Nags Head to Host the Exciting 2024 OBX SkimJam Competition
Get ready, Nags Head! The vibrant beach community is gearing up for the thrilling 2024 OBX SkimJam skimboarding competition, set to take place from July 26th through 28th at the picturesque Jennette’s Pier. If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend your summer weekend, make sure you’re there to cheer on some of the top skimboarders from around the world.
A Weekend of World-Class Skimboarding
The SkimJam is not just any local competition; it draws an international field of talented competitors, with a staggering prize purse of $15,000 for professional divisions. Both men’s and women’s professional events, along with all amateur divisions, will be part of the renowned Skim USA tour. Plus, this year’s professional men’s division is a key stop on the United Skim Tour, making it an exhilarating event for the skimboarding label.
Featured Athletes
You won’t want to miss watching some of the sport’s elite participants, such as three-time UST champion Lucas Fink from Rio de Janeiro and Gerardo Valencia of Mexico, who holds impressive titles including the 2023 Skim USA Men’s Champion. On the women’s side, the competition promises to be fierce with skimboarders like Sydney Pizza, the 2023 Skim USA champion, and Chabe White, the 2023 UST champion.
What to Expect
The event will kick off at 8 a.m. each day and run until around 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Since the quality of waves can vary daily, the professionals will compete during the best wave windows, so keep your fingers crossed for those perfect conditions!
Amateur Events for All Ages
The OBX SkimJam isn’t just about professional competition; it’s a family-friendly event with amateur divisions open to all age groups. The amateur categories for men range from Minis (8 and under) to Legends (50 and older), providing an inclusive atmosphere for skimboarders of all skill levels. Girls and women will also have their own divisions, including Mini Girls and Junior Women, ensuring everyone has a chance to ride the waves.
Prize Growth as Participation Increases
As more athletes sign up, the prize purse is likely to grow. Wendy Caputo, one of the co-hosts, highlighted the overwhelming support from local businesses, which has enabled this high-stakes event to go above and beyond last year. “The skimboarding community absolutely loves to visit OBX and appreciates all of the local support and recognition,” she shared. It’s clear that this event is a collaboration between local businesses and the skimboarding world, creating a truly memorable experience.
What’s Next on the Tour?
The OBX SkimJam marks the third of six stops for the professional men’s division on the UST tour this year, followed by exciting events like the Zap World Championships in Delaware, the Mulligans Skim Jam in Florida, and the renowned Exile Oktoberfest in California. Notably, the competitive scoring system ensures that only the best performances count towards each skimboarder’s points total.
Join in the Fun!
So, whether you’re a die-hard skimboard fan or just looking to enjoy a lively beach atmosphere, mark your calendars for the OBX SkimJam happening this July. Bring your family, friends, and plenty of sunscreen as you enjoy a weekend filled with incredible athletic talent, great local vibes, and of course, the stunning ocean backdrop of Nags Head!
