The USA’s Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA) has announced the award recipients of their annual Waterman’s Weekend. The two-day fundraising event raises money for SIMA’s Environmental fund which awards grants to a variety of environmental groups. In 2009, the weekend raised more than $400,000USD for 17 ocean conservation groups. The beneficiaries for this year’s event will be named in the next few weeks.

For 2010, the Waterman of the Year award goes to three time world champ Tom Curren who is credited as the leader of the surfing revolution of the ‘80s and world renowned for his stylish yet powerful surfing. “As surfing's style master, honoring Tom Curren as Waterman of the Year has been a long time coming,” said Doug Palladini, SIMA President and the VP of Marketing for Vans. “His one-of-a-kind, soulful style ignited the surf industry in the 1980s and continues to inspire surfers today. It is truly an honor to recognize Tom for his accomplishments and contributions to surfing at the 2010 Waterman’s Weekend.”

Environmentalist of the Year goes to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who has been named as one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” and is regarded as an international leader in sustainable development and stakeholder consensus negotiations. Kennedy also serves as Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper. “The SIMA Environmental Board of Directors could not be more elated to honor such a worthy environmentalist and true advocate of our waters as this year’s SIMA Environmentalist of the Year,” commented Naude.

 Finally, SIMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to arguably the world’s most well known shaper, Al Merrick. “The names Al Merrick and Channel Islands are praised by surfers around the globe,” said Palladini. “Al has truly been instrumental in growing the sport of surfing through his artistic and innovative board building.” 
The 2010 Waterman’s Weekend will be held July 8-9. The weekend begins with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, and culminates on Friday, July 9, with the 21st annual Waterman’s Ball and auction to be held at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Calif.