Paddlers Awards 2019 – Ben Stooksberry (Paddling Legend Award)
It is a privilege for us here at Kayak Session and for the jury, to celebrate a true Whitewater Legend, and to tell this incredible human being how much respect we have for him with this honorary award. Please join us in making some noise for Mr. Ben Stookesberry, the Paddling Legend Award Winner for 2019. Ben has more first descents under his belt than anyone else in the world; he is the very synonym of the kayak expedition. The harder, the better, the further, the better, nothing seems to stop this adventure seeker. Ben has helped to define what kayaking can be and where kayaking can go. We are lucky to have an individual of his passion and vision in our sport. #RESPECT
For the second time, Kayak Session Magazine organizes the Paddlers Awards. These awards are there to do justice to all the paddlers out there ripping it up and sharing with us all year around their incredible performances. The judging is based on the past 12 months (January through December). There are 7 categories: Male & Female Paddler of the Year, Male & Female U21 Paddler of the Year, Event of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and one Award that we specifically care a lot for, the honorary award: Legend Paddler Award.
The Jury
Rush Sturges (Usa), Vavra Hradilek (Cz rep.), Mike Dawson (Nz), Joe Rea-Dickins (UK), Capo Rettig (Usa), Olaf Obsommer (Ger), Shane Benedict (Usa), Dennis Newton (Uk), Anna Bruno (Usa) & Philippe Doux (France) – Each member of the jury gives his winner in each category. Contenders with the most votes win their category.
Winners announcement schedule:
Nov 25th: Non profit of the Year & Event of the year
Nov 26th: Female and Male Rookie of the Year – U21
Nov 27th : Honorary Paddler of the year
Nov 28th: Female Paddler of the Year
Nov 29th: Male Paddler of the Year