Blair Conklin: he won his third United Skim Tour title | Photo: Exile

Blair Conklin and Sophia Nguyen claimed the 2018 United Skim Tour title.

The 2018 Exile Oktoberfest got underway at Newport Beach' Balboa Peninsula, in California. It was the final stop of the season for the professional skimboarding tour, and there was a lot at stake.

Sam Stinnett, who was not one of the world title race contenders, ended up winning the 14th edition of the iconic skim contest, which was blessed with a blend of a south swell and a building hurricane swell.

As a result, the competitive weekend had waves for everyone, and all heats were incredibly tight and exciting from a spectator's perspective.

Two gentleman - Conklin and John Weber - battled it out in the final to raise the event's trophy. Although Weber was the best rider, he eventually ended up penalized with an interference that cost him the win.

"We had a weekend full of good waves, good people, good vibes, and a lot of drama! There many crazy close heats crazy world title scenarios, but I'm stoked to walk away with a win," expressed Stinnett.

"There are so many talented skimboarders who can rise to the top with at any given event. What a time to be a professional skimboarder!"

On the women's side, Casey Kiernan got her revenge. After finishing runner-up twice this season, she won the last contest of the year.

"It's great to wrap up the season taking home the win! I've always been close to getting first place at this contest, but never made it happen until now!" added Kiernan.

"I was fortunate enough to judge the men's professional heats, and each rider had jaw-dropping moments and put on such an impressive show that it made me proud to be a skimboarder!"

2018 Exile Oktoberfest | Results

Men
1. Sam Stinnett
2. John Weber
3. Yahir Valencia
4. Lucas Fink
5. Perry Pruitt
6. Austin Keen

Women
1. Casey Kiernan
2. Sophia Nguyen
3. Amber Torrealba
4. Kelsey Bloome

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