News Summary
The OBX SkimJam at Jennette’s Pier showcases 190 competitors from around the globe, with a prize purse of $15,000. The event highlights both professional and amateur skimboarding, while fostering community support through a fundraiser for a local teenager’s recovery. The family-friendly atmosphere emphasizes connections among attendees and participants, making it a summer highlight in North Carolina.
Nags Head, North Carolina – The OBX SkimJam has returned to Jennette’s Pier, showcasing an impressive lineup of 190 competitors from around the world. The event kicked off on Friday and will run through Sunday, featuring a total prize purse of $15,000. The competition includes 115 heats with participants representing countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and various states across the United States, including Delaware, California, Alabama, and Florida.
This year’s SkimJam is notable for its strong international presence, particularly from Brazil, as indicated by Wendy Caputo, the co-host of the event. Competitors of all ages are demonstrating their impressive skimboarding skills, making it a family-friendly event that fosters community spirit.
The SkimJam aims to support both amateur and professional competitors, facilitated through a collaboration between Skim USA and the United Skim Tour. The event organizers emphasize the crucial role of community support in making the SkimJam a reality each year, with attendees encouraged to follow the event’s updates on Instagram through the accounts @obxskimjam and @skim_usa.
Event Highlights
The competition features various divisions, including men’s and women’s professional categories that count toward the United Skim Tour standings. Notable participants include Lucas Fink, a three-time UST champion from Rio de Janeiro, and Sydney Pizza, the 2023 Skim USA champion. Each division accommodates amateur skimboarders, allowing a broad spectrum of talent to showcase their skills.
As part of the SkimJam festivities, there is a special tribute to Colin Tibbs, a teenager from Perquimans County who is recovering from a spinal cord injury sustained during a skimboarding accident. A fundraiser held on Friday night is aimed at supporting Tibbs and his family, reflecting the community’s solidarity in times of tragedy. Donations collected during this event symbolize the aim of helping those in need while fostering connections within the skimboarding community.
Community Importance
The OBX SkimJam has become a highlight of the summer season, not only for the competition but also for its role in bringing families and competitors together. The community aspect of the event is integral to its success, showcasing friendships and connections among skimboarders and their loved ones from various locations. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and support, enriching the overall experience for both competitors and attendees alike.
Following the event’s initial launch on Friday, the competitions will continue throughout the weekend, running from morning until evening. The registration of 190 competitors and the extensive prize purse illustrate the event’s growing prominence in the world of skimboarding, a sport that has been making waves on the East Coast and beyond. As it progresses, the OBX SkimJam aims not only to elevate both professional and amateur participation but also to strengthen community ties and celebrate the sport.
In conclusion, the OBX SkimJam is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of skill, community, and support for those in need. With a strong international representation and a focus on creating lasting memories and connections, the OBX SkimJam stands as a testament to the growing popularity and community spirit inherent in the sport of skimboarding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Plane Crash in Kill Devil Hills Takes Five Lives
Colin Tibbs Progresses in Recovery After Severe Injury
Rare Snowfall Hits Outer Banks, N.C.
Heroic Rescue of Unresponsive Teen Skimboarder in Kill Devil Hills
Teen Hospitalized After Skimboarding Accident in Kill Devil Hills
Nags Head Prepares for Exciting 2024 OBX SkimJam Competition with $15,000 Prize Pool
Nags Head Hosts Exciting OBX SkimJam Competition This Weekend
Nags Head Prepares for Thrilling 2024 OBX SkimJam Competition This July
Additional Resources
- WTKR: OBX SkimJam Kicks Off at Jennette’s Pier
- Wikipedia: Skimboarding
- Pilot Online: International Skimboarding Competition Comes to Outer Banks
- Google Search: skimboarding competition
- The Coastland Times: Yahir Valencia Places First in OBX Skim Jam
- Google Scholar: skimboarding community
- WTKR: OBX SkimJam Returns to Jennette’s Pier This Weekend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: skimboarding
- Surfer Today: Perry Pruitt Wins the 2018 Outer Banks Skim Jam
- Google News: skimboarding events
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
