There wasn’t a hint of Hermine on our shores last Saturday as skimboarders gathered for the ninth annual Mulligan’s Skim Jam, presented by Shore lb. on the beach at Sexton Plaza. Conditions were ideal, the storm having pushed waves and wind off-shore, making the waves very clean and keeping the day comfortable for onlookers.
The event raised funds for the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association, which is dedicated to keeping our beaches safe and supplied with lifesaving equipment. The VBLA is also working to update and build guard stations and eventually construct a skateboard park at Leisure Square.
Billed as the largest one-day skimboarding contest in the world, the pro-am is the third and final stop of the Shore lb. Triple Crown, where more than 70 skimboarders compete in four humorously named divisions – I Suck, I’m Good, I’m Better and I’m Turning Pro Tomorrow – with finalists named Triple Crown Kings at the end of the competition.
Sponsors and show affiliates set up open tents providing welcome shade for the hundreds who came out to watch the action as announcers and a disc jockey hyped up the crowd. The pros competed in the morning and the finalists competed at the end, keeping the excitement going throughout the eight-hour event, as crowds yelled and clapped for the best aerials, barrels or fly-aways.
“A lot of people are really stoked about this competition,” said Tim Capra, VBLA vice president. “I have people tell me this is their favorite of all of them, especially because it is so family-friendly. We respect everybody and they in turn treat all of us with respect too.”
Shore lb., a local surf and water-based activity clothing company with stores in Stuart, Indialantic and Vero Beach, was founded by Chris and Tiffany Ellison. Chris Ellison, a VBLA board member, sponsored and organized the event as a way to give back to the community and support the VBLA.
A robust and very funny voice of the competition, Ellison announced heats while dishing out complements and good-natured digs. He got the “job” by default eight years ago when the pro announcer could not make an event, and it was easy to see why he was asked to continue the role.
“We are having a blast! I love seeing the kids come back each year, watch their progression and see the smiles,” enthused Ellison. “There are 20 people on our board and lots of volunteers who make this happen. One of our good friends, AJ, a professional DJ, even donated his time to play music. We all are just having a good time.”
“These kids love what they do,” said Nicky Nickerson. “It’s a great positive thing for them; they’re here having fun competing. It is in such a convenient location, with lots of restaurants and hotels right here on the beach, so we can just stay the night and just walk down for the competition.”
The fun continued with an after-party Saturday evening at Walking Tree Brewery, and an additional fundraiser, the Waldo’s Wildcard Poker Stroll, on Sunday.
