Iskip.com | iskip | san fransisco, skipping, kidagain.com, feel like a kid, kim corbin, run, jump, swing, wacky, fun, video, skipper, mino,

From the very beginning, iskip has been a collective effort. Kim Corbin's brother Brandon designed the site, her friend Steve Bissinger designed the logo, and the fabulous photographer Margot Duane captured images. Now a network of skipping enthusiasts has formed around the world.

Thank you for selecting me for head skipper here in Columbus! I'm sooo excited about this wonderful project.

Skipping is my exercise choice and a way to spend playtime with my kids. If you have small kids then you know that it's hard to find a time for regular exercise program, well playing IS exercise now.

What makes me want to be a head skipper is there's too much depression in this town and too few things to do that doesn't involve a restaurant, or some other form gorging on food to enjoy the few activities here. I see so many overweight people here and that's sad because I know they've tried every diet on the market and the diets have failed them! What can they do? They give up!

I know the secrets for losing weight and want to share them! You have to exercise there's no getting around it if you want to be healthy so why not make it fun? If it's fun then it's not a chore! So I want to teach everyone how to be joyful and have fun while exercising. ( Also there's a lot of unemployment here so there's a lot of depression in this town. I want those who are wanting to have joy to be able to find it, I'm here and make myself available to teach others and share positive energy with them.)

Eureka, Missouri Skipping Enthusiast--Patty Kistler

What does skipping do for you? Skipping allows me to be me. To be free! A short skip is sure to lighten my day. Skipping just assures that inside of myself is still that little girl who is carefree and happy; we stay connected. Skipping allows my soul to stay young with a positive outlook and to bring joy to others. It's fun!

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I've been skipping all my life; I became a "professional teaching skipper" in 1982 when my friend Kim called me on the phone. She relayed a story that her daughter, Heather, who was not going to get into kindergarten because she didn't know how to skip. Then in tears she said, "Patty, how do they expect this 5 year old child to skip when I can't even skip" I couldn't believe my friend and her daughter could not skip! Well I invited them over to learn. They were at my door in minutes. And together I taught them how to skip; both of them! And since then I've had a philosophy that -- if you can skip you are not old. I would invite co-workers to get out of their chairs and try it when they started mumbling about being old! Much to their surprise they had not forgotten! So we skip for joy and to be young again. Anytime you feel like you are getting old just stand up and see if you can still skip, if you can then you are still young inside and out!

Where is your favorite place to skip? My favorite place to skip would be places where it's not expected, like at work, in the house, any opportunity with a long open space will do; outdoors, indoors - you just never know when that bouncy feeling will overtake ones' soul. ~ Yippy Skippy! It's calling me now....

What does skipping do for you? The first time I did it was with my mom. We had seen an article about skipping and immediately said "hey let's try it". We went out and skipped around our neighborhood block... we laughed until we cried, we had so much fun. It made me feel free, silly, and alive. This morning for the first time I did it with my 1 1/2 year old son around our neighborhood. There was a bounce in my skip and my son kept looking back at me from his stroller to see why I was laughing. I came home after my half hour walk/skip feeling alive (and I worked up a good sweat too!). My two daughters, Maggie 9 and Rosie, 5 are joining me this afternoon. They've always told me I act like a kid, and to them I reply "great"!

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I found out about this web site two weeks ago and looked through it to see if there was anyone from my area skipping. As there was not, I thought... why not be a leader, motivate, take chances, have fun and meet new people who are kindred spirits to the skipping movement... so here I am :)

Where is your favorite place to skip? My neighborhood...it's hilly in some areas, flat in others. It gives me a great "skip" workout... and it gives me that time alone-- as I happily skip along-- to plan out my day!

What does skipping do for you? It doesn't matter what you are feeling before you start to skip; you WILL react with either a laugh, a giggle, a smile, or something similar. Guaranteed! It makes me happy under any circumstances. No matter what's going in my life, if I need a pick-me-up, I can skip and the kid comes out in me every time.

