SKIM THE WORLD : Olivier Harrault
WHO: Olivier Harrault
Nickname: Groovy
Age: 42
Homespot: Cap-Ferret
Sponsor: No one but I can accept support for my next "apéro party" or for my next projects ;)
credit Rems
How, when and where did you start skimboarding?
I started skimboarding when I was sixteen! I was at the beach with my father and I saw a skimboarder sliding along the shore and riding waves (just imagine what skimboarding looked like in 1990 in France…). I felt in love with the sport ! It is as simple as that!
Collector - When Olivier was riding for legendary French brand EDEN. Check out his little 90's moustach.
Credit : Batardubreak
Who’s your skimcrew?
Old guys but no one can walk anymore :)
Olivier between young Alex Marette and old gen star Hervé Ledoux
Hossegor, Cap ferret, some beaches in Portugal and Laguna Beach !
Axel Cristol at Cap Ferret - credit Groovy
Alex Marette at Hossegor - credit Groovy
Why Cap Ferret? Because why not! - credit Groovy
Could you tell us more on your local skim scene?
Do I really have to present Cap Ferret ? Cap Ferret has been for years one of the best spots in France …. at least to me ! We were a crew of twenty skimboarders maybe more sometimes … The beach was ours, this wave was so crazy. Now the beach is closed so when I want to shoot Axel Cristol we have to move on other beaches ! There are plenty of good spots on the French coast : La Courance, Biarritz, Hossegor, La Tranche, Saint Jean de Luz and San Sebastian at the Spanish border.
Olivier still on tracks at Cap Ferret
Olivier down the line
If I say “skimquest”, what does it mean to you?
One of the first skim video I’ve seen ! The first one was « Skim it » I still can’t forget it. It was recorded on an old VHS and I watched it so many times that the magnetic tape broke. It was so hard to find skim videos back then...
Who is/are your Skim idol(s) and why?
Chris Henderson, Nick Hernandez, Tex haines, Bill and Georges Bryan, Kanai Sharsh, Paulo Prietto, Aaron Peluso, Steve Taylor … All those legends made the sport as we know it! They have built our history! Nowadays, I’m a big big fan of Axel Cristol, Blair Conklin, Brad Domke and Johnny Weber … Those guys are simply awesome!
Olivier shooting Axel kissing the Cap Ferret green room - credit Groovy
What is your best skim memory?
I personally have two best memories. The first one is obviously my first trip to Laguna Beach in 1995. I broke my ankle the first day on a huge wave of 25 cm... Anyway, I spent one of the best trip of my life meeting all the legends I was dreaming about. And the second one is my trip to Cabo with my best friends in 2006. We spent one month of complete craziness.
Olivier shooting unknown at Aliso- credit Groovy
Olivier shooting Paulo Prietto - California - credit Groovy
Where would you go to skim?
I’m waiting to go back to Laguna because I really want to shoot Blair and Johnny Weber! I also want to shoot in Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand ! I’d like to shoot a skim moovie with some of the best riders in the world in those places … something in the spirit of the first video I watched « SKIM IT » almost 30 years after. I would also like to make little portraits of different riders who are mostly under the radar. They are a lot of riders out there who deserve it!
How do you imagine the future of skimboarding?
As fun as it is right now … a big family with more rippers ;)
Collector, back in the days - Olivier's interview in Surf Session French Printed Magazine - early 2000's
Credit : Batardubreak
Besides skimboarding, what do you enjoy?
Filming :) and having fun with families and friends !
THE DARK SIDE from Groovy Baby
BREATHE from Groovy Baby
SUMMER VIBES from Groovy Baby
Feel Good from Groovy Baby
Anybody to thanks?
My family for having supporting me when I was a kid with no car and for supporting me no matter what I wanted to do ! All my friends and all the people who inspired me every days !
In front and behind the lens
Collector early 2000's - Olivier teaching how to skim in a French mainstream printed magazine
Credit : Batardubreak
SKIM THE WORLD : Heytor Torres
WHO: Heytor Torres
Nickname: Ceta
Age: 22
Homespot: São Pedro do Estoril
Sponsors: Onderiva & Reflex skimboards
How, when and where did you start skimboarding?
