Matthieu Thibaud @ Victoria Skimboards

Video of a fine Aliso morning in January

2012-02-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Mr Toeknee once again scored a very nice edit of one session with Teddy Vlasis, Stef Mags and Tex Haines...
Visit his website for more:
Toeknee ABC 123

Victoria Skimboards Catalog 2012

2012-01-31T15:51:00.000-08:00

New Victoria Skimboards Catalog is out, check it out!!! The cover shot is one of the best skimboarding picture I have ever seen, featuring Morgan Just, by Robbie Crawford at the Wedge. My new Pro Model Skimboard is in there too, what's new? Epoxy Resin clear carbon, More Rocker and price is down to $490.00. Poly Carbons, Plane Wraps and all intermediate to expert boards prices are down in 2012!!! On top of keeping the best customer service. Lots of work to make all this happen and please our customers :)

Stoked on this year 2012!!!

Few water shots from Crescent Bay / Didier Chodass

2012-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

Nice weather, big high tide and medium swell, I went to Crescent bay yesterday. Deserted beach and cristal clear water, I can't complain. Swell is picking up, it should be fun this week end. Soundtrack is a Mix my brother made, some goodies in there, check it out.

Hometown friend Romain Huchet's website

2012-01-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

I grew up in Pornichet, France, started skimboarding with my brother and a good group of friends. Later on going on trips south of France with the crew. In this crew were pairs of Brothers, the Huchets, the Legrands, the Thibauds and more... All hung out, traveled and skimmed together. Still nowadays, last time I went to Melaque Mexico, my brother, the Huchets were there and more. Romain Huchet has always been in the video editing, and today he finally launches his website: romainhuchet.com where he shows edits he did for fun and also for work. Below is an edit of his few weeks he stayed at my house with his girlfriend Emily, starring Paulo Prietto and Bill Bryan. Check out the video and his website. Oh I was gonna forget, we had a band too, and played some concerts together... Good times.

J'ai grandit a Pornichet, Loire-Atlantique le "LA" made in France. Avec une bonne bande de copains on a commence a faire du skim et voyager. Dans le groupe il y avait nottament plusieurs paires et parfois trio de frangin, les Huchets, les Legrands, les Thibauds et plus encore... Romain Huchet a toujours ete interresse par le montage video, et aujourd'hui il lance son propre site web pour montrer son travail et sa passion: romainhuchet.com. Ci-dessous une video avec Paulo Prietto et Bill Bryan, qu il a filme et realise lors de sa visite chez moi en 2009 avec sa petite amie Emilie. Pour plus de videos et d'information visitez son site web. Ah oui on avait un groupe aussi avec Romain et d autres amis, on tournait dans TOUT Pornichet et meme jusqu'a Saint-Nazaire!!! Souvenirs, souvenirs.

Early Morning in Solag

2012-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

Early morning are the most fun but the coldest... Pretty chilly that morning, but worth it. Tex Haines was there taking his daily picture and captured this real quick.

Full Edit of Saturday morning with Teddy Vlasis

2012-01-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Quick edit featuring Teddy Vlasis, and Tex Haines. I haven't used that camera for a while, I will definitely try to improve and do better next time... Same with the music. It's just a start.

Short video from this morning

2012-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a video from this morning and two frames of Teddy Vlasis getting barrel.

With some Victoria Skimboards crew members such as the big boss aka Tex, General Manager Trigg and team riders Teddy Vlasis, Steff Mags, Toeknee Bianchi and myself, we went to the beach early morning to catch some waves and have lots of fun even though it was little chilly... Video's really short, got some more clips that we'll release soon... I thought I'd edit something real quick, don't look for the sickest video edit of your life, this is not!!! Just few fun waves. Check out Tex Haines' front flip, CLASSIC!!!

When the morning comes...

2012-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
The past two weeks in Southern California have been especially warm and sunny, it's almost summertime. Stopped by the beach this morning for a couple of rides. Kyle McClure shot some pictures, thanks to him.

BONNE ANNEE !!!

Il a fait un temps incroyable ici ces deux dernieres semaines, pics a 27 degres Celsius l'apres midi, et une houle d'Ouest Nord Ouest de 3 a 4 pieds. Bref, ici todo bien!!! Merci a Kyle de s'etre arreter pour shooter quelques photos ce matin.

Victoria's Blowout Sales

2011-12-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

I was at the Victoria Skimboards retail store this Saturday to help out for the Special 50% Off blowout sales on the 2011 Pro models (Bill Bryan, Morgan Just, Brandon Rothe, Tex Haines and mine) to make some room for the 2012 Pro Models. The sale is also available on the Victoria Online Store for those who can't make it to the store. Some of my 2011 Pro models went out today, there are few left for a great deal.
Matthieu Thibaud Pro Model 2011

First few waves with the new Pro Model 2012

2011-12-10T18:01:00.001-08:00

I went to the beach to try out the New Pro Model 2012. I love it! Light weight board, easy to turn quick and still offers a good float even if it is a 5/8". Super fast thanks to low profile rocker. I had so much fun. It felt great under the feet. Big thanks to Tex Haines, president of Victoria Skimboards, for shooting some pictures after he skimmed and got some good ones himself. It was such a nice winter morning session.

Direction plage ce matin pour essayer ce nouveau pro model 2012. Vraiment accroche tout de suite, legere, tres maniable et pourtant une bonne flotabilite egalement. Rails arrondis, et peu de rocker a l'avant, un peu a l'arriere la planche est tres rapide. Grand merci a Tex Haines, president de Victoria Skimboards pour avoir pris quelques photos apres avoir lui meme skimmer. Une parfaite matinee hivernale aujourd'hui en Californie.

Victoria Skimboards Pro Model 2012

2011-12-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

I just received the first of my 2012 Victoria Skimboards Pro Model. It is 5/8" Carbon Epoxy Boxy Rails Blunt Nose. Light weight finish clear carbon top.

Art work drawn by Pascal "Unamaster" Maire on the theme of Pirates in memory of a friend who left us too early. Lime green her favorite color. I am really happy and honored to present this board for 2012. It will be available in January on the Victoria Skimboards website. Hopefully there will be some waves soon to try it out!!!

Je viens tout juste de recevoir mon premier pro model 2012 par Victoria Skimboards. 15mm Carbon Epoxy, Boxy et Nose arrondi. Finition assurant un poid minimum.

Un grand merci a Pascal "Unamaster" Maire pour m'avoir dessiner le logo, sur le theme des pirates en memoire d'une amie partie trop tot. Vert clair etant sa couleur preferee. Tres content du resultat, la planche sera en vente des Janvier sur le site www.victoriaskimboards.com.

New Video of Cap Ferret Liner, France

2011-12-08T13:01:00.001-08:00

Groovy baby edited a Video from lots of free sessions with fellow French skimboarders including Axel, Clement and more... Cap Ferret liner is a really fun wave, and it is well edited once again.

H2O from Groovy Baby on Vimeo.

Heart of Sailing after Thanksgiving Sail

2011-11-18T16:13:00.001-08:00

Heart of Sailing is organizing a special after Thanksgiving sail in California, Florida, Washington, Georgia and Puerto Rico. Last year, 764 individuals from 163 families sailed with 39 captains in 18 chapters!
For more information on this special event or on this wonderful foundation, click below to visit the website.
Heart Of Sailing
I will definitely go check it out at the Dana Point location.

Aliso last sunday

2011-11-16T10:12:00.001-08:00

After a little storm, weather cleaned up and there was a south wind swell that made really fun left liners. Morgan Just, Trevor Stanaland, Toeknee and I had a lot of fun on these unusual liners at Aliso. Some pictures available on kickinsurf.com.

Chambre avec Vue

2011-11-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Exactly a year ago I was in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with Remy Dugoua, Axel Cristol, Jack Bedex and Gruss. Remy just posted one of his water housing shot he took during an evening session. Amazing view of Solmar.

