-old East Londoner has earned a place in the world’s top 10.
Taking top honours for the evening were Australia’s Gold Coast duo Mick Fanning, 28, and Stephanie Gilmore, 22, who were officially crowned ASP World Champion and ASP Women’s World Champion respectively.
Kelly Slater (US), 38, former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No 6, presented Fanning with his ASP World Title trophy.
Joel Parkinson (Aus), 28, and Silvana Lima (Bra), 25, were honored as 2009 ASP World Runner-Up and ASP Women’s World Runner-Up respectively, and both gave heartfelt speeches, acknowledging the progression of the sport and the dynamic changes that will be activated this season.
Harley Ingleby (Aus), 26, secured his inaugural ASP World Longboard Title while Jennifer Smith (US), 23, attained her second ASP Women’s World Longboard Title.
Maxime Huscenot (Reu), 17, and Laura Enever (Aus), 18, were honored as ASP World Junior Champions, and usher in the next generation of sporting super talents.
Dane Reynolds (US), 24, was the mens’ recipiend for the ASP Most Improved Award, while Kekoa Bacalso (Haw), 24, and Coco Ho (Haw), 18, were awarded ASP Rookie of the Year titles.
Ho was honoured a second time, taking out the 2009 ASP Women’s World Qualifying Series (WQS), while Dan Ross (Aus) was honoured at the 2009 ASP WQS No 1.
Kieren Perrow (Aus), current ASP World No 13, was honoured with the ASP Peter Whitaker Award (named after the late ASP CEO) for his immeasurable contribution to the sport of surfing. The 33-year-old was an integral voice in the enhancements to the 2010 ASP World Tour.
Australia’s Layne Beachley, former seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion, was honoured with ASP Life Membership, and despite not being able to attend, the 37-year-odl star provided a video acceptance from Vancouver where she is attending the Winter Olympics.
The world’s best surfers will kick off the 2010 tour this week at Snapper Rocks for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover and the Roxy Pro.
Article Source: http://www.sascoc.co.za/
