 ABOUT US
|
White Rock is one of the Lower Mainland's best locations for flatland skimboarding with eight kilometres of sandy beach and warm shallow waters. The progression of the sport in the area has been drastic from simple crusier runs to today's skateboard/snowboard influenced tricks such as Ollies and butters. The Breakneck Crew is proud to have been part of this revolution in White Rock from the beginning. Since 1997, Kyle Lynch has been doing his thing at East Beach experiencing the change from constructing driftwood rails to complex PVC rails, from wood bases with resin to all types of stronger more slick materials.
" Over the past ten years, It has been amazing watching how far the sport has come. I never imagined that the sport would become so popular. I remember when I first began skimming, I was one of the only a few skimboarders on the beach and now I have a full crew of guys just as stoked as I am. "
|
ARCHIVES
|
MEDIA
|
Kyle's Island Trip 07
Get a feel for whats its like to be on a ghetto skim trip with Kyle Lynch and his clan.
Flatland Gems
An in depth look at the best Flatland skimboarding beaches of British Columbia including mainland beahes and those of Vancouver island.
Trick Tips
A small guide filled with basic flatland tricks. Perfect for anyone having problems with a certain trick or is just looking for something new to try. Let us help you become the skimboarder you always dreamed of being.
Killer Shorts
Step by step instruction on how to make your own signature board shorts for next to nothing.
Border's Bash - Aug 21, 2005
A short video of the competition the crew held at East Beach, White Rock. The event featured a couple really sick rails including a 25 foot long orange kink and the "Hellbound" a 30 foot rollarcoaster/gap hybrid.
|
TEAM RIDERS
|
LINKS
|
Tydle Magazine
The only magazine in print or online dedicated to the sport of flatland skimboarding.
Kayotics Skimboards Inc.
The sickest skimboards on the planet. Breaknecks.net is the White Rock supplier for anything in the Kayotics catalgue in 2008, just say hi at the beach or drop us an email.
Skimboarding Association of Canada
is an individually funded, non-profit organization based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. The SA of C was brought in to existence to achieve the following: 1. Help the growth of the sport in a positive matter 2. Supply a non-biased resource for Canadian skimboarding 3. Collaborating the different skim scenes of Canada 4. To promote beach stewardship.
Inlandskim.com
Website dedicated to the growth of the sport.
Skimbc.com
Website dedicated to skimboarding in B.C.
Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society
Naturalist group protecting our local area.
Greenpeace
Saving our planet.
|
CONTACT US
|
If you have any questions or comments you would like to give the crew, please drop us an email at info@breaknecks.net
|
|
FLATLAND GEMS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
|
Here is a fairly complete list of the crew's favorite beaches in which they have skimmed. Take a look at what we have to say before setting out on your next skim trip and if there is one place that we would recommend to all flatland skimboarders to visit that would be Hornby Island. Safe Travels.
|
WHITE ROCK AND TSAWWASSEN "RAILSLIDES ARE COMMON"
|
White Rock (East Beach): has hundreds of tide pools and is the perfect beach for flatland skimboarding. In the summer months lowtide lasts for hours, which has allowed for the progression of rail riding to occur in the local scene. Everyone loves there home beach and this happens to be ours so if you see us seshing come by and say " Whats Up ? " or what every greeting you are most confortable with.
Directions: take highway 99 south towards Seattle, there are several posted White Rock exits off the Highway but if you are heading for White Rock Beach take the Marine Drive exit west, which takes you directly to both East and West Beach.
Cresent Beach: is a great beach for flatwater skimboarding. At low tide, Cresent goes out for miles, creating large tidal pools not unlike those at Boundary Bay. The beach can get pretty busy in the summer, mainly with families but the skimboarding potential is fairly untapped. There are a few draw backs to skimming at Cresent, including Swimmer's Itch but don't get to worked up, just make sure that you follow the steps found at the beach to prevent this from occuring i.e. Towel off after being in the water and take advantage of the free showers near the public washrooms and you will be fine.
Directions: take highway 99 south towards Seattle, there are several posted White Rock exits off the Highway but if you are heading for Cresent Beach take the Cresent Rd exit west, which will take you straight to the beach.
Boundary Bay: is a vast beach at lowtide and forms large tidal pools, sharing the same tidal flats as Cresent Beach but without the swimmer's itch. Boundary Bay is another skim spot that has developed a local flatland scene mostly because of its dedicated skimboarder's such as the Kayotics.
Directions: From Highway 99, take Highway 17 south to Tsawwassen. Turn left on 56th Street. Follow 56th Street to 12th Avenue and turn left, and then turn right on Boundary Bay Road. The Park Entrance Road is on your left.
|
VANCOUVER "THE FLATLAND MECCA"
|
Spanish Banks: is the best location in vancouver for flatland skimboarding. Spanish Banks has tons of tidal pools but the sand can be a bit mucky, the best thing about this beach is that there is actually some decent little waves if you walk out to the shoreline. In the summer months Spanish can be jam packed with skimboarders of all levels. There are several beaches in the area including: Locarno, Jericho, Kitsilano to the east of Spanish Banks which are all skimable so take a look around and choose your favorite.