Working on the New Pro Model 2012

2011-11-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Today I worked on the last details of my new board for next year. I received the logo from my friend Pascal. Big thanks to him. I am going to shape it tomorrow and should have some pictures soon. This week end it rained so I played on my computer, with some instruments and made this soundtrack. I need a lot more practice and time, but it was fun to make.

Aujourd'hui (apres une bonne session) j'ai travailler sur les derniers details de ma planche pour 2012. L'ami et artiste Pascal m'a fait l honneur de me faire un beau dessin pour le logo. Un grand merci a lui. Je vais la shaper demain matin. Ce week end il a plut des cordes alors je me suis enferme a jouer avec mon ordinateur et mes quelques instruments pour casser les oreilles de mes collocs!!! Voila le resultats:

Echo by Muchu

Some pics from June

2011-10-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures from 2 sessions this last June from Piersurfing. Right now waves are really small so it's good to remember how fun June was. Pictures were taken at Aliso Beach June 11th and 25th. There are lot more on her Flickr page.

The Golden Gate Bridge

2011-10-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

Video of an hour summer session at Thalia Street

2011-10-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

On a nice summer day in August we decided to go for a little session at Thalia Street. We called Team Riders Trevor Stanaland, Johnny Salta and Teddy Vlasis. We caught some of the fun on tape and edited a short video.

Props to French Rugby team in the world cup final

2011-10-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

Big props to French Rugby Team who showed amazing talent and force in the Rugby World Cup Final against World Favorites New Zeland organising the event, and playing in their homeland stadium. France almost took it, they showed amazing skills and fought every second of the game. Congratulations to New Zeland, best team of these World Championships 2011, it was an amazing final. And French players tonight "All Whites" can be proud, they played like Champions and scored a Try in the "All Blacks" line in their own stadium !!!

Check the highlights of the final: Here

Trevor Stanaland

2011-10-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Trevor Stanaland grew up in Laguna Beach. He's won quite few times his age amateur division in contests. I have traveled with him last year to Santa Cruz where he caught the best sider of the whole week end the day right before the contest. I have quite few pictures of him, his profile on Victoria Skimboards just got updated with few more. Trevor just turned professional, I am sure we'll see and hear a lot from him soon.

Axel "Pepino" Cristol shredding in France

2011-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Pepino aka "quatri fromaggi" is featured in this last really nice Groovy Baby video. He grew up with this liner in his backyard, came for a visit in California last year then went to Cabo. He placed 5th at the French UST and missed the final by nothing, so it's really promising. He's quite a character as you can tell by the video, and definitely an awesome upcoming young rider. Enjoy the video! I'm sure we'll see more soon!

Axel Cristol ou "l'enfant du Ferret" arrache son spot, il se fait bien plaiz sur son liner au fond du jardin. Chapeau Groovy Baby pour le montage. Apres sa visite en Californie l'annee derniere puis Cabo ou j'ai rejoint la troupe de Frenchie pour un trip memorable, il finit 5eme a l'UST en France en Septembre dernier, en rattant la finale de vraiment pas grand chose. Ca promet! Qu'on aime le Skimboard ou pas, on ne peut qu’apprécier la video. Enjoy!

Axel Cristol - Life is a Candy from Groovy Baby on Vimeo.

Indian summer

2011-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Weather has been really nice in Orange County these past few days, medium size swell, but so fun to be out and skim until dark in October.

Superbe arrière saison ici en Orange County. Moyenne houle mais super agreable de skimmer en short jusqu'a la nuit au mois d'Octobre.

Photos by Kyle McClure

Under the dense canopy

2011-10-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

Under the dense canopy, originally uploaded by - MuchU -.

Exile Oktoberfest, Newport Beach, CA UST stop#8

2011-10-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Heat B with Brad Domke

Last contest of the UST season. Usually chilly and windy, this year was actually sunny, warm and the wind didn't pick up. Medium size swell, and steep beach gave the competitors some nice sections to work with. Blair Conklin and Sammy Stinnet scored the highest throughout the week end but at the end Sammy takes first. In the meantime he takes the first place of the 2011 UST ranking. I have competed in his heats a lot of times this year, and his finish is definitely deserved as he consistently skims really well in any condition: small, big, low tide, high tide... Congratulations to him, to all riders (professionals and amateurs) from all different countries, sponsors, all contest directors and volunteers for working hard to make this possible.

Dernière compétition UST de l’année. D'habitude a la fraîche, genre imperméable cagoule, ce week end a été ensoleillé et le vent ne s'est pas trop levé. Houle moyenne mais bonne pente ce qui a permit aux compétiteurs de trouver de bonnes sections. Blair Conklin et Sammy Stinnet ont obtenus les meilleurs scores ce weekend mais a la fin Sammy l'emporte. Par la mémé occasion il fini donc a la première place du classement UST 2011 (comprenant 8 compétitions, 6 aux USA, 1 au Mexique, 1 en France). Cette année j'ai été un dans un certain nombre de séries avec Sammy, il est extrêmement régulier et efficace que ce soit en compétition ou en free session dans n'importe quelles conditions et mérite amplement sa première place . Félicitations a lui, a tous les skimboarders (professionnels mais aussi amateur) des différents pays, les sponsors, tous les organisateurs et bénévoles pour leur travail tout au long de l’année.

More Pictures from the contest here

Full results of Professionnal division:

1 Sam Stinnett
2 Blair Conklin3 Jake Stinnett
4 Brandon Sears
5 Tim Fulton
6 Omar Meddeb
7 Morgan Just
8 Brad Domkey
9 Perry Wells
10 Bill Bryan
11 Teddy Vlasis
12 James Lovett
13 Shawn Kenny
14 Jason Wilson
15 John Akerman
16 Trevor Stanaland
17 Austin Keen
18 Alejandro Lopez
19 Harley Nelson
20 Matthieu Thibaud
21 Tyler Stanaland
22 Steve Taylor
23 Tyler Cruickshank
24 Jack Tenney
25 Dave Scott
26 Hunter Poller
27 Danny Rodriquez
28 Travis Sampson
29 Cheyne Terjesen
30 Bobby Haas

Santa Cruz, CA UST Stop#7

2011-09-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

I flew back from France to San Francisco last Thursday, for the next UST event, in Santa Cruz, Northern California. I got to visit San Francisco, and drove on the famous 1 along the coast. It was amazing. Tex Haines, owner of Victoria Skimboards who drove up for the contest, let me borrow the canon 7D so I can shoot some pictures. Below is one I took of the Golden Gate Bridge, it s really cliche but I had a lot of fun! Long exposure, low ISO and there you go! In Santa Cruz, there wasn't too many contestants, both in Pros and Ams, maybe due to the fact that the 3 last contests were really close (France, Santa Cruz and Newport). Anyway, conditions were fun at higher tide, it was glassy, not too much slope but still some fun ones reachable, really glassy, so that's good. As the tide was getting lower the waves became more weak and lot further out. Teddy Vlasis once again skimmed really well, congratulations to Blair Conklin for winning the event, awesome style, and very consistent. I flew back to Orange County, this week end will be the last UST contest (#8) of the season in Newport Beach, by the Balboa Pier. Full result of Professional division below.

PS: Welcome to Noa Dugoua born last week, and congratulations to his parents, my friends Remy and Caroline <3

1. Blair Conklin
2. Sam Stinnett
3. Teddy Vlasis
4. Bill Bryan
5. Morgan Just
6. Brandon Sears
7. Austin Keen
8. Brad Domke
9. Perry Wells
10. Travis Samson
11. Jake Stinnett
12. Dave Scott
13. Matthieu Thibaud
14. John Akerman
15. Tim Fulton
16. Ryan Parola
17. Aaron Fujimoto
18. Steve Taylor
19. Alejandro Lopez
20. Jaime Lovett

France UST by Acacia Piks

2011-09-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here are few pictures that Acacia Piks shot during this amazing week of the UST Contest in France. There are a lot more on his Flickr. Once again, huge congrats to Herve Ledoux and all the staff for organizing such an amazing event: First UST outside of the US or Mexico, first UST contest with a waiting period that was managed perfectly by Herve aka Doudou. The awards ceremony was also one of a kind!!! The most crazy and fun one I've seen in a while. Hope fully I'll get some pictures of it.

