When the ASP throws a party, they do it right! Held on February 20 at The Gold Coast Convention Center in Surfer’s Paradise Australia, The 2008 ASP World Champion’s Crowning Awards went off without a hitch. The top surfers in the world, their families, industry executives and icons convened for a special night to recognize the achievements of the athletes on the 2007 ASP tours. Here’s a look at who took home the top awards, and what the scene was like. (Shown above: Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore both gave emotional speeches from the podium.)

2008 ASP WORLD CHAMPION’S CROWNING AWARDS:

2007 ASP World Champion: Mick Fanning (AUS)
2007 ASP World Tour Runner-Up: Taj Burrow (AUS)
2007 ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Flores (FRA)
2007 ASP World Tour Most Improved: Bede Durbidge (AUS)

2007 ASP Women’s World Champion: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2007 ASP Women’s World Tour Runner-Up: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
2007 ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie of the Year: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2007 ASP Women’s World Tour Most Improved: Silvana Lima (BRA)

2007 ASP Longboard Champion: Phil Rajzman (BRA)
2007 ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion: Jennifer Smith (USA)
2007 ASP World Junior Champion: Pablo Paulino (BRA)
2007 ASP Women’s World Junior Champion: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)

ASP Peter Whittaker Award: Mark Occhilupo (AUS)

Transworld SURF’s Chris Coté was an emcee at the event, and helped Fuel TV out with coverage as well.

Occy was awarded the ASP Peter Whittaker Award, which is like a lifetime achievement award in memory of Whittaker. Occy, who was a dear freind of Whittaker’s gave a heartfelt speech and got a few laughs from the crowd as well. HERE’S THE VIDEO.

When Stephanie Gilmore took stage someone from the crowd shouted “You’re So Hot!” To which she responded. “Thanks.” Then she went on to give a great speech.

Taj Burrow took runner-up in 2007 and says he’s not letting off the gas for ’08.

In case you were wondering, Yes, Mick Fanning got lei’d!

Fanning’s speech was epic! He laughed, cursed, cried, and made every girl in the room tear up when he talked about his fiancé.

I think the TV people put make-up on Chris Coté because he usually looks a little bit less creepy! Here he is “hanging out” with seven world titles (Andy Irons=3 / Mark Richards=4) and a super powerful CEO (Derek O’Neill of Billabong).

Tags: ASP, australia, billabong, crowning, fuel tv, gold coast, mick fanning, surf, surfing world championship, taj burrow

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 4:18 pm and is filed under FEATURES. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.