Directions: When in Vancouver take Broadway (west) until you hit Alma Street and then make a right turn and head north along Alma. Make a left turn and head west along 4th ave. Watch for signs that say Jericho beach/Spanish Banks (can't remember exactly what it says) on your right hand side. You'll come to a Y intersection where 4th ave. curves to the left after the stop light, and there is a road that leads to the right. You'll need to take the road that leads to the right -- NW Marine Drive. Follow the twisties along NW Marine Drive. The beach will be on your right hand side.
Wreck Beach: The cool thing about this beach is that it can be riden at most tides. At lowtide Wreck is a pretty solid beach for flatland riding. At high tide waves are generated and can get fairly large depending on wind direction, and tidal swings. On the positive or negative side (depending on your point of view) Wreck Beach is clothing optional - so be forewarned.
Dirrections: Wreck Beach adjoins the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, west of the city limits of Vancouver. It is accessible by road, water, and public buses. The most popular part, Trail 6, is 3 km overland from Vancouver.
TransLink runs a number of bus routes (4, 9, 17, 25, 41, 43, 44, 49, 84, 99, 258, and 480) to the UBC bus loop. From there it is a five-minute walk west, down University Boulevard, to UBC Gate 6 (from which Trail 6 takes it name). Turn right on S.W. Marine Drive and the trail is immediately to the left about 100 meters.
From Highway 99, turn west on one of these roads: S.W. Marine Drive, 41st Avenue (which eventually merges onto S.W. Marine Drive) or 16th Avenue (which eventually ends at S.W. Marine Drive, then turn right). Alternatively, from the north only, take the 4th Avenue exit off the Granville Street Bridge (then from 4th Avenue, turn right on N.W. Marine Drive).
From Highway 1, take the Grandview Highway exit (28A) westbound (this eventually becomes 12th Avenue), turn right (north) on Clark Drive, left again (west) on 6th Avenue (this eventually becomes 4th Avenue), and then turn right on N.W. Marine Drive.
Wreck Beach lies at the base of a cliff. Therefore, the trails all are fairly steep. Trail 6 and Trail 7 both have stairs, Trail 6 being the better developed of the two. The path from the Acadia Beach parking lot is the most gentle slope and provides the easiest access to a clothing-optional area. When the tide is not too high, it is possible to walk along the entire shore: from Acadia Beach past the base of Trail 7. Erosion can make the route south of Trail 6 a bit tricky, and it can often be quite muddy.
|
VICTORIA - VANCOUVER ISLAND "HOME OF THE LAGOON"
|
Witty's Lagoon: The only place near Victoria with solid tidal pools for flatland skimboarding. The beach its self is on the outside edge of a beautiful lagoon hince the name. Witty's sand changes from very hard packed to mucky depending on where you are on the beach but all in all its a solid beach with a perfect view of the olympic mountain range.
Direcctions: Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Colwood exit. Follow the Old Island Highway, which turns into Sooke Road. From Sooke Road, turn left on Metchosin Road, then take a left on Witty Beach Road which will take you to a parking lot above the beach.
Cadboro Bay: A small beach near the university of Victoria, which sports a solid shoreline and at certain times of the year the water has a green tint, which seems harmless but might warrent a good shower after sessioning.
Directions: from either highway 1 or 17, take McKenzie Ave and follow it past the University of Victoria and down the steep hill to Cadboro Bay Village (4 way stop). Then trun right and there will be a parking lot on your left with a unique playground.
|
TOFINO - VANCOUVER ISLAND "SKIMMING WHERE YOU SURF"
|
The beaches of Tofino are all very similar in style: large, with cold water, and hard sand. The best parts of these beaches are that they are incrediblely beautiful and they offer skimboarder's a place to get unbelievably long rides. I have focus on my favorite beach in the Tofino area but you can pretty much apply my description to most of the beaches in the area.
Directions: Once on the Island, proceed north along the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. It is the main North South highway on Vancouver Island. When you reach the Highway #4 intersection north of Nanaimo, take it west to Port Alberni, BC, on to the junction near Ucluelet, BC, turn right and pass through the Pacific Rim National Park on your way to Tofino, BC.
Comber's Beach: Argueably the best shoreline in BC for just pure skimming. Nothing but an inch of glass washing up along miles of shoreline. You can skim forever, running into nothing but endless grains of sand under your board. When you fall you feel it but hey, no pain, no gain.
Directions: Once on the Island, proceed north along the Island Hwy also known as the TransCanada or Highway 1. It is the main North South highway on Vancouver Island. When you reach the Highway #4 intersection north of Nanaimo, take it west to Port Alberni, on to the junction near Ucluelet, turn right and enter the Pacific Rim National Park (Comber's is located in the Middle of the Park on your left side).
|
PARKSVILLE - VANCOUVER ISLAND "MID ISLAND"
|
Parksville Bay: is a great beach for flatland skimboarding. At lowtide Parksville has tons of tidal pools and has a reliable shoreline for ollies, pop shuvs, etc.