Quarter with my brother and Sammy Stinnet

Free Session on thursday after Rund#2

My brother and Morgan Just in Semi sharing a wave

France UST Contest Results

2011-09-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

Morgan Just with the Grinch in free session. More pics here: www.skimbrazil.com

Congratutalions to Morgan Just for winning the France UST. He skimmed really well throughout the trip, in the heats but also in free sessions in Spain and in Hossegor, France. Well deserve first place in front of Sammy Stinnet who definitely was also really impressive and consistent. Contest Director Herve Ledoux ran a really well organized event. Big up to him, his wife, family and to Cecile for their hard work. It was good to come back here and hang out with all riders and friends. My brother Nicolas did really good in the contest, and running the music all week end. Great show, good times! Now off the next UST contest, next week end in Santa Cruz, Caifornia.

Thanks to Remy for coming and taking some pictures

PRO RESULTS

1 MORGAN JUST USA
2 SAM STINNET USA
3 BRADLEY DOMKE USA
4 JASON WILSON USA
5 AXEL CRISTOL FRANCE
6 NICOLAS THIBAUD FRANCE
7 HUGO SANTOS PORTUGAL
8 EMMANUEL EMBAIXADOR PORTUGAL
9 MATTHIEU THIBAUD FRANCE
10 JAKE STINNET USA
11 OLIVIER CHABERT FRANCE
12 SIMAO PINTO PORTUGAL
13 TRISTAN LAMY FRANCE
14 MARCOS CASTELUBER BRAZIL
15 CLEMENT ELLISALDE FRANCE
16 MAXIME VIMOND FRANCE
17 NICOLAS BERNARD FRANCE
18 ALEX MARRETTE FRANCE
19 FLORENT MOURONVAL FRANCE
20 GUILLAUME DETANT FRANCE
21 MARTIS AVILES SPAIN
22 ANTONIN LANGEARD FRANCE
23 JOHAN VIE FRANCE
24 BENOIT DESPLEBIN FRANCE
25 REGIS FRACHON FRANCE
26 GARRIDO MARC FRANCE
26 DAN HORAN GB

France UST Contest day One

2011-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Off shore wind all day, such a nice day and some swell, the contest, on a waiting period until saturday, started this morning. They went through 2 rounds of professional division. Tomorrow the contest director Herve Ledoux called meeting tomorrow morning at the same spot for the quarters:

Sammy Stinnet

Nicolas Thibaud

Matthieu Thibaud

Brad Domke

Jason Wilson

Olivier Chabert

Axel Cristol

Simao Pinto

Hugo Santos

Jake Stinnet

Morgan Just

Emanuel Embaixador

France UST day 1 and 2 called off / Free skim in Spain

2011-09-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

After the meeting early morning on the spot the organization decided to call the day off, until Wednesday. They will see how the spots react to the high surf, and see where and when the contest will be held. There is a high probability that the contest will start early morning on Thursday. So yesterday we all went to San Sebastian, in Spain for an amazing session on one of the most beautiful beach, then tapas and vino verde downtown. Thanks to Andre Camarao from Skim Brazil for shooting some amazing pictures. Click on the link or on the picture to visit his full gallery. Below is the full first Round of Pros for the contest.

A
samwise stinett
thomas laisney
marti aviles

B
brad domke
tristan lamy
marc darrido

C
jake stinett
axel cristol
regis frachon

D
jason wilson
alex marette
dan horan

E
hugo santos
clement ellissalde
benoit desplebin

F
mega
olivier chabert
gui detant

G
simao pinto
niolas thibaud
flo mouronval

H
morgan just
antonin langeard
nicolas bernard

I
matthieu thibaud
marcos casteluber
johan vie

Nice little session at Bonne Source

2011-09-10T04:21:00.000-07:00

Small waves but pretty fun liners both sides at my home spot. Weather was really nice, it seems like it's gonna be hot and nice in France in the next couple of days, and a nice swell too. I've been in Pornichet where I grew up the past couple of days, but I'm heading south for the UST contest this afternoon. Should be fun!!! Thanks to my dad for taking a couple of pictures.

Petites vagues mais tres sympa a Bonne Source hier apres midi. Il devrait faire chaud en France ces prochains jours avec peu de vent et meme de la houle. J'etais a Pornichet (44) pour quelques jours, mais je descends sur Hossegor pour la competition UST cette apres midi. Merci a mon pere pour les quelques photos ci-dessous.

First day in France

2011-09-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

After hanging out with friends last night, Florian emailed me to meet up at La Courrance, my dad came at the end and shot few pictures, here are some... Was pretty fun!!!

Toekneeabc123.com

2011-09-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a video that Toeknee filmed and edited little while ago. Summer mornings sessions at Thalia on small swell. Always fun. Toeknee recently released his website where you can find his Videos, pictures and News, check it out: Toekneeabc123.com

Voici une petite video de l'ami Toeknee quand il etait venu en Californie en 2009, on est aller faire une petite seesion d'ete matinale a Thalia sur une petite houle mais tres sympa. L'ami Toeknee a pleins de videos assez drole, tres bien montees et originales et des photos etc... Visitez son tout nouveau site web: Toekneeabc123.com

" I chose to upload the “Cali adventure Video” in order to officially announce my return to California. My Gf and I are moving there late Sept, so plan on plenty of west coast edits and hope to see you all there! Do something weird for me on camera"

UST Contest in France coming soon (Sep 12-18, 2011)

2011-08-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

After Vilano, Florida, the contest in France is coming up next, here is a picture of few days before the contest last year's event in Hossegor, France, courtesy of Acacia Piks. It should be fun!

Here's my brother's last mix, kinda mellow easy on the ear, downloadable, enjoy!

Apres Vilano en Floride, le prochain rendez-vous UST sera en France, Seignosse Hossegor ou Cap Ferret selon les conditions. Voici une foto de la toute premiere session l annee dernier juste en descendant de l'avion, merci a Acacia Piks. En ecoute, le dernier mix de mon frere, tranquil, mellow et telechargeable pour emmener partout et ecouter sans moderation.

Vilano, Florida, day three and four

2011-08-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Wave conditions were pretty much the same except maybe a little bit more windy as the forecast announced that a storm was getting closer to South Florida. Swell was little bigger, but the way the sand bars are set on the contest site, there was still only white water reforms to skim. Congratulations to Brad Domke for taking first in pro men, he's pulled some nice tricks throughout the contest all the way till the finals. Also props to Shuv-on for winning the Women Pro.

Steve Pullara (Run Drop and Slide) who organized and directed the contest had set up an hotel room right on the contest site for Dominic Sanzone and his family, but unfortunately this week end Dominic was in intensive care, since the week end he's doing better and got out of intensive care. You can sign his guest book and read about Dominic's fight against cancer on his website that his parents keep updated. So Steve Pullara finally decided to have all the pros present there sign the contest shirt, and he will give it to Dominic. Steve did an awesome job during the week end. I was happy to get back on the East Coast and see people like Brad Evers, Bill Baxter, Steve Boomhower and more… Special thanks to Chris Splendore for showing me around, I had an awesome time. We even went surfing this morning right before catching my flight with some friends. Big up to Florida, good times, good vibe for sure, I will be back.

