A competitor goes airborne in last year’s edition of the event, now in its sixth year.
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Forget those end-of-summer blues this weekend. Sea Bright’s got some hot beach action lined up, weather forecast be damned.
Hundreds of spectators and competitors from around the country are expected to watch or participate in the sixth annual Sea Bright Skim Bash, a three-day type of fair at the borough beach.
The weekend is centered on the burgeoning sport of skimming, in which contestants run from shore into an incoming wave, mount a small version of a surfboard at the water’s edge and ride waves like traditional surfers.
They compete in three- and four-person heats, and those teams that average staying upright win prizes.
This year, there’s a new wrinkle. Some of the nation’s professional skimboarders will also compete, which is a sign of the annual weekend’s popularity, said Felicia Stratton, chairwoman of Sea Bright’s Recreation Committee.
“It’s really grown year after year, and you can see the evidence of it in this contest,” Stratton said. “There’s nothing else in neighboring towns like it. Sea Bright owns it.”
For those without the skill or gumption to take to the water, there are plenty of options to stay occupied. Live bands will play throughout the weekend and nearby restaurants will offer food and drink specials. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a bonfire on the beach Saturday night.
There’s little reason not to go and at least check it out, Stratton said.
“It definitely brings Sea Bright to life,” she said.
Proceeds from the event go to the Sea Bright Recreation Committee.
Here’s a Thursday-morning weather update, via email from Stratton:
We have an eye on the weather, but we skim rain or shine. If it thunders, we clear the beach until it’s safe to get back on. The skimboarders do not care about rain since they’re in the water anyway. It’s just the spectators who gripe about it. The contest will not be cancelled. Plus, it’s going to be beautiful on Saturday. This will all blow out by tomorrow. Right? lol…
Here’s what’s scheduled:
Friday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. at the Mad Hatter: Free premiere of Matt AdamÂ’s new “Wunderkind” skimboarding movie. This documentary follows some of the world’s best skimboarders as they journey to mainland Mexico in search of the perfect shore break. Filmed, directed, and edited by Delaware cinematographer Matt Adams. Free admission and food specials.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. behind DonovanÂ’s: Skim Bash registration and competition begins. Bands begin playing at noon. Food/drink specials all day. Free live entertainment will continue until approximately 11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. at DonovanÂ’s: Free Bonfire on the Beach – including live bands and food/drink specials.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m. behind DonovanÂ’s
Skim Bash competition continues. Bands begin playing at noon. 50/50 raffle and Skim Bash winners will be announced after the competition, sometime between 4-6 p.m.
The weekend events are open to spectators at no charge. There is a fee to compete in the Skim Bash competition. For more information, or to register to compete, call 732-598-6029, or click here.
