The VIC set for 40th annual event

The 40th annual World Championships of Skimboarding, also known as The VIC, will take place Saturday and Sunday at Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach.

Approximately 140 competitors will vie for division titles, Victoria Skimboards owner and co-founder Tex Haines said. In addition to local entries, some of the countries represented in the competition include France, Japan, Mexico and several from European and South American countries.

“I can’t believe we are in our 40th year,” said Haines who, along with Peter Prietto, co-founded Victoria Skimboards in Laguna Beach in 1976. “We’re going to get a good swell this weekend, which is great.”

Haines said this year’s contest will including a new, live scoring system - “the first time in the U.S. for Skimboarding where scores can be seen on the beach,” he said, and a new priority system for competitors.

Competition will be held in the following divisions: Pro Men, Pro Women, Amateur Women, Amateur Men (eight-and-under), Amateur Men (ages 9-11), Amateur Men (12-14), Amateur Men (15-17), Amateur Men (18-21), Amateur Men (22-24), Amateur Men (25-29), Amateur Men (30-39), and Amateur Men (40-and-older).

Haines said that 36 competitors are entered in the Pro Men division.

Saturday begins with a pre-contest talk with contestants. Opening heats will start at 8:30 a.m. both days, Haines said.

Last August, Tim Fulton won the Pro Men Division and Keiao Gucwa-Bucasas the Pro Women’s Division.

For registration information, visit www.victoriaskimboards.com.

— From staff reports

— From staff reports