This year's Surf Summit events were many and varied. Surf Diva offered surf lessons each morning at "Old Mans", the infamous Cabo Crawl on Friday night enlisted hearty souls into debauchery and revelry, and the standard beach/surf/poolside business chats were the norm as well. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, there was a mild uprising after game 5 of Laker V. Spurs. Not sure if we should be proud or embarrassed, I think it depends on your nationality (and your age). Either way, riots make great photo opportunities and help break those uncomfortable and awkward silent moments when, later on, you find yourself speaking with someone you don't really know.

"So how about that riot last night..."

Of course there were also a series of informative and sometimes lively seminars scheduled throughout the summit. One of the most contentious was entitled "Shaping the Future: How the Changing Surfboard Market Will Affect Your Business". Royce Cansler of Billabong moderated a contentious but respectful (for the most part) panel that included ...Lost's Matt Biolas, Rusty Preisendorfer, Surftech's Randy French, Hansen surfboard's Josh Hansen, and Todd Roberts of ZJ Boarding house. Two things came out of this meeting that were a step in the right direction. Firstly, the panel shared in meaningful, respectful dialogue. This isn't entirely unexpected, however it should be noted that perhaps no topic boils with as much passion as who, how and where our beloved surfboard is created. Secondly, the Board Retailers Association (BRA) agreed to facilitate the training of the retail sales force through a series of seminars. Surfermag.com commends this group for steps in the right direction and hopes to see more dialogue in the near future. To paraphrase Quiksilver CEO Bob McKnight's keynote speech: We are not the enemy, let's grow the pond and we all win.

With the closing ceremonies, AKA the SIMA Image Awards presented by the ASG, preceding game 6 of the Lakers V. Spurs match up anxiety draped itself in the air like a stale beach towel. Luckily the importance of these awards, Laker game or no Laker game, to the entire surf industry was not undervalued. Of special note was the presence of John Severson, SURFER Magazine founder, and former SURFER Magazine publisher and now lead man at "The Surfer's Journal", Steve Pezman.

After a certain amount of light hearted tequila induced buffoonery, proper kudos were handed out in a patient and timely manner to all the deserving nominees and winners. Highlighted by the presence of SIMA's own Sean Smith who walked on stage with Felix, his good natured burro friend.

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McKnight Wows 'em at SIMA Surf Summit 2004

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