The biggest skim event of the year nears as competitors, media, and spectators prepare for the 2008 Victoria contest to be held July 26th & 27th at Aliso Beach.  Situated firmly as the 5th event on the UST tour, the Victoria contest, more commonly known as The Vic, is considered the most prestigious event in skimboarding.  This year, the UST title race is the closest ever.  Bill Bryan is the favorite of the event and is currently 1st in the UST.  He has won this event 14 times and doesn’t seem to be slowing down.  Closely behind him, is Morgan Just, but due to a unfortunate injury at the last contest in North Carolina, Morgan will have to sit out this event.  Inching his way up the ratings in third is Paulo Prietto.  Brandon Rothe is skimming stronger than ever and has asserted himself at the 4th spot and is striking distance from Paulo.  Brandon Sears is nipping at Rothe’s heals.  Less than 150 points separate the two.  Rounding out the 6th spot is Floridian Brad Domke who has yet to peak.

The Vic is typically a foreshadowing to who will take the UST crown.  It is a big turning point of the season because it is worth 1.5 times the amount of points than other UST events. Being one of the most challenging events, expect the Vic to sift the rankings some.  Over 40 professional riders are registered and a south swell is forcasted for the weekend.  Keep your fingers crossed that the tides, swell, and sand will coincide at the 32nd annual Victoria event. Aliso is known for it steep slope, fast water, and powerful waves to be the perfect recipe for an exciting and entertaining weekend.  Bring you umbrella, beach chair and camera.  Heats start at 8am and run until around 5pm.

After the contest on Sunday, be sure to hit up the Out The Back Wrap Up Party @ 7 Degrees in Laguna Beach (Laguna Canyon) which will feature Live music, Video montages, Awards ceremony, and 10th St. Bros. video premiere 7pm – 11pm Sunday July 27, 2008. Don’t miss out.