The 2026 United Skim Tour season kicked off at El Rey de Lovers in Cabo San Lucas, where Gerardo Valencia and Julia Dias captured victories in the professional divisions after two days of competition at one of the tour’s most iconic stops.
Competing in front of a home-country crowd, Gerardo Valencia earned the Pro Men’s title with a series of close victories throughout the event. In the semifinals, he narrowly defeated Leo Freitas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by just 0.09 points before advancing to face Chad Wadsworth of Newport Beach, California in the final.
“It’s always a dream to win one of the best stops on the UST, and it’s a dream to win here in my country,” said Gerardo Valencia. “It’s been another goal of mine after winning the UST. This is amazing. I can’t explain. I’m so happy.”
On the women’s side, Julia Dias put together a dominant performance throughout the contest, finding clean wraps and barrel rides to earn the victory. Isabel Blanco finished runner-up, while Amber Torrealba and Sydney Pizza rounded out the top four.
“I’m really happy to take this one home to Brazil,” said Julia Dias. “My goal is to do the whole tour this year and of course winning the title is always our goal. I just want to have fun, keep going, and see what happens in the future. Thank you guys. Without you, none of this would have happened.”
Pro Men:
- Gerardo Valencia (Barra de Navidad, Mexico)
- Chad Wadsworth (Newport Beach, California)
- Yahir Valencia (Barra de Navidad, Mexico)
- Leo Freitas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Pro Women:
- Julia Dias (Ubatuba, Brazil)
- Isabel Blanco (Mazunte, Mexico)
- Amber Torrealba (Palm Bay, Florida)
- Sydney Pizza (Dewey Beach, Delaware)
