“I can’t believe it, I’ve been skimming for so long,” said Sears, now 25. “It’s taken me 15 years. I’m just super-happy.”
All four skimmers in the pro final, which took place with less-than-desirable wave conditions, ha d Laguna ties. Paolo Prietto took second, while 16-year-old Sam Stinnett of South Laguna equaled his best pro showing with a third-place finish.
Skim legend Bill “Beaker” Bryan, also of South Laguna, was unable to win The Vic for the 15th time. He took fourth in the 15-minute pro final, where riders' top-five waves were counted and at least two frontside and two backside rides were needed.
The win couldn’t have been sweeter for Sears, who now resides in Dana Point but said he’s in Laguna “every day” practicing his craft. He was announced winner, as were champions for all age divisions, at a post-tournament party at Seven Degrees. The after-party also gave Bryan and brother George a chance to premiere their new skimming video, “Up in Stoke.”
“I just had a good feeling this whole weekend, you know?” said Sears, who received a $2,400 check. “It’s that much better to finally do it at The Vic final, after being so close. It feels good.”
How challenging is The Vic? Last year’s pro winner, Laguna native Brandon Rothe, didn’t make it out of his first heat. Brad Domke, who was leading this year’s United Skim Tour points standings after two events, finished eighth.
Bill Bryan didn’t feel too bad about his fourth-place finish, in what he called bad conditions with “one-inch” waves. He said the weekend was more about the spirit of community.
