The 2009 SIMA Waterman’s Weekend will be held August 6-7, and will honor surfing icon Rob Machado as Waterman of the Year, surfer and environment activist Dave Rastovich as Environmentalist of the Year and the late industry leader Dick Baker will be honored with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.
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On Sunday, May 31, hundreds of friends, family, and colleagues gathered in Doheny State Beach to honor the memory of former SIMA President/ Chairman Emeritus Dick Baker, who passed away on April 14 after a long battler with cancer.
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A public Paddle Out service for SIMA’s longtime president, leader and guiding light, Dick Baker, has been planned for Sunday May 31, 2009. Baker passed away Tuesday, April 14, after a two-year battle with cancer. The Baker family greatly appreciates all the love and support that has been expressed from the surf industry, according to the SIMA statement. Here are the details on the Paddle Out, provided by SIMA:
“PADDLE OUT SERVICE IN MEMORY OF DICK BAKER
WHEN:
Sunday, May 31 - 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Doheny State Park
Picnic Areas A and B (map attached)
The service will begin in Picnic Area A and will include a traditional Paddle Out service in the water. Following the service, attendees are invited to surf Doheny and picnic in areas A and B, which are covered. Please bring your own beverages and food. Hawaiian singers and musicians will entertain. Festivities will continue until approximately two hours after the Paddle Out concludes.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From San Diego:
I-5 North to Beach Cities exit
Once on exit ramp, bear left to Pacific Coast Highway North to Dana Point
Turn left at Dana Point Harbour Drive and make first left into Doheny State Park. Ranger will provide directions.
From Orange County:
I-5 South exit Pacific Coast Highway North to Dana Point
Turn left at Dana Point Harbour Drive and make first left into Doheny State Park. Ranger will provide directions.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Parking on-site, and we suggest arriving early. San Onofre and California State Park parking passes are accepted, otherwise there is a standard parking fee of $10. Please bring your own surfboard, towel, wetsuit (water temp approx 65 degrees), cooler and drinks (alcohol permitted). Flowers will be provided for Paddle Out participants.
SENDING CONDOLENCES TO THE BAKER FAMILY:
In lieu of flowers, the Baker family appreciates any donations to be made to one of the following foundations in Dick’s honor:
• SIMA Environmental Fund http://www.sima.com/charitable-funds/environmental-fund.aspx
Checks should be made payable to the SIMA Environmental Fund and mailed to:
SIMA Environmental Fund – Dick Baker Remembrance
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
• SIMA Humanitarian Fund http://www.sima.com/charitable-funds/humanitarian-fund.aspx
Checks should be made payable to the SIMA Humanitarian Fund and mailed to:
SIMA Humanitarian Fund – Dick Baker Remembrance
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
• The San Clemente Educational Foundation
Donate online using the link above, or checks should be made payable to San Clemente Educational Foundation and mailed to:
San Clemente High School
P.O. Box 4538, San Clemente, CA 92674
Cards should be mailed to:
The Baker Family
c/o SIMA
8 Argonaut, Suite 170
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Again, please direct any questions or inquiries to the SIMA office.
–
SIMA - Surf Industry Manufacturers Association
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Ph: 949.366.1164
Fax: 949.454.1406
www.sima.com”
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE -
Rob Machado, Dave Rastovich and Dick Baker To Receive Awards; Event Sponsorship Packages on Sale Now
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (May 6, 2009) — The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) will honor surfing icon Rob Machado as Waterman of the Year, surfer and enviro-warrior Dave Rastovich as Environmentalist of the Year, and the incomparable late industry leader Dick Baker with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of the association’s annual Waterman’s Weekend environmental fundraiser.
The 2009 Waterman’s Weekend will be held August 6-7 and will raise funds for 18 ocean conservation organizations. The weekend begins Thursday, August 6, with the Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, and culminates on Friday, August 7, with the 20th Annual Waterman’s Ball and Auction. SIMA is excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Waterman’s Ball by returning the event to The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Calif.
“The SIMA Board of Directors and Environmental Fund have selected a very deserving lineup of honorees, and we believe the surf industry will agree that each of these honorees has undoubtedly earned our respect and appreciation,” said Paul Naude, chairman of the Waterman’s Weekend event committee and president of the SIMA Environmental Fund Board of Directors. “On behalf of the surf industry, SIMA is proud to honor Rob, Rasta and Dick at this year’s Waterman’s Ball for their unique and powerful influence on the sport, culture and business of surfing.”