I started skimboarding when I was living in Recife, Brazil. I remember going to the beach on the weekends and seeing about 20 guys running behind boards , that's taped me up! “How they do that?!”. Then, I was bugging my mom everyday to buy me a board. She waited till my birthday to offer me a wooden board… the best present ever! Love you mom!
Passing on the batton with the next gen
The power of love
Who’s your skimcrew?
SPL. Barahona, Poli, Joao Luz, Millan, Afonso, etc
Local Skim crew - Sao Pedro do Estoril
Favorite spots:
Sununga, Rata, Paço de Arcos and the one and only, São Pedro do Estoril.
Shreding Sao Pedro do Estoril
Could you tell us more on your local skim scene?
Portugal rocks!!! We have a solid community. From Espinho (North) to Lagos (South) you can find some really good skim spots and great riders. There is a unique feeling to be a skimboarder because everybody knows each other. You can spend 10 years without seeing a person that is all good. You I´ll find her sooner than ever and I pretty sure that is gonna end up with some laughs and cold beers.
#Solidarity
Portuguese connection
If I say “skimquest”, what does it mean to you?
Out of your comfort zone to find some waves(?).
Who are your Skim idols and why?
There's a lot of riders who I look up to and l try to learn as much as I can from them. I have to say that Hugo Santos, Mega, Pinto and Lino took the Portuguese skim to the next level and keep teaching us everyday. Thank you guys!!!
In another dimension, Blair, Renato, Sam, Bill, Weber, Domke, AK, etc, show us the possibilities you can do on a finless board.
I also keep watching old footages from B. Rothe, B. Stevens, Paulo, Grady that makes me psyched to skim!!!
With Portuguese legend Lino Curado (Reflex skimboards)
What is your best skim memory?
My very first day at Sununga was something more than special. I remember arriving at the hotel at midnight...but I couldn’t sleep!
I was literally in a trance waiting for the sunrise. And man, when I saw the sider breaking, I couldn’t believe that I was there.
I skimmed all day long with some local legends and at the end of the day we had a bbq at Quiosque do Meio with Jacks and Carlinhos, with a unique sunset that's only Sununga can provide.
My advice to everybody...Go to Sununga, Right now! You won't regret, this place is crazy good! Amen
Sununga bus ride
Where would you go to skim?
Anywhere with some good frontside siders/liners.
Looking for the next trip...Aguram bay, Sri Lanka
How do you imagine the future of skimboarding?
Tough question! I'm not sure, because we’ve been with some ups and downs but I think that skim has so much to offer. It's crazy how skim is a mix of so many sports but still doesn’t get any attention from the media. Maybe if Blair skimms the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch pool things could change a little bit. Or not, how knows? I see skimboard going in the same direction as the skate scene, keep underground, not mainstream as surf and slowly getting more fans and skimmers. Let's see...
What you think?
Heytor's airlines
Besides skimboarding, what do you enjoy?
Right now I'm working at Xhapeland, making skimboards with the Rskimboards crew and learning everything that I can on the surfing industry. So there's no much free time as I would like, but it's fun anyways, meeting new people and doing things that I would never thought I would be able to do.
Icing giant candy at Xhapeland
Anybody to thanks?
So many. First I want to thank you for giving me some space to talk and show some of the Portuguese scene. Feel free to visit us anytime, but I´ll definitely recommend you to come during summer time!
And I also would like to thank Estoril Praia for giving me this opportunity to represent my local team on skimboarding and treating me so well in and out of the water. Thank you. I also want to thank my friends for helping me with everything, you guys rocks!! And of course shoutout to my sponsors, Onderiva best skim shop in town & Rskimboards with the magics sticks : ) <3
Riding magic stick
The boss arrival in town...
SKIM THE WORLD : Julia Santos Dias
WHO: Julia Santos Machim Sosa Dias
Age: 15
Homespot: Sununga
Sponsors: Federal Art, Skim Paradise, Lets Party traction
How, when and where did you start skimboarding?
I started skimboarding because of the influence of my uncles. They used to practice and I fell in love with it. I was 7 years old when I first tried at Sununga beach.
Uncles connection
Who’s your skimcrew?
