Golf, Fun & A Good Cause Converge in Laguna Beach For Surf Industry’s Annual Waterman’s Weekend

SIMA ( Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) hosted its Environmental Fund’s Waterman’s Weekend this past weekend at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The surf industry has always been all about protecting our oceans. For the last 27 years, the tribe has come together through the gathering that is Waterman’s to raise more than $7 million for 19 ocean groups that serve on the front lines of ocean protection, conservation and surf break preservation. And in light of all the recent environmental changes in Washington, D.C., the battle has never been more important.

The activities kicked off Friday with the Waterman’s Golf Tournament. More than 50 golfers took to The Ranch’s Ben Brown’s Golf Course for 18 holes of fun. Tournament sponsors included Surf Expo, Rip Curl, Vans and the Harbaugh Foundation.

The fun continued on Saturday, August 5^th with the 28^th annual Waterman’s held at The Ranch in Laguna Beach. The night kicked off with a silent auction and cocktails. The guests then made their way down to the 9^th fairway for the live auction (including a 2018 Audi!) and farm to table dinner where more than 500 guests gathered to celebrate this year’s honorees. Waterman of the Year, Bethany Hamilton, Environmentalist of the Year, Cyrill Gutsch, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Herbie Fletcher, and Special Recognition Award recipient, International Surfing Association President Fernando Aguerre and the ISA. For more information on the honorees, visit http://sima.com/watermans-weekend-honorees/.

All proceeds from the events benefit the SIMA Environmental Fund and its 19 beneficiary organizations.

Photo Credit: HILLEMAN