Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards Gallery

Author: Surfing Magazine

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All photos by Pete Taras

These people won:

Danilo Couto, Ride of the Year Benjamin Sanchis, Biggest Wave Shane Dorian, Monster Paddle Shane Dorian, Monster Tube Mark Mathews, Wipe-out of the Year Keala Kennelly, Girls Overall Performance Sion Milosky, Mens Overall Performance

It was same same, but different. Same same because it was the world's best big-wave riders gathered at the Grove in Anaheim to celebrate their testosterone-packed year, get all glassy-eyed and slap backs and laugh. But different because this year they also cried. Kenny "Skindog" Collins, who was surfing with Sion Milosky at Maverick's the day Sion passed, gave an emotional speech remembering his friend and honoring his family, and ended it by raising a mini-bottle of whiskey towards the sky and downing it. Sion's wife, kids, and father later took the stage in front of a standing and tearful crowd. Also remembered were Flippy Hoffman, Andy Irons, and Noel Robinson. Most of the winners donated a portion, if not all, of their prize money to the Sion Milosky foundation, in a showing of generosity that just reaffirmed how much of a family the big-wave community is.

Alex Gray sizes up a Playboy bunny.

Chas f--ing Smith.

Greg Long, Loly, Keala Kennelly and friend.

Danilo Couto" title="Rider of the year, Danilo Couto" />

Rider of the year, Danilo Couto

Danilo deserved it.

One for the money.

Two for the show.

Five gees for packing that Jaws behemoth.

All of the lights.

From left to right: A bunch of people in the lobby.

Benjamin Sanchis and Belharra finally get their glory for the biggest wave.

Mark Healey's jacket while Skinny orders another drink." title="Rusty Long admires Mark Healey's jacket while Skinny orders another drink." />

Rusty Long admires Mark Healey's jacket while Skinny orders another drink.

After the party it's the after party.

Babes in boyland.

More babes.

Peligroso girls

Coppin' a feel.

Big Wave World Tour champion Jamie Sterling.

Maverick's underground youngsters (and cousins) Colin Dwyer and Travis Payne like giant waves and the Giants." title="Maverick's underground youngsters (and cousins) Colin Dwyer and Travis Payne like giant waves and the Giants." />

Maverick's underground youngsters (and cousins) Colin Dwyer and Travis Payne like giant waves and the Giants.