Why did you decide to become an official skipping enthusiast? I had been toying with the idea to become head skipper for a long time. The time just seemed right. And now that the weather is breaking, skipping will be great exercise in the still-warm and beautiful Dallas evenings.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I don't have a favorite place, but I do have a favorite time: whenever the mood hits me! When I got baptized a few years back, I felt so good inside I skipped all the way home. Yes, even in my church clothes, high heels, and white wool coat!

What does skipping do for you? Skipping helps me to fly and reach the stars in the sky, or the sun when its shining and the rain clouds when they're raining. I feel on top of the world while I skip my tears out, or my angers and frustrations when I skip and I shout. I get tickles in my tummy when I skip to thoughts extra funny and I call my self Honey as I laugh and I'm skipping and life's troubles become funny. Skipping helps me feel my heart beat and the bottom of my feet. As I jump and I land on them, I screech with excitement for ability to land on my feet and listen to the sound of my chest full of heart beat.

Why did you decide to be a skipping enthusiast? Well, I am already a "skipping enthusiast" because I only I've skipped by myself for years. Depends on the kind of skipping. I'm usually the one who gets other people skipping. I skip and laugh and my friends and strangers alike, find that amusing so they join along the skip! I'm quite happy encouraging other people to try out skipping! Especially through my laughter. People see me having fun and so they want to try skipping too. To see for themselves how fun skipping can feel. I am a skipper who can help empower and enable others to skip too.

Where is your favorite place to skip? My favorite time to skip is when I am in a frisky feeling or excited feeling head space. I mostly skip on the street or side walk. Sometimes My favorite place to skip is somewhere, NO ONE would normally dare to skip. Like in the doctor's office or hospital. Skipping there helps me to feel not so scared, or helps some one else to not feel so scared too. My absolutely favorite place to skip, is with a friend or two.

What does skipping do for you? It makes me smile deep inside, and releases pent-up endorphins that seem to draw happy people toward the activity and helps promote communication

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? Cause it seemed like a good way to share what I think too many folks might be missing, the nerve to take a different road and new chances, to become more of what I'd, and hopefully they'd only fantasized....The eternal Kid at Heart

Where is your favorite place to skip? Anywhere that my heart tells me is right at that time. I was skipping in the rain with a flock of preschoolers the other day, and in the bedroom of a 91 year old bed bound retired inventor/machinist/grandfather while his 86 year old wife laughed and cheered me on. He was pretty impressed with all the activity and color too.

What does skipping do for you? It puts me in touch with the kid deep inside me and it gives me a chance to exercise with my kids doing something that is fun for everyone. It also gives my kids a happy memory to recall when they are older.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? Just the thought of skipping through town puts a smile on my face because when I was young my sister who is 12 years older then I am would take me to the ice cream shop and we would always skip singing the Peter Cotton Tail song. It is a fun memory and I want to spread the fun.

Where is your favorite place to skip? On the bike path next to the river in our town. It is beautiful to look at the river and the mountains that surround the valley I live in.

What skipping does for you? It is a fun, social activity that gets people laughing together. Skipping also has possibilities in the area of alternative transportation. My bicycle trip to work is two miles and takes me about 15 minutes in traffic; walking takes about a half hour. Skipping offers a third way to commute. I once tried skiing to work but got hung up on the median on South 27th Street which is four lanes. I must have stood there for 15 minutes before I finally was able to cross - this was on top of a heap of snow on the median!

Why did you decide to be a head skipper: I thought hard about this one. Even though my time is limited, there is a built-in core of interested folks where I work already, so I think it will be easy to sell the idea of skipping in our community. I am willing to do some organizing with help from iskip.com and e-mail technology. Besides, like biking, all you have to do to skip is to step outside your front door and off you go. It is not complicated.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Billings offers many places. I like the idea of combined transportation modes, such as loading a bicycle on the front of the city bus, or perhaps biking out to Lake Josephine in the winter and strapping on the ice skates. It beats the idea of using a SUV to transport a mountain bike somewhere out in the hills before you start pedaling.

What does skipping do for you? When I feel really happy or excited about something, I often express it by skipping. It adds to the joy. It is also a fun way to exercise and get in shape.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I found out there were no skipping clubs in Gatineau or Ottawa and I wanted to start one. Also, Kim asked me to because I have a background in humor and laughter workshops.

