Dewey Beach, Del. : ‘Where Skimboarders are Made’

Beach, sand, surf; that’s what Dewey Beach is known for.

Skim USA will hold it’s 34th annual Skim Boarding contest in the resort town Aug. 8. The organization is a youth focused group, created over 30 years ago, dedicated to promoting the sport of Skimboarding.

SkimUSA works closely with local surf and skim shops and a core of dedicated volunteers to run competitions in Florida, North Carolina, Delaware and New Jersey. Jason Wilson, event organizer and host, has watched the organization grow throughout the years.

“My father started the skim boarding event 34 years ago to promote his Sand Blaster Skimboards brand,” Wilson said. “This is the longest running skim contest in Delaware, second longest running contest in the world.”

The skimboarding event is the longest running portion of the Summer Vibes Festival, a festival that begins on Thursday, Aug. 6, highlighting the Southern Delaware beach culture and summer spirit through skimboarding, skateboarding and more. Throughout this festival, there will also be performers, art and kid activities. The video below highlights the festival in 2014.

Wilson says the skimboarding contest attracts around 150-200 competitors each year, with competitors from around the world. Last year, one of the winners was from Philippines; there were competitors from Brazil, Portugal, Mexico and California.

Although there are competitors from around the world, according to Wilson, Delaware breads skimboarders.

“We have such strong skimboarding roots here, we definitely have a big impact on the local tourism,” Wilson said.

Officials estimate the event brings $300,000 or so into Dewey if you include money spent at local hotels, restaurants and clothing stores. Not only does this event raise money for the local economy, it helps raise money for two lucky competitors.

“Every year money is raised at this event and other events for the scholarship fund,” Wilson said. “Each year a guy and a girl are given $1,000.”

Wilson adds that this year will be a great year for the competition; over half of the competitors this year are returners from previous years.

Competitors are able to sign up for the event until Thursday, Aug. 6.