Your Skimboard – Don’t Leave Home Without It - Bag Check Tips October 2019 / Contributor: Alex BevardRepping keeps me on the road. A lot. I've been doing this for 15+ years and travel has never lost it's appeal.When I'm flying baggage checking my boards takes pre-planning because airline fees aren't where I want to spend my cash.Here are some of the guidelines I use for my trips: #1 – Always check online for the baggage fees and policies for the airline you are using. You’ll know, off the top, a general idea of what you’re working with.#2 - When I pack my board(s) I try to put towels on the nose/tail/rails. Board bags are meant to keep your boards protected but, let’s face it, Baggage Handlers have to move fast. Not saying it’s a Nascar Pit Crew, but speed is key. I’ve personally witnessed my bags tossed from man to man underneath a plane, dropped, picked up and tossed again. Some extra cushion helped minimize the damage. Board Bags usually have at least a couple inches margin around the board that will help with adding padding. #3 - When you get to the airport almost every airline will start off asking for a $100 bag check fee. Most carriers automatically see a skimboard and call it a surfboard. Not so. For the sake of carving cost… insist that what you have is a boogie board not a surfboard. #4 – You will likely get pushback from the ticket agent if they haven’t dealt with this before. In that case, I simply ask for a manager. I patiently explain the board is not a surfboard and the bag is shorter. Here is where knowing your airline rules helps. I’ve traveled Spirit Airlines a lot in the past several months and, at the time I’m writing, this is their “Contract of Carriage” policy:Section - 7.3.2.3. - Any checked baggage that exceeds the standard size and weight limit including handles and wheels is subject to excess baggage charges in addition to the standard checked baggage charge (a standard checked bag is defined as a bag not exceeding 62 linear inches in overall dimensions (Length + Width + Height) and 40 pounds in weight). I state again, politely and patiently, that the bag is shorter than 62 inches and thank them for looking into that for me.That usually results in an immediate adjustment of the bag fee from $100 to $50. On a great day, many airlines allow staff to complimentarily check a few bags at no charge. Can’t say I’ve had that happen, but pro Ryan McFarland has one that lottery at least once.Have any baggage check tips to share? Comment below...Safe travels. - Alex photo by Shane Antalick
12th Annual Mulligan's Skim JamOctober 28. 2019 / Contributor: Kayla Avirett As the 12th Annual Mulligan’s Skim Jam came to a close on Saturday in Vero Beach, every competitor should walk off the sand feeling accomplished.Mulligan’s Skim Jam is the world’s largest one-day skimboard contest.The competition consisted of skimboarders from across the globe in five different divisions, from beginner to pro.This event is held annually by the Mulligan's Beach House Bar & Grill in Vero Beach, FL.Riders were competing for several prizes, including; one of a kind artwork, skimboards, skim apparel, gift certificates and more.Five Divisions:I SuckI'm GoodI'm BetterI'm Turning Pro TomorrowPro Among the competitors were WZ Team Riders Alex Bevard (team manager), Sterling Meyers, and Nathan Carter.Nathan Carter took third in his division – ‘I’m better’. (Left)Sterling Meyers took first place in his division- ‘turning pro tomorrow’. (Above)All proceeds from this competition will benefit the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association.
Old Naples Skim Jam 2019October 28. 2019 / Contributor: Kayla Avirett www.OldNaplesSurfShop.comThe 7th Annual Skim Jam thrown by Old Naples Surf Shop took off at 9am on Saturday in Naples, FL.This is an annual event for all ages and skill levels, separated into seven different divisions. Skimboarders competed for trophies and prizes from sponsors.In addition to skimmers from all around coming to show off their skills, this is an event for the whole family. Throughout the day, there was giveaways and games for the whole family.Divisions for this event - Minis: 10 & Under Boys: 11-14 Juniors: 15-17 Men’s: 18 & Up Girls: 14 & Under Women’s: 15 & Up PRO DivisionWZ Team Riders Sterling Meyers and Nathan Carter both stood tall on the podium at the end of the day.Sterling Meyers took first place in the Juniors division and second place in the pro division. (Above)Nathan Carter brought home second place in his division. (Left)Congratulations to all who competed!
Labor Day Weekend 2017 marks year 11 for Mulligan's Skim Jam. The event, managed by Shore Lb, has never failed to be a great time for all. As the worlds largest one day skim competition, the event managers hit the ground running way before the crack of dawn and keep going flat out until well after dark.With competitive divisions from beginner to pro, vendors, raffles, music and a wide stretch of beach dedicated to the event, there is something for every attendee.Wave Zone has proudly sponsored this event since its inception and with the proceeds benefiting the Vero Beach Lifeguards Association, the donation keeps giving back all year long.In Vero Beach this weekend? Swing by Mulligan's Skim Jam and enjoy!More details here: Mulligan's 2018 Facebook Event Page
WZ Team on deck at the Florida Skimboarding Pro Am by Run Drop SlideThe WZ Skim Team has just returned from the Florida Pro Am 2018. The annual event, by Run Drop Slide (RDS) is on the "not to be missed" list of Team Manager Alex Bevard, due in part to it's healthy competition and ideal location. Competition aside, Vilano Beach continues to lead as the #1 skim spot for Pro Skimboarder Ryan McFarland and many of the WZ Skim Team riders, so reaching a hearty roster for the Florida Pro Am isn't a tough sell. Great weather and good vibes were enjoyed by all. With extensive live streaming and social media coverage by Alex Bevard, those who couldn't attend remained in touch with the event as it progressed through the heats. Competition was stiff and riders committed to bringing their best. Shout out to all who participated and big congratulations to our team bringing home placements in their divisions!Tyler Walters, Am - 1stSterling Myers, Am - 1stAlex Bevard, Am - 2ndNathan Carter, Am - 4thRyan McFarland, Pro - 3rd
There is something uplifting about the beginning of summer. Longer days, less pressing school issues, soaking up the sun, and fresh air. The days of "drinking straight from the hose" may have passed, yet the smell of salt water air or the splash of a fresh water lake will never get old; especially on a hot summer day.Chilling in front of the TV, inside, game controller in hand, giving your thumbs a workout? Yeah... I left that one out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with some down-time in the shade and A/C! It's all about balance. Play hard, chill later. We look to hang on the first side of that equation.Long time WZ Team Rider, Austin Piazza, is known to say often, "Any day at the beach, is a good day." Maybe it's a grom wearing himself out sliding while his parents kick back. Sometimes a youth spending the day at a local skim camp mastering new skills. Maybe a Pro traveling to epic locations or burning off steam at a local beach These are the things we reach for. It's great to see our boards on the beaches and our board bags in the airports - being a part of that summer vibe, as riders and families head to locations all over the world. Like many in our industry, summer time is our busiest season. We are swamped with orders, meeting deadlines, getting boards where they need to be for summer vacations, holiday weekends, and more. It's stressful, but satisfying to be a part of the summer buzz! So, whether your rider is cooling off by catching some late afternoon sleep, winding down with friends at a local beach bar, or gaming in the air conditioning; let's hope it's all after soaking up some sun and enjoying some surf at their favorite beach.Wondering what to do with your summer? Head to the beach, pick up a board and skim. Let the summer begin!
