Austin Keen cut through choppy conditions to win the men’s pro division of the 10th annual Senseless Skimfest skimboarding contest at 26th Avenue Beach on Saturday.
The sea was calm when the competition started at 8 a.m., but by mid-morning strong winds had whipped up the wave texture, chilled spectators, and sent a couple tents and umbrellas airborne.
Contest director Ryan Parola was glad the competitors at least got a short window to skim some clean waves.
“This morning we had a solid three hours of heats with good waves, but once that devil wind hit, it hit hard. Seemed like the strongest winds of the year,” Parola said. “Despite the unprecedented winds and chop, everyone was still rippin’ and doing their best, dealing with what they had. So overall I feel like it was a success.
“The waves were there, we had a great turnout, and everyone seemed to be stoked and happy to be there”.
Jackie Golbach defended her title in the women’s division, as did Evan Lohr in the 25-29 division.
Other division winners included Wyatt Colen [17-and-under], Zach Mexicano [18-21], Jed Ball [22-24] and Dean Poshar [30-and-over].
