Skim jammers rode the first wave to the last at the 17th annual Mulligan’s Skim Jam just off Sexton Beach Plaza, hosted by shore lb. and sponsored by Mulligan’s Beach House. The event was the final stop of the shore lb. Triple Crown.

The competition was also a stop on the United Skim Tour, and the first time Vero Beach had been included.

“The UST has not been in Florida in over seven years, and it’s never been in Indian River County or Vero Beach,” noted Chris Ellison, shore lb. founder and CEO.

“It’s safe to say that the world champion that’s going to be crowned in two weeks in Newport Beach, Calif., in both the men’s and women’s divisions, was actually in Vero Beach on our waves, skimming our local break,” added Ellison, who discovered skimboarding while visiting his grandparents in Vero Beach and moved here after high school to continue the sport.

This year’s Skim Jam drew 120 skimboarders, the largest number to date, and it included some of the world’s best.

Contestants rode waves in various categories: Men’s and Women’s Pro, I’m Going Pro Tomorrow, I’m Better, I’m Good, and I’m a Beginner. Points were earned for wave selection, incoming and outgoing tricks, and the variety and difficulty of the maneuvers.

After a long day spent showing off their skills, participants and their families headed to Walking Tree Brewery for an awards ceremony where prizes were given for that day’s competition, and the overall Triple Crown champion was announced.

Other evening highlights included live music, pro-signings, and the release of WTB’s Intergalactic Pounder, a hazy lager.

Proceeds from the Skim Jam benefited the Little Board Riders, a nonprofit launched last year, which also provided a free skim clinic that weekend. Its goal is to provide equipment and lessons in various watersports to children who would not otherwise have access.

“Our goal is to give all children access to the beach and make sure that they can learn ocean safety, ride a surfboard, a skimboard or a paddleboard, and provide them with the necessary equipment,” explained Ellison.

Two children who had participated in LBR’s summer camp through the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy this summer were enamored of the newfound sport and even competed in the Skim Jam, shared Ellison.

“We partnered with Boards for Humanity, and both of those children competed and left the Skim Jam with their very own board,” he added, referencing another nonprofit that helps put equipment in the hands of underprivileged youth around the world.

“It’s been proven that water makes us happy. When we’re around water, we smile and have a good time. If we can get kids away from video games and out on the water, it will help them. We want to get more kids out on the water with boards in their hands,” said Ellison.

In March 2025, the shore lb Throw Down will be held at the Sebastian Inlet. For more information, visit shorelb.com.

Photos by Joshua Kodis