Here is a little short video of EOS and Victoria Team Rider Muchu. Enjoy… not too much ladies, turns out he’s not single anymore.

We were stoked to get Benji Lucas on the EOS skim team. We are even more excited he will be in Matt Adam’s upcoming film Wunderkind that we are very happy we sponsored. Look for that release this summer. Benji will be starring in that film along with EOS team rider Paulo Prietto.

We sat down awhile back and picked his brain, enjoy!

Benji getting barreled

P:born and raised in Fl?
where are you from?
I don’t know anything about you
B:haha Yes, ever so fortunately
P: grew up skating? skimming? surfing or all of the above?
B: Actually started skateboarding before all of it. Surfing followed, then skimboarding completely took over.
as it does
P: first skim you ever rode? was a?
B: It was a Zap I believe, ironically. A wedge.
P: nice.. 5/8
B: Loved that thing. Yes sir. 5/8′s and all.
P: How often do you make it out to CA?
B: I went out there sequentially for the Vic from ’03 to ’07.
B: I missed out last year due to ends not meeting in the funds department of my life.

P: going to school right now?
B:Yes sir, Central Florida.
P: golden knights??
B: go knights! Ha ha
P: What are you studying?
B: I’m majoring in Graphic Design. Not too sure where I’ll take it, but that’s what I’m doing.
P: Nice…lots of options with that. I’m sure you could show me some Photoshop shiz
B: I suck at that – hah I actually still need to enter that part of it. Everything is been hand created so far. Grady actually told me, “Make sure you get well acquainted with the computer side of it.” It’s a large part of art and design today. I can’t wait to become computer savvy.
P: Do it and tell me how it goes. We are always looking for some design stuff
I’m not very inspiring; I think you have seen our tees
B: haha I love mine!
P: it was the first run… we got something funky in the mix
B: Funky is good. Real good.
P: I’m not sure if it will fit the emo kids though…

Possiblities

P: 09 is coming up its here actually – the 09 tour is coming up… what’s in store for sr. Ben? Doing the tour? all of it?
B: It is here indeed. Scary.
B: I actually am in the midst of talking with Jason and Bob @ Zap to see what exactly they can help me with, but I certainly want to be everywhere.
P: any goals?
B: I missed out on most of it last year, and I plan on making up for it big time.
-Simply to make it to all of these places.
But I certainly have a goal of trying to make it to finals each and every time.
seems like the competition is getting stiffer
P: Very. Lot more riders doing crazy shiz. Do you have a game plan when you compete?
B: It’s difficult these days. Competing is actually easy, if you simply don’t let your nerves get to you and skim as if it were any other day.
But that is easier said then done. hah
P: for sure – Well for the kids that never competed before… what strategy would you give them? – easy on the red bull?
B: ha-ha Yes. Don’t want to be cramping up mid-heat.
Try and get some rest the night before, eat something good in the mornin’, and stretch reeeaal good. GET LOOSE.
Just have fun with it. Smile. You’d be amazed at how much better you skim happy and carefree.

Chicks dig me

P: Tech question… what board are you riding? Any special request you ask the shaper with your board?
Right now I’m riding one of Steve’s models. With 3/4′s foam and boxed rails.
I just ask him to make ‘em light, stiff and durable. hah
P: fair enough
P: how many boards do you go through in a year?
B: heel dents always annoy me.
B: Two. Pretty easily.

P: What comp do you just love skimming in?
B: The Vic and North Carolina. Definitely.
P: vic because everyone is there? or the waves?
B: Combination. I go to every contest excited about getting together with everyone. That’s the most fun part for me. Waves are a bonus.
Dewey is a really great time with everyone as well.

P: Lots of kids ask to get sponsored etc… did you approach zap or did zap approach you?
B: Two of my friends actually showed the team a video they had shot at one of our home breaks, and told them about me while in Cabo.
They said they really thought I should be on the team, so a little after that Zack approached me about it at one of their local contests in Venice.
P: Were you pro at the time?
B: No sir, a little old amateur.

P: Who do you skim with in FL?
B: Zach Hoag, Bryan Kienlen, and the occasional Bradley Domke.
P: What side of FL are you on or skim?
B: Fortunately for myself, I’m in the middle of the state a good hour and a half drive to the east side and a two hour drive to the gulf.
So life is sweet. Ha-ha – that’s how life is as a golden knight

All day - everyday

P: ok my questions suck… anything you want to get off your chest?
Are you mad barack didn’t assign you to his cabinet?
B: ha ha ha  Furious! I could’ve done a lot of good.
P: especially after the millions you gave to his campaign
B: I’m broke now because of it. Eating spaghetti-o’s
P: oh man.. I can’t hang with that.. but my kid loves em
he eats the bernie -o’s -  They’re good for ya. – slightly modified in shape
B: Those are absolutely the best.
P: organic for your pleasure
B: Gotta think healthy.
P: his diet is mac and cheese, pb and j, bernie-os and fruit and cold cereal – so he is all ready for college with that diet
B: Man, I could hang with him for sure. That sounds about proportionate to my own.
P: He’s 3 so if you like to color I’m sure he would be stoked to hang
B: That’s how it started for me. haha

P: Do you flatland at all?
B: We had some serious rain during hurricane season and this retention area overflowed into a pond right outside of our neighborhood.
It created a flowing river into the pond and we skimmed downhill in the river into and across the pond. That’s the closest I’ve gotten. haha It was some serious fun though.

