21 Questions with Jason "Jdub" Wilson

CHRIS GALINDO PHOTO


by Angelica Clemmer
Welcome to Dewey Beach, East Coast Capital of Skimboarding.  Over time skimboard construction and design has evolved to higher levels, from plain flat pieces of plywood to high performance materials and shapes, allowing boards to be lighter, faster and stronger.  Right now in Delaware beaches the level of riding is unbelievable, great athletes are pushing the sport and one of them is Jason Wilson.  At  7:44am last Wednesday I got a text message from Jason saying "we are grinching today".  The Grinch, is a machine that allows a rider to be towed from just about any angle into the waves.   I've been wanting to take some photos of him skimming for the paper but unfortunately I was not able to that day.

With a super busy schedule, travels around the world and outstanding skimboarding, Jason stays a laid back guy, easy going and down to earth.  Even though I didn't get to take the photos this past week I was able to catch up with him in Dewey and ask a few questions.

STATS:

Name: Jason Wilson

Nicknames why/how you got it: Jdub- Got the nickname from my initials being JW.  Dub replacing the W.  We always called my dad Harry Hdub and it kinda got passed down my way. My friends like to make up all kinds of other nick names spinning off the Dub part too.

Age: 28

Weight: 150lbs

Stance: Regular footed

Home Town:  Dewey Beach, DE

Home Break:  South Side, Indian River Inlet

Board: I ride my pro model from Zap Skimboards "The Dready Bear" a great board for all conditions.

Sponsors: Zap Skimboards, Alley-Oop, Freak Traction, and LRG clothing.




1. When did you start skimming and what moment did you realize you were going to skim professionally?

 I started skimming when I was about 5 or 6. My father owned a Skimboard company when I was growing up so we always had boards laying around. I probably started carpet skimming, then just playing in the sand with my board before eventually joining up with the rest of the skim kids in Dewey and then hitting the beach all day everyday in the summer.

2. What was it like growing up in Dewey?

Growing up in Dewey was great in the summer and really boring in the winter time. In the summer it's warm, there's lots of shore break, and stuff to do around town. I always enjoyed my skim buddies who would come to Dewey in the summer. As I got older I definitely enjoyed the Dewey night life and all the good times that come with that. I think growing up in a town like Dewey has had a lot to do with who I am today.  

3.What drives you to keep skimming everyday year after year.....besides your car?

 I just really enjoy being in the water and being active. I love the feeling of gliding across the water and reacting to whatever the ocean throws at me. I strive for forward movement and progression in life so it's really fun to continue skimming and try to get better at riding all types of waves.

4.What is a regular Jason Wilson day like?

Well.... I usually wake up and check the waves and my email. Drink some tea and stretch out so I can function. If the waves are ok I try to get a session in, if they are not so good I usually hit the computer and work.  In the summer I have to run Alley-Oop Skim camp and shop with my friend Corey, so that usually takes up most of my day. If I'm not skimming I am usually working at progressing Alley-Oop or working with my main sponsor Zap Skimboards. I usually check the waves again in the afternoon to see if they have changed. I Pretty much eat, work, skim, and try to hang with my friends everyday. 

5. How many contest do you do a year?

 I have been competing on the pro tour for over 10 years doing 8-10 events per year.

6. Why do you think skimboarding has not reached mainstream levels, and would you want it to?

This is a hard question. I think mainly because many people have not been exposed to the high level of skimming that is going on today. Skimmers riding waves and busting out skate style tricks in the water. Many people simply view it as that kid sliding on his wooden board in the flat water. Hopefully as the media continues to get better we can overcome the view and expose the exciting level that skimming has reached today. Check out Foreverskimthemag.com, Skimonline.com, and Pilemag.com to view some true skimming they all have great media!

7. How do you make money in the skimboarding world, besides contests?

I make money mainly through running my business Alley-Oop which is based around skimming. We do Skim camps , lessons, and guided travel. We also have a great skim shop in Dewey Beach and online at alleyoopskim.com. I also have a few supportive sponsors that I have been working with for years. Some of them give me a salary, photo incentives, travel budgets and other types of support to keep me doing my thing on my board. 