Where is your favorite place to skip? For short periods, anywhere I am when I feel really excited and happy. Otherwise and for longer skips, in the park near my house. If I get a number of people skipping with me we may choose some place in Ottawa to meet and skip.

What does skipping do for you? Skipping puts an instant smile on my face, enhances my child-like qualities, gets me moving and makes me feel healthy. And gosh darn it, I look so cute doing it!

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? Somebody simply HAS to take leadership in Kentucky. I can't wait to put smiles on people's faces!

Where is your favorite place to skip? Well, normally I think malls are pretty depressing, but when you skip in them, it sure lightens the mood!

What does skipping do for you? Skipping keeps me happy. When I run I feel tired and rather bored, but when I go skipping I feel happy and energized. Skipping has this strange effect on people, it's almost contagious. As I start out skipping, I get a few strange stares, but a lot of the time, people will just start to skip along with me. Never once in my life have I been good at something athletic but skipping is different. It provides exercise but it really is fun too.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I decided to become a head skipper because I wanted to join a skipping group but there are none in my area. So I have to start one. I read about this movement in People and ever since then I have wanted to be a part of it.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I like to skip anywhere, but I especially enjoy skipping around the back roads of my town, they are very peaceful and very pretty.

What does skipping do for you? There is so much that skipping does for me that I cannot put it into words. It is one of the most exhilarating experiences in my life. Spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically it does wonders for me. It is actually a type of flying that we can do.

Why did you start skipping? Because of a discovery I made from a study I did on the Bible, history, and exercise that is explained in my book, KING SOLOMON SKIPPED.

Why did you volunteer to be a head skipper? Because we should not hide our light under a bussel. i want to bring joy to others and help them find the healthful benefits i have from skipping.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Sawgrass Lake Park....which is a park close to my home that has wooden boardwalks through the woods and some hills that are are great for skipping. It is an awesome experience.

What does skipping do for you? It moves me UP, gets me out, gets the blood flowing and the endorphins jumping! The words I hear the most, in describing skipping, are "joyful", "fun" and "great exercise". I never need to talk myself into skipping! Any time, any place I feel like feeling better, I skip! It satisfies body, mind and spirit!

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I read an article in the local paper and decided that someone just had to do it! And in what better place than Boulder, Colorado! The mountain range, the azure skies...these views beg for joyful activity! This city is very health-conscious and almost always receptive to innovative, free-spirited expression. I know an activity such as skipping will grab the community's imagination and skip away with it

Where is your favorite place to skip? I just returned from three skips around the neighborhood high school track field. If I feel gregarious, I'll go to the Boulder Downtown Mall, as it always elicits a great response! I've introduced skipping to the the local YMCA and my "Silver Sneakers" group. After an hour or so of low-impact aerobics and stretching, some of us go up to the indoor track and really let loose! The local paper, the "Boulder Daily Camera" may be interested in featuring us in an article very soon, and we're ready! Enthusiasm is growing and I'm loving it!

What does skipping do for you? When it comes to exercise, skipping gives me something to look forward to. As a former cross-country runner, I got bored with the repetitive POUND-POUND-POUND of running. While the rhythm of running emphasizes a downward motion, the upward motion of skipping defies gravity and elevates my mood in the process. And it is so much easier on the knees!

Why did you decide to become a head skipper? I would like to present skipping as a way for families to spend quality time together while being active. I would like to present skipping as a way for my community's children to become involved in charitable events such as Skipathons in which money could be raised to help nonprofit organizations such as the wildlife sanctuary where I volunteer. I would like to be a role model for those people who want to make a difference in the community while promoting physical fitness.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Right now, my treadmill. Once the weather warms up I want to try skipping on a local Greenways path.

What does skipping do for you? I can't believe how much of a boost both physically and mentally skipping can be. It really is incredible, and I've just gotten started! I suffer from chemical depression and I am always in search for a drug-free way to fight it. I've discovered that even just getting up and skipping back and forth from one end of my town home to the other helps me shake off blue spells. I can't wait to start seeing the physical results also.

