Skimboarders and lifeguards don't always get the respect they deserve for all they do in the shore pound.
This dangerous area where the sand meets the sea provides skimboarders with waves to ride and it's where lifeguards put their own lives at risk to save another.
It's also the genesis of shore lb., a Fort Pierce-based clothing company that promotes the water sports lifestyle and giving back to the community.
During the past few years, funding cuts have plagued the City of Vero Beach lifeguards and forced them to think of creative ways to raise money to do their job.
Chris Ellison, owner of shore lb. and a former City of Vero Beach lifeguard, understands the lack of respect for skimboarding and lifeguards, so he decided to do something about.
"It's hard to save lives when your equipment isn't in proper working order and you're constantly worrying about the funding for your job being cut," Ellison said.
"Those of us whose lives revolve around the beach know that a situation can quickly go from bad to worse, which why it's important to have medically trained professionals who are prepared to respond at a moment's notice."
To help raise money for the City of Vero Beach lifeguards, Ellison organized the Inaugural shore lb. Throw Down skim contest presented by Skim City on Aug. 23, where 95 skimboarders and hundreds of spectators converged on the sand at Sexton Plaza.
The contest included five divisions for all ages and skill levels, as well as plethora of raffle prizes donated by local businesses. A small ground swell provided skimboarders with waves all day while the steamy August sun offered free suntans for everyone.
And at the end of a long day, $2,000 had been raised.
"People don't appreciate how hard it is to ride a skimboard and how important it is to have lifeguards at local beaches," said Tim Capra, a City of Vero Beach lifeguard. "This event was a great way to educate the public and have fun doing it."
The City of Vero Beach lifeguards plan to use the funds raised to upgrade emergency rescue equipment at guarded beaches within city limits, which will ensure that beachgoers remains safe while lifeguards are one duty.
"We need more contests like this one," said Alex Hood, Inaugural shore lb. Throw Down Pro Division Champion. "The energy, the stoke and the support that came from the community is exactly what the sport of skimboarding is about."
Inaugural shore lb. Throw Down skim contest presented by Skim City was made possible thanks to support from Mulligans Beach House, Shark Bait Beach Rentals and Kessler Law Firm.
For more information about the City of Vero Beach Lifeguards, visit facebook.com/VBLAFL. For more information about shore lb., visit shorelb.com or call 772-772-539-2654.
Results
I Suck: 1, Gauge Christianson; 2, Will Stanley; 3, Tyler Alfonso; 4, Jimmy Pierce
I'm Good: 1, Roman Hager; 2, Jake Grigas; 3, Michael Bishop; 4, Tucker Marine
I'm Better: 1, Adam Barker; 2, Ryan McFarland; 3, Turner Tenney; 4, Nick Barker
Women's: 1, Sam Victor; 2, Kelsey Bloome; 3, Cali Gumpel; 4, Ruby Sheets
Pro: 1, Alex Hood; 2, Jack Tenney; 3, Troy Rhoten, 4; Blake Tyre
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