P: We are thinking about doing an urban skim here in utah – setting up rails and what not in downtown provo – you need to come out and check out the scene!
B: I would be down for something like that!
P: have you been to utah?
B: Rails, ramps and the whole flatland scene looks so fun.
P: Steve Taylor is scared of em
B: I have, but only to drive through it on the way to Montana. We were going snowboarding @ Big Sky.
B: haha Well they do look scary too.
P: and you skipped Utah?? Best snow on earth son!
B: I would have loved to have stay! But my uncle lived on a mountain in Montana and we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stay mountainside. ha
P: Well you got a place in utah now – so don’t pass it up Nothing beats this place for snow
B: I gotta say it was fantastic looking. Flew into Salt Lake City.
P: Its a pretty cool place if you got like 2 weeks to check everything out – hit every resort and have time to check out moab
B: What’s moab??
P: dude that place is NUTS
P: I have to come up with a different word other than nuts

Delicate Arch Moab, UTAH

that’s moab
B: haha Nuts is a pretty descriptive word
B: Damn, that’s pretty.
P: sand stone – jeep safari and lots of mountain biking
B: I would love that.
P: when you get some time And some money!
B: yea that too
B: man speaking of that.. I need some more of it

P: so this was your first time voting for a pres? or your first time voting?
B: Nope, first time ever!
P: good times – it will be interesting how it all shakes out this year – lots of shiz going down
B: I do agree, there’s alot of hype and alot of skepticism.
P: Oh yeah. – I don’t think the new new deal is going to work – makes sense on paper – government jobs to get people jobs but the old new deal didn’t get us out of the great depression WWII did (which kind of was government spending…)
B: This is true.
P: I hoping barack suceeds though – One of the many things I’m wondering how it will work out. I can go on forever about that but i’ll save you from that

P: So how does a Florida kid learn to snowboard? When did you pick that up?
B: Only because of my uncle living in Montana. We’d go out there and stay with him. If I didn’t skim. I would definitely be a snowboarder. ha
P: Was that your first time then?
B: Yes it was!
P: Did your mad skills transfer over?
B: ha ha Well, it was a rather easy sport to pick up, I gotta say. I loved it.
First day, already chargin’ down that thing.
P: my first experience wasn’t quite like that – I’m a skier so I got punished my first runs
B: hahah and the next day
P: they stopped the lift for me one time so embarrasing
B: I think I may have done the same thing
P: with your foot out… makes it all weird it was icy too… that’s the story I’m sticking too
B: haha
P: Ice hurts, bad. Tail bone was not good
B: Oh yeah, experienced that one too many times.

Benji is good

P: so riding conditions… you are throwing down the same board wherever you go
B: Most of the time. I try keep a couple options just in case.
P: example?
B: I have a larger Jason model for smaller/farther out days, and the boom for larger more adequate days.
P: 3/4 both?
B: Actually the Jason is 5/8. – I didn’t discover the magic of 3/4′s until Mr. Prietto allowed me to use his in NC.
P: Paulo can turn anything so the whole maneuverability thing with the ¾ -  I don’t think affects him too much
B: Not at all.
P: and I’m sure you are the same
B: Jason actually rides only 3/4′s as well. It gives you such a great deal of float it’s intense. I love it.
P: Jason is the man – lots of respect for that cat
B: haha Jason IS the man. he’s done so much for me.
Him and Paulo.
P: Those guys are pushing the sport in a positive direction
B: Absolutely.
P: There are few key guys doing great things and they are two of the biggest.
Great attitudes, really welcoming, and amazing talent.
B: for sure
P: need those kind of people around you for sure
B: They showed us what was up in Mexico. – Zach and I. It definetly helps.
One of the quickest ways to learn something is the simple watch-and-learn.
well if you have skills and watching them is fantastic.

P: ok this time I’m out
I’ll hit you up tomorrow
B: ha ha Sounds great – Have a good night Paul!
P: you too! later!

EOS rider Matthieu Thibaud Shuv it by Jason Romine

Matthieu or Muchu has been riding for EOS since last summer. Not only does this guy rip, but he is Victoria Skimboard’s shaper. Which of course makes him a wealth of knowledge of everything skimboard. Here is a nice little chat we had gmail style:

PB: ok… you ready for this??
MT: ha ha, I don’t know, am I? I’m kinda scared for you…
PB: Is annie looking over your shoulder?
MT: nope, but trigg will probably
PB: Lets jump into this – This year seems like the first year where Vic has come out with more than two pro boards

EOS rider Matthieu Thibaud Wrapping by Jason Romine

MT: Correct my English if needed
PB: What made you guys decide to do that? Just noticed that out of all the board companies, you guys have the most pro models
MT: Last year we had three and this year, four – Morgan Just, Bill Bryan, Brandon Rothe and Tex Haines
PB: Tons! -Most companies have one or two
MT: We have a really good team with different styles, so different boards. We wanted to offer our customers the boards that our best team riders actually use
PB: B-Rothe seems noticeably different from the rest – How much do these guys know their boards?