Why did you decide to become head skipper? I've been looking for something positive and enjoyable to do with my time and I think showing others the joy of skipping is good way to accomplish that. I also strongly desire to meet free spirits like myself. As a stay-at-home mom I don't get much of a chance (or much money) to do a lot of things of interest to me, so I can't wait to meet others who still have enough of a kid in their heart to skip

Where do you enjoy skipping? Well considering I just got started, and it's early February in northern Utah, and there's a foot of snow on the ground; indoors! I did skip while pulling my 22 month-old down the street in her sled though. I think when the weather improves I plan on going on the Jordon River trail (a lovely trail that runs down the middle of the Salt Lake valley). This is where I plan on having group skips also. Later in the year perhaps I will do skip/hikes somewhere on a canyon trail. I'm also excited to get suggestions from other Salt Lake skippers.

What does skipping do for you? Skipping is lots of fun. As a "older person", it connects me to my childhood in Virginia when I skipped thru the park and felt carefree. As a holistic nurse practitioner, skipping helps me integrate the mind/body/spirit, and promotes positive self-nurturing. Sometimes skipping makes me feel silly, and being silly is one of my missions in life. Lastly, I love for my grandchildren to join in an activity we can do together while we laugh and have fun.

What made you decide to be a head skipper? I decided to be a head skipper, primarily because there are no others in my city. What an honor to be the first and be able to help promote such a fun activity.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Currently, my favorite place to skip is in my wonderful neighborhood as I make my way to the beach and coffee shop with my two dogs in the early morning. The two of them love for me to pick up my pace, and I've already introduced skipping to some of my neighbors who didn't know if they even remembered how it was done. And that's ditto for some of the regulars at the corner coffee shop. It's an interesting reaction to skip to the counter to give your order. When my grandkids are with me, I love to skip between stores in the mall or shopping center. We can't take life so seriously, that we fail to laugh and bring some joy to ourselves and others along the way.

What does skipping do for you? I find skipping to be the PERFECT medium between walking and jogging and this provides a great cardiovascular workout! Not only lose weight, improve health, but "feel" good too! Feeling light on my feet and getting the "ole" mass moving is a great way to lift my mood too!

What made you decide to be a head skipper? I work as a Community & Employee Health Coordiantor and for a midwest Trauma Center...I am incorporating and promoting skipping for the "Health of It"...so being a head skipper just seemed logical (and fun!)

Where is your favorite place to skip? Where ever the mood and opportunity strikes! I began skipping around a runners track...Now I have been known to break into a skip down a long hallway! I find as long as I am deciding when/where there are basically "no rules".

What does skipping do for you? I have used skipping in the summer with my walking group and found it very invigorating.

Why do you want to be a head skipper? Because I have led groups before and have found that the people who come to this are very health-oriented and make great friends, the type that I want to associate with. Especially now since I recently moved here and would like to form a community.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I plan to do this 20 minutes away from my home at Pine Banks Park, Main Street, Malden-Melrose. The park is a 10 minute walk, followed by a 20 minute walk to Bruegger's Bagels for Social Hour every Sunday morning at 11 AM, in Melrose. This park is ploughed in the winter and no pets are allowed in.

What does skipping do for you? I used to do it for the exercise. I have a bad knee so I can't really run. Walking is boring. So I remembered when I was in college on the lacrosse team that we skipped every morning. I thought that I would give it a try again. I eventually worked my way up to skipping 4 miles everyday. I always use my head phones and at this point I skip to clear my head. I have a stressful job and have to remember to take care of not only my body but my spirit. It brings out the carefree days of my childhood. The exercise I get is only secondary. It is such a joyful activity for me. I also love music and I love to sing so wearing my headphones and playing a funky radio channel really keeps me on pace. I skip because it makes me happy!

Why did you decide to be a head skipper? Because a lot people know now that I skip and I get asked a lot of questions. When people saw your article on New Year's Day, many people told me that they had seen it. They wanted to know more. So if I can be a leader, maybe I can help spread the message. Besides, there is only one other leader in Vermont. It's a perfect place to skip!

Where is your favorite place to skip? On the back roads with all the trees and deer and bright blue skies. I make sure to look up at the sky through the leaves in order to soak in all the sunshine and happiness that skipping brings out in me. I also love to skip on the bike paths because more people can see me there and I get a lot of smiles.

