On another far-flung cold-water edition for 2014, the Nixon Surf Challenge just wrapped up in the Russian Far-East. This year it was Frenchman William Aliotti who took the peer-judged Overall Winner title,  edging out last year’s winner and compatriot Vincent Duvignac during the week-long Kamchatka adventure.

The super-consistent 21-year-old goofy-footer from the Caribbean haven of Saint Martin also earned himself the Best Trick award after stomping just about every aerial trick in the book.

“I’m so happy to return from Russia with two prizes in the bag – it’s more than I could have ever expected when I was invited on the trip,” said William. “As a Nixon rookie, it’s been a real honour to experience this incredible competition first-hand alongside such a stacked rider line-up. Big ups to all the surfers, especially Vincent who pushed me all the way, and the Nixon crew working behind the scenes to make this incredible adventure a reality!”

William Aliotti © Nixon

With water temps hovering around the 2 to 3 degree mark, Kepa Acero, one of the Basque Country’s most well-travelled surf explorers felt right at home, and picked up the third and final award up for grabs when he was voted winner of the “I rocked Russia” prize. Giving it his all in the water every day, Kepa’s uncanny ability to catch up on some sleep in the unlikeliest of positions kept everyone amused throughout the trip.