Lovett takes wakesurfing event

Jaime Kaya Lovett of Victoria Skimboards in Laguna Beach topped a

competitive field last weekend to capture first-place in the Men’s

Open Division at the 2004 Wakesurfing Championships at Boardstock in

Stockton.

Victoria Skimboards placed three of its athletes among the top six

finishers, as Bill Bryan placed fourth and Brandon Sears was fifth.

Professional and amateur wakeboarders, surfers and skimboarders

flaunted their talents for an enthusiastic crowd.

“The event is one of the greatest things to happen behind the

boat,” said Lovett, as he strapped on his life jacket and jumped in

the water for his final run.

His serious carving to generate speed, a few air drops, 360 spins,

lip rides, 180 shuv-its, hang fives, mock barrel rides, all lead way

to an impressive throwing of four 360 shuv-its in the final, allowed

Lovett to oust professional skimboarders such as Bryan, Sears, Drew

Danielo and Paulo Prietto, along with professional wakeboarder Collin

Harington to claim the title of world wakesurfing champion.

Skimboarders laid claim to five of the top six spots in the

championship event.

“The skimboarders are taking over,” exclaimed Tim Lopes of

Centurion Boats.

Upon winning his first world wakesurfing crown, Lovett said that

he will have to “come back next year and defend my title.”

Men’s Open Results: 1. Jaime Kaya Lovett (Victoria Skimboards);

2T. Drew Danielo, Collin Harington; 4. Bill Bryan (Victoria

Skimboards); 5. Brandon Sears (Victoria Skimboards); 6. Paulo

Prietto.