09- Brandon Rothe Pro Model

MT: Each one of the rider was really involved in making those pro Model, shape, rails, and art and rocker of course
PB: of course – Out of Mo, Beaker and B-Rothe… who really knows what they want? – Who really knows their stuff?
MT: Me of course
PB: And that’s why the ladies love you
MT:  I would say Bill Bryan – He really knows how he wants his boards to the detail – The weight, the shape, the rocker

photo by Jason Romine

PB: MO and Beaker models are 3/4″ do they ever ride on the 5/8?
MT: We do a lot of shaping to those Pro Models so it’s more like a blend of the 2 thickness to give benefits of both
PB:  Rothe has a much more blunted nose than I have seen… why did he go that route? How does that fit his riding style?

photo by Jason Romine

MT: The blunt nose is to have more control when going switch (which he does a lot)
PB: Any disadvantages?
MT: For his style of riding, it is perfect.
PB: He’s pretty good – ha ha
PB: In your mind though do you see any disadvantages with the blunt nose for someone else riding the board?
There is give and take like
-3/4″ to 5/8″
-Box rails to round
MT: For your first question: I’ve been riding a blunt nose, I love it, I honestly don’t really see a disadvantage
For the second question: There is no better thickness, it makes different boards, but none better than the other
PB: all good different conditions call for different boards for the ideal ride yea?
MT: Same thing with the rails, some people will like Boxy some tapered, we explain people what it does to your riding, and they choose. There is no board that would work for everyone.
PB: But anything works for you – You can skim my desk and hit some mean liners
ha ha
MT:  Yeah I’ve been wrapping Aliso on a Foamie, and had so much fun
MT: Is your desk 5/8 or 3/4? Just kidding
PB: about ¾ – I’ll let you borrow it anytime
PB: When are you coming out to Utah to do some boarding???
MT: As soon as my sponsor EOS books the ticket – jk
PB: Fair enough

PB: When did you start shaping?
MT: About February 2007
PB: How did you learn? What got you into it?
MT: I was here at Victoria Skimboards, needed a board, and asked the permission if I could give it a try and shape my own board… It came out really good
PB: really?
MT:  natural
PB: Were you riding for them at the time?
MT: I’ve been riding for Victoria Skimboards since 2001
PB: How did you get introduced to Vic?
MT: I won the french championship in 2000, and the french distributor (that became a friend) of Victoria Skimboards started sponsoring me
PB: After that came all the money and ladies?
MT: T’as tout compris!
PB: YES! – Speaking of France… how is that scene developing?
MT: I’m sure you are google translating that ha ha
MT:  They are doing good. Of course I stay in touch a lot with them. Every year, the french tour and European Championship get a little big bigger. They already have some really good projects for this year
PB: Cool
MT: There are good people that put a lot of effort in organizing events
There is ALWAYS a good party too
PB: I’m sure there is…
PB: What do they need over there to kick it up a notch?
MT: They need some media coverage (it s coming along with online magazines like foreverSkim etc). Hopefully in the future, an international Skim Tour would stop for a contest in France, or more generally Europe. That would help

photo by Jason Romine

PB: So when did you decide to come to Ca?
MT: My first trip here was because I was in an engineering school in France where they require a certain level of English, and I was pretty bad in English. In 2005, my teachers told me I should spend my summer in an English spoken country. So my first call was asking my Sponsor Vic and they said yes
I know Cali is not the closest spot from France where people speak English, but I definitely wanted to go to Cali too – to visit and skim

photo by Jason Romine

PB: Sick if you are going to do it… go big
MT:  exactly
PB: Vic seems to be stepping it up in the flatland arena – what made you guys really get into that world?
MT:  Vic has been interested in Flatland for a long time. Tex went to his first Sacramento Skimfest Contest in 1998
PB: You guys mixed it up with the Matrix… what was the inspiration behind that board?
MT:  We’ve been trying boards for inland for a while. We thought that the wooden boards could be really improved by combining foam technology

Muchu

PB: The grinder I noticed has a lot sharper rails then most… – compared to the old grinder and most wood boards
MT: What do you call the “old” grinder? 2008?
PB: the penguin/walrus grinder
MT: Sharper rails give more control when on the water (easier to turn)
than more round
PB: Matthieu… that wasn’t too hard – too painful
What’s going to happen this year? Predictions?
MT: Yeah right, I’m sweating
MT: EOS is going BIG this year! ha ha!
PB: you know it!!
MT: Thanks for your support Paul
PB: No worries. We think this year is going to be good for us – bigger and better
PB: ciao loco de la guerra!
MT: Bye, thx again

Exile Nation

Steve Taylor runs the show and the ins and outs of Exile Skimboards. So we are going to pick his brain for all skimmers beginners to those that think they are good. There is a ton of good info so take some time to soak it all up!

