Skimboard Mayhem!
This weekend was the annual Manzanillo Skim Fiesta sponsered by x3m.com.mx. We were able to attend the first day of the event, unfortunately we couldn't make it to the big show on Sunday. What we were able to catch of the competition was amazing though. Skimboarders came from far and wide to show off their extraordinary skills.
The atmosphere was layed back and upbeat as families, kids, and tourists alike chilled out on the sand behind the Nautilius club. Music was pumped in over the waves and the announcer kept up a steady drone from his tent. It was hard to tell who was professional and who was amateur, they all hung out with each other, and they all seemed to be having fun. The atmosphere was so relaxed there were even quite a few novices and dare I say first timers making collosal splashes and crashes in the surf. I don't doubt that quite a few tailbones were iced that night.
I spoke with my friend, skimboard master, coorganizer of this event, and all around extreme guy Garrett. He explained that Saturday was for tryouts, and Sunday morning was going to be the big event. He also pointed out the promising candidates as they hurled through the waves pulling off giant arials, massive flips, and fancy footwork (think shortboard skateboarding on water). Surf photography is harder than it looks with a little non SLR digital camera!! I managed to snap a few decent shots of these guys, though they hardly do the guys justice. Sorry if I didn't catch your good side!
Local surf instructer Ricardo manned the mic in the announcers tent for a while. He wasn't competing this time, but he was heading out next week to another surf competition somewhere else in Mexico. Ricardo runs a surf school and board rental business outside of Boras 'Musica and Beer House'. Next chance I get I'll be interviewing him and his crew for all you would-be surfers out there.
Reporting on the competition from the sidelines was a bit difficult as well. I can't stand being on the beach and not in the water. Sometimes you have to recognize your limitations. Skimboarding is nothing like surfing, it's more akin to skateboarding. It's going to take a lot more practice (in private) before I am ready to skimboard in front of others, my backside still hurts from the last time I tried it.
Manzanillo tends to be a pretty layed back town when it's not some huge national holiday or spring break/Semana Santa frenzy. Even the competitions are friendly, chill, and welcoming. Be sure to check them out if you are fortunate enough to be visiting when one is going on.
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I so wish i could have been there. But impressive shots. Cant wait to see what kind of surfing shots my SLR will capture.
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