By Mike Field
SUN STAFF WRITER

Island skimboarders made a tremendous showing over the weekend at the 3rd Annual Skim Bash held at Turtle Beach on Siesta Key.

Eight skimmers riding for the West Coast Surf Shop team placed in the top four spots in four different divisions at the contest, which is sponsored by the St. John’s Methodist Church youth group.

In the Groms 8 and under division, Neil Carper, of Holmes Beach, finished first, as did Blake Tyre, of Bradenton Beach, who competed in the Mens 17 & 18 division.

In the Boys 9-12 group, three Holmes Beach riders finished second, third and fourth. Giorgio Gomez, Neil Carper and Jonah Caster came in two, three and four in what was almost a clean sweep of the division.

In the Junior Mens division, Neil’s older brother, Spencer, finished third while Joey Mattay, also of Holmes Beach, finished right behind him in fourth. Chase Parker, of Anna Maria, also finished fourth in the Mens 17 & 18 division.

On the girls side, 13-year-old Amber Weaver, of Bradenton, placed seventh out of 15 competitors. Amber, whose dad, David, is a former Island resident, was the youngest participant in her division and made it three rounds into the semi-finals before being eliminated.

Others kids who also rode well were Anthony Riccio, of Holmes Beach; Tom Sanger, Mitchell Seguin and Ben Handley, all of Bradenton; and Kevin Kirn, of Holmes Beach.