Waterman of the Year, Rob Machado, is one of the world’s greatest and most iconic surf stars. Over the course of his career – from contest victories to giving back to his communities and the industry – Rob has helped define the modern era of the sport and embodies the true spirit of surfing. The goofyfooter exploded onto the WCT circuit in 1993, ranking among the top 10 surfers in the world for 11 consecutive years and raking up 12 WCT victories along the way. In addition to his competitive success, Rob’s recognizable and impeccable style in the water has earned him an international fanbase. Rob’s ‘style’ when he is not surfing is another admirable quality, as seen in his commitment to supporting various charitable causes. Rob has established The Rob Machado Foundation, which through his annual golf tournament supports various charities dedicated to environmental programs within Southern California. His foundation also works closely with the Cardiff Education Foundation on efforts to green Machado’s hometown’s elementary school district. He has also created the Rob Machado Surf Experience, a highly anticipated surf contest for girls and boys 16 and under in Rob’s hometown of Cardiff-by-the Sea, Calif. Rob’s goodwill does not stop on the local-level, as this surf legend has also donated his time for an Indonesian well digging project with the Sumba Foundation, and for the Water Innovation Now (WIN) contest, which gave 500,000 kids the opportunity to come up with innovative ways to conserve our water as a result of Southern California’s water crisis.
“From U.S. National Champion, to Pipemaster, to winning three U.S. Opens and 12 WCT victories, Rob’s trophy case is quite full and demonstrates the mark he has made on professional surfing,” stated Naude. “The truly special thing about Rob, however, is the fact he is loved even more out of the water. His graciousness and genuinely altruistic spirit make him an invaluable ambassador and icon for the surf industry. It is our honor to recognize Rob as Waterman of the Year.”
Popular freesurfer and 2009 SIMA Environmentalist of the Year, Dave Rastovich, is a passionate activist and defender of the oceans and waves he surfs. >From fighting to protect dolphins and whales from illegal slaughter, to co-founding the grassroots advocacy group Surfers for Cetaceans, to being the face of some of the surf industry’s prominent environmentally friendly product campaigns, protecting our oceans on multiple levels is a natural part of Rasta’s personal and professional lives. As a surfer, Rasta knows first-hand the effects of a polluted ocean and understands he can serve as a role model for other surfers to do more to protect our environment.
“If 1% of surfers got as involved as Rasta, our jobs would be a lot easier and the problems we’re trying to solve with events like Waterman’s would be a lot less,” commented Naude. “Rasta is a model surfer for those who are concerned with protecting our ocean playground. We need to get young surfers engaged in these issues close to our hearts and that is part of why Rasta is such an effective environmentalist – he shows goodwill for surfers around the world to aspire to, and shows that as surfers, protecting our environment is the natural thing to do.”
SIMA is proud to honor its late president and guiding light, Dick Baker, with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award. Baker became involved with SIMA in 2000 after coming to work for the iconic surf brand Ocean Pacific (Op), and served as president of SIMA for nine years. His presidency was instrumental in creating the vibrant trade association of Orange County based surf lifestyle brands, and he provided unfailing leadership and guidance throughout a time that has marked the association’s largest growth and expansion. Baker claimed to be an ‘outsider,’ but he quickly became the ultimate insider, mentoring most every CEO in the industry and championing the surf industry from Wall Street to Main Street. Not only did he lead and help grow the surf industry during his involvement, but he has left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide us for many years to come.
“Words really cannot describe how deserving Dick Baker is of this Lifetime Achievement Award, nor how sorely he is missed by us all,” said Naude. “Dick was a leader, a mentor, an inspiration, a teacher, a friend, and the ultimate representative of surf industry business. He taught our industry so much, and he helped the outside world to better understand and respect our very core industry. Someone like Dick only comes once in a lifetime, and our lives and industry are so much better for it. He was, and will continue to be, our guiding light.”
The two-day fundraising event benefits the SIMA Environmental Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that awards grants to various environmental groups based on their dedication to preserving and protecting the world’s oceans, beaches and waves. Last year’s event attracted more than 850 people and raised a record $500,000 for 18 ocean conservation groups. The 2009 Waterman’s Weekend environmental beneficiaries and this year’s fundraising goal will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sponsorship packages for both the 2009 Waterman’s Golf Classic and Waterman’s Ball are on sale now. Individual tickets for the Waterman’s Ball are scheduled to go on sale in July. To reserve a sponsorship package or for more information, please contact Shannon Park, SIMA Event Manager, by calling (949) 366-1164 x 2 or by e-mailing shannon@sima.com.
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 19 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $5 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves. The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2006 to award grants to various surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organizations whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health and/or welfare of people.
Dick Baker, longtime SIMA president and industry veteran, passed away this morning after a two-year battle with cancer. The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association released this statement in honor of Baker today, expressing their appreciation for all he did for the organization and the industry as a whole, and extending their deepest sympathies:
“The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is deeply saddened by this morning’s passing of its longtime president, leader and guiding light, Dick Baker, after his two-year battle with cancer. The SIMA Board of Directors, Advisory Boards and staff are devastated by the loss.
Baker became involved with SIMA in 2000 after coming to work for the iconic surf brand Ocean Pacific (Op), and served as president of SIMA for nine years. His presidency was instrumental in creating the vibrant trade association of Orange County based surf lifestyle brands, and he provided unfailing leadership and guidance throughout a time that has marked the association’s largest growth and expansion.
“Words cannot express our grief or how greatly Dick will be missed,” said Sean Smith, SIMA executive director. “Dick’s leadership in SIMA was absolutely unparalleled. I speak on behalf of the SIMA family and entire surf industry in saying he was so much more than our leader – he was our mentor, our best friend, a role model, a confidant. As a person he was generous, positive and a devoted family man. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Information regarding memorial services will be shared when available. Please contact the SIMA office with questions or inquiries.
