By:  Aaron Peluso

Many traveled south of the border for this years Cabo contest and not just the usual suspects.  Many east coast skimboarders came not just for the contest, but also for the experience.  It is the first time I can remember that a large number of people showed up who were more interested in just being there than actually being in the contest.  This marks the start of a gradual shift of the contest actually becoming a spectators event instead of simply a rider only event.

But there is still a ways to go.  In the process of trying to obtain official permits for this years contest it was learned that the contest site in Todos Santos is a protected tortoise preserve and that having a contest there would be impossible this year.

Last minute changes were in order and the contest was moved a half hour down the road to a spot that locals and in the know visitors have enjoyed for years.  It turned out to actually be quite an ideal location.  After driving down a sandy, but not too sandy wash the canyon opens up into a 200 yard beach with shore break all the way across and even a small sidewash on the south end.  Conditions on day one were quite good for a few hours as the sun was out, wind was down and waves were reminiscent of very good Deer Creek.  Not all time grinding Cabo, but good waves for a contest.  Unfortunately the conditions went sour late in the day on Sat and didn't improve much for Sunday.

The heats were tough and the competitors hungry as the pro's battled through some quarter final heats that easily could have been a final.  In the end however it was Paulo Prietto and Bill Bryan (once again) battling for the top spot.  In the very contentious final heat Paulo and Bill traded wave for wave in tough conditions each trying to eek out an extra .5.  Some thought Paulo might have clinched it with the last wave of the heat  as he got a nice wrap barrel that Bill was obviously aiming for.  But it was not to be as Bill still managed to take top honors for the 800th time in a row.  Jamie Lovett proved he was right at home earning 3rd and Dominic Prietto made his first pro final earning 4th place.

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