8. Do you live in Dewey year around?

 Dewey is pretty much my home base but I try to get out of here as much as possible in the winter to travel to warmer skim locations. I usually spend a couple months in Eleuthera, Bahamas where my family lives most of the year now. I gotta  be able to get in the water! The cold weather just takes it out of me these days. It's not good for my mind or body.

9. What are your favorite places to skim around the world?

I love Cabo San Lucas and Laguna Beach. They have great consistent skim and you can almost always score some fun waves on a trip to either place. Recently though I have had the bug to explore new places. I just got back from my first trip to Brazil and it was absolutely amazing! Great waves, people, and scenery. I'm hoping to hit the Philippines, Africa, and possibly Sri lanka in the next few years.

10. Do you think people in other countries support skimboarding more than in the USA?

No, I think the USA plays the biggest part in skimming right now. It's mainly American companies making the best boards, supporting events, and professional riders. There is a big skim movement in many other countries and it seems to be getting bigger and bigger year after year. 

11. What advice do you have for upcoming skimmers who want to take the their riding to a professional level?

I would say hold onto your dream and go for it. Skimming has brought me a lot of enjoyment in life and taken me to places I never would of had the opportunity to travel to. Unfortunately right now it's hard to make a full time living just being a pro skimmer. You gotta have another hustle or job to help pay the bills. Go to school, get a degree, and don't put your eggs all in one basket. 

12. The ladies want to know if there is a special someone?

Haha. There definitely is. I have been in a relationship for about 5 years with one of my best friends Trisha. We went through some tough times this past year which I think all real relationships do at some point, but we're back on track and I'm very happy to have such a beautiful person in my life.

13. Do you take part in any efforts to keep the beaches clean? what do you think about the oil spill going on right now?

Yeah, definitely. I always try to pick up trash. We teach our kids at skim camp to leave your area at the beach cleaner than when you got there. We took part in the beach clean up this year that is done all over the world. The oil spill is just awful. I am very worried about the effects that is going to have on a big portion of the ocean and coastal areas of the US.

14. What is your greatest fear?

Wow... My greatest fear.... I don't like moths and butterflies, ha ha. Kinda weird but they just creep me out. I guess I'm always a little fearful of not attaining certain goals I set for myself with my business and life. Not a huge fear but something that definitely keeps me working hard.

15. Favorite move in the water to pull?

I like riding long liners and just carving along the waves. I'm not a very technical skimmer. I just enjoy getting barreled and styling out.

16. Are you working on any new tricks right now?

Not really.... I do wanna land a kick flip on my skimboard. Not many people have done them. I got it once, but I know I can do it better and get more consistent with it.

17. Whats the worst you have ever skimmed?

Last year when my back was all messed up I tried to do a film trip in California and I just could not skim comfortably. I was in so much pain. Had to pop pills just to make it through the day. That trip led to a 3-4 month battle with sciatica in my left leg caused from degenerated discs in my back, spinal stenosis, and early stage arthritis. I could not skim all last winter. 

18. Whats the best you have ever skimmed?

There have been a lot of memorable sessions and contests. I could not put a finger on the best one. Anytime I'm with my friends skimming some glassy waves is nice.

19. Best day of your life?

Graduating college was a pretty great day. Winning the East Coast tour in my home town of Dewey a few summers back was awesome! Every day is pretty good though. Lately I have been really trying to just appreciate life, being healthy, and just being happy with simple pleasures. Trying to make everyday the best day.

20. Do you tweet?

No tweeting for me. But I do hit Facebook pretty hard. Mobile uploads and all that stuff. If your my friend you pretty much know what I'm doing most days through FB and definitely get to see pictures of all the great meals I eat.

21. Am I invited to your house in Eleuthera?

Yes, come on down!

PHOTO BY SEAN WARD



Thanks JDUB for taking the time, much appreciated.  If you want to talk to Jason and join one of his skim camps this summer, stop by Alley-Oop Skim Shop on New Orleans St. in Dewey Beach  or check out www.alleyoopskim.com