Les conditions étaient quasiment similaires a samedi. Un peu plus de houle mais les bancs de sable la bloquaient, laissant seulement des petites reformes a skimmer. donc c'était un peu la kermesse, concours de tricot pour arriver jusqu'en finale ou d'ailleurs les 4 finalistes étaient originaires de Floride ou alentours. Félicitations a Brad Domke qui s'est montrer le plus impressionnant et consistant dans les tricks et qui remporte l'étape. Bravo a Shuv-on aussi pour remporter la catégorie pro femme.
Steve Pullara (Run Drop and Slide) qui a organise et dirige l'évennement avait loue une chambre d hôtel juste sur le site de la compétition pour faire venir le petit Dominic Sanzone (qui se bat toujours contre son cancer) mais malheureusement Dominic était depuis quelques jours déjà avant la compétition en soin intensif a l hôpital d'Orlando donc n'a pas pu venir. Depuis son état s'est un peu améliorer. Vous pouvez toujours lui laisser un mot sur son site ou vous pourrez également trouver des news sur son état. Merci a Steve d'avoir organiser tout ça, du coup il nous a fait signer un T-shirt qu'il lui remettra, tous les professionnels présent l ont signer. C'était sympa de retrouver les bons gaziers de la cote Est comme Brad Evers, Bill Baxter, Steve Boomhower et bien d autres… Un grand merci en particulier a Chris Splendore pour m'avoir montrer les bons petits coins de son quartier, on a bien rigoler, skimmer, et surfer. Je reviendrai.

Shuv-on After winning Pro Women

T-shirt for Dom

party

Going surfing Florida

Vilano, Florida, day two

2011-08-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

First day for the contest. According to locals, the spot worked really well at high tide middle of last week. Unfortunately sandbars moved and left only small reforms on shore to play with. Still really enjoyable to skim in such warm water and nice weather. There's good vibe on the contest site. I am really stoked to see people I haven't seen for a little while and hang out. Contest is over for me, congrats to teammates Morgan Just, and Jon Howell for making it to the quarter finals tomorrow. Shuv-on also won her first heat in Women Pro. Hopefully conditions get little better for the rest of the contest. Tonight, there's a video premiere somewhere close the contest site where everybody's meeting up, should be fun. Yesterday I got the chance to hang out downtown Saint Augustine, really nice town.

Chris' Hood

Flagler College in Saint Augustine

Forever Skim Magazine Derek hiding from raindrops

Contest site

J-Dub

Jon Howell after winning his first heat

Vilano, Florida, day one

2011-08-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Flew to Florida yesterday. Big thanks to Chris Splendore for staying at his place and showing me around. Pretty hot and humid, feels good to get in AC places every now and then... We Skimmed where the contest is going to be and caught some fun backside liners (for regular footers). Soundtrack is the one we listened to in Chris' truck on the way to the beach

Sticky Bumps and Wax Research press release on joining their World Team

2011-08-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sticky Bumps, a division of Wax Research Inc., is proud to announce the signing of France's Matthieu Thibaud to their World Skim Team. He joins Sticky Bumps World Team Riders Dave Rastovich, Alana Blanchard, Dylan Goodale, Bethany Hamilton, Coco Nogales, Malia Manuel, Leila Hurst, Christian Wach as well as Stand Up Paddlers Chuck Patterson, Brian Haag and Darian Boyle.

"I am really happy and honored to join the Sticky Bumps Team." said Matthieu. " I remember when I was a kid watching my older brother and his friends skimboarding. One day in our local surf shop (in France) where they had several wax brands, my brother picked a Sticky Bumps bar and said: "this one is the best!" It was true and that makes me even more stoked today to have the opportunity to represent this company as well as I can. "

Originally from France, Matthieu started skimming when he was age 9. His travels have taken him Spain, Portugal, Mexico, US East Coast, Northern and southern California where he has been living the past 3 years. His current sponsors are Sticky Bumps, Victoria Skimboards, Extreme Outdoor Supply (EOS), Freak Traction, DC Shoes, Nixon Watches and Snuggbuds Headsets.

"It's very inspiring to see an athlete like Matthieu and his passion not only for the sport but for giving back to those in need," reflected John Dahl. "He's not only a great skimboarder but also an incredible human being who exemplifies the kind of connection Wax Research and Sticky Bumps desires to have with their athlete. I'm stoked to have him join our family."

Matthieu Thibaud is a contributor to the Heart of Sailing Foundation. The Heart of Sailing Foundation introduces sailing for free to children and adults with development disabilities, such as Autism and Down Syndrome, as a form of education and recreational therapy.

About Wax Research

Wax Research is recognized by the international surfing community as one of the original surf accessory companies. It was founded in 1972 by John Dahl with the purpose of manufacturing surf and ski waxes and accessories. Wax Research brands include Sticky Bumps, Ransom and WEND, and are sold by distributors worldwide. Its headquarters are located in Carlsbad, California, USA. www.stickybumps.com

Photo: Remy Dugoua

Pro Model 2011

2011-08-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

I got a ticket to Florida for the United Skimboard Tour stop #5, Vilano Beach. I picked a Pro Model size Large to get more volume and more float planning on going to Vilano, and France right after... I tried this board yesterday at Thalia and I really liked it! Thanks Freak Traction for sending me product right away. Below is the promotion video we had some fun making!!! It already reached 11,000 vues.

Le billet pour la competition UST #5 est achete, Vliano Beach en Floride. J'ai donc recemment choisi un Pro Model taille Large pour avoir une planche avec un peu plus de volume pour aller a Vilano puis en France (Hossegor)... Je l'ai essaye hier a Thalia, Laguna Beach, CA. Merci a Freak Traction d'avoir envoyer leurs tout nouveaux pads de suite. Ci-dessous est la video de promotion de mon Pro Model qui etait assez drole a faire et qui a deja atteint presque 11 000 clicks.

UST Contest in France, Sep 12-18, 2011

2011-08-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the poster for the contest. First United Skim Tour contest outside of North America. There will be a waiting period to make sure riders get good conditions, and several locations that it could be held too. Soundtrack is my brother's last mix. The contest party will be held Saturday the 17th at the Cream Cafe (Seignosse) and my brother's gonna run the show there spinning his vinyls.

Voici le poster de la competition. La premiere competition professionelle de Skimboard en dehors du continent Americain. Periode d attente de 6 jours est prevue pour s'assurer que les conditions soient au rendez-vous. La musique est le dernier mix de mon frere, qui jouera le samedi soir de la competition au Cream Cafe de Seignosse.

Over the sky

2011-07-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

Remy added few new amazing pictures to his flickr, including this one. Check it out.
Rem's est toujours inspire et voici un exemple de ces dernieres captures dont il a le secret.

O T S, originally uploaded by *r3M'S*.

World Championship of Skimboarding 2011

2011-07-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

First of all, big up to Victoria Skimboards, and I don't include myself here (even if I do work at Victoria), because as a competitor of the event I have a really minor role in the organization. But Lynn and Tex Haines, Trigg Garner, Kyle McClure and Justin Sullivan did a great job organizing it all and offering a live Worldwide broadcast of the event. Second time in Skimboarding history after last year's first time ever for the same competition. The contest went really well. Once again lots of countries represented, and really high level competition, not only in the professional division, but in every division. Congrats to all riders, sponsors and people involved in any shape or form for the great week end. Sam Stinnet dominated the event and take the well deserved first place. Props to Paulo Prietto for his great performance on his skimboard, on the live stream comment booth where he did a great job announcing, and also for the sportsmanship awards for well representing the sport throughout the years.

