By:  Aaron Peluso

A large crowd was on hand for the third annual “420 contest” which started off the contest season right.  Sunny skies and a fair sized swell helped make the event one to remember. 

This year marked the event’s return to West St where it all started.  In 2003 the event had to be moved a few coves south due to lack of swell.  But not this time.  This year marked the first time a Pro/Am event had a real, albeit inconsistent, side wash to work with.  Both pros and amateurs were quick to take advantage of the primary connections during the sets.  But of course the pro’s had the most success. 

Both Bill Bryan and Brandon Sears were dancing all over the primaries throughout day two.  Brandon skimmed some incredible heats getting barrel after barrel but just couldn’t quite match Bill’s endless assault of tricks on the same waves.  George Bryan and Grady Archbold both made a triumphant return to competition after taking a year off.  George was able to snag third place by skimming like a machine throughout the event while Grady stole the show with a 540 shuvit in the semi’s and one of the biggest airs ever in the final.

This marks the first year that competitors have traveled from across the country for this event.  Austin Bleweiss, Brad Evers and Mike Hickey all came in from Florida along with a few other east coast cohorts.

The competition ended relatively early on Sunday which allowed for a great free skim atmosphere normally lacking at contests.  Two days of pent up skim energy was unleashed on West St and Camels as 50+ skimmers took to the water.  A couple of hours later the awards were handed out and good memories was all that remained.

Sponsors:  South Laguna Skate & Surf, Poorboy, Victoria, Clean Box, 10th St Bros and Electric Eyewear.

Pro Results

1. Bill Bryan

2. Brandon Sears

3. George Bryan

4. Grady Archbold

5. Paulo Prietto

6. Morgan Just

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