The LS&S West St Contest was the first left coast contest in recent memory that had a rain delay.  Saturday morning competitors from all over the country awoke to find decent waves and substantial rain.  The contest was delayed until Sunday.  But just after the call was made the skies began to clear and the waves got pretty good.  Many would be competitors found themselves free skimming Aliso in good conditions.  Later on in the day Camels turned on and more good waves were to be had.  Things were looking up.

But on Sunday morning things were not looking as good.  A strong NW wind had picked up and the waves at West St left a lot to be desired.  But, the sun was out.  It looked like the skimboarders might have been skunked as competitors toiled their way through heats mired by strong winds and low tides.

But as the Semis and Finals approached the tide began to come back in.  The waves got closer and the sider began to start working, if only every once in a while. 

Competitors were faced with a choice of waiting by the sider or by the secondary peak down the beach.  If a competitor could catch and complete a sidewash they were almost guaranteed high marks.  But it was a gamble because there were not many coming through and it was very hard to get anything.

In retrospect however the gamble paid off.  The few competitors who managed to catch a primary sidewash were able to move above the competition.  John Salinas was able to show everyone how true this was by waiting by the primary by himself for the entire heat.  He caught a few waves on the inside but nothing too standout.  Then, literally at the buzzer, he hops on a sidewash.  Everyone's attention is on him because the heat is otherwise over as he rides out to the main peak.  It shapes up nice and John pulls in deep on what must have been a seven foot wave, and then emerged standing tall.  Everyone on the beach erupted in applause.  That wave earned him perfect 10's from at least three of the judges, something I have never heard of in an amateur division.

The pro heats were similar.  Those who were able to find the connecting sidewashes were the ones who did the best.  Bill Bryan was solidly on top with several great waves.  Morgan Just fell into second with some solid rides while Brandon Sears and Isaac Zoller were each able to find a wave or two, but not enough for the top spots.

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