Garth Wyckoff

Hometown::  Laguna Beach, CA
Born:  January 22, 1970
Skimboarding Since:  1980
Has been Skimming Pro Since: 1989
Nickname:  WORM
Sponsors:  Victoria Skimboards, LS&S (for over 13 years!)
Stance:  Regular
Best Finishes/Career Highlights  Amateur Stats: 4th 87 Vic, 2nd 88 Vic, 2nd 88 Vic Malibu, 1988 skim fest series points leader, won my division and moved to advanced, Skimboard Mag cover June 1988 and 2nd Jr. men's div., 1989 east coast championships @ Dewey Beach.  Pro Career:  3rd 89 Vic and Best Tube, 11th @ 89 Vic Malibu, 6th 91 vic,1992 = torn ACL, major knee surgery and sit out the season. Began my announcing the Vic in 92 with Kooz, 8th 93 Vic, 2nd 94 Vic. (lost to Billy Bryan, so it kinda felt like a win.  I will always remember my semi-final in 94, it featured Hende, Beaker, Trager and Worm. When I saw the draw , I thought well another semi-final finish isn't bad, but somehow I had the heat of my life and advanced with Bill.  It was one of my proudest skimming moments), 5th in 95 vic, 3rd @ 95 gold coast classic in Ventura, 9th @ 96 Vic, out with injury in 1997, 98, lost in 1st round to Mr. Peluso I believe and was the first time as a pro that I didn't make it to Sunday, but, I did win Best wipeout! I may be the only skimmer (besides Mr. Peluso) to have won both best tube and best wipeout awards @ the Vic. 1999 Vic, lost in the Quarters, 2000 Vic 1st round loss and 1st round exit @ the 2000 Dewey event. Haven't skimmed well in contests the past few years, but looking forward to this year.
Occupation:  Graphic designer and part time singer with COMMON SENSE (with Nick Hernandez).  Also attending classes at saddleback community college, majoring in communications. Interning at XTRA SPORTS 690 radio and have ambitions to be a sports broadcaster.
Influences: Chris Henderson, Conley Ware, Kurt Westgaard and pro surfers: Tom Curren and Martin Potter.
Favorite Rider:  Hende!
Favorite Spots:  9th St.., Tortuava, North Aliso, The Wall, Bluebird, Thalia and Anderson St. when it's working.
Contributions To The Sport:  Airbrush artist at Victoria for 4 years, been announcing competitions since 1992 and as a team member with Vic helped with board design and innovations.
Environmental Statement:  Take care of the kids, they're the future and keep the ocean clean.
Favorite Music:  Reggae and Classic Rock
Favorite Band:  Third World
Favorite Actors:  Deniro, Nicholson, Dryfuss, Eddie Murphy, Clint, Charles Grodin and Ben Stiller

Notes:  Back in the late 80's when I was just a wee young lad, Worm was my favorite skimmer hands down.  He was the best skimmer of his generation right up until the moment when Beaker began his skimboarding rampage in 1989.  I will never forget being in math class my freshman year in high school sitting behind the hottest chick in the class who would just talk about her boyfriend Garth for hours on end.  I figured it was another senior I didn't know until I saw the Skimboard Magazine with Worm on the cover in her bookbag.  That's when I really knew I had no chance with her.

Garth's skim style is fast and smooth.  In his prime he basically a scrawny little kid who could run 80 miles an hour and catch any wave on the beach.  As he has aged he has lost a little bit of his speed but has gained a great eye and a very laid back attitude.

He injured his knee in 1992 and it has bothered him ever since.  Even after the injury he continued to be one of the best riders in the world, a testament to his skill.  These days he golfs more than he skims but if you are lucky enough to find him on the beach when your skimming, get ready for some good vibes, cause he is one of the coolest cats in the water.