Photos By: Rui Marinho

This past weekend (June 21, 22) in Espinho, Portugal, Hugo Santos reassured himself the title of Portuguese National Skimboard Champion by winning the Exile Skim Norte Open. This was the third stop of a total four of the National Skimboard Circuit (FPS 2008) organized by the Clube Skim Norte and Exile Skimboards. Local favorite, Hugo Santos placed 1st in the first two events of the circuit. This most recent event was crucial for his competitors but Hugo was not easily dethroned and by winning this most recent event he secured the title before with the final contest which will be held in Faro.

The conditions were not ideal on saturday. Despite the fog settling in throughout the day, the trials and early rounds of the Open division were the first to start. The big surprise of the day occurred when Algarve Rafael Santos of the Surfing Club of Faro was eliminated by the local, Daniel Paiva, who pushed forward from the trials. On Sunday, with the help of some good ol’ sunshine, the beach filled with spectators to watch the best Portuguese skimmers give their all to reach the final. The waves improved as the swell grew to 1.2m (3-4 feet).

The quarter and semi finals of the Open division were very competitive. Simon Pinto of Sesimbra was narrowly defeated by Lino Curado who advanced to the next round with Pedro Lopes to the final. In the other semi-final, the conditions were better suited for Miguel and Hugo Santos’ riding styles. They were the clear favorite by skimming past João Dinis and Pedro Ribeiro. The best riding was saved for the final when Hugo Santos caught two incredible barrels on two sizeable waves to once again prove his dominance and take home 1st place. Lino Curado recieved 2nd place while Pedro Lopes and Miguel Santos rounded out the final.

The other divisions were equally exciting and competitive. Sofia Lopes of the Surf Club de Sesimbra confirmed her superiority with a 3rd consecutive win to claim the title as National Women’s Portuguese Champion. Simão Pinto skimmed his way to 1st in the 16 and Under Division leaving Eduardo Joaquim at 2nd. The spot for overall champion in the 16 and Under Division is still undecided until the skimmers fight it out one more time in Faro. The always competitive 18 and Under Division proved to be an electrifying matchup between Diogo Conceição and Pedro Ribeiro. The final was close but Diogo did what he does best and captured 1st.

You could see it in everyones faces, the entire weekend was a success both in organization and in the growth and promotion of skimboarding. This great contest could not have been possible without the support from Exile Skimboards, the Espinho Council, Ifthen Software, Invert Surf Shop, 1/2 de publicidade, AvenTTura, Redbull and SkimPortugal.