Nathan Florence and his wife Mahina were named Waterman and Woman of the Year at the traditional Waterman Gala held every year and organized by SIMA (the surfing industry manufacturers association), according to the website specialized in surfing business, Shop Eat Surf.

Florence talked about how the industry has changed after the fall of Quiksilver and Billabong, among other brands, into the hands of private equity funds and how happy he is to be the new sponsor of the Florence Marine X brand founded by his brother.

"I couldn't imagine a better life than not only getting paid and sponsored to surf, but also being in a company together with my brothers and participating in its management," he said.

“A lot of great leaders spoke here. It was inspiring to hear Gordon and Vince and Paul, and to hear everyone talk about the industry and where it is today and where it can go, we’re excited about the future and now we feel like we have a little bit of control over it,” he said.

"And for us it's about being a leader not only in what brands can do in environmental initiatives, but also in the way the athlete/brand relationship works and our relationship with the ocean," he added.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Billabong founder Gordon Merchant.