News Summary
The OBX Skim Jam is back at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head with 190 competitors in 115 heats, showcasing the international talent in the skimboarding community. This year’s event features notable professional athletes, community fundraisers, and highlights local participants. The competitive spirit, along with family-friendly activities, creates an engaging atmosphere for fans and families alike.
NAGS HEAD, North Carolina – The annual OBX Skim Jam competition has returned to Jennette’s Pier, featuring 190 competitors vying in 115 heats over a three-day period from July 21-23, 2023. The event showcases top professional skimboarders from across the globe, with participants from Brazil, Mexico, Delaware, California, Alabama, and Florida competing for a total prize purse of $15,000.
The competition, which began on Friday, includes participants of all ages, emphasizing the sport’s accessibility and community spirit. Wendy Caputo, co-host of the OBX Skim Jam, noted the strong international attendance, particularly highlighting the enthusiasm of Brazilian competitors. The gathering is not only a platform for skill showcase but also fosters a sense of community among skimboarders and their families.
The OBX Skim Jam is a collaborative event organized by Skim USA and the United Skim Tour, which supports both amateur and professional athletes in the sport of skimboarding. Among the notable professional competitors competing this year were Lucas Fink, a three-time UST champion from Rio de Janeiro, and Chabe White, the 2023 UST champion from Mazunte, Mexico.
Local participants also made their mark, including Perry Pruitt, who served as a judge, and Brady Green, who achieved an impressive 18th place in the pro men’s division. The competition isn’t just for adults; it also features young athletes like eight-year-old Brody Chandler-Thompson, who participated in the “Minis” division specifically for children aged 8 and under.
In addition to the competitions, the event hosted a fundraiser to support Colin Tibbs, a Perquimans County teenager who is on the road to recovery after a spinal cord injury sustained during a skimboarding accident. The fundraiser has garnered significant local support, underscoring the event’s role in promoting community resilience and camaraderie.
Longtime locals, including the Pruitt family, have a deep-rooted history in skimboarding and have actively participated in the OBX Skim Jam for many years. Their involvement reflects the event’s commitment to nurturing local talent while also bringing together the wider skimboarding community.
The OBX Skim Jam begins each day at 8 a.m. and wraps up around 6 p.m., providing ample opportunity for spectators to enjoy the exciting performances. The weekend also featured a “Party at the Pier” on Friday night, complete with food trucks, vendors, and family activities, further enriching the atmosphere for attendees.
This year’s prize purse of $15,000 has been generously supported by local businesses and brands, demonstrating community investment in the sport and its athletes. As part of the United Skim Tour, the OBX Skim Jam supports both professional and emerging skimboarders to enhance their skills and gain exposure.
Looking ahead, participants can look forward to future UST tour events, including the Zap Championships, Vic West, and Exile Oktoberfest, as enthusiasm for skimboarding continues to grow both locally and internationally.
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Additional Resources
- WTVR: OBX Skim Jam 2025
- Wikipedia: Skimboarding
- WTKR: OBX Skim Jam Kicks Off
- Google Search: Skimboarding Competitions
- Pilot Online: International Skimboarding Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skimboarding
- WTKR: OBX Skim Jam Returns
- Google News: OBX Skim Jam
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.
