Gauging Interest: Canadian Skim Jam

**Wildeman** · 10-25-2009, 07:50 PM

I am putting out ‘feelers’ to gauge interest from the skimboard community regarding possible attendance to a Canadian skim jam. We have yet to decide the exact date, but it would most likely be happening in early spring(Feb-March), as that is when the waves are the biggest/gnarliest waves show up. The jam is being organized and coordinated by myself (Brett) and Brandon Wright (www.skimbc.com). Brandon just got back a few weeks ago from a road trip in California, and from the information he gathered while meeting numerous pros/ams/groms down there, there was considerable interest in heading north for a comp/jam.

Everything would go down in Port Renfrew, located approximately 200 km north of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. You could camp, but the town has motel/hotel/B&Bs, a liquor store and a pub. You really don’t need much else for a weekend. The jam would occur over a 2-3 day window, giving mother nature a chance to deliver some decent swell. And yes, you are going to need a wetsuit. The thicker the better!

Feel free to PM me or email (bwildema@uvic.ca) with questions. We are in the early stages of lining up sponsors, so any interested sponsors feel free to drop me a line.

Any takers?

**nwskimmer** · 10-26-2009, 02:31 AM

There has to be better photos of British Columbia skimboarding than that pic...

**Wildeman** · 10-26-2009, 10:49 AM

There is for sure... it was just a recent one I snapped. I can try to throw up some older 'better' photos later.

Most of the good shots I snapped were sent tp Derek, and will hopefully be in the next issue.

Here are a couple from Casselman

**Fanaian** · 10-26-2009, 10:58 AM

Oh god. The rocks... The full suits.. Looks like a scary place to skim.

**b_dub** · 10-26-2009, 11:07 AM

Haha it's not as bad as it looks.

I'll post up some pics pretty quick here... Canada's beaches are definitely different than what you guys have in Cali, but it's all reachable and a great opportunity for you guys to see our skimboarding culture. From what I've experience in the states our scene is a lot different, not in a bad way or in a good way, just different.

Plus we can hook it up so that the event is in-line with the Winter Olympics (happening 3 hrs from where we're at). If anyone cares about that stuff.

**b_dub** · 10-26-2009, 11:10 AM

**Jim Gordon** · 10-26-2009, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Fanaian

Oh god. The rocks... The full suits.. Looks like a scary place to skim.

LOLz.........I was thinking that too.

**b_dub** · 10-26-2009, 12:39 PM

I bet if people decided to make the trip they'd really enjoy it... After being in California for a couple of months this past year I realized how different the scenery, waves, and communities are. I personally think its worth it to experience what we have to offer out here. We have lots of places for you guys to stay, and tons of things to check out.

**Adam Hayward** · 10-26-2009, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by b_dub

Haha it's not as bad as it looks.

I'll post up some pics pretty quick here... Canada's beaches are definitely different than what you guys have in Cali, but it's all reachable and a great opportunity for you guys to see our skimboarding culture. From what I've experience in the states our scene is a lot different, not in a bad way or in a good way, just different.

Plus we can hook it up so that the event is in-line with the Winter Olympics (happening 3 hrs from where we're at). If anyone cares about that stuff.

I might be into that

**Mapdash** · 10-26-2009, 01:02 PM

ummmm......i am going to keep my mouth shut on this.

**Fanaian** · 10-26-2009, 04:46 PM

Sounds awesome. But how do you run with all those rocks? How often do you have to order a new board?

**Wildeman** · 10-26-2009, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by Fanaian

Sounds awesome. But how do you run with all those rocks? How often do you have to order a new board?

You wear booties. The summer time often brings sand, which covers the majority of the rocks that are exposed during the winter. And as you have to wear booties in the winter for warmth, you can't feel the rocks when they are the most exposed.

I have been riding an Akwa Industries Kevlar board for 1 season now. And before that I rode a SOL carbon. Both are still in good working order. The SOL i got used, 3 seasons ago.

**Wildeman** · 10-26-2009, 08:13 PM

Oh ya,

AND

Our floors/couches are always open for any northern headed travelers.... we don't judge.

