sixty40 2006 Readers Poll Results
posted by Gareth White on 25th March 2007
The
2006 sixty40 Readers Poll results are out and with 2007 well under way I felt that it was high time I got cracking with this write up.
Once again
sixty40 put together a diverse array of talented boogers for the public vote. The competition was tight, "battles" were unknowingly fought and once the mist and fog had cleared, winners were declared.
It has to be said that to receive a nomination in the
sixty40 Readers Poll is an honour all on its own, but to scoop both the Top Male and DK Rider categories requires something special.
Sacha Specker has done just that, having rolled to a landslide victory in the Top Male category over Andre Botha, who came in second and Vaughn Harris, who finished third. He then went on to claim the Top DK spot in a closely fought competition with Brandon Foster in second place and Sascha Taljaard in third.
Putting it quite simply Sacha said he was "stoked" by his wins - "Thanks to everyone who voted for me."
As many of us know Sacha has been ripping it up "Down Under" and is currently ranked 3rd on the Australian Tour-having placed 4th in the Harbourtown Digital Mobile Pro and 2nd in the inaugural Hydro / BSC Flowrider Fiesta. Keep Ripping Sacha, we all wish you the best on your travels.
They say dynamite comes in small packages and Lize-Mari Ras is no exception to the rule. Her petite frame hides her abundance of bodyboarding talent. Rightfully so she clenched the Award for Top Female Rider for 2006, with Kamala Botha and Lyndall Pells coming in second and third.
"I was sitting in a lecture when my mum phoned – telling me that I'd been voted Top Female Rider. Wow, my heart was beating so fast. I wanted to run around campus screaming to everyone how stoked I was, but unfortunately I couldn't do that! I have moved to Cape Town to study for the next three years. This year I want to improve my bodyboarding and push the woman's standard to the next level," said Ras.
"I'd like to thank Jesus-Christ – I know he's always got my back! Then my Family who stood by me 100%, a special thanks to Ryan Van der Afoort who got me hooked on the sport and kept me inspired. Thanks so much – I feel extremely honoured!" added Ras.
Courage should not be judged by what others view as being courageous, but rather as something you yourself see as testing your personal limits. Those that "ride monsters" must have tons of courage and "you-know-what's" the size of melons! The Top Big Wave Rider for 2006 went to Andre Botha, having narrowly ousted Alistair Taylor from the top spot by a single point, Peter Lambert came in third.
Unfortunately Botha was unavailable for comment. Andre has been ripping it up this past season in Hawaii, having finished in a respectable fourth at the, 2007, Rockstar Games Pipeline Pro. There's no doubt in my mind that he has been riding some big ones.
Our country is filled with top riders, all pushing the limits, so it‘s nice to give props where they are due. This years Most Underrated Rider went to KZN's, Robert Gray.
"Underrated, that's cool. It's super to know there's support from the people out there. Gets me amped for bigger barrels and crazier launches this year," said Gray
Top Grommet went to none other than "Slaapstads" very own, Jared Houston. Adam Morley came in second and Marthinus Botha third. Houston has owned this honour for the past two years and he deserves the credit - he's pulling off more busts than the SAPS.
"I'm really stoked thanks to
sixty40 for hosting the poll, thanks to everyone who voted and thanks to my parents, sponsors, Jesus and to all my peers constantly pushing my level, rock on guys," said Houston.
"Plans for this year are to finish my Matric. I'm working to earn money for Hawaii which is where I'll be for the season. From there on I'll be in Oz competing on the Tour and hopefully the World Tour. As for SA, I want to make the finals and win every competition I enter whether it be Pro, or Juniors and I want to promote my sponsors, ATD, Sport ‘n Surf, Reef and Arnette with all I have." added Houston.
Where would bodyboarding be without those that spend hours staring down the lense of a camera, hoping to catch the perfect shot? Images grab our attention, get us amped and show the World how sick bodyboarding really is. The Best Photographer Award for 2006 went to, Pierre Marque with Peter Lambert and Greg Chapman finishing second and third respectively.
"I am super stoked for the recognition, there are so many hot photographers out there, it's really and honour to be voted the best photographer by the readers of sixty40. Wow ... thank you Jesus," commented Marque.
"My plans for 2007 include getting my own company off the ground, and thus in turn, getting a professional digital rig sorted out. All my work has been film based up until now, but in this age of instant digital satisfaction I have to keep up with the Jones's. My second priority would be to shoot more - sadly this means surfing less. I feel Cape Town and Durban are so over exposed in the media, everything else gets overlooked. I really want to shoot all those other gems along our beautiful coast. Thanks again for the recognition, its makes what we do all the more worth it," added Marque.
Peter Lambert is one of those that carry the essence of bodyboarding proudly on their shoulders. Riding to the core, pushing the limits, always willing to lend a hand, offer advice and generally be an all round positive ambassador of the sport. Thus he has picked up both the Top Videographer and Service to the Sport Awards.
"I am super stoked to be voted Top Videographer and am so thankful to all the guys who supported or helped with the Lines of Fire Project. This year our goal is to film the next chapter, ride the biggest waves of our lives, do some exploring, and up our film making game," said Lambert.
"As far as the service to the sport, Kelly, I really think that you should take it for all you have put into the sport. Thanks for creating
sixty40 so that we could share our stoke and Factory7 so we could get our gear at a good price, while still supporting bodyboarding. Big up to you mate!" added Lambert.
The hair is getting a little greyer with each passing day, the belly only seems to get bigger, you need to stretch for hours before paddling out, you're stiff as a board after a session and then someone has the audacity to call you an "old-timer!" The "Old-School Legend" Award for 2006 went to sixty40's father, Kelly Footit.
"I think pulling my nomination from the Service to the Sport award meant the guys threw a few extra votes at me for the Old School Legend award so I feel I may have cheated the other guys who in my mind are the real Legends. The recognition is a great honour – thanks for the votes guys! Finally, just stoked to see the poll doing well and hope 2007 gets bigger and better," said Kelly.
Nominations for the
2007 sixty40 Readers Poll have been made and competition is heating up amongst the nominees. So don't forget to cast your
vote in bodyboarding's premier peer poll.
By Gareth White.
072 740 4225 / elementree [at] webmail.co.za
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