The Southern Regional Skateboard Club has been in existence for only a year and a half and it’s already having an impact on the community beyond the school. On Sunday, the club held “Shred Fest,” a day of skateboarding and volunteerism at the Waretown Skate Park.
Southern Regional High School history teacher Sarah Evert started the skateboard club in the spring of 2025. Since then, English teacher Bobby Corliss has come on to help. And in 2025, Evert teamed up with Eli Defranca to create a skateboard club for the middle school as well. In that time, the club has held regular weekly skateboard sessions at the school parking lot as well as taken trips to skate parks in Toms River, Neptune and Brick Township.
On Sunday, Oct. 25 skaters and families of all ages, from different schools and towns, came out to Shred Fest. And obviously having a stellar fall day only helped.
The event was designed to bring people together for three main points – as a fundraiser, a demonstration and a clinic. All three goals were met. Skaters from Southern Regional, Lacey Township High School and Barnegat were all there for the fun.
Evert, who is the mother of two skater/surfers, both graduates of Southern Regional, designed this event to raise funds for the Class of 2028. Skateboarders Lucas Krapf and Johnny Hubert are both seniors and have been the lifeblood of the club since its inception.
Krapf, Hubert and others skated for the crowd. Krapf also filmed for the Southern News Network. It was a chance for local families to see skateboarding at an advanced level, on the transition of the mini-ramp, on flat ground and the street skating features that the Waretown park offers.
At Shred Fest Skate in Waretown Oct. 25, skate teams help kids learn to skate.
“I think the best part was it was about skateboarding, and it was so wholesome,” said Evert, “so many parents with little ones trying it out; face painting; local music.”
Dozens of families brought out their small children for an introduction to skateboarding. The club provided pads and helmets for those who needed them. Members of the club helped get the youngest onto skateboards. Some were dropping in on the mini ramp. Others just sat on the boards and rolled around. They learned basic skills and overcame fears.
“That event was a perfect reminder for me as to why myself and my crew do what we do,” said Donny Miller, owner of The Shack Board Shop in Beach Haven, one of the few skate shops in the entire shore region.
“It was a great mix of our strong existing skateboarding community and an even larger group of young beginners eager to learn. Seeing so many avid skaters eager to get in there and help all the groms and newcomers is what makes skateboarding so special. Simultaneously, it’s what makes the vitriol that is often thrown their way, by misinformed residents, that much more frustrating.”
Miller was referring to his experience over the last 20 years of trying to get towns to invest in skateboarding and skate facilities; and the pushback against it. As of now, Waretown, Lacey Township, Barnegat Township and Barnegat Light all have skateboard parks in Southern Ocean County, albeit smaller parks. Stafford has plans for a park as part of its recently purchased property slated for more recreation, but that may be far off in the future. After years of discussions, Beach Haven rejected the request of the local families there.
The Shack was a primary supporter of the event, donating all manner of gear and apparel, and Miller sponsors several of the skateboarders who took part. Shop rider Reese Evert tirelessly helped the youngest of kids. Max Serrao of CFM Associates Inc. of Waretown also contributed a significant amount of skate gear and giveaways. A vintage clothing sale also raised a few dollars.
Protective gear was provided to enjoy the roller board experience.
“While I do think the crew that I have been lucky enough to help support is a special group, we have seen similar things happen at events all across the region,” Miller said. “Skateboarding has always had its ups and downs, but over the last decade or so the lows are not nearly as low and the highs are even higher.
“The Southern Skate Club crew and the class of 2027 did a great job of promoting the event and showcasing just how great this community is, and how much good can come from it. The whole Shack family was grateful that they let us be a part of such a great event, and we are already looking forward to doing it again.”
When word went out about the event, support poured in. Many businesses in the area are owned by surfers and skaters who want to see this develop for the school and the community, and stepped up. The Gilbert Family band (featuring three pre-teen skateboarders) and local musician/music supporter Chris Fritz played. Evert said Waretown’s recreation department, fire company and police were both very helpful in addition.
“I spent some time there as a kid on Oregon Avenue and learned how to swim in Waretown Lake, so I really appreciate the whole thing there.”
Evert and some of the high school skaters also helped with an after-school skateboard clinic at the LBI Elementary School Monday afternoon. She felt the first public event for the skate club went really well, and they learned how it can be even better in the future.
