ONE of the most prestigious surf awards in the country is headed to the South Coast after Ulladulla pair Andrew Kaineder and Russell Bierke took out Video of the Year for their film Flow State.
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As part of Surfing Australia's annual awards, it was announced on Thursday Flow State, a film that captures the true intensity and beauty of the surf, had edged out Peter Baker's 'Red Bull Taking Off: Miles From Anywhere' and Ryan Jon Williams' 'Voyage featuring Isabella Nichols' for the prize.
"Russ and I have been working together extensively since 2016 when our first film Bezerke was nominated for Nikon Surf Video of the Year," Kaineder, who will take home a Nikon Z 7 for winning, said.
"To win this year, with another film we created together, Flow State, is a very uplifting achievement during an uncertain time in our lives.
"We're lucky in Australia with our surf culture and it's important we celebrate what we've got.
"Thankful to Surfing Australia and Nikon for hosting these awards year after year and cannot wait to get back creating in the ocean when the world is somewhat under control again."
A panel of 10 high-profile judges from within the surfing industry including seven-time world surfing champion, Stephanie Gilmore was tasked with selecting this year's winners.
"I really enjoyed being a judge for this year's awards," Gilmore said.
"As a photographer myself, I was inspired by the calibre of entries which really demonstrated the unique, creative approach to capturing our beautiful ocean.
"Congratulations to everyone that entered - I hope the viewers agree with our final choice."
Also announced on Thursday was the winner Surf Photo of the Year Award, which went to Ren McGann for his image 'The Right'.
The awards will be presented in late May in an exciting television format that replaces the Surfing Australia Awards Night for 2020 - which had to be reshaped due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Other South Coast products still in the running for other awards this year are World Surf League Big Wave Surfer Bierke (Heavy Water Award), Culburra Beach's Owen Wright (Male Surfer of the Year), Gerroa's Sally Fitzgibbons (Female Surfer of the Year) and Ulladulla's Kurt Nyholm (ASB Greater Good Award).
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
