Skimboarding in Laguna

Skimboarding is a very popular water sport here on the Orange Coast. You may have seen guys running on the beach with their boards trying to catch some waves. But did you know that skimboarding was ‘invented’ right here in Laguna Beach?

The earliest evidence of people ‘skimboarding’ stems from the 1920’s in Laguna Beach. Laguna’s lifeguards would use wooden boards to slide along the shoreline. (Fun fact: This makes skimboarding older than the ‘city of Laguna Beach’!).

Up until the 1960’s skimboarding mostly took place along the shoreline. In the late 60’s a group of locals started pushing the limits of the sport at Victoria Beach. They tried to ride the waves rather than just slide on the flat water. This began the process of skimboarding transforming from a recreational activity into a full blown sport.  In the 1980’s skimboarding’s first professional contest was held right here in Laguna Beach.  Today, the sport has evolved into one of the most high-tech water sports in the world and is practiced all over the globe. Even though some people still skim on wooden boards, most dedicated amateurs and professionals use high-performance boards that are more similar to surfboards.

Skimboarding may have gone global in recent years, but Laguna Beach continues to be the skimboarding capital. Many of the World Champions were born and raised in Laguna Beach. Steve Taylor (27), the Operations Manager at Exile Skimboards and a former professional, believes that this is the result of the great conditions of our beaches as well as the diverse, competitive community. What makes our beaches so perfect for skimboarding according to Steve? “Laguna Beach has everything a skimboarder could ever desire,” Steve says, “We have all types of beaches here, including some of the most consistent and predictable waves in the world.” He also points out that the weather is ‘typically calm and the seas are very rarely too windy’. The unique variety of coves and small beaches allow for seasons and weather to alter the sand and set up ‘great skimboarding waves throughout the entire year’.

Professional skimboarder, 2011 and 2012 UST World Champion and Laguna local Sam Stinnett (24) started skimboarding at the age of 5. Sam grew up in South Laguna with his 2 brothers Jake (who is also a pro) and Scott Jr. When their dad realized that his family lived across from some of the world’s best skimboarding breaks, he bought all his kids skimboards. Sam explains why he loved growing up in Laguna Beach: “It was awesome because I knew everybody. It is such a small town, you pretty much know everyone by first name. Besides, growing up where skimboarding is born is pretty cool by itself. Laguna Beach is the birthplace of skimboarding, and ironically also the best spot.” Sam continues to explain that within a 7 mile span, you can find every type of wave possible. Whether it be ’10 foot connections at Aliso Beach or fun 3 foot liners in town’. According to Sam you won’t find this anywhere else in the world. “The amount of top spots in Laguna blows everywhere else out of the water. It is the North Shore of skimboarding!” he says.

A strong sense of community and great waves seem largely responsible for the success of skimboarding in Laguna Beach. Alexandra Badie (17) is a professional skimboarder who grew up in Three Arch Bay and she certainly seems to agree. When I asked Alexandra why she loves Laguna Beach, she explains that: “Laguna has the best, most consistent waves in the world and the community is filled with the nicest and best skimboarders. This makes for a great environment to skim.”

Sam, his brothers, and Alexandra are not alone in growing up with skimboarding. Since the 1970′s, skimboarding has been a major part of growing up in Laguna Beach. Most kids in Laguna try skimboarding at least once during their childhood, and the kids who stick to it become very dedicated. On any given day you will still see skimboarders at the beach catching some waves. Some of the most popular beaches are West Street, Aliso Beach, 10th Street, Treasure Island and Thalia Street.

See Laguna’s professionals and amateurs in action at these upcoming local skimboarding events:

June 28 – 29: The Vic at Aliso Beach, Laguna Beach
October 10-11: Oktoberfest at Balboa Pier, Newport Beach

For more information about skimboarding and where to buy skimboards check out www.skimonline.com. Thanks to Sam, Steve and Alexandra for their input, and thanks to Fabiana, Corinne, Andre, Jerry and Joe for the pictures!

About Jaleesa Peluso
Jaleesa Peluso is a Laguna Beach Realtor®. As a Laguna Beach Realtor Jaleesa specializes in coastal homes and luxury home marketing. For more information about Orange County Real Estate or Laguna Beach Real Estate, visit: www.jaleesapeluso.com
Contact: (949) 395-0960 or Jaleesa@JaleesaPeluso.com