Directions: follow Highway 19 north and then take the exit marked "Scenic Route Highway 19A" this will lead you right into the heart of Parksville, the beach is on your right.
Rathtrevor Beach: found about 3 km south of Parksville, Rathtrevor is a vast beach with countless tidal pools. A wonderful flatland beach, but a little bit of effort is needed in order to avoid some nasties in the middle of ponds (rocks, shells, etc.).
Directions: follow Highway 19 north and then take the exit marked "Scenic Route Highway 19A", Rathtrevor is located on the right side 3 km south of Parksville.
|
COMOX VALLEY - VANCOUVER ISLAND "MID ISLAND"
|
Goose Spit:
is a beach found just outside of Comox's centre and is a popular place for local skimboarders. The beach offers primarily shoreline riding with the rare pond at lowtide. The beach does have some gnar gnar but there are plenty spots free of debris to rip.
Directions: Take the new, four lane Inland Island Highway from Victoria or Nanaimo, taking exit 117 toward Comox. Turn left at the T intersection (Driftwood Mall is on your left). Drive along Cliffe Avenue to the 17th Street stoplight and turn right and go over the bridge. Then turn right onto Comox Rd. Take Comox Rd until it turns into Comox Ave, turn left onto pritchard Road, turn right onto balmoral Ave and head straight to Hawkins Road, the beach will be on your left.
Kye Bay/Airforce: A large beach found near the Comox military base hince the name. At lowtide large tidal pools are exposed and can be really nice just make sure you do a walk around the pools to avoid some random rocks.
Take the new, four lane Inland Island Highway from Victoria or Nanaimo, taking exit 117 toward Comox. Turn left at the T intersection (Driftwood Mall is on your left). Drive along Cliffe Avenue to the 17th Street stoplight and turn right and go over the bridge. At the end of the bridge turn left (towards Campbell River) and drive to the intersection of Island Highway and Ryan Road (Superstore is on your right). Turn right on Ryan, go up the hill (North Island College is on your left) and turn right on Anderton Road. There is a T intersection with Knight Road (coming in from your left) so turn left onto Knight Road and continue along Knight, past the intersection with Pritchard/Military Row, until you get to the T intersection with Kye Bay Road, at which you turn left. Continue along Kye Bay Road, around the airport, through the hairpin turn and down the hill to Kye Bay.
Bates Beach: is an out of the way beach in the outskirts of Courtney. Bates offers skimboarders with a solid shoreline and when the wind is right along with the tides some decent waves.
Take the new, four lane Inland Island Highway from Victoria or Nanaimo, taking exit 117 toward Comox. Turn left at the T intersection (Driftwood Mall is on your left). Drive along Cliffe Avenue to the 17th Street stoplight and turn right and go over the bridge. At the end of the bridge turn left (towards Campbell River) and drive to the intersection of Island Highway and Ryan Road (Superstore is on your right). Turn right onto Ryan Road then turn left on anderton Rd, vear left at Y to stay on Anderton which then turns into Waveland, then turn left on Bates Rd, the take first right Anson Rd and a left on Seacliff Rd at the stop sign which will lead you to the beach.
Saratoga Beach: located north of the Comox Valley at Black Creek. Saratoga is a very scenic beach which has consistent tidal pools at lowtide, and a fun little shoreline.
Directions: follow Highway 19 north and then take the exit marked "Scenic Route Highway 19A" follow this until Regent Rd (approx. 30 mins from Courtney/Comox) and take a right, from there just follow the signs to the beach.
|
HORNBY ISLAND "HIPPIE HAVEN"
|
Tribune Bay:
This beach is a most see, its beautiful with its white sand and its warmish waters, it is sometimes dubbed " little Hawaii". In terms of skimboarding Tribune totes a rare tidal pool here and there, but mainly offers a shoreline thats prefect for popping big flatland tricks. A prime spot to pencil in for a trip the only down side is that it takes two small ferries to get to, plus if you are mainlander the larger ferry just to get to Vancouver Island (ouch).
Directions: On Vancouver Island drive on Highway 19 to Buckley Bay, take the ferry to Denman Island, drive across Denman Island to the Hornby Island Ferry. Take the ferry across to Hornby, when on Hornby take Shingle Spit Road to Central Road which will lead you to Tribune bay.
Whaling Station: A very scenic Beach and less crowded then Tribune, it offers a couple nice tidal pools and give riders a vast shoreline to skim. It also faces the oppisite direction of Tribune so can get fairly windy.
Directions: On Vancouver Island drive on Highway 19 to Buckley Bay, take the ferry to Denman Island, drive across Denman Island to the Hornby Island Ferry. Take the ferry across to Hornby, when on Hornby take Shingle Spit Road to Central Road then take a left onto Cenntral Road at the 4 way stop then take a right at St. John's Point Road, you will see Whaler's Station on your left.
|
|