The monsters skimboarding at Sununga: Renato Lima, Leandro Azevedo, Jacks Rodrigues, Rodrigo( Noturno )...
Favorite spot:
Sununga for sure!
Could you tell us more on your local skim scene?
Sununga is a beach located in Ubatuba, Brazil, and it's one of the best skimboard places in the world. It's famous for its sider, that allows to ride the entire beach in one single wave! It's also famous for the beauty of the place and the kindness of the locals. Every skimboarder in the world dreams of coming to Sununga and it's my little piece of heaven!
If I say “skimquest”, what does it mean to you?
I dont know sorry...
eg. We will show an old VHS to Julia...
Who is your Skim idol and why?
My idol is local skimboarder Renato Lima who is considered one of the best in the world, he is a monster. I grew up seeing him do things, I thought impossible. Renato is also a really nice and friendlly guy. He is definitely my inspiration.
Sharing a wave with idol Renato Lima
What is your best skim memory?
My best memory is when I went to Angola for a contest with riders from sununga, and people from all over the world. I was invited by Kalemba Skim, a social group who organizes and helps the development of skimboard in Angola. I met so many people there and it was the best time of my life !
Angola - Kalemba vibes
Where would you go to skim?
Cabo San Lucas, the Wedge and Aliso
How do you imagine the future of skimboarding?
I imagine that it will become a well recognised sport with lot of support.
Besides skimboarding, what do you enjoy?
I like to surf and play soccer. My dream is to one day paragliding or hang gliding.
Anybody to thanks?
I would like to thank my family for all the support, and also Federal art, Lets party traction and Skim Paradise for believing in my potential.
Julia rides Sununga better than you!
SKIM THE WORLD : Bruno Sa
WHO: Bruno Sa
Age: 25
Homespot: Candeias, Recife - Pernambouco
Sponsors: Wavegrip, Zap Skimboard and Nitro Skates
How, when and where did you start skimboarding?
When surfing was banned at Recife because of shark' attacks, the solution was to slide with bodyboard on the shore. That's how I started skimboarding without knowing it.
Urban Air
Who’s your skimcrew?
My friends Tiago, Bolha and Igor.
Favorite spot:
Sununga
Livin the dream at Sununga
Could you tell us more on your local skim scene?
Since we've had shark attacks, there's normally no one at the beach which make easier to skim...But sometimes there are fishermen with rods that limit our space.
If I say “skimquest”, what does it mean to you?
ed. We will show an old VHS to Bruno...
Who is your Skim idol and why?
Blair Conklin because he flows like a feather whenever he's skimming, no one does it like him.
What is your best skim memory?
The first time I went to Sununga! I had the chance to meet some great athletes there.
Where would you go to skim?
The Wedge and Cabo San Lucas
How do you imagine the future of skimboarding?
I imagine that becoming as important as WSL. It may take a while, but we'll get there. I believe that everything will depend on the union between skimboarders and also between skim brands.
Besides skimboarding, what do you enjoy?
I love skateboarding, surfing, playing tennis and diving.
Anybody to thanks?
I would like to say thanks to all my sponsors: To Zap Skimboard for making me grow and for believing in my potential; To Wavegrip for supporting me since I started; and to Nitro Skates for helping me to perform.
SKIM THE WORLD : Kim Jae Hyung
Who: Kim Jae Hyung
Nickname: Frank
Age: 27
Homespot: SongJeong Beach in Busan
Sponsors : Exile skimboards, Let’s Party traction
How, when and where did you start skimboarding?
I started skimboard in 2014. I wanted to surf but the surfboard was too big for me. So, what I found was a skimboard.
Who’s your skimcrew?
PRINCE (JCKC) from Aliveskim.
Aliveskim is the first skimboard shop in South Korea! We also give skim lessons.
In front of the shop
Favorite spot:
10th Street
Invading 10st
Could you tell us more on your local skim scene?
In South Korea, skimboard is small. Actually, more people are learning surfing...When I started in 2014 there was only about 20 skimboarders, but now there is more than 100 riders. Korea has a great coast, but we use to have a very cold winter. I live in the Busan area and during winter the temp is around 0-5 degrees celcius. Hopefully, the number of people coming in winter is increasing a bit.
