The world’s top skimboarders battled in pounding shorebreak at Aliso Beach over the weekend on the fourth stop of the United Skim Tour.

The South Laguna Beach event, known as “the Vic,” saw nearly 50 competitors from around the world enter the prestigious contest, now in its 45th year. A beefy swell showed up for the event on Aug. 27 and 28, with 3- to 5-foot waves giving plenty of opportunity for the skimboarders to shine.

The contest is put on by Victoria Skimboards with a prize purse of $9,000. Yahir Valencia and Chabe White, both of Mexico, both took home their first United Skim Tour victories at the event.

The world’s best skimboarders battled at Aliso Beach on Aug. 27 and 28 for The Vic, an event that marked its 45th year. Chabe White, of Mexico, earned her first United Skim Tour victories at the event.(Photo courtesy of DingoSaidSo)

The professional men’s division featured 39 competitors and the professional women division hosted nine, including athletes who came from Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Hawaii, Florida and around California.

The final men’s heat came down to Tim Fulton, of Laguna Beach, and Valencia, the tour’s third-ranked rider. Fulton tucked into some of the biggest barrels of the day, but it was Valencia who answered back with technical combinations that ultimately landed him in first place, winning by 0.53 points, according to the event recap.

The world’s best skimboarders battled at Aliso Beach on Aug. 27 and 28 for The Vic, an event that marked its 45th year. Tim Fulton, of Laguna Beach, came in second place at the event. (Photo courtesy of Braden Walker/@justbraden)

“I feel very happy to have won the tournament after a lot of effort and dedication,” Valencia told event organizers. “I feel very happy to be able to represent my country, family and sponsors.”

For the women’s event, White made it to her first tour final against Julia Dias from Brazil. White found the biggest and cleanest waves of the heat, propelling her to her first tour win.

“I’m so grateful for winning. I still can’t believe it. I’m in shock,” White said. “This win to me means I’m representing all the girls who come from small towns who want to follow their dreams. I can’t believe I’m here.”

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After the first four stops for the professional men’s division, Lucas Fink is currently on the top of the rankings followed by Dane Cameron and Valencia. For the professional women’s division, Amber Torrealba is currently in first in the rankings.

The men’s professional division of the 2022 circuit includes six competitions, three on the West Coast of the United States, two on the East Coast, and one international event held in Spain. The women’s professional division includes one stop on the East Coast and two on the West Coast.

Competitors will head to Spain in September before coming back for the Exile Oktoberfest in Newport Beach at the Balboa Pier from Sept. 17 to 18.