The professional women's division featured 13 competitors and the professional men division featured 35 competitors from across the globe including riders from Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Brazil, Florida, Delaware and California. Professional men riders included Lucas Fink who clinched the 2022 Men’s UST Title at the previous UST contest in Spain, Sam Stinnett who holds four UST Titles, and Zap team rider Gerardo Valencia who was the 2021 UST champion.
Despite challenging conditions all of our competing riders stood out, especially Bruno Sa and Sydney Pizza who respectfully took 5th place in the stacked field of mens and women’s professionals.
For the professional men, the final heat came down to Yahir Valencia and Lucas Fink for the third time this season. This time it was Yahirs turn to take the win with technical riding and the biggest waves of the heat!
“It’s a dream to win this contest,” said Yahir Valencia after his win. “I’ve always watched the videos from this contest, and it’s been a big goal to compete here. I’m so very happy now. I’m so stoked to beat Lucas in the final, because Lucas is a great competitor. I watch him in every heat and learn, learn, learn from how he skims. Next year I want to go to all the UST events, and I want to try for the title next year.”
In the women's final Casey Kiernan was matched up against Amber Torebella. Kiernan found a number of pier wraps and mixed in a few technical tricks as well. Ultimately Kiernan won the heat and her second United Skim Tour title!
“I’m kind of at a loss for words. I wanted it really bad this year,” said Casey Kiernan after taking first place and securing her UST title. “I’ve been battling with Sophia [Nguyen] for so long. Knowing that she wasn’t here, I felt like I had a better chance. But then actually being here and seeing the level of women and how we’ve progressed, it wasn’t any easier. I definitely got teary eyed there.”
It has been an incredible season for our team! We cannot wait for the 2023 United Skim Tour and Skim USA Tour!