EOS: Ready for some interview time?
Steve: born ready

EOS: that’s great – So this is year 7 for exile?
Steve: No comment – jk HA
Season numero 7, si

EOS: besides working from a garage what other things have you guys tweeked along the road?
Steve: Basically Exile grew from garage, to a warehouse/store front that was equal to a garage and closet, to our factory now with a healthy storefront, enclosed offices and roomy manufacturing grounds. The growth has given us the freedom of working comfortably and also allowed for the opportunity to grow more and more.
what happened i just blacked out

EOS: as far as skim tech stuff?
Steve: Things that have changed as far as product have been the addition of the Hybrid rocker early on. This is a two stage rocker that is common in many skimboards now. Two stage meaning there is slight rocker in the tail and most of the rocker is located in the nose area. The board also has a flat spot, which allows the rider to squeeze as much speed as possible out of the board without sacrificing maneuverability.
We’ve also strengthened our gloss coat finish as well as making it cosmetically more appealing. So you’re welcome for that.

EOS: Saying thanks every night
Steve: As far as shapes we started with a blunt shape and a traditional shape. We now have the hybrid shape and Pro Shape. The Hybrid is a great all around board, and excels in any conditions for any rider. The Pro shape is a narrower shape, and a bit harder to tame, but it does allow riders with the knowledge/ability to get more speed and more control once in the pocket, though getting there is a bit harder.
That’s about it, just that book

EOS: Anyone that sees the hybrid shape will notice the more blunt nose. What was the story behind that? – more blunt compared to other shapers boards
Steve: the blunt nose pushes more water. What’s that mean for the rider? It’s easier to make the sand to water transfer that hinders many riders. It’s also great for wrapping waves. You’re less likely to pearl, or dig the nose in the water.

EOS: ok… bearded or beard ed – what did beard ed do for you guys?
Steve: It proved to the public that Exile is not a fad. We’re a team of skimboarders, that have grown together with a product that is tested every single day in intense conditions, and fun ankle high slappers. We’ve become a family, and we want to share the good things that we encounter. It also proved to ourselves that we can put something out that will far exceed expectations which is never easy to do.
It’s actually Bearder. It was a mis-print and we just rolled with it.

EOS: bearder or bearded… where did it even come from?
Steve: I don’t know if I can leak that

EOS: better keep it under wraps for the kids
EOS: Out of your team who is the most techy when it comes to their board? – Who knows what they want the most when they get their board shaped
Steve: Paulo and BCS definitely know their boards better than anyone

EOS: How different are their boards?
Steve: Their boards aren’t necessarily different, but they are very particular about weight and Brandon’s boards are tapered a certain way. His board is 3/4″ but tapered to 5/8″ in the nose and tail. Paulo’s board he has been riding recently has less rocker than our typical Hybrid rocker board. It’s a little harder to turn, but it is very quick.

EOS: how sick is the red ablum?
- haha extremely sick

EOS: I don’t think he needs help turning
EOS: http://blog.extremeoutdoorsupply.com/ – what happened to the beard?
Steve: oh gross. haha it was red, and i was being called a ginger which i am not, so it had to go. Nothing against gingers, I’m not a racist

EOS: so how did Hank get in the mix??
Steve: Hanky Panky. Hank came out and visited with Derek Makekau and him and I became very good friends. He was attending Flagler College in Florida, majoring in Sports Management, and needed to fulfill a requirement of becoming an intern. Hank spoke with Aaron, and it was a perfect opportunity for both Exile and Mr. Snapp. We were growing, I was becoming overloaded, and Aaron needed the free time to concentrate on our expansion and other projects. Hank came and did an internship, finished that up, got his degree and came back because he couldn’t stay away from me, and he’s been with us since. Hank is just a stand up great guy, and you won’t meet a friendlier face. Exile’s been called the new Happiest Place on Earth because of this guy.

EOS: Within the Exile team Who are you keeping an eye on?
Steve: you mean who on our team is coming up?

EOS: yea.. my question sounded kind of gay – literally
Steve: who on our team is going to breakthrough?

EOS: yes
Steve: The thing I love about our team is that all of these guys and Shonna Cobb, our sole female rider, everyone has broke through. Who’s name is going to be on top of the UST in 3-5 years? Blair Conklin and Kalin Wiley are already better than half of the pros on the tour now. We just added Ken Suzuki, and Corey Hanks to the team. Ken is an explosive young skimmer from Newport Beach. Hardly anyone knows who he is, but he skims similar to Blair, just with less experience. If he sticks with it, watch out world. Corey Hanks is following in the footsteps of Woody Harris, someone we’ve watched grow with our company into a great young pro. All of these guys have the ability to be in the top 10 on the UST in years to come. I’m as excited as they are to watch them reach their peak.

EOS: Every time the name Blair comes up it boggles my mind – it’s mind boggling
Steve: He has skills that match anyone, and he has a mindset similar to Paulo. His head is screwed on straight, he has the support of a great family behind him, and he’s a great kid. We hope we can help him grow as a skimboarder and as a person. Basically we are just extremely stoked in this dude, and it’s a pleasure to have him with us.

