At 10 years old, Laguna Beach native Brandon Sears first competed in the Victoria Skimboards World Championship of Skimboarding with a Victoria “foamie” board.
He’s been a mainstay at “The Vic,” making it to the final heat of the professional division several times but never coming out with a win.
That changed Sunday, as Brandon C. Sears – also known simply as “BCS” – got his win, taking the professional division final at the 33rd annual event held over the weekend at Aliso Beach. And the win wasn’t even as controversial as college football’s BCS, either.
“I can’t believe it, I’ve been skimming for so long,” said Sears, now 25. “It’s taken me 15 years. I’m just super-happy.”
All four skimmers in the pro final, which took place with less-than-desirable wave conditions, had Laguna ties. Paolo Prietto took second, while 16-year-old Sam Stinnett of South Laguna equaled his best pro showing with a third-place finish.
Skim legend Bill “Beaker” Bryan, also of South Laguna, was unable to win The Vic for the 15th time. He took fourth in the 15-minute pro final, where riders’ top five waves were counted and at least two frontside and two backside rides were needed.