Saturday morning dawned with overcast skies and glassy surface conditions, with the slightest bump of swell climbing its way through the south pacific, ending in dumpy shore break on the sloped sands of Aliso Beach. A handful of the Victoria Skimboards team, both professional and Amateur, showed up early to this hallowed skim spot to hopefully snag a wave or two before continuing the weekend with minimal swell. As I half sprinted from my car to the beach with increasing anticipation, I saw Johnny Atoe, rocking the most gentleman of mustaches I have ever seen. He greeted me with a hoot and then sprinted for a glassy corner on the north side of the beach, laying havoc on the lip and pulling into a two foot runner, traveling in the barrel a bit before getting closed out. As I scanned the beach for a wave to myself I caught a glimpse of the grom patrol (being coached by Tex Haines) all watching Connor Brashier punt an air into an oncoming goofy wrap, losing his board half way through his maneuver. The groms, Jude Young and Paz, went wild as if the final goal of the world cup was scored before their eyes. On paper, Jude is a lightweight, but in the water he charges harder than anyone south of 54″. I have seen Jude progress from a regular at Thalia, sliding along the mellow beach, to a full on charger, throwing front sides without hesitation on overhead walls at Aliso. Satruday sessions offer more than just good skimboarding, it brings together the community of skimboarders on a consistent basis. This tradition that was started a little over a year ago has evolved into more than just a session, but something we look forward to all week, sharing waves with not only the Victoria team, but with local skimmers, out of towners, and the legends that have lead the way in shaping the current state of Skimboarding.
Pictures by Tex Haines
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