EOS: I want to be Blair

Steve Taylor at the Vic 08

EOS: What’s up for exile in the futuro?
Steve: Our second team video will be out in the very near future. I’ve seen a lot of the footage that we’ve gathered. It’s going to blow every mind out there. More so than Bearded did when it was released. We’re mastering making boards with full bottom arts, so be ready for that in 2009. The most important thing is that we’re going to continue to make the best performing and strongest boards in the world. We’re constantly testing new products and trying new things to make sure we’re on top of the competition, because we like being there, but most of all we like our customers to know that they are riding the best skimboard in the world, an Exile. Our staff is dedicated to skimboarding, and dedicated to skimboarders, meaning we care about you, we care about how your board rides and we will do everything we can to keep you stoked on skimboarding and hopefully skimboarding with Exile.

EOS:I think everyone is gearing up for the new dvd to drop – no pressure
Steve: yeah, it’s a crazy process.. and our team skims so much that we’re always filming. Anyone making a video can tell you, one of the hardest parts is deciding when enough is enough and you’ve finally acquired enough footage to let you sleep peacefully

EOS: is this going to have some France footy?
Steve: woah woah easy secret squeezer – I actually have no idea. Probably will be something because it was very good there, but I’m not promising anything

EOS: I’m used to that already…
EOS:What does skimboarding need right now?
that’s kind of big general… maybe lame question
Steve: Pros to be able to be actual professional athletes where they can live off the sport.
We need the funding to be able to have events with waiting periods and the money to travel to spots where skimboarding can be seen at it’s absolute best. Outside funding is a must for now. Energy drinks, broadcasting, whatever it may be we need the support to be able to showcase these riders at their best in the gnarliest conditions. People like to see extreme sports in their extremes…

EOS: waiting periods?
Steve: Yeah, just like in surfing. You choose the location and you give the place a week or two weeks to get the right swell/conditions so that it has a very good of chance at putting out the best waves possible for the spot.

EOS: for sure featuring the riders in the best situations in un-velano conditions.
Media outlets, more exposure to get the big money interested
Steve: Even if we had like a 4 day period for Vilano they would have hit it. That place has been going off all year. haha
Steve: Exactly. We need to prove to the media and the top dollar companies that skimboarding is more than sand sliding on a wood skimmer.

EOS: So like 15 years
Steve: We basically need 15 years or so haha

EOS:Here’s to the future – smells like hank
EOS: so basically some big money has to come in – lots of it
Steve: ya i hear you on that one

EOS: It will be interesting to see how it plays out
There is a challenge there… better comps to attract bigger sponsors – better and more media – maybe some creative grass movements
Steve: Yeah pretty much nailed it

EOS: barack style
Steve: We need to go green
Change

EOS: lol
sounds great – maybe some government money?
I think some wooden arrows got some funding… why not skimboards?
Steve: we need tampax
skimboarders are already known mainly as “vaginas” or a more harsh word for that body part… why not go for the corporate sponsor for something that protects that body part during the harshest of times

EOS: yes – great idea
EOS:I’m sure paulo would love to put that on his skimboard
I’m sure tampax will have a targeted audience – just like flomax on monday night football
Steve: I would definitely be down for putting a tampax sticker on my board hahaha

EOS: all about the $$ – no shame in your game!
alright… time to wrap this up
anything else you want to say?
eats some hay
I just may down by the bay?
Steve: Come be a part of our family. We’ll feed your skimboard needs well, and if you’re lucky Hank will tuck you in at night. It’s a treat, or so I hear…

EOS: good ol hank – thanks again steve
Steve: heck ya!

Steve Taylor - He's really high

Part II
EOS: ok esteve.. lets talk rockers – your rocker is what… 1 and 1/2?
Steve: wait what’s rocker? – jk typical rocker on an exile is 2 1/8

EOS: There is a lot of talk of rockers these days… smaller rocker bigger rocker whatever. Why did you guys go with that size?
Steve: Our rocker is suited for everything. Not just siders, not just liners, not just wraps. You’ll be able to manage it in any conditions. We can make flatter boards, or boards with more rocker for certain areas. Where it’s set at now works the best with our shapes and designs so we stick with it.

EOS: makes sense… you guys can customize rockers etc which your riders do… you aren’t limited to just that type of rocker… you just offer that rocker for the masses because it works in the most conditions
the disclaimer was more for me
EOS:You offered other rockers in your catalog until 07 I think?
Like the constant rocker
Steve: We recommend the Hybrid rocker to everyone. If someone wants a board thats going to plane further, I recommend pushing the board back on the rocker table which is going to give it less nose rocker and a greater flat spot. Brad Domke, Paulo Prietto and new team member Cameron Carothers of Santa Cruz all ride these types of rockers.
Correct we still offer the constant and traditional rockers, but we only sell about 1-2 of these a year now

EOS: just less demand
constant, traditional and now the hybrid
let’s get teched out here
Lets say I want different arrows in my quiver for different situations
Constant rocker would be for?
traditional?
and we already did the hybrid
Steve: The constant rocker is made to excel in fast water situations and waves with power. Aliso Creek when it’s big and fast basically is the perfect example of this.
Traditionals excel in flat beaches with far out waves, but there are a lot of things that make the traditional rocker board harder to ride than the hybrid and constant so we tend to push people towards the hybrid when inquiring about the traditional

EOS: constant rocker… is what it is constant throughout the board
Steve: correctomundo