To watch the recorded heats of the WCS 2011 visit the WCS Ustream page

And for full results, pictures, sponsor list etc... Visit the WCS Webpage

Professional division:

1st Sam Stinnett

2nd Jake Stinnett

3rd Teddy Vlasis

4th Blair Conklin

5th Brad Domke

6th Bill Bryan

7th Paulo Prietto

8th Brandon Sears

9th Perry Wells

10th Morgan Just

11th Omar Meddeb

12th Hunter Poller

13th Matthieu Thibaud

14th Harley Nelson

15th Koty Lopez

16th Austin Keen

17th Tim Fulton

18th Isaac Zoller

19th Max Smetts

20th Alex Hood

21st Paddy Mack

22nd Travis Sampson

22nd Keith Perry

23rd Alejandro Lopez

24th EJ Sanico

25th Dave Armstron

26th Bobby Haas

27th Steve Taylor

28th Austin Bleiweiss

29th Derek Shenton

30th John Akerman

31st Newton Anderson

Victoria Skimboards World Championship this week end

2011-07-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

This upcoming week end, July 16th and 17th, will be held the World Champioship of skimboarding at Aliso, Laguna Beach, CA. Biggest skimboarding event of the year. It will be live streamed on the internet, with live comments and interviews!!!
Click here to watch LIVE

Ce week end, le 16 et 17 Juillet, les championnats du monde de Skimboard se derouleront a la plage d'Aliso, Laguna Beach, en Californie. C'est de loin le plus gros rendez-vous de l'annee. La competition sera entierement retransmise en direct sur internet, avec des commentaires et des interviews!!!
Clicker ici pour regarder la competition gratuitement et en DIRECT

"Victoria Skimboards has been running the World Championship of Skimboarding at Aliso Beach for over 20 years. Why? There are a variety of reasons but it is best to hear it from some of the best professional skimboarders around (Tex Haines, Paulo Prietto, Matthieu Thibaud, Garth Wyckoff, and Steve Taylor)."

"Victoria Skimboards organise les championnats du monde depuis ces 20 dernieres annees a Aliso Beach. Pourquoi? Il y a plein de raisons mais c'est encore mieux de l'entendre de la part des quelques meilleurs skimboarders (Tex Haines, Paulo Prietto, Matthieu Thibaud, Garth Wyckoff, and Steve Taylor)."

Please sign Dominic Sanzone's guestbook

2011-07-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

He still needs support during his tough fight. Dominic skims at aliso, I rode with him multiple times when he'd come down the beach with his mom and dad. Always fun riding with him, he's great grom raised with manners and respect. He celebrated his 7th birthday on June 21st. Dominic was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Burkett's Lymphoma Cancer a couple of weeks ago, this is a very aggressive and rare type of cancer. At this time we are approaching the 30,000 people mark of people actually praying for Dominic. So with that being said it would be so great if everyone could spread the word so everyone could help in the prayer for a speedy and complete recovery for Dominic.

For more info, updates, and to to sign his guestbook please visit the link below:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/dominicsanzone

Photo of Dominic during his very first Victoria Skimboards World Championship in 2008, he was then 4 and the youngest competitor of the Champioships

Dominic Sanzone a feter son 7eme anniversaire le 21 Juin. Il fait du Skimboard a Aliso Beach, et j ai rider avec lui un grand nombre de fois. Il est tres drole, et extremement motive, c'est toujours plus que plaisant de skimmer avec lui. Il y a quelques semaines deja il a ete diagnostique un "Non-Hodgkin Burkett's Lymphoma Cancer" qui est un type de cancer rare et tres agressif. A ce jour nous approchons les 30 000 personnes qui se sont manifestes et prient pour Dominic pour un prompt retablissement. Pour plus d'info, photos et surtout pour signer son Guestbook, clicker sur le lien ci-dessous:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/dominicsanzone

4th of July

2011-07-05T10:38:00.001-07:00

Green, originally uploaded by - MuchU -.

I feel so lucky to be able to witness this from my patio, and that I had an awesome camera to be able to capture this.

Aliso last week end, by Martin

2011-07-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last week end, there was a really good 4 to 6ft south swell and the sand at Aliso was set perfectly. Martin spent most of his week end shooting, here are 2 pictures he nicely submitted to me. To see the full galleries and visit his website click on the links below:

www.kickinsurf.com

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

Skim Lesson with Jameson

2011-06-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Over the week end, I gave Jameson his second skim lesson. The first one was last week and it was his first time skimboarding in waves, so I gave some tips to work on until next time. I was amazed how he progressed in one week. Thanks to his dad for taking some nice pictures on Saturday. Conditions were just so good this week end.

Ce week end, lesson de skim avec Jameson. Sa premiere lesson etait la semaine derniere et c'etait sa toute premiere fois a faire du Skimboard dans les vagues, donc je lui ai donne quelques points sur lesquels s'entrainer, et j'ai ete tres surpris des progres qu'il avait deja fait. Merci a son pere qui a pris quelques photos Samedi. Les conditions etaient parfaites ce week end.

New sponsor: Sticky Bumps Waxes

2011-06-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am really stoked and proud to announce this new sponsorship I just signed with Sticky Bumps. I am good with wax for a good amount of time. Gonna put some right away, no more wipe outs!!! ;)

Soundtrack: Superchodass (my brother) very last mix :)

I am gonna start translating in french also my posts:

Je suis tres heureux et fier d annoncer que je viens de signer chez Sticky Bumps. Avec ce qu ils m'ont envoyer je suis bon pour les quelques prochaines annees en wax. Fini les savonnettes a la jonction a Solmar, on va pouvoir balancer des backflips a Thalia la planche restera sagement collee aux orteils!!! :)

Special big up a mon frere pour son mix en bande sonore: Petite douceur

Chu Shade exposed on Flickr

2011-06-20T12:17:00.001-07:00

Chu Shade, originally uploaded by *r3M'S*.

Remy's picture of our last trip to Cabo San Lucas in November made it to the "Explore" selection on Flickr. Pretty nice! congrats to him! Waves, color of the water and light were amazing that morning.

Teaser for the Victoria Skimboards World Championships 2011

2011-06-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Nice teaser for the biggest Skimboard competition in the World. There is also gonna be a live broadcast of the event on the internet.

Some extra pictures from Foreverskim issue#44

2011-06-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here is some extra pictures submitted for the article in Foreverskim issue#44. Thanks to the photographers Remy Dugoua, Valerie Eden and... Morgan Just.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. photo: Remy Dugoua (website: R3ms.fr)

Cabo San Lucas, Remy

Frontside Cabo San Lucas, Photo: Valerie Eden (website: http://edenphotography.tumblr.com/)

Cabo San Lucas, with Remy holding the Waterhousing. Photo: Valerie Eden (website: http://edenphotography.tumblr.com/)

Frontside liner in Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico, photo by Morgan Just.

Foreverskim The Magazine issue#44

2011-06-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Derek interviewed me for the new Foreverskim and Remy submitted shots that he has the talent to take. Even Teammate Morgan Just shot some pictures during our last trip to Melaque. Click on the picture to visit issue#44. Thanks Remy Dugoua, Derek Makekau, all friends, family and sponsors for the support.

Pro Models going out

2011-05-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a rack at Victoria Skimboards of Pro Models that are going to ship next week :)

New sponsor: Snuggbuds Headsets

2011-05-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce this new sponsorship I just signed now. I've already been using these headsets I had from last year's Victoria World Championship because they sponsored the event, and I'm stoked on them. I never ever go too far without music. Click on the image to visit their new website.

Morgan Just wins the Cabo Classico

2011-05-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

So stoked that teammate Morgan Just wins the Cabo Classico 2011, first UST event of the 2011. Here is some footage that we at Victoria Skimboards got of him few days before he goes to Cabo. I was supposed to go for that contest too, but I canceled to say goodbye to a friend...

Here's Morgan's recent Wedge sessions, sickest in and out on a skimboard I've seen in real ever in the last clip.

Pro Model 2011 Video: Original Edit from Toeknee

2011-05-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Toeknee is an awesome dude, here is the very first edit he did for my pro model video. I remember when he first sent it to me he said: "Dude I don't know, I really like it!!! it's funny but I really don't want you to feel offended by it or anything..." So that kinda scared me, I was thinking: "What the hell did he do" because I know the person and he can be really creative, but he's also a great friend and I trust him... So I watched it and actually cracked up... Literally.

