Why is Laguna Beach such a hub for this sport?
➜ The shore breaks are perfect for skimboarding. There are actually not that many beaches in the world that are just right for skimboarding. I grew up in Laguna Beach, and I started when I was 4 years old. The VIC, known as the world championship of the sport, has been held here at Aliso Beach for more than 40 years.
You won it last year! Are you making money doing this?
➜ I do make a little from sponsorships and contests, but I also just got my degree in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley, so I am going to be working part time in that field.
Were you able to skimboard up north?
➜ Not really. The waves are better for surfing, so that’s what I did. But being away from it increased my passion for it, and I want to keep competing and help the sport grow.
What’s the appeal over surfing?
➜ It’s more about the skateboard-like tricks you can do, and even though the rides are short, you catch more waves per session. It’s also a really spectator-friendly sport because it’s all happening close to the sand.
All photos by Mariah Tauger
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