EOS:Traditional super flat for the people – you know!
Steve: the traditional is super flat. has the same amount of rocker as the hybrid, but over a much shorter area, so it has a lot of nose rocker far up on the nose and then a huge flat spot for planing

EOS: faster – what makes that one hard to ride? too much butter?
Steve: hard to make the sand to water transfer and just different maneuvering wise. Some people love it, but it’s definitely for certain conditions

EOS: gracias
EOS: There is give and take with shapes and rockers…
flatter will be faster
Steve: big time

EOS: Have you guys always offered the textured deck?
I heard Chia saying that textured is the way to go as far as durability and lighter
Steve: Yeah we offered the textured finish from day 1. We introduced the glossy afterwards to appease shops, and people that are afraid to prep their board before putting pads on.
It’s slightly lighter and the textured finish holds up better with knicks and dings. Every single person on our team rides textured, that should speak loudly for the durability of the boards and what’s slightly better.

EOS: oh its loud
Steve: haha you’d think so

EOS: lets talk rails
what do you guys do to make them super duper strong
wow… super duper just came right out
Steve: We already use the strongest materials out there, and we double wrap our rails, meaning there is extra material in the rails to help prevent dings. It’s something we’ve done since day one so that you’re getting the strongest board possible. We didn’t add this process when pressured by others, we started with it and continued with it.

EOS: yea! beautiful
EOS: and what are you riding these days?
Steve: I am riding a MS Pro Shape Hybrid Rocker Carbon 5/8″ but I am going to make a new one that is slightly bigger because I need a little more board for the winter/spring time when Aliso isn’t firing
I’m riding a Burton 156 Love as well. because I quit skimboarding for the winter
haha

EOS: bienvenidos a Provo!ha!
i think I’m out of questions…
Steve: that’s all you got?

EOS: sheesh ok ok
oh forgot again..
weights and board sizes
with my weight I can fit into a bunch of boards
Steve: yeah we don’t want you to feel unloved
everyone has personal preferences. smaller board, bigger board, so we let people know they dont need to stick with one board because of the “size recommendations” if you want a precise fitting call us anytime and we will help you figure out what you like now and what will probably keep you the happiest

EOS: rules to stick to: smaller more maneuverability large more float?
Steve: yuppp
another good rule is to listen to our recommendations i’ve been with this company and hank as well for long enough, and we both are extremely active in trying different sizes and what works well in what kinds of conditions so we can help you out.

EOS: yesssss – and that is really nice of you
EOS: do you ever ride 3/4?
Steve: yeah i did for about 2 years, but i just love the manuevering with the 5/8″ I’m actually getting a bigger shape just so i can keep riding a 5/8″ instead of going 3/4″ in the same size i ride now
give and take there too

EOS: yup it’s all give and take
Steve: like a marraige

EOS: I heard the love you take is the equal to the love you make?
Steve: not at all. it’s more like a one sided fight where the male is always wrong
wait that’s any relationship
haha

EOS: I was quoting the beatles… I don’t know what the hell you are talking about – man you are crazy!
Steve: hahahha

EOS:: that’s a lot of info you just threw down
Steve: hahaha

Smile you are riding an Exile!

EOS is Interviewing Exile’s Steve Taylor

Yes that beard is for real

Rob

Paul: Ok… let’s get the basics out of the way… how long have you been skimming? Where are you from? and what board do you ride?
Rob: Well, i’ve been skimboarding for about 4 years now, born in raised in St.Augustine, Florida. I am currently riding a custom Roush.
Pablo: How do you like their toad skin bottoms?
Rob: toad skin bottoms? haha sorry
Paul: bumpy on the bottom or is yours smooth?

Rob on top

Rob: mine is smooth
Paul: that’s what she said, I don’t know what that means, anyways
Rob: hahaha otherwise, at first i experienced some getting used to his boards, but now i absolutley love them
Paul: Did Eric see you skim?
Rob: Yes, my 3rd day in Santa Cruz i met Eric down at 26th he told me our styles are somewhat similar
Paul: He’s pretty intense
Rob: He’s awesome
Paul: Did he sign you up on the spot?
Rob: Actually no, i met him and began getting my feel for Santa Cruz. Later during my trip, we sealed the deal and I came home more stoked than ever
Paul: What brought you to Santa Cruz?
Rob: Hmm, when I first started skimboarding i always checked the skimculture.com website and saw the pictures of the insane liners throughout Santa Cruz, and after my first trip to Laguna, I wanted to try something different. As well as it was the only place I had available to crash out in California for the time I went
Paul: How crazy is that town?
Rob: Hahah insane, everything there was so comforting too.
Paul: how so?
Rob: The people. Most everyone I met there, even strangers on the streets were so chill. As well as the weather, no humidity and chilly at night and morning, as well as some of the best skim I’ve ever had in my life. Spots weren’t too crowded, and everything was pretty close which was good, because I was able to get around easily with Helm and Corey’s help, even taking the bus wasn’t so bad.

