2011年 9月 26日(月曜日) 11:10

One year ago, Blair Conklin made his professional debut at the Santa Cruz SkimBash.  The second to last stop on the UST proved to be a special place for Blair, as he became the standout rider through every round of competition.  26th Avenue offered up fun 2-4 foot waves if you were skilled enough to pick them off.  Though not always consistent, every heat offered highlights and Blair seemed to always make the most of what was on hand.  He wrapped waves flawlessly, linking big spins, shuvits and 360-shuvits on liners as well as secondary side wave pushes from the southerly rocks at 26th Ave.  Sam Stinnett was able to keep it close in the final, but with the 3rd and 4th place finishers both seemingly acquiring interference calls, it was clear that Blair or Sam would take the win.  

With the frontside/backside rule in effect, making it necessary to go both ways to show a rider's overall talent and range, Blair was able to dominate the backsides, pull off a high scoring frontside, and sneak a lower scoring frontside wave to narrowly win the contest.   Other close contenders included Brandon Sears who faught hard through to the semi's as well as Austin Keen, and Brad Domke, making 5 of the top 8, Exile Skimboards team riders.  Ken Suzuki held it down for the amateur ranks with a 2nd place finish, in low tide tough conditions. 

Blair setting up a backside down the line. (photo by Sean Twomey)



Your 2011 Santa Cruz SkimBash Champion (photo by Steve Taylor)

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