I would like to special thank Nick Aleandro for directing the shooting and his work on this project :)

R3ms Portfolio

2011-05-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Rems is an awesome friend and amazing and passionated photographer. He loves it and is really talented. He finally made the move and created and designed his website/portfolio. Original, simple, classy you will find great shots from his trips... It's always great to see him. Here is a picture of Remy, that I took during my last visit over there.

La Cite Des Anges

2011-04-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

La Cite Des Anges, originally uploaded by - MuchU -.

Downtown Los Angeles

After work traffic jam

2011-04-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

How nice is going to the beach after work! Amazing, and I enjoy this every single time I am lucky to go. Sunset session yesterday, the wind died and there was some fun sets coming through... Pictures by Benoit visiting from Belgium!
Soundtrack: Electric feel (MGMT) remixed by Justice!!! D.A.N.C.E!!!

New Board

2011-04-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

I found this in the racks at Victoria Skimboards... All ready to be ridden. I'll try it out here in Laguna, then she'll be traveling with me down to Cabo San Lucas!

DC Shoes

2011-04-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

I received a really nice package from DC Shoes yesterday. Big thanks to them!!! I got 2 new boards freshly shaped waiting to get wet and my plane ticket for the Cabo Classico 2011... All set!

Morning session with my dad

2011-04-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

My parents from France are visiting here in California. So this Sunday morning I went down to the beach with my very first photographer: my dad. It was fun, after a little while a kid asked his dad to take a picture with my board, I thought he d want me on the picture but he only wanted the board haha... He was stoked!!! It was a great Sunday.

Jason Gould Photography

2011-03-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

Jason Gould came over Laguna last summer for a skim photo shoot. He is really talented and got amazing shots on his new website. The day of the shooting I was kinda worried for him and his nice Canon 1D mark III because to get the shots he totally ran in knee high water near the shore break. Click on the picture to visit his website Jasongould.net

Superchodass' Vision of Melaque

2011-03-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my brother's picture selection from our trip to Melaque. I already used this soundtrack, but I like it a lot, and he suggested it to me while down there...

Melaque 2011 random pictures

2011-03-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here are few more pictures from the trip to Melaque 2011, after going through them. It was a lot of fun. One more time a big thank you to Diego and Jorge Barba from X3M for being such great hosts, and for the competition organization and their work throughout the year. They just opened a shop down Manzanillo that Morgan Brandon and I visited. It looks good and they have lots of good ideas and good friends to help them out, so if you ever go to Manzanillo, check it out. Good times traveling with Morgan and Brandon, always fun! And meeting up with my friends from France and my brother down there was a blast.
My brother just posted some pictures of his trip on his flickr: check them out here

Contest site

My brother Nicolas Thibaud going for the finals, he placed 3rd in advanced division

Semi finals with Sammy Stinnet

Chopa, really good 15 year old kid, good vibe and awesome skills on a skimboard

Trying to make some points in the finals

Pornichet (hometown in France) Crew leader Florian Huchet

Romain, Pierre and my all time best friend Mr Titi watching the finals

Mr Tule, to me definately one of the best Skimboarder in Mexico, solid, consistant, great style and good guy

Waiting for a sider right off the plane with locals and my teammates Morgan Just and Brandon Rothe

Jersey Shore Skim Camp 2011

2011-03-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Toeknee Bianchi edited a really cool little video to promote their great and fun skim camp they organize with Sean Stratton, Steff Mags and more. Really good vibe, great way to learn skimboarding having a lot of fun!!! For more info visit jerseyshoreskimcamp.com and contact them through the website. Enjoy the video.

Pro Model Promotion Video

2011-03-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a promotion video for my pro model board... We had a lot of fun doing this. There is a lot of people involved in this short video and I want to thank everybody who contributed.

First of all thanks to Victoria Skimboards to make all this possible and their support in general

I'll keep the names of the girls secret so they don't get mass facebook friend requests ... but big thanks to them for playing the game, they did a great job and are both looking awesome.

Thanks to the Vic crew: Nick, Justin, Kyle, Trigg and David's help on the shooting.
Special thanks to Dave Levin for letting me use the nice water housing clip he shot few weeks ago
Brussels Bistro nicely let us use the restaurant.
My friend Toeknee for the good job editing, and for always being around and helpful for years.
And of course the rest of my sponsors for their support all throughout the years:
Extreme Outdoor Supply, Freak Traction, DC Shoes, Nixon

Write few words to support skimboard Legend Chris Henderson

2011-03-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

Chris Henderson is Victoria Skimboards World Champion 1978, 1980, 1984 and 1990. I was born in 1983, started skimboarding and watching videos with my brother in the early 90's. Chris was in these 10th Street bros videos with his noticeable super smooth and clean style. Really impressive in his wraps and frontsides. He'd go reach waves so far out. When I first went to Laguna Beach I got lucky to meet him and had few skim sessions with him (years after watching him on videos) and Chris is an awesome guy, down to earth and generous. He just had Micro surgery on his spine, down in the hip region. He has been MRI’ed recently and they discovered a growth on his spine. He has been suffering for years from a nearly paralyzing sciatic nerve condition that would agonize him almost daily and interfered with his sleep nearly every night. The surgery is going to be very expensive and he will have significant recovery time to deal with. Below is a form I created, fill it with your name, email address, few words of appreciation and I will make sure he will get them. He came in this morning to grab a skim poster of him for his doctor... Please take a moment to write something for him, if it is in spannish or french I will translate it, other language will have to be google translated in english

Victoria Skimboards is also accepting donations to help him out with the medical bills.
Through Victoria Skimboards online store by clicking here

Or by mail to:

Victoria Skimboards
2955 Laguna Cyn. Rd. #1
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Playing with water

2011-03-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

We got back to Laguna Beach last night, going through the pictures, I found this one pretty cool. My brother took it on our last day.

Melaque 2011, Day Eight

2011-03-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

We leave tomorrow and still got some good waves today... Enjoying every single minute... Diego shot this and many more

Melaque 2011, Day Seven

2011-03-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Today we went skimming early, it was pretty good, we got some clips, and then at sunset we went to another beach where the light was amazing so I took some pictures. Tonight it's carnival !!!

Melaque 2011, Day Six

2011-02-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

We waited until late afternoon, but the wind was still strongly blowing from the right. Tide picked up though, so the waves were actually breaking closer offering a nice shorebreak to work with. Results announced last night at the local bar, in the Professional division Sammy Stinnet undeniably takes first place, he dominated the finals, skimmed really well.

1 Sammy Stinnet

2 Morgan Just

3 Tripas

4 Matthieu Thibaud

I am stoked to have finished in the top 4, the level was really high. The locals are so talented here like Chopa, Guyavo, Tule, Tripas Fido and many more. Congratulations to my brother Nicolas who takes 3rd place in the Advanced division!!! We celebrated well last night with some Margaritas. Big up to Diego, Jorge and their friends for the organization. It was a great week end. This morning, we headed to Muertos for a little morning session. I got some good ones this morning. I've been feelin really good on the skimboard this whole trip, I m stoked to be here and well surrounded with my brother Nicolas, Diego, my friends from France, the locals and my teammates Brandon Rothe and Morgan Just. We're all having an awesome time.

Soundtrack suggested by Brandon

Melaque 2011, Day Five

2011-02-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

Second round today, really good glassy waves, heats started at 9 am. Really high skim level in the heats, locals Tripas, Tule, Guyavo, Chopa and Chuco were shredding it. Right after this, Diego decided to keep going with the quarter finals before the wind picks up, and it did a little in the middle of the quarters but still ok. Semi finals will be at sunset when the tide will be back up and hopefully wind will die a little. I am stoked to still be in the competition. Top 4 Pros remaining are:

Morgan Just (USA)
Sammy Stinnet (USA)
Tripas (Mexico)
Matthieu Thibaud (France)

Other divisions will keep going throughout the day. Congrats to all contestants for giving such a great skim show.