**b_dub** · 10-27-2009, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Mapdash

ummmm......i am going to keep my mouth shut on this.

It's just an open invite man. We're inviting any american riders to come out, check out our scene, and enjoy what we have to offer. We can't offer you the best waves in the world, but it's a chance to experience a different country with a whole new vibe... And as you can see from our pics, the scenery is completely different.

It's not rocky at all of our spots. I never skim on rocks, the perspective of the images just makes it seem that way. There are parts of our beaches that are completely sandy.

**nwskimmer** · 10-27-2009, 10:14 AM

I will say Vancouver Island is a very underrated place. I have been there to skim/surf and Tofino is one of my favorite places.

For the record there are plenty Pacific Northwest beaches without rocks:

I would probably make the trip up there for the skim jam.

**CASSELMAN** · 10-27-2009, 01:26 PM

Yes, we do have a touch of the gnar here on the West Coast of Canada but like Brandon was saying its just an opportunity to experience something new.

Oh and speaking of gnar... CLICK HERE

**Wildeman** · 10-27-2009, 05:07 PM

nwskimmer where is that beach?

**nwskimmer** · 10-27-2009, 07:05 PM

That spot is The Cove in Westport, Washington.

**Wildeman** · 10-27-2009, 09:09 PM

we might have to make a trip there one day sooN!

**Ill Perfection** · 10-28-2009, 09:23 AM

Holy hell...that's what I call dedication. Like he said, bring wetsuits, thicker the better...and your stainless steel board and hiking boots to skim in.

**jasper** · 10-28-2009, 03:27 PM

I'll be there if it goes down. That would be rad, last year was fun as hell too.

**jasper** · 10-28-2009, 03:30 PM

Hey Brett I would be keen to build a board to go to in as a prize. I should also have a few custom longboards by that time as well..

**RexSkimmer** · 10-28-2009, 03:47 PM

i can relate to the rock situation

**Wildeman** · 10-29-2009, 12:19 AM

We got souls of steel. Numb toes are a right of passage.

Good chance of snow still in Feb/march. you never know

Photo: Bryce Casselman

**Wildeman** · 10-29-2009, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by jasper

Hey Brett I would be keen to build a board to go to in as a prize. I should also have a few custom longboards by that time as well..

Sounds like a plan. I will keep you in the loop my friend!

**TheVision** · 10-30-2009, 03:44 AM

Canada gets waves?

**Jesse Davis** · 10-30-2009, 06:16 AM

Jesus, that looks way to cold.

**b_dub** · 10-30-2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by TheVision

Canada gets waves?

We live on the pacific ocean... The same pacific ocean as the Californians.

Oh and yes it will be cold, it's all part of the experience.

**Brian Kniveton** · 10-30-2009, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by b_dub

We live on the pacific ocean... The same pacific ocean as the Californians.

Oh and yes it will be cold, it's all part of the experience.

LIESSSSS . we bought ours from someone else..

**jasper** · 11-10-2009, 01:01 PM

frack who cares about gauging interest? lets just make it happen already.

**Wildeman** · 12-14-2009, 07:36 PM

This was today at Port Renfrew. Here are a few wave pics. Camera died and missed the best sets that rolled in.

We have discussed an afterparty at Big Fish Lodge with one of the owners.

I will have a poster together in a few weeks.

**Wildeman** · 12-15-2009, 01:52 PM

Few snaps from last year's comp

**salt** · 12-16-2009, 10:39 PM

I'm down. I go to school in Bellingham, WA. My board is currently in Massachusetts so i'd have to ship it out. But i'd love to come up there and catch a few sets.

What date do you guys have in mind?

**Wildeman** · 12-17-2009, 04:12 PM

Hey man. March sometime. Will post up dates as soon as they are solidified.

**nwskimmer** · 12-17-2009, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by salt

I'm down. I go to school in Bellingham, WA. My board is currently in Massachusetts so i'd have to ship it out. But i'd love to come up there and catch a few sets.

Nice. I live in Bellingham too. Most likely I am going to make the trip up there for the comp.