Team Exile Opens 2026 UST Season Strong at El Rey de Lovers

Team Exile kicked off the 2026 United Skim Tour season with a strong showing at El Rey de Lovers in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, placing six riders in the top nine across the professional divisions.

Held at the world-famous Lovers Beach, the event featured pumping 5-8 foot waves throughout the weekend, with competitors taking advantage of powerful liners and the occasional sider as they battled through one of the tour's most iconic venues.

Leading the way for Exile was Chad Wadsworth, who earned a runner-up finish in the Pro Men's division after an impressive run through the draw. Timmy Gamboa finished 5th, while rookie Colton Ettwein turned heads with a 7th-place finish in his professional debut. Dane Cameron placed 8th and Dia Prietto finished 9th.

On the women's side, Isabel "Chabe" Blanco continued her return to competition with a runner-up finish, advancing all the way to the final against eventual champion Julia Dias.

Exile Results – El Rey de Lovers

Pro Men:

• Chad Wadsworth – 2nd Place
• Timmy Gamboa – 5th Place
• Colton Ettwein – 7th Place (Pro Debut)
• Dane Cameron – 8th Place
• Dia Prietto – 9th Place

Pro Women:

• Isabel Blanco – 2nd Place

With a strong start to the season in Cabo, Team Exile now sets its sights on the next stop of the United Skim Tour in Portugal.

All Photos by @lucipinedaaa on Instagram