Words: Jason Wilson / Media: Devin Demenezes
The Outer Banks of North Carolina has hosted a skimboarding competition annually since the early 90s. With rich skim culture, optimal skim conditions, and major attendance from pro/am competitors, the Outer Banks Skim Jam is one of the most prestigious events on the Skim USA and United Skim Tour.
This year's competition held on July 22-23 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC had approximately 200 competitors and offered 1-3 foot shore-break and a strong reform flat ground section giving skimmers options for both surf style wave riding and technical flat ground skimboarding. With a prize purse of over A$25k, a new judging panel, and private warm up zone for the professional riders, the competition was at a higher level than most events!
For team Zap, it was a major showing starting with Yahir Valencia and Casey McCullough winning the Men's and Women’s Pro Divisions followed by fellow teammates Bruno Sa’ and Sydney Pizza taking 5th and 4th respectively. Dylan Duncan continued his grind battling through heats, taking 2nd in the Semi-Pro and Men’s divisions. Graham Shelton killed it taking 1st in Men’s and by winning the coveted “Best Trick” Gnome with his signature varial flip! ET Beugrand’s 3rd place added to the team's domination of the Men’s division, which features some of the most exciting riders and future professional skimboarders. CJ Lugo ripped to a 1st place finish followed up by new team rider Drew Fusco, who rounded out the Grand Masters final with a strong 4th place finish. PCB team rider Kaleb Perkins flared up as usual, airing out to a 2nd place in Masters at his first OBX appearance. Boys team representative Trent Moranda skimmed with poise and style in a cut throat boys division that continues to impress the veteran skimmers on the beach. Last and surely not least, our number one grom Gio Tomasi skimmed to big victory in the growing Mini division pushing his fellow competitors to a higher level of youth skimboarding heat by heat!
Our team is looking strong coming into Portugal and Dewey Beach competitions and showing out in every town on the competition circuit! Big thank you to event organizers Wendy Caputo, Jon Depersig, Skim USA, volunteers, and all the wonderful sponsors who make the Outer Banks Skim Jam one of the most memorable weekends of the summer!
Join us next weekend in Dewey Beach, DE 8/11-13 for the Zap World Championships of Skimboarding Presented by Skim USA and Alley Oop: https://alleyoopskim.com/products/2021-zap-pro-am-world-championships-of-skimboarding