What does skipping do for you? Who doesn't like to skip. It's fun,invigorating and generally makes you feel like a kid. It's a way for me to maintain a positive attitude which is the key to everything we do in life.

What made you decide to be a head skipper? I am the founder and organizer of "The Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club Skipper's Club". We have ten founding members who get together for fun and pure enjoyment. Whenever we meet on the street or at the club or in the market, we always give the Official Salute, which is ONE BIG SKIP! It's definitely fun and up lifting so I decided to become a "Head Skipper". If being a "Head Skipper" allows me just one opportunity to pass on a positive thought, then it will be worth it. Remember, we're not here for a long time, just a good time!

Where us your favorite place to skip? I have always been a skipper. I am known to skip on the golf course between shots. (Usually after a good shot)! Now that we've organized the "Skipper's Club" I find I skip around the block, in the market or at the club. I skipped out of K-Mart and a Grandfather, Father and two children sat in their car and smiled. I skipped right up to them and told them about our Skipper's Club. The father laughed and said he thought it was time for the Easter Bunny. Skipping is only one of my vices. My friends and I also roller blade. Give me the opportunity and I'll try it.

What does skipping do for you? Skipping gives me a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with my children who also enjoy skipping. After three kids, I've gotten a bit out of shape and skipping is a great way to exercise, especially since just walking and running do not appeal too much to me.

What made you decide to be a head skipper?. To help share with others what an exhilarating experience skipping can be.

Where is your favorite place to skip? There are many places I enjoy skipping. Parks seem to be the best, especially those with lots of flowers and wildlife to enjoy at the same time. Places that have a paved surface are often more fun so the kids can also ride their bicycles if they can't keep up with my skipping!

What does skipping do for you? It sets my soul free, I can sour like the incredible being that I am. I touch the excited lighthearted child that I was and transfer this into an adult world that needs to lighten up and have more fun!

What made you decide to be a head skipper? I grew up in San Francisco and my daughter sent me an email that talked about people meeting to skip and I said, "Boy I wish I could be there and join them" Well now I feel I can create that in fun feeling in Vermont and help others to find the joy of skipping. I can capture some of the openness and craziness of San Francisco right here in New England!

Where is your favorite place to skip? Until now I have always skipped alone on the dirt roads of Vermont when no one is watching but that is about to change! I'm already having more fun just thinking about it!

What does skipping do for you? I skip because the pure delight of it sets my spirit free. I like the uninhibited feeling I get when I swing my arms high and lift up my knees even higher!

What made you want to be a head skipper? It is the job I have yearned to have my whole life! Many people have forgotten the joy in life. We are so controlled by what others think and by the "Things We Should Do." I accept the challenge of helping people realize that they, too, can be set free from the every day constraints of life, and just have fun - plus exercise at the same time!! If I can help other people to set their soul free, then maybe my life will have mattered.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I skip on the treadmill because it is so boring to walk! I skip down our long driveway to pick up the mail and Lima News. I skip on the beach when we are at our winter home in Sarasota, Florida. Pretty much I skip when the spirit moves me!

What does skipping do for you? Skipping helps to release my true fun- loving personality that doesn't care what people think.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I decided to be the head skipper to help other people release their inner child and have fun. I also want to be a leader in a unique movement.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I like to skip right around my apartment complex on the main street and in the park because the more people who see the more interest there will be.

What does skipping do for you? Of all the mystical, health, and fun reasons…I think most of all, it is the simplest physical activity that can be done that makes you feel like you’re flying. When I’m at the peak of my hop, I can just close my eyes and feel like I’m miles high when I’m only inches off the ground. The brief, magical sensation of weightlessness let’s me feel like I’ve left the flat earth, my troubles, pain and stresses behind. When I touch back down for my step, the rush of power as I push against the ground fills me with the energy to fly even higher. I guess it’s a Zen thing.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I could say that I’m at a stage of rebirth, I’m rediscovering, revealing and nurturing the child within. And it would be true. It would also be true to say that this world and this society just needs more fun, more frivolity. We need to laugh. We need even the fleeting moments of joy. I felt it was time for me to be the stone thrown into the pond, to make ripples of positive energy, touch others and spread happiness. Providence is experiencing such a resurgence and explosion of vitality that the timing and place are truly converging to make the now, right.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I love to skip anywhere. I particularly like the grocery store, wilderness trails for a little extreme skipping and wherever people might tend to look at you funny. Since the Providence waterfront has been rejuvenated, it is also a beautiful place to skip. I hope to someday skip along the Charles River in Boston and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