SIMA Pays Tribute to Dick Baker
• “It’s hard for me to think about Dick without cracking a smile. We are both fairly cynical by nature and would never miss an opportunity to light one another up with some sort of derogatory comment. Yet among all the heckling, he managed to teach me a lot. Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from Dick was about courage, be it the courage of standing behind your convictions, the courage to think apart from the crowd, or the courage he had in fighting his insidious disease.”
– Doug Palladini, Vice President of Marketing, Vans / SIMA Board of Directors
“Dick’s passing leaves me with an empty feeling I cannot describe. This loss is not only personal to me, but to anyone who was fortunate enough to know this extraordinary man. Dick was a great husband and a father not only to his kids, but to the industry as a whole. A great leader, a great motivator, and one who knew exactly how to make someone feel good about themselves. He fought courageously to the end, life without Dick will never be the same.”
– Joel Cooper, CEO, …lost / SIMA Board of Directors
• Longtime SIMA Vice President and close friend Paul Naude, CEO of Billabong USA, is out of the country and unreachable for direct comment, but it goes without saying that Paul is deeply saddened by the loss of his friend and colleague, and expresses sincere condolences to the Baker family.
• “Dick Baker was a larger-than-life individual who advised and mentored every CEO in the surf industry, while making certain Wall Street knew about the beach. He was a true champion for our industry, as well as a dear personal friend.”
– Bob Mignogna, former publisher of Surfing magazine / SIMA Senior Advisory Board member
• “Dick was a mix of father, brother and friend. I feel a bit like an orphan today. He will continue to live in the hearts of the ones that knew him. Gracias, Dick.”
– Fernando Aguerre, Liquid Tribe / SIMA Senior Advisory Board member
Visit www.sima.com as additional tributes are posted.
About Dick Baker
Baker was born and raised in Southern California and a graduate of the University of California at Northridge. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, he worked his way through school at a men’s specialty store. The world of fashion continued as he began his career at Bullocks (a division of Federated, now Macys). Becoming a buyer at a young age allowed international travel, invaluable retail experience and created a platform for future opportunities.
In 1980, Baker was recruited to become president of Marithe & Francois Girbaud, a designer jeans company and division of Calvin Klein, in New York.
In 1983, Dick was named CEO and president of Izod Lacoste menswear. Establishing a strategy to renew the popularity of the brand, he was a member of the management group that spun off Crystal Brands from the parent company General Mills.
In 1986, he was hired as president of Esprit Womenswear. Based in San Francisco, this lifestyle juniors brand grew to $250 million during his tenure.
Prior to joining Op in 1997, he was president of Tommy Hilfiger Womenswear, where Tommy Girl apparel was launched and grossed $100 million in its first year.
While at Op, through creative marketing, well-timed product extensions and licensing agreements with key manufacturers, revenues increased five-fold to $250 million world wide during his tenure as CEO.
After successfully rejuvenating the brand, Op was acquired by Warnaco Inc. (Calvin Klein, Speedo, Chaps) in 2004. Baker continued to serve as President and helped in the transition of the business through 2007.
In spite of his busy career schedule, Baker remained active in community service, environmental and humanitarian organizations. He actively supported local causes such as Life Rolls On, Boarding for Breast Cancer, Surfrider Foundation and Ocean Institute. He was the former Chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (New York), and the 1996 honoree of the Boy Scout Council (New York).
Baker was also honored with the Creative Leadership Award by Otis College of Art and Design in 2000, where he served on its Board of Trustees; in 2004, he was honored by the Orange County Boy Scouts with the Men of Character Award; and in 2005, Baker was also the honoree for the AMY award of the YMA (Young Men’s Association) creating scholarships for the fashion industry. He will be honored by SIMA this August with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Waterman’s Ball.
Baker is survived by his wife of 19 years, Una, and his two sons, Ryan and Jack.”
Dick Baker passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, and advocate for the surf industry. He was a great man, and will truly be missed.
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SIMA chairman emeritus and Industry veteran Dick Baker, along with BRA chairman and ZJ’s Boarding House co-owner Todd Roberts addressed a group of approximately 200 retailers and manufacturers Thursday, March 19 at an industry-wide Bootcamp, presented by SIMA and BRA at Huntington Beach’s Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. Baker and Roberts both emphasized the importance of industry members looking for opportunities to become stronger in the current economic climate.
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In this feature you’ll find everything you need to know (and more) about the history of the surf industry’s trade association, along with four photo galleries filled with images from Surf Summit, SIMA Image Awards, Liquid Nation Ball, and of course Waterman’s Ball.
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned while covering the business side of boardsports it’s that when Dick Baker speaks, you listen. Baker is a veteran of the apparel business. His career spans from Esprit, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger to Op. His opinions are highly respected both in and outside the boardsports industry, just as he is. I had the opportunity to ask Baker a few questions this morning about the current economic climate and how it’s affecting the endemic market. Here’s what he had to say.
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