By Press Release:

SURFER MAGAZINE'S 2006 SURFER POLL AND VIDEO AWARDS PRESENTED BY SUZUKI AUTOMOTIVE TO HONOR THE YEAR'S BEST SURFERS AND VIDEOS

DANA POINT, Calif., August 16, 2006 - SURFER Magazine, the industry-leading surf publication, announced today its "2006 SURFER Poll and Video Awards Presented by Suzuki Automotive" will take place on September 12, 2006, at The Grove in Anaheim, Calif. Renowned faces from the worlds of action sports, music and entertainment will converge to honor the best surfers and surf cinematography on an evening that is touted as one of the most prestigious in surfing.

The SURFER Poll, hosted by E! Entertainment correspondent and X Games personality Sal Masekela, is a unique part of surf culture, giving readers of SURFER Magazine an opportunity to vote for and recognize their favorite 10 male and five female athletes. Over the years, the SURFER Poll has come to represent the highest honor in the surf world and is the oldest and most anticipated awards show of the year. The amount of voters casting their ballots this year has more than doubled from the last creating an exciting list of nominees that span the globe.

With record amounts of votes already in, look for fresh faces on this year's poll, all hoping to take the top slot from 2005 winner and seven-time World Champion Kelly Slater. "This award means a lot to me, it's incredible," said Slater. "Surfing has allowed me to have a whole lot of friends, all over the world and a big part of why I'm competing now is the appreciation I'm being shown from people around the world." Former world champion Sophia Mulanovich won the women's category last year. Other past winners include legendary surfers Tom Curren, Andy Irons, Lisa Andersen, Nat Young, Corky Carroll, Phil Edwards and Mark Richards.

The awards ceremony has made an even bigger impact in recent years with the addition of the SURFER Video Awards, which honors the finest in surf filmmaking from the preceding year. Hosted by Peter King, awards will be given in nine categories including; "Best Cinematography," "Best Documentary/Storyline," "Breakthrough Director" and "Movie of the Year." In addition to the SURFER Poll and Video awards, SURFER will also present the "Canon Photo of the Year" and "Boost Breakthrough Performer," which is awarded to an up-and-coming athlete who is sure to have an impact on the sport for years to come.

As part of Suzuki's involvement with this year's event, they will donate two brand new vehicles to the Surfrider Foundation on behalf of the 2006 SURFER Poll Awards. In effort to give back to the community, SURFER will sell VIP tables to companies within the surf industry with proceeds benefiting the Surfing Heritage Foundation and the newly established San Onofre Foundation.

The event will be covered exclusively on www.surfermag.com and broadcast for the fourth consecutive year in a one-hour television special on FUEL TV. Previous years included pre-show and awards highlights, athlete interviews and SURFER Poll history. Check www.fuel.tv for airdates and times.

The 2006 SURFER Poll and Video Awards Presented by Suzuki Automotive expects to draw nearly 2,000 top industry executives, pro surfers, as well as celebrities and other notable personalities. Past presenters, performers and attendees include: big-wave surfing legends Laird Hamilton and Gerry Lopez, skater and X Games star Danny Way, motocross legends Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael, Kelly Osbourne, Jack Johnson, Chris Isaak, Bruce Brown (The Endless Summer) and Nia Peeples. Look for special presenters and guest musicians during the 2006 show.

Thanks to presenting sponsor Suzuki Automotive, co-sponsors Boost Mobile, Corona and media sponsor FUEL TV for their contributions to make this event happen.

Attendance is by invitation only. For more event information visit: http://surfermag.com/surferpoll/