Melaque 2011, Day Four

2011-02-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

First day of the contest, lots of people, Diego had twice the amount of contestant than last year, so it is a success already! People came from all over Mexico, USA (CA, FL), France... Waves were really nice in the morning then the wind picked up but still was decent. Morgan Just, Brandon Rothe and I made it to the next round tomorrow. Really high level, locals have just even more improved, it s impressive, lots of them even have easily a good top professional level (Brandon and Morgan agree on this). On top of it they're all really nice and I have to say that there is one of the best vibe of all the contests I have been to. Also my brother is here and other friends from France made the move. Diego runs the contest really well helped with his brother Jorge and some good friends of his. Late afternoon Brandon went skimming, I grabbed the cam and got some good ones, then I got in the water and he shot some. I had one of my best frontside air stuck back in the wave. Brandon really didn't expect me to do so, so he kind of cut me off on the picture, but it makes it look artsy (according to him). tomorrow heats first thing in the morning to make sure we get glassy waves.

Soundtrack suggested by my brother

Melaque 2011, Day Three

2011-02-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

Relaxing, Brandon and Mo were drawing, I went out take pictures, then pick up my brother to the airport with Diego, and later on, we all had a sunset session right in front of the house where the contest is going to be. Victoria team rider Tule showed up for the session and he was really impressive: huge airs both sides and solid turns. It was nice to watch. He's ready for the contest!

Melaque 2011, Day Two

2011-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

8am Diego wake us up, everybody was ready to go check out the spots... We drove threw the jungle, tiny dirt roads that lead to deserted beach with potential fun waves. We ended up skimming for a couple of hours. Chopa (15) who won his division during the Cabo Classico last year, was definitely the most impressive today, he was shredding every single wave. Brandon Rothe after skimming grabbed the camera and took some pictures. It was another amazing day in Melaque...

Soundtrack suggested by Brandon

Melaque 2011, Day One

2011-02-23T20:41:00.001-08:00

Creature du passé, originally uploaded by - MuchU -.

Made it to Melaque, drove to Tijuana, fly to Guadalajara then drove to Manzanillo for a little right sider session to end up tonight in Melaque. During the drive this is the kinda of creature you can sometime be surprised to find right at your feet... Tomorrow, we're going to Skim and shoot some pics, I'll try to post some

Melaque Mexico coming soon

2011-02-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Contest in Melaque, Mexico, organized by X3M will be next week end. Morgan Just, Brandon Rothe and I will be heading down there soon and stay a little bit for some free sessions. Big thanks and congratulations to Diego and Jorge Barba for all they do to develop and support skimboarding in Mexico: Organising contests, sponsoring good kids... They started this contest a long time ago from nothing and made it better every time. I remember 6 years ago, my first visit to Laguna Beach, Sumner Miller, at the time west coast sales rep of Victoria Skimboards, was my guide and the first person I met here. He already had a good friendship with Diego for a couple of years and went there multiple times. He told me about Melaque and how it gets really really good for skimboarding and that the place had a huge potential. Luckily last year I was able to make it there and realize it myself, and I can't wait to go back this upcoming week.

United Skim Tour (UST) Teaser for the stop in France

2011-02-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a really nice animation created by Groovy Baby...
Play it in HD!

For the first time ever in skimboard history, The united skimboard tour is going to stop in europe/FRANCE.
A waiting period is scheduled from september 11 to 18.
More coming soon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos Credits : Rem's !

EOS Ad in ForeverSkim The Magazine issue#43

2011-02-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

Here is Extreme Outdoor Supply (EOS) advertising in the last issue of ForeverSkim. Really stoked that my Pro Model makes it in this back cover ad along with Paulo Prietto's. Second picture was sent to me by my friend Jack Bedex. Lifestyle shot taken down in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this last November while trying out the final version of the Pro Model.

Melaque 2011

2011-02-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

Tickets are booked for Melaque 2011!!! For info on the contest please visit the X3M Website. A bunch of friends from France are gonna make the trip too this year and my brother.

picture from last year's trip to Melaque, by Morgan Just

Shaping

2011-02-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, custom shaping a board for Takayuki Iwasaki aka "Takabo" from Japan

First donation to "Heart of Sailing"

2011-02-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

First donation going to Heart of Sailing from my pro model sales of January!!! Stoked!!! We'll keep them coming!!!
Now you know the address if you'd willing to help out the foundation :)

News from Japan

2011-01-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

Victoria Skimboards 2011 pro models line just made it to Japan thanks to our distributor skim One. And Mayumi already got herself my pro model. For info on top of Japan my pro model also already made it to Chile, Mexico and Hawaii where our awesome team rider Jasmine Joy is riding it... Jasmine recently told me that she loves the board, pics comin soon...

Today is January 31st and is time to send my first donation to the wonderful foundation Heart of Sailing and I am really happy to do so :)

"Premier Melange" by Superchodass

2011-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Premier mélange by superchodass

Jean Claude Polna, originally uploaded by *r3M'S*.

I am really proud to share today my brother's brand new mix called "Premier Melange" literally "first mix". It's not his first mix of course, he's played in some memorable parties in the North West and South West of France. I've been to most of them and it's always a blast!!! Today my brother aka "Superchodass" got himself some nice gear and is able to produce really good quality mix. For the story, my brother got me into skimboarding and took me to amazing places and skim trips with a good group of hometown friends. He 's himself a really good skimboarder located in Hossegor now. He will be there at the UST stop in France in September, and there's a good chance that he'd bring his gear and spin some vinyls at the beach during the contest... I'm also really excited to meet up with him soon in Melaque, Mexico, he's traveling there with some friends too.

Listen to "Premier Melange", it's clean, fresh, super hot, easy on the ear, play it at a party, barbecue, your birthday, in your living room or in your car... It's downloadable for free here

Lots of love to my older brother :)

Fight for Lisa

2011-01-27T00:14:00.000-08:00

My good friend and awesome photographer Steve Lerum put together a website and some photos for sale to help out his sister Lisa to fight cancer.

Check out the website Fight for Lisa and get yourself really cool prints for a good cause.

Solag on Fire

2011-01-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, 9 am my phone rings: Text message from Joe Bailey: "Aliso Bound. Right Now!". Got couple of beers the night before at Brussels Bistro, but I still get up fast and head down to South Laguna. Got couple of more texts from Joe so I speed up a little bit. It was indeed looking amazing, high tide Aliso only works when the slope and swell is right. Matt McCollum, Will Wright and Mike Yunich were already skimming, Will actually had a really really sick barrel while I was changing, that motivated me to get out of my hangover and get in the water :) A photograph Marvin Smith came to me and gave me his card to send me some pictures that are right below, Joe got some really good shots and keeps the goodies for his Skimboard Magazine. Later on, Mister David Levin shows up, with Tommy D'Eliscu's high tech gear. Kinda chilly but Dave jumped in with the full suit and the Water Housing Camera. He actually already edited a nice HD video of Andy Chiavetta and I. For the little story we also saw James Bond scuba-diving in the shore break chased by an hungry Seal... Enjoy, I'm off the beach for round 2 right now!!!

Thanks Joe, David, Marvin and Tommy

Getting some clips

2011-01-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

Waves and weather been really good here in Laguna Beach, CA this past week. At Victoria Skimboards we've been going out to the beach with the gear and team riders to get some fresh clips... Stay tuned

By the way, the Sponsor Award of the week goes to... Extreme Outdoor Supply for keeping me warm by getting me that new long sleeve top, thanks.

pics: Justin Sullivan

Wipeout on a Wrap to Bigspin

2011-01-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

Today with the Victoria Crew, we went down the beach to enjoy some good waves, warm weather and shoot some video!!! Got a couple of good ones... but here is a wipeout!!! cause wipeouts are fun to watch (at least when it doesn't hurt).