If I say “skimquest”, what does it mean to you?
For me, 'skimboard' is life. When I skim, I'm in another dimension, very far away from my daily job...
Frank's dimension
Who is/are your Skim idol(s) and why?
Obviously there is a lot of good riders but if I have to name one, it would be Paulo Prietto!
I still remember when he though me to skim in Cali three years ago. What an amazing good time!
What is your best skim memory?
My two months skimtrip in Brasil! I cruised a lot with Lucas gomes, and I met many people and skimboarders. I'm very gratefull to Lucas! It was also a great honor to meet the Sununga Crew!
Ubatuba
Where would you go to skim?
In front of my house at Songjeong Beach.
Songjeong Beach
How do you imagine the future of skimboarding?
Skimboard is a great sport and has a lot of opportunities! You can easily ride waves, flat and even indoor. It's also easy to carry. In 10 years it will be as appreciated as surfing.
Besides skimboarding, what do you enjoy/other interests?
Skateboarding and Surfskateboarding!
Anybody to thanks?
I would like to thank our ALIVESKIM TEAM who always supports us. I wish to all skimboarders around the world to have fun and safe skimboarding! Special thanks to JEJE!!!
With Blair Conklin and Jeje
Korean missile
SKIM THE WORLD : Jake McIntosh
Who: Jake McIntosh
Nickname: J-man
Age: 24
Homespot: Grange, South Australia
Sponsors : Throwdown skimdustries - Derevko wetsuits - Owner @ CUT//CULTURE
J-Man charging + friends
How, when and where did you start skimboarding?
I first got introduced to skimming when I would have been around 10... I grew up on the beach, everyday after school as far as i can remember I was down there with the family. One day I was down there sliding back and forth along the shore on a bodyboard and came across a bunch of older guys that were on wooden skimboards. These guys showed me the sport and had me frothing from the first slide (GSC haha) 14 years later now and not much has changed.
Who’s your skimcrew? None, I majority of the time ride solo!
OZ power
Favorites spots ? Jesus this is a hard question!
Within Australia Shatters, Batters, Butlers
Outside of Australia:
Solmar/ Lovers, Cabo San Lucas, MEX
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Aliso, Laguna beach, California
Newest love is Spot X, New Zealand
Australian Delight...
Could you tell us more on your local skim scene?
My local wave and skim scene is pretty much non-existent. Our waves for majority of the time is very average. In saying this travelling 3-4 hours away from home lands you in some of the best skimboarding waves in Australia! The closest comparison to it would be Cabo minus the iguanas and cold beers you can get on the beach. The wave we have is a cold water slab. 'Shatters' being the wedge and 'Batters' being a wrap. It's super consistent. as long as the wind blows SE theres a good chance you will get waves there.
If I say “skimquest”, what does it mean to you?
Hunt for waves? Sign me up.
Trip to Sri Lanka
Who is/are your Skim idol(s) and why?
I would say my biggest idol in the skim world growing up would have to be Brad Domke hands down. Growing up with youtube as my biggest influence his style and finesse on a board always blew my mind. Of course you can't go past the OG's; Grady Archbold, George Bryan, Paulo Prietto, Brandon Sears, Bill Bryan the list goes on!
J-Man wrapping like his idols
What is your best skim memory?
My most recent trip to New Zealand to be honest. I had no expectations and ended up getting shown a wave that has the potential of being world class.
Where would you go to skim?
I really love the idea of getting waves that have never been hit before! its always rad to see locals buzz out when they see a skimboard. So answering that question i guess anywhere with 'potential'.
Bali...
How do you imagine the future of skimboarding?
I hope to see skimboarding continue in the direction of where its going now. The skimboarding community is the most welcoming and best in any sport i know of. There is not many sports where you can link up with riders on the otherside of the world and get shown waves, welcomed with open arms. Competition wise it would be good to see bigger sponsors get onboard and the whole sport progress where top riders can make a good living from skimboarding.
Besides skimboarding, what do you enjoy/other interests?
I surf a bit in my free time along with skating. Filming/editing and I don't mind the occasional beer or 3.
