The Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (CGWA) is preparing to highlight the windsurfers that really made the difference in the last year and they want fans to pick their choices.

"It’s that time of year for us to recognize the Gorge windsurfers who stood out from all the rest. We are now accepting nominations", the CGWA informs.

Windsurfers should be nominated for the following categories: "Dale Cook Award" for the biggest aerial movies; "Most Stoked" for the positive attitude; "Most Selfless Windsurfer" for selfless acts of kindness to fellow Gorge windsurfers; "Grom of the Year" for under 18 role models.

The "Gorge Windsurfer of the Year" will be awarded to the steward of the Gorge and of windsurfing, the one who has a positive influence within the community.

Good spirits, friendly attitude, kindness to comrades and strangers, to embody and/or respects the Gorge lifestyle are some of the characteristics of the winner. In 2010, Nathan Mershon was named "Gorge Windsurfer of the Year".