Rob Air Time

Paul: surf, wake, skate or mainly just skim?
Rob: I skated around to get here and there, and tried doling a few times, but I was always down to skim.
Paul: Do you try to copy any riders? or try to take notes on em? and who?
Rob: Hmm, well not so much, Corey Ryan is definitely one of the dopest riders I’ve ever seen, and gained somewhat influence from him while i was out there, but otherwise here in Florida, Domke’s “dank as steezy” style has always influenced me.
Paul: That kid has mad skills
Rob: word
Paul: Plans for the futuro?
Rob: Getting school done as fast as possible, and getting the hell out of here ha ha, hopefully moving to Santa Cruz. Then attending college in santa cruz, and wherever the wind blows from there

Rob bringing it back for the kids

Rob: Overall, I’m real stoked to be a part of EOS now, as well as ROUSH, and hope to support you guys as much as i can. I’ve got to write an essay to get into taking college classes, so I gotta bail
thanks though Paul, ha ha stoked for the blog
Paul: ok brother… we’ll post it up good luck and thanks!
Rob:yep later

Rob Morris EOS Skimboard Team

Rob Morris EOS Skimboard Team

You seem to be the skim scene in Utah. How did that happen?
Well I’m not the only one who skims here! There is actually a pretty big skim scene here for all ages. Most people are between 14 and 25 years old, but you will see little kids and even older guys quite often! It’s true that unfortunately not many girls are into the skim scene, but hopefully that will change!

I love skimming in St. George. As you know, it gets really hot here in the summer so our river turns more into a stream, which makes it great for skimming. The most popular spot to skim on the river is called the waterfall — a 15 foot dam that creates a waterfall. This is where all the rails and people are, and it’s also where all the skim competitions are held.

How did you get started?
My neighbor used to make boards for a local shop. He took me skimming and I honestly fell in love the first time! I borrowed his boards and walked about a mile to the river every day.

The first competition I entered I had actually just had gone down to watch because it was my first year skimming. I realized there was not much competition so I entered and won the girls’ division. At this point, I didn’t even have a board so I borrowed a homemade board from a friend. I was pretty stoked about how I did and I loved the sport so I saved up and bought my first Victoria board. I always liked the Vic boards because they were light. Pretty much everyone had homemade boards or boards that local kids had made, but they always seemed so thick. I liked the thinner boards. After I got my board, I walked to the river after school and during the summer almost daily. I got so stoked when I tried and landed new tricks. I was always at the river with the boys doing everything that they where doing.

My dream was always to get a sponsorship through Victoria. A local filmer and skimmer, Mike Gardner, contacted Victoria about this girl who ripped who loved the sport and was as good as the boys. Vic acted interested so I sent them some articles and some pictures. I got a sponsorship when I was 16 or 17 years old. I was stoked. The summers of my sophomore and junior years of high school I decided to put together skim camps for a summer job. I loved it and loved teaching the kids how to skim. It was a three-day camp for two hours a day and I charged twenty-five dollars!

How stoked are you to ride for EOS?
I am so stoked! I think Extreme Outdoor Supply is a really cool site for every board you could ever want. The owner of EOS, Paul, has definitely been good to me. He hooks me up with all the goods I need! He is on top of everything and always follows through. He also helps me figure out how to work my computer!

Riding with the boys…who inspires you?
I love riding with boys! I have always loved sports and doing “boy things”. I have never been into girly stuff so I’m definitely a tomboy. Because I am so competitive, the boys definitely push me to ride the best. I like being on the their level and I think I have done a good job. I never want to be known as a great girl skimboarder; I want people to recognize me as a great skimboarder.

A lot of people inspire me. One of my heroes is Rich Gardner. He and his brothers brought the skim scene to St. George years ago. He is kind of a local legend in the sport so I have always looked up to him. He rips and always goes big no matter what. Also, Matt Head inspires me because he is a lot like me—very dedicated to the sport. He wants to see it grow and to see people progress. I remember one summer he quit his job just to skim all summer. I really have lot of respect for him and he is an amazing rider—always going big!

What was your biggest injury?
I have definitely been lucky that I have not broken anything…knock on wood…but i have had a lot of ouchies! I remember one time I slipped backwards and landed on a metal rail. It knocked the air out of me and I couldn’t breathe. I laid there forever then was carried to a car and taken home by a friend. Once I had a skimboard literally go up my ass when I was trying to ollie a high wooden rail. I don’t know how it happened, but ouch. And this last summer I was grinding a sewer pipe that was not very slick. My board stuck and my body slid up the pipe at full speed and my face skidded across the sand. It was like bad rug burn on my face.

What’s your favorite trick?
There are a lot of tricks I like to do. I love to do 360 pop shovits. I think ollies on rails are my favorite with different variations of tricks off the rails. I like to do different grabs off of launch ramps. And I love to do a sequence of shovits. I love to ride different kinds of rails!

Where have you competed?
I have competed in Sacramento, Canada, and Utah. I have skimmed in Laguna, Hawaii, and many different places in California.

What’s your contest history like?
I have placed first in every girl competition that I have entered. I placed 2nd and 3rd in boys’ divisions both years I went to Sacramento.

What makes your style different?
The most distinct thing about my skimming is the way I throw my board. I drop it right before the rail. It’s like an acid drop. I feel I get a lot more speed and a guaranteed straight ride because I’m not chasing after my board.