Anybody to thanks?
Massive thanks to my sponsors throughout the years I don't know where i'd be without them!
Time to visit Australian overhead shorebreak !
History of skimboard
French & English versions available within article.
Le skimboard est un sport de glisse, dérivé du Surf pour la glisse et du Skate pour les manœuvres. Il consiste pour les débutants à glisser sur le bord de l'eau, au dessus de la pellicule d'eau du bord de plage. Mais la véritable pratique consiste à surfer la vague qui brise au bord (shorebreak).
http://www.skimboardeurope.com
Genesis - The birth of BATARDUBREAK
Trip Do Brazil 2005 : Toutes les photos Trip Do Brazil 2005 - batardubreak : Automne 2005, c'est la saison des RIOTS en France... Le jour d'après,...
http://batardubreak.canalblog.com
En cuisine avec Unamas
Il était une fois un atelier caché derrière un champ de maïs du pays landais...
La légende raconte, qu'un être à 3 jambes y mitonnerait des ragouts d'enfants provenant de leur chaire fraichement hachée menu dans le break Grolandais.
Bref, ça, c'est ce qui se colporte dans les salles de prières de la périphérie de BX...
Il parait même que l'imam de Pessac aurait proféré une fatwa contre le vandale Namas...
Si la planche ne fera jamais le rider, Unamas, c'est tout de même plusieurs titres européens à la Foire Agricole de Seignosse grâce à sa bête de concours guyanaise!
Avec Maître Namas c'est aussi une autre dimension, celles des arts de la table, là où d'autres enfoncent de simples portes.
Artisanal, gastronomique, le shape de Namas c'est comme la paluche d'un maître affineur qui caresse son Salers ; une board qui sèche, c'est comme un bellota-bellota qui pend au bar La Cepa ; quant aux finitions....c'est comme un morceau de Thaïlande en pleine Aquitaine.
Bref, une fois pénétré le pré carré de l'eden Unamas, entre potager, atelier, fourneau, on ne sait plus très bien si le Maître des lieux cuisine, shape, mitonne, polish tellement ça sent bon les bons produits.
Des planches shapées avec amour, décorées comme des sapins de Noël post-hiver nucléaire, et surtout testées dans le break landais. Il n'en fallait pas plus pour que la légende (re)traverse les océans et échoue tel le comeback de la tortue pondeuse sur le rivage de Cabo San Krakoukas.
Juste retour des choses, puisque l'appellation d'origine contrôlée Unamas naquit quelques années plus tôt sur le zinc d'un bar miteux de Baja Sur. L'homme à la poutre d'or y fêtait bruyamment la victoire de son mémorable combat de catch nu amateur au cri de "UNAMAS Teq!!! c'est pas UNAMAScarade ici bande de burritos!?'". Aujourd'hui, Unamas, c'est donc un enfant caché prénommé Bruticus Yannus qui envoie du rabot à 11 000 bornes de l'atelier de Papanamas. Unamas Mexico, c'est quotidiennement un team d'enfants des rues qui envoient du très vilain sur les rampes de Baja Baïkonour.
Bref vous l'aurez compris, chez Unamas on est ni chez les peintres, ni chez les plumeaux donc pas la peine de passer commande si vous vous ne sentez pas l'étoffe d'un héros.
UNAMAS 'WORLD
CABO - Vices City
A l'heure où le G20 se réunit à Cabo,
notre Yannou national revient sur son installation,
son rêve, ses coups de coeur, ses désillusions
et surtout son pari gagnant de local shaper Unamas.
"Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas, Cabo c’est des plages de sable fin avec des vagues et du soleil tous les jours de l’année. Tu as au moins un spot qui marche parfaitement pour le skim, le surf ou le body à toute heure de la journée. L’eau est transparente, tu as une nature encore préservée : des baleines , des raies manta volantes, des poissons par milliers… (...)Dans mon barrio la police a déjà torturé un de mes potes , a criblé de balles ma voiture et la maison du voisin de mon pote par erreur, elle a assassiné l’oncle d’une copine. La police gère la prostitution, le trafic de drogue, et quand vient Noël, racket pour payer des cadeaux à leur gosses..." To read More