What does skipping do for you? It makes me feel like great. I feel young again. Not only is it a great workout but it puts a smile on my face.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? I wanted more people in Houston to be aware of the benefits of skipping. I also wanted to try and provide some events for skipping in the Houston area.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Since I live out in the country, it was the first place I skipped. I enjoyed the open roads, the sounds of birds, and the peacefulness.

What does skipping do for you? Apart from the terrific aerobic workout, skipping makes me smile, gives me a giggle, energizes me, and makes me feel young.

Why did you decide to become a head skipper? I have had a 30 year career as a primary educator and I have taught many a child the joys of skipping. Now I plan on spreading the word to those who want to remain young in heart. I am also the founder and leader of a local walking club, The Litchfield Hill Walkers. I have been told that I was always a trend-setter, and when I heard of iskip.com last week, I knew it had my name on it.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I'll skip anywhere, for short bursts, but my favorite place to skip is on a rubberized track at a local high school.

What does skipping do for you? There's no keep fit reasons behind my skipping, I simply skip when I feel happy or excited. I guess it's the best way to express the bouncy feeling I get when I'm really happy.

Why did you decide to be the head skipper? Is being asked a good enough reason? It just sounded like a really fun thing to do, and hopefully a way to meet other people who skip (my friends don't understand it!)

Where is your favorite place to skip? No real favorite, just wherever I am when I get the urge to skip. While revising for my exams though the library has been a popular one.

What does skipping do for you? Skipping makes me feel young again-not that I'm "old". And it makes me work up a good "sweat"!!

Why did you become a head skipper? Because there wasn't one in Meridian, MS, and also, it's kind of fun being in on the "groundwork" of things-I see potential here!!!

Where is your favorite place to skip? Right now, I'd have to say my neighborhood. I got a friend to skip with me day before yesterday (she is 60+/-) and she really enjoyed it. I think she'll do this with her grandchildren!!! Wouldn't that be neat?? We plan on going for a skip in the morning!

What does skipping do for you? For one thing I never want to grow up. I love being silly and I don't care if I look that way. Skipping is such a free spirited thing to do. It really is like being a kid again, there is now other way to describe it. Fun, fun, fun. You skip along, swing your arms and sing your favorite tune. What better say to spend your time. This is just one more fun thing to add to my list of things to do with my granddaughter.

Why did you decide to be a head skipper? I am always the organizer with my friends, the one who gets everyone together, so why not add this to my list. I also want to skip for cause. I have lots of ideas and would love to get started right away. It is a great way to get the families out together as well.. I have already recruited a friend and her daughter, my friend is a teacher and recently had a relay race for her kids, part of which was skipping, she was amazed at how many of them did not know how to skip.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Anywhere, down the hall at work, on the way to the mail box, around the block. There is a trail near my home, used mostly for bike's and runners, now it is also used for skippers.

What does skipping do for you? As a runner it gives me a better thrust off the ground As an Adult....it makes me a kid again.....not just feel like a kid.....a KID again.....and I win......I'm a Kid again....and I win! As an organizer of events.....I see (with support this time) the power of the visual 'skipping' a tremendous advantage over walking or running.... As a weirdo....it only confirms who I am!! Hallelujah and Amen Sisters and Brothers! As a mature Adult it....wait.....I'm not a mature adult.....and never will be!!! I'm a kid again....I win......and I'll skip along my way....

Why did you decide to be the head skipper for Las Vegas? I've organized events here in LV.....I created the first Triathlons in Nevada back in 1981....I knew I fit the image of a free spirited weirdo....and fit enough to back up the claim of a decent runner. One gambles with one's image when skipping....one gambles with ones money in Las Vegas.......ours is just way more healthy! We win again!

