Dewey teen takes third in Vero Beach skimboard contest

Skimboarder Ethan Redefer glided to third place as a first-timer in the professional division on the first stop of the Skim USA tour in Vero Beach, Fla., March 13-14.

The best skimboarders travel from all over the world to participate in the two-day event, Ethan’s father Justin Redefer said. 

“Receiving third place in the professional division among some of the best riders on the tour is incredible on its own, let alone in your first professional event,” Justin said.

Taking a chance in the professional division at age 17 is basically like starting over, Justin said. An amateur competitor for many years, Ethan was selected for the Skim USA team that traveled to Spain, where he won first in the sub-16 division in 2018. 

“Hoping to make it through the first round, we were blown away that he continued on all the way to third place,” Justin said. “The professional division this year in Florida with favorable conditions and incredible athletes was incredible to watch.” 

Competitive skimboarding in Dewey Beach was started by the Wilson family, Justin said, who also created the nonprofit Skim USA and organized an East Coast tour of competition. This will be the 40th year for the Dewey Beach Contest in August, Justin said.   

“Since the events were canceled last year due to COVID, everyone was excited to get started for the season,” Justin said.