Where have you been recognized?
I have been recognized a lot in The Spectrum, which is our local newspaper. I have been in ads, Skimboarder Magazine, Forever Skim, local videos, and on websites. Once a girl even did a documentary on me for her class.

What are your thoughts on skimboarding?
Over the years I have watched skimming grow. I have loved it since the day that I started. I am an extremely competitive person and I always strive to get better and better. I really just love the sport, love the sun, love hitting rails, and landing tricks. It really is the best feeling ever!

What’s in your future?
Next year I have more traveling in mind, more filming, more pics, and more tricks… I want to make it to all the flatland competitions that are held! I want to pick up ocean skimming and compete in an ocean competition. I want to get people stoked on the sport and I want to see it progress!!

FYI – Since this interview, Lexi has switched skimboard sponsors from Victoria to Roush Creations. Click here to check out our selection on EOS.

Photo: Quincy Dein

EOS was stoked to pick up #1 skimboarder in the world. Here is the interview:

3rd year with the #1 UST ranking… what motivates you to stay on top?
I have always had an intrinsic motivation to challenge myself. I enjoy it. It’s fun getting to do what I do and the only way I can continue doing so is if I keep challenging myself and performing well. I want to see the sport grow and be respected worldwide. It’s a big vision and it’s worth fighting for. It’s all about the journey for me, not necessarily the goal, but how I get there that keeps me motivated.

How stoked are you to pick up your new sponsor ExtremeOutdoorSupply?
I am very excited to be with EOS. Paul is a great guy and a growing retailer with innovative ideas to keep things fresh for consumers. I like his spirit and direction. It only makes me want to do my job better.

What brought you to EOS?
Paul, EOS owner, approached me last summer about joining the team. Before then, I had little to no idea what his whole operation was all about. As I got to know him better, I realized what a good guy he is. He has surpassed his reputation and continues to take care of me.

Predictions: Who is the rider that will be on your heels in ’08?
There are a number of good riders out there these days. People are getting better every year as I get older and older. It seems like competition is a lot closer these days, which is great for the sport. I think that Brad Domke is the obvious up and comer. He is still young, but is obtaining more experience at every contest. I’ve been guiding him a bit lately and it’s been a pleasure to see his success. He is very hungry to take me out, so I’m on high alert. Sammy Stinnett is also nipping at my heels, although I don’t know if it’s just because he’s half my size. Nevertheless, he will be a constant threat for a long time. It will be interesting to see how he is judged next year. Other good riders I anticipate facing are Noogie and Stephen Bradford.

What rider pushes you?
There are a lot of riders that push me. Sometimes it’s one of my good friends Grady, Noogie, or Warren. Other times it’s Domke, Danny Diaz, and Jaime. Grady and I have this friendly competition instilled in our friendship. When I skim with him on a good day, we push each other equally. For example, he and I skimmed a good day at Solmar during our most recent trip with the Exile team. It was a sketchy set up this day cuz the connection broke right in front of ‘Bitch Rock’ making it dangerous to pull into a lot of waves. We were just stoked to be skimming siders at Solmar instead of wrap after wrap, so we were amping to pull into the biggest wave. We weren’t sure if it was even physically possible to skim around the rock after seeing most of the waves hit the rock. No one else got in the water for a while because they thought it was too dangerous. I think Grady came close on one of his first waves and I saw the possibility of making it so I was all fired up to catch one. Then I think I caught one around the rock that sparked that session. He was ready to pull into anything he could catch and it was great because it motivated me so much to not go soft. I can remember pumping out to a wave hearing everyone from team Exile screaming at me not to pull in except for Grady who was telling me to pull in. It’s this friendly competition that keeps me excited about skimming. Grady ended up hitting the rock and being washed over it later that trip. Seeing him be fully committed encouraged me to continue going for it. Days like these are why I keep skimboarding.

What’s coming up for Solag Skim School in 08?
Solag Skim School is working on formalizing its operations by offering online registration and payment. Also, I’m working with EOS to offer a big package for kids including a board and lessons. I expect the camps to grow with the success I saw last year. Steve Taylor will be my right hand man too. Also, I’m working with Alley Oop Adventures to offer a travel skim trip to the Bahamas, Cabo, and Laguna (for the kids who don’t live there).

The next big trick?
I’m not sure. I enjoy trying to do different tricks before waves so that its more like I’m working on a line similar to skateboarding. I’m working on my frontside 360 shuvs, shuv to 360 shuv, and 540 shuvs before waves. These are difficult tricks to do on a day to day basis because the water isn’t always fast enough, but when the conditions are right, it’s a lot of fun getting creative trying something different. Other than that, I still love getting a big in and out. I’ve also always wanted to do a 360 air drop. We’ll see what happens.

Advice for upcomers?
Attitude is everything. Be a positive influence on others and you will be successful.

What bear is best?
That’s easy, Brown Bear. Bears, beets, Battlestar Gallactica.

Thanks Paulo for riding for us!

Just a heads up ->

• Buy any Exile Skimboard from EOS and get one free hour of skim lessons from Paulo!!

• Solag Skim Camps now available to buy on EOS.

• Support Paulo’s sponsors: Resistance, VonZipper, Exile and Atwater. (Atwater board shorts also available on EOS.)