Where is your favorite place to skip? When My mind says skip....I skip. also Mostly where people CAN see me. Great promo...and ice breaker....

What does skipping do for me? Skipping unleashes unbridled glee--naturally, gently, and innocently. It takes me back to less complicated times, without leaving the present!

Why become a head skipper? I've always been aHEAD of my time...but,seriously, folks, someone needs to rally the happy citizens of Roanoke to skipping action--and, I'm happy to lead the way!

Where is my favorite place to skip? My skipping is frequently spontaneous, so I can't really put my finger, or toes, on one particular place. But, I do like to walk some, then, skip some, then walk a little more, until the skipping urge takes hold again. I especially like to skip down hill--it makes me feel "free" and breezy!

What does skipping do for you? Brings out the kid (neotony), makes you realize you don't need fancy exercise equipment to stay young and be healthy, gets all kinds of funny looks from staid, old fuddy-duddies, helps people (my clients) connect to movement.

Why did you volunteer to be the skipping contact person in your city? 'Cause I'm a kid at heart and I thought it would be fun to help Kim spread the word.

Where is your favorite place to skip? Along Lake Michigan down Navy Pier, anywhere in the sun, Paris, Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Austin Head Skipper, Margaret Wardlaw

Personally, I've been a skipper most of my life. To steal from Ani here, I guess I'm just a joyful girl, which is sometimes difficult coming out of a generation that prizes cynicism and apathy. In high school I was constantly surrounded by people who felt that cynicism is always necessary, and that happiness always implies ignorance. When I met Kim in San Francisco last August, I was elated. We both agreed Austin was in dire need of some large scale skipping.

True, it often seems that our cynicism is warranted. We live in a time where economic security cannot protect our children from heroine addiction, where children bring guns to school, where incurable diseases threaten more people daily, and where media conglomeration threatens our free speech. These things don't affect only one ethnicity, age or economic bracket of people. The outlook seems uniformly dismal. But in the midst of this storm there are people who realize that detachment isn't the only answer. The Sufi poet, Rumi was a refugee in Konya fleeing invading Mongol armies. His life was filled with hardship, yet he writes about the ecstasy of being alive. "But listen to me: for one moment quit being sad. Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you." Happiness, bliss, joy, these things are innate in humans. It's true, I'm getting ahead of myself. Skipping is silly, ridiculous, childish even, but that's exactly the point. In this detached, cynical world, I think a little crazy unadulterated frolicking is exactly what we need.

When we started the Austin frolic, children, teenagers and adults all joined in the craziness. There's nothing quite like traversing UT campus on a Sunday afternoon with twenty people all skipping. Skipping for God's sake! That thought alone makes Chemistry lab a little more bearable. We skip in a big silly group a couple times a month on the UT South mall, and other, spontaneous skips have broken out more than once. Its enormous amounts of fun just to see people's reactions. Some look amazed, others join in, but mostly people smile and even laugh. We spend a few minutes a couple times a month skipping like ecstatic five year olds. Because its fun, because its a nice day, because it makes us happy and because we're glad to be alive. Then we collapse, exhausted, on the South mall grass and smile and laugh and chat. And these days that's a rare and precious thing.

Tallahassee Head Skipper, Judee Pouncey

What does skipping do for you? Makes me feel good . . . happy, joyful, healthy, light, strong, flexible, playful . When I am feeling good, I am of the most value to others and to my own overall well being. I love the positive effect my skipping has on people who see me skip!

Why did you volunteer to be the skipping contact person in your city? It just seemed like the natural thing to do!!! I had already been skipping spontaneously with my grandson and with certain friends, yet I had not thought about doing it for fitness and adventure and such!!! I love it! I recruited some friends to skip with me in the Jingle Bell Run in Tallahassee in December. We had such fun! And it was fun to hear people's positive comments along the way.

Where is your favorite place to skip? I don't have one favorite place. I skip whenever and wherever I get a chance . . .in hallways of buildings, in parking lots, in neighborhoods . . . I am still noticing some self-conscious about it (I'm quickly letting that go), so I do love isolated trails in the woods and such where I can skip with total abandon! I also find it much easier to skip with other people . . . I just don't notice getting tired because I am interacting with them. I love experimenting with different styles of skipping (slow, fast, high, low, sideways, backwards, zig-zag).

