Grand Haven SkimFest Info

Where do I go?
Head for the beach in Grand Haven. Just south of the State Park (that's the big beach) is City Beach. Look for the tents just to the south of that beach and you'll find us.

What should I bring?
Come ready for a day at the beach. Obviously that means bring your board and swimwear, but don't forget waterproof sunscreen, snacks for energy, and water to drink. A hat, towel and/or shirt to cover up from the sun and wind between heats might be a good idea, too. **Remember to bring your signed registration form.**

What's going on between registration and when the competition starts?
That's up to you. Once you're all checked in, you're free to hang out and skim, or you can take off, get some breakfast, whatever. Just be back by 11:30 or we'll start without you!

What about lunch?
Once the competitors come off the water after their first heat, they will go get their lunch. This way everyone won't be crowded and all trying to get food at the same time.

Can my parents/friends/spouse get lunch too?
Sorry, but this year we're just not set up to feed that many people. Lunch is provided for registered competitors only. Just have your friends and family pack a cooler with some grub and then they can eat while they enjoy watching you compete.

How is the competition going to work?
It is hard to say how we will run each heat until we find out how many competitors will be there. Last year we did 4 person heats, and the top 2 advance. If there are fewer people, it is better to do 3 person heats where 2 advance, or 1 on 1 heats.

What happens after everyone is done riding?
The contest typically runs until 4 pm or maybe a little later. After the contest is finished we will tally up the scores, do some raffles, and then announce the winners. Each division winner will win a hand-shaped Dewey Weber skimboard. Second and third will get prizes too.

The SkimFest t-shirts are so cool! Can we get extras?
Yes! There will be extra t-shirts for only $10 at the competition. Anyone who wants to can buy them.

Hey! Some people have Dewey Weber Surfboard t-shirts! Where can I get one?
Those are a free bonus for riders who registered on or before August 12th. It really helps us to know in advance how many people are coming, and that's just our way of saying thanks.

Who's the guy shooting video?
Mac Jermstad is majoring in Film and Video Production at Grand Valley State. He made the rockin' video of last year's event that's featured on our homepage, and he's going to make another one of this year's event.

Speaking of video, it would be awesome if SkimFest was on TV.
We agree, but we've got the next best thing. SurfGrandHaven.com is going to broadcast the event live on their webcam, so even your grandma in Arizona can watch from the comfort of her own laptop. Make sure she knows how to grab a screenshot and it'll be just like she's there taking a thousand and one pictures of you so she can prove to all her friends that her grandkid is better than theirs.

Why do we have to pay a registration fee?
Although we've got a lot of great sponsors to help us with getting prizes and schwag, and all the organizers, judges and officials are volunteers, some money is still needed to cover the material costs of running this event. But we don't keep any money that's left over- all proceeds are going to help the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. How cool is that?