The 2013 Waterman's Ball took place last Oct. 4 at the Hossegor Casino, in the southwest of France. Around 250 guest s and attendees took part in the event. Organized by Eurosima, the European boardsports industry manufacturers' association, the Waterman's Ball is the annual gala for the European surf industry. During the Ball, the Surf Industry Awards pay tribute to legendary figures of the surfing world and reward brands that have played an active role in developing the boardsports industry in Europe. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Brigitte Darrigrand, one of the founders of Na Pali, the company at the origin of Quiksilver in Europe. The Innovation Award was bestowed on FCS for a new screwless system for fins. The Brand of the Year Award went to Bic Sport for its 15 percent sales increase during the 2012/13 season. In addition, 95 percent of the company's products are manufactured in Brittany, France using eco-friendly methods. Justine Dupont was named Female Athlete of the Year while the Male Athlete of the Year Award went to Nicolau Von Rupp. Volcom won the European Surf Ad Campaign of the Year Award for its “Embrace the Strange” campaign.

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