The skimboarder is a sometimes maligned member of the surfing
community. People tend to associate the sport with quite uncoordinated
men running at fast pace and falling flat on their faces in two inches
of water. This, however, is unfair, as riding what is effectively a thin
layer of plywood at high speeds is very, very difficult. Recently Brad Domke
has shown what skimboarders are capable of by successfully riding
barreling waves in Mexico and creating huge interest in the sport.
This clip above by Andre Magarao will also help further cements
skimboarders’ credibility. A crew of standout skimboarders including
Paulo Prietto, George Bryan, Travis Williams, Grant Noble, Mike Hickey,
Sam Stinnett, and Blair Conklin take to the infamous Wedge in Newport Beach, California, riding some big barrels with style as well as handling some hideous wipeouts. And all without the need to paddle.