Heart Of Sailing on Martin Luther King Weekend

2011-01-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King Weekend was just perfect. The weather got so nice, really warm, glassy, and really fun waves. On Sunday, I went out skimming for an hour, 3 to 4 feet swell, warm and sunny, before heading down to the Dana Point Harbor to go out Sailing with George and friends. We went out twice with 2 amazing families from the Heart of Sailing program. Lots of fun, smiles... we had a such a great time! This morning, George came down to Aliso to check out some really good skimboarding session. Next time I'll have him try!!!

Check the full picture Gallery of sunday January 16th, 2011

For the skim pics, Joe Bailey was there at Aliso shooting, so I'll try to post some soon.
Here's one taken by Lauren Lamm from Newport Beach, who I met on saturday at Aliso and nicely submitted a couple of pictures.

Victoria Skimboards Catalog 2011

2011-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Victoria Skimboards Catalog 2011 has been printed a little while ago, but today it's online!!! Check it out.

Jean-Claude Jean-Claude Winter 2011 Collection

2011-01-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

I just received few pairs of the brand new 2011 JC JC Collection...

Pervert your life, originally uploaded by *r3M'S*.

Pour noel payez vous un regard ... donnez vous les moyens de devenir quelqu'un.
Offrez vous une paire de JCJC et devenez l'incontournable beau mec des soirées.
Jean claude jean claude modèle "E.Chain"...porté par le boss

Victoria Skimboards' Magazine Ad

2011-01-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

During my last visit to France, my friend and talented photograph Remy Dugoua mentioned that he's always wanted to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and that he had some vacation coming in November... Of course I told him that if he'd go I'll try my best to meet up with him for a couple of days. Few months later I received an email from him with the plane tickets booked, so I bought myself some tickets as well to go there 4 days. It was really fun, good times!!! First morning at Lovers he got the Waterhousing all set and jumped in the water to get this shot that Victoria Skimboards recently used for their double page ad in Skimboard Magazine. Tex Haines congratulated Remy and I for this shot and told me: "I've been waiting a long time to see a shot like this of you" He's always been supportive and good advices to me. Jeff Gomez (Skimboard Magazine's Editor) also complimented the shot: "sick sick sick. nice shot in the vic ad." right when we sent him the ad to publish. My brother and I watched probably thousands of times Jeff Gomez in the Tenth Street Brother videos when we were kids.
Higher quality version of the ad available to download by clicking on it. Get yourself a copy of Skimboard Magazine and big Thanks to Remy Dugoua, and Trigg Garner for the edit.

Sountrack: Zip Gun Woman (Hackamore Brick)

Got lost going to work

2011-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Finally looking pretty good down the beach after all the rain we've had. Nick and I just went down Thalia St for an early morning chilly skim. Consistent sets, pretty fun!!! By the way check out Nick's blog on his custom hand-shape Surfboards: Neto Shapes

Picture by Nick Aleandro

Sailing with George, Jasmine, Katrina and family

2010-12-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

Jasmine Joy came to California to spend the holidays with her family, and George (the "travelin man"), the Heart of Sailing founder was in town, so it was the perfect timing to plan a little sailing trip. This last Monday, we all met up at the Dana Point Harbor and Georges took Jasmine, her sister Katrina and her family out on the ocean. It was awesome, Katrina looked like she had a blast and we all did, including me. The weather was really nice, we had enough wind to sail for a while. It was a great experience, check out the picture gallery. I gave Jasmine her Skimboard I shaped for her, and hopefully we can skim before she goes back to Hawaii.

Rems@Solmar: bright and dark side

2010-12-26T12:44:00.001-08:00

Amazing sunset cloudy sky down in Cabo San Lucas that Remy captured, during our last trip in November.

SgT MuchU // Ca Passe !!!, originally uploaded by *r3M'S*.

SgT MùchU // CA CaSSe !!!, originally uploaded by *r3M'S*.

Jasmine Joy

2010-12-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

Words and Poem from Jasmine

Matthieu has been shaping me boards since I got picked up by Vic in 2008. After receiving advice from Tex and learning that flex is quite important in a skimboard, I decided to ride a Plane Wrap. Matthieu made me my first one with tapered rails and a little bit more rocker than usual. I fell in love with this board and prefer playing with it till this day. More than a week ago, I sent Matthieu a message asking him if he could shape me a new board for 2011. In response, he asked me very humbly if I would ride his premiere pro model (since it is similar to the style I like) to promote the charitable cause of donating a portion of sales to a foundation called Heart of Sailing. When I checked out their website, the main word I noticed was Down Syndrome which made me smile and think of my little sister -- Katrina. Matthieu has never met her therefore he was surprised when I wrote him back with these words: MuchU I am completely touched with what you are doing with your pro model. OF COURSE I will ride your board. My little sister has Down Syndrome and she is amazing. She has taught me more lessons in life than she could ever understand and she has watched me skim since the beginning. I want to give you a BIG HUG for having such a huge and thoughtful heart. It is an honor to support Matthieu and his vision to give freely to such an uplifting foundation that teaches sailing to special needs children as a form of recreational therapy. Thank you MuchU for being you.

Image vs. Impact
Energy vs. Power
Cadence vs. Delivery
Light vs. Heavy
Truth vs. Perspective
Pain vs. Bliss
Jargon vs. Diction
Reality vs. Dream
Does this mean . . .
Talent is natural * Knowledge is learned * Skill is acquired & Style is personal?
Hold on. Let me process all this before I accept the fact that it's just too much
"Too much stuff. Too much stuff" is what my Down syndrome little sister says
when she walks into my goddaughter's room
overwhelmed with toys, books, teddy bears & pink everywhere

This midget princess has everything is what my special sister probably thinks

I wouldn't know without an extra chromosome
Her name is Katrina
She's like a little Buddha
So simple. So content.
yet
simultaneously oblivious to the outside world of
PRIDE * COVETOUSNESS *LUST *ANGER * GLUTTONY * ENVY & SLOTH
Sins do not exist within her morals therefore guilt is something to get a way with
When the devastating hurricane hit the South of U.S.
her name was all over the television
She noticed but had no idea why
"Tonight on channel 2's Hurricane Katrina Update . . . there is a confirmed count of
1,836 fatalities with 705 bodies missing"
Disaster to her is spilling orange juice after a delicious breakfast
Raising my little sister I would wonder

Am I mentally retarded & she's normally distorted?

As Hendrix sings "My circus mind runs wild" while I brush my hair
she stares & mimics a conscious vanity
She tells me "you're pretty" so I smile & say "nose nose"
then bend down to give her an Eskimo kiss like an innocent gnome
So true. So cute.
I tell her she's beautiful
My miniature marshmallow filled with affection
Metaphor to an overly sweetened confection
She's not perfect but close to an ideal description of how to view situation

What if I erased
IMPRESSION * ABILITY * SPEECH * WEIGHT & surrendered to HONESTY *
FEELINGS * MEANING & MOMENTS?
Forget everything that does not matter!
This is my mental breakdown
I finally give up
but
before I say "I do" to failure
I get lost in thought then found
by a human angel
My little sister -- Katrina
I want to be like her
So capable. So FREE

© Jasmine Joy

Photo credit: Thanks to Guy Vaught and Alex Wisner of Freedom Riding

Skimboard Magazine

2010-12-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

The first issue of Skimboard Magazine is going to be out soon.

Family Picture in Cabo, by Gruss

2010-12-20T10:57:00.001-08:00

HWY 19., originally uploaded by Grussturiça.

, originally uploaded by Grussturiça.

On the deserted beach at Solmar, after a nice sunset session. With Jack, Pepino, Peque and Remy.

Foreverskim The Magazine issue#42

2010-12-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever and after almost ten years, the new issue of Foreverskim The Magazine is available both online and printed!!! Visit their website and this special issue#42. I am glad to be a little part of this adventure by providing pictures for the Magazine, so thanks to Derek and also to Remy for his Waterhousing shot at Aliso (Really nice edit as always) and the one of Axel in Cap Ferret, France. Congrats to Jack Bedex for scoring a spread of Jaime Lovett too. Check out the whole Magazine online and order your printed version here