INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Saying they were “stoked” would be an understatement. With boards in hand, 70 contestants waited in anticipation for the moment they’d get to show off their best moves in front of judges and spectators at the 2012 Mulligan’s Skim Jam held Saturday, on the beach behind Mulligan’s Beach House in Vero Beach.
A slight breeze kept the rising sun from reaching its full, searing force during the competition as “skimmers” rode into the wave line to perform tricks. A beach full of spectators and supporters cheered on each contestant as he or she caught air in a veil of sea spray.
With all proceeds going directly to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Skim Jam brings together competitors of all ages and skill levels. Event organizer Russ King said the competition gets many different elements of the community together for a great cause.
“Without the community, this event would not go on,” King said. “The local sponsors really make it happen.”
Skim boarding, which shares some similarities with both surfing and skateboarding, has gained popularity in the past few decades, he said.
“The sport has grown,” King said. “Skim boarding is getting bigger every year.”
The event judges skimmers on such things as length of ride, how many maneuvers are performed during a ride, and overall style. Contestants are divided into skill levels and compete in front of a panel of judges.
Chris Ellison, who also helped organize the event, said the event sprang from the desire to give back and help those with needs.
“The whole philosophy was ‘kids helping kids,’” Ellison said. “We decided we wanted to do an event to help kids and St. Jude’s was the best charity we could come up with.”
Of course, the chance to see the talents of skimmers from all levels is also incredible, he said.
“The highlight for me is just looking around at all of the people who come out to support it,” Ellison said. “From the businesses out here to just the people in the community, it’s been great.”
Last year’s “I’m Turning Pro Tomorrow” division champ Troy Rhoten, of Vero Beach, credits events like Skim Jam and those who support it with helping spread interest in skimming.
“It feels good that the sports you’re doing — that you represent — can help other people,” Rhoten said. “Seeing people come out and support the event is a good feeling.”
Rhoten, who started skimming when he was 9, is starting his professional career now at the age of 18.
Skimming has become a way of life, he said.
“When I’m out there, I’m really just thinking about what I can do and what I want to do,” Rhoten said. “It’s just basically going out and doing the best you can.”
Exposure to the sport when you’re young can create a lifelong passion for it, he said.
Jordan Hicks, 7, of Sebastian, said he felt he did pretty well in the “Beginner” division competition — his first skimming contest.
“It was good,” Jordan said. “I like doing tricks like grinds and jumps.”
Having started skimming at 3, he’s already spent more than half his life doing the sport.
Known in the skimming world as a “grom” due to his young age, Jordan said he wasn’t nervous performing in front of a crowd of people.
“It just feels cool,” he said. “I’d like to do another competition.”
Jordan’s father, Cory Hicks, said his son became interested in skimming at an early age.
“He first started off on a ‘boogie’ board,” Hicks said. “I’d toss it into the water and he’d jump right on it.”
After a family friend gave Hicks a skim board, Jordan made the transition to it quite easily, he said.
“He really enjoys it,” Hicks said. “Now, I’ll usually go off and boogie board and Jordan spends the whole time (skimming) with his buddies.”
