Laguna’s Conklin rules

The title of Pro Men’s champion of the Victoria Skimboards World Championships of Skimboarding still belongs to a rider from Laguna Beach.

This year’s title was won by recent Laguna Beach High graduate Blair Conklin who captured the Pro Men’s division for the first time. Conklin, 18, emerged victorious from a highly-competitive field.

He defeated Bill Bryan (fourth place), a 14-time world champion, in the semifinals, then got past Brandon Sears in Sunday’s final at Aliso Beach Park in Laguna Beach.

Sam Stinnett of Laguna Beach, last year’s Pro Men’s champ, finished in third place.

“It’s a pretty good start to the summer,” said Conklin, who graduated last month from Laguna Beach. “Sunday was a tough day because we had to skim five heats in one day. The competition was tough.”

Conklin, of South Laguna Beach, had previously won amateur age group division titles at “The VIC.” He’s ranked No. 2 in the United Skim Tour world rankings, behind Stinnett.

Conklin finished third in last year’s Pro Men’s final.

“Winning this is something that’s definitely a big accomplishment for me,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and now I can take it off my bucket list.”

Keiao Gucwa-Bucasas of Hawaii won the Pro Women’s division.

“The VIC brings out the highest level in every competitor on the beach, and this year was no exception,” said Kyle McClure, general manager of Victoria Skimboards in Laguna Beach. “ Victoria Skimboards embraces the opportunity to hold an event that showcases the world’s best, alongside the future superstars of the sport and after the 37th annual VIC, the future is looking pretty bright.”

Championships were earned in 12 divisions over the weekend.

“Blair’s style, along with his explosiveness, is pretty incredible,” McClure said of Conklin. “I am sure this is a first in many VIC titles for the kid, as we are only going to see him get better. A truly deserving champion.

“Keiao is a leader in the women’s pro division, heading the charge in the progression and ability that the women posses. Bottom line, she is a charger.”

McClure said the contest, which started Saturday and was broadcast via a live webcast, had its most consistent surf in the “past 10 years.”

“We saw some strong south wind and clouds on Sunday which proved tough for the competitors but we could not complain as we had contestable conditions throughout the event,” he said. “When you’re on the beach you have to deal with all of the elements, and that is what makes skimboarding so much fun.”

McClure said that heats from Sunday can be viewed at ustream.com.

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2013 World Championships of Skimboarding results

8-Under Division: 1. Hayden Rodgers; 2. Max Brown; 3. Sky Ohlund; 4. Zachary VanMeter.

9-11 Division: 1. Nolan Rodgers; 2. Owen Fisher; 3. Dane Cameron; 4. Griffith Kristensen.

12-14 Division: 1. Casey Ritzer; 2. Eddie Dixon; 3. Rex Fala; 4. Connor Brashier.

15-17 Division: 1. Jeremiah Sheldon; 2. Timmy Samboa; 3. Travis Williams; 4. Max Wheeler.

18-21 Division: 1. Dylan Hunter; 2. Derek Marloff; 3. Bryson Brockman; 4. Wyatt Colen.

22-24 Division: 1. Andrew Culleton; 2. Simon Avedissian; 3. Adam Selevan; 4. Alfonso Leme.

25-29 Division: 1. Johnny Atoe; 2. Steve Taylor; 3. Benson Brandyn; 4. Zac Platt.

30-39 Division: 1. Jeff Gomez; 2. Paul Wade; 3. Brad Evers; 4. Sumner Miller.

40-up Division: 1. Brad Dickey; 2. David Arvelo; 3. Lance Brooks; 4. Joss Hudson; 5. Dean PoShard.

Amateur Women: 1. Amber Lewis; 2. Katie Wolf; 3. Kira Hudson.

Pro Women: 1. Keiao Gucwa-Bucasas; 2. Lanakila Kelliher; 3. Steff Mags; 4. Skylar Wilson; 5. Sioban McAuliffe; 6. Yasmyn Andrade; 7. Erin Carpenter; 8. Kumiko Sawada.

Pro Men: 1. Blair Conklin; 2. Brandon Sears; 3. Sam Stinnett; 4. Bill Bryan; 5. Teddy Vlasis; 6. Morgan Just; 7. Brad Domke; 8. Jake Stinnett.