One Love Skim comes to Anna Maria

Caleb Arendt, center, raises a Zap skim board awarded for his first-place finish in the Duffy division in the One Love AMI Skim Competition held June 6 at the Magnolia Avenue Beach Access in Anna Maria. Also honored are second-place Andrew Fortenberry, right, and third-place Austin Hammond. The Center of Anna Maria hosted the contest. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Austin Hammond is awash in spray while skimming a Gulf wave during the One Love AMI Skim Competition June 6 at the Magnolia Avenue Beach Access in Anna Maria. Hammond placed third in the Duffy division.

Core Riders award-recipients Estella Long, left, and Ariyah Carlton pose at the One Love AMI Skim Competition June 6 at the Magnolia Avenue Beach Access in Anna Maria. The award recognized competitors who demonstrated sportsmanship, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Jaden Peters claims the center podium on winning the Grub division at the One Love AMI Skim Competition on Anna Maria Island June 6. Peters took home a Zap skim board for his first-place finish. Joining him are Shelby York, second, right, and third-place Grant Whitehurst.

Competition paused and friendships took over as Grant Whitehurst, from right, Zane Bazzi, Caleb Arendt, Jaden Peters and Vincent Imbro gather beneath umbrellas between heats at the One Love AMI Skim Competition June 6. Despite competing against one another, riders spent much of the day cheering on others and swapping stories from the shoreline.

Caleb Arendt catches air off a breaking wave during competition June 6 on Anna Maria Island. Arendt later claimed the Duffy division title at the One Love AMI Skim Competition hosted by the Center of Anna Maria Island.

Andreas Kobajlo carves across a shallow wave while competing in the Slims division June 6. The young skim boarder’s combination of speed and control helped secure a first-place finish.