What does skipping do for you? It keeps me in shape and makes family time with 3 year old fun.

Why did you volunteer to be the skipping contact person in your city? Because I live in a very conservative town and I truly believe that we need more activities that make us feel more like kids.

What does skipping do for you? It energizes my body and soul. I once read something on the iskip site that someone had written that said that you just can't help but be happy when you skip - so one day when I had a really bad case of the blues - I went skipping. They were right -skipping immediately lifted my spirits and it took my mind off of everything but - having fun! I love the way people react when I tell them about skipping - they laugh - but there's always a sense of intrigue - I think it brings one back to the carefree days of childhood. When I go skipping I like to freely swing my arms and skip in various steps - I even have what I call a "Wild West Skip" that really gives me a good workout. Previously having been caught up in my professional, and what I have of a personal schedule, I had neglected a good fitness regimen. But with skipping - it really is a good work out and it doesn't feel like a chore. For me, skipping is truly a catharsis - a release that brings me joy and helps add balance to my life.

What made you decide to be the head skipper for Philly? Because it needed to be done! I want to be involved in what I consider a dynamic & wonderful movement. I want other people out there to find what I have. I want to be a part of building a sense of a fun, and healthy (both physically and mentally) community. I want to always retain my free spirit and let others know it's o.k. to do the same! And of course - Kim - you really have left an unbelievable impression on me - your energy and your enthusiasm is admirable - and contagious!

Where is your favorite place to skip? Well since I've discovered skipping in a fairly recent time frame, and was caught in the throws of a severe winter here - I haven't had the opportunity to skip a large variety of places. My favorite place to skip is definitely in the great outdoors - and usually at night so my neighbors can really wonder what the hell that noise is they're hearing! I live in a great neighborhood that's very quiet with old homes and beautiful architecture near the water and my skips are a great time to reconnect with the beautiful little peaceful neighborhood I live in - (and again make the neighbors wonder!) However I'm definitely looking forward to skipping in Ireland for St. Patrick's day to help burn off some of that Guinness and add to the festiveness and have people from around the world join me in a skip!

What does skipping do for me? Skipping refreshes me. It gets me moving in loose, rythmic patterns. It makes me feel like a child, carefree and silly, free to experiment. I smile and people smile back. In that way it connects me to my neighbors. Skipping also keeps me in shape. It is fabulous, fun exercise.

Why do I volunteer to be the contact person for Seattle? Skipping is one of the most joyful experiences I know. I want to share the wealth of happy movement.

My favorite place to skip? I love to skip at the beach, at the water's edge, kicking up salt water and collapsing into the surf when I run out of steam. I also love to skip in downtown Seattle at rush hour. Its a funny opportunity to promote skipping to a confined audience.

What does skipping do for you? Skipping is a free experience that makes me giggle. I don't care what people say--I think they just want to skip too! Skippin' rocks!

What made you volunteer to be the head skipper for Orange County?
Ya know what, I am a kid at heart. I love to have "clean" good fun. I think anything that brings a smile to your face and an ache in your belly from laughing is good. Whatever I can do to get folks to sign on to skippin' well, heck--I'll do it!

Where is your favorite place to skip? My favorite place to skip is with friends. It can be in a park, down the hall at work, out on the town--you name it--let's all skip!

Margot Duane not only has been the official iskip photographer, she also has been a tremendous mentor as I've diven deeper into the creative process. I met Margot via the Burning Man media relations' team. She is based in the Bay Area and specializes in photographing people, special events, and alternative art/music. Her work has been published in The San Francisco Examiner Magazine, the Pacific Sun, and was featured on Live at the Lava Lounge, a CD by the Blue Hawaiians. A selection of her Burning Man related imagery was shown in conjunction with "New Minds" series at Yorba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. She also had black and white images of emerging jazz talent in the Bay Area presented at the Vision North Gallery in San Francisco. Margot is currently represented by age fotostock in Barcelona. Margot is available for portrait, special events, and product assignments.