We want to hear from you! If you would like to be profiled, please email kidagain99@aol.com 

"Eight children and thirteen grandchildren later he still makes my heart skip."-Dorothy McGoff, wife of lifetime skipper Charles Emmett McGoff.

December 27 marks the 74th birthday of skipper Charles McGoff of Decatur, Georgia. Charles' family emailed iskip.com about his lifetime of skipping as a unique way of wishing me a happy birthday! We are proud to share his story here and to honor his lifetime of skipping by officially crowning him a SKIPPING STAR!  Skip on, Charles! Happy Birthday!!!

Read on to find out what Charles' wife Dorothy, his daughters Erin, Peggy, Kathy and Terri, and his son, Pat have to say about living with a skipper extraordinaire.....

Skippers' name: Charles Emmett McGoff
Age: 73
Occupation: Co-owner of an industrial controls distributor
City: Decatur, GA

How long has Charles been skipping as an adult? Wife Dorothy - Charles has been skipping for 45 years plus.   Daughter Erin - This would imply he considers himself an adult, which I'm not sure that he does.

Where does he skip? Wife Dorothy - Charles skips in malls, hospital corridors, parking lots and sidewalks.   Son Pat - Dad skips anywhere it's least expected - with a tuxedo on after one of his daughters' weddings, dressed nicely in a suit following his granddaughter's dance recital. More significantly, he skips whenever there is a young person around that needs to see someone being silly. He's more than willing to provide the humor.  Daughter Erin - Anywhere the silliness strikes him.

What is his favorite place to skip? Wife Dorothy - Any place open enough for him to get up speed. Daughter Erin - Generally, anywhere in PUBLIC.

What does he like about skipping? Wife Dorothy - It's a happy thing - it makes one smile and others as well. Son Pat - We think it's a lifelong ploy on his part to be able to claim the insanity defense for a crime he hasn't committed yet.

Has skipping changed his life? Wife Dorothy - I remember the first time I saw Charlie - it was at a park in St. Louis called Castlewood. He looked like a 6'4" James Dean, cigarette and all, as he approached the pool. Then he broke out in a skip and it made me laugh at the sight and I just had to meet him. Thus began our courting which ultimately lead to our marriage. Eight children and thirteen grandchildren later he still makes my heart skip.

What kinds of reactions does he get from people when he skips? Wife Dorothy - When skipping with children, people smile. When skipping alone, people aren't too sure.   Son Pat - Those that know him just shake their head and put as much space between him and them as possible. Those that don't, look around for the candid camera.

Has he recruited others into the skipping movement? Wife Dorothy - I'll admit it. I've skipped with him. Daughter Erin - He has converted children, great-nieces, and grandchildren.

Does he have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping?
Wife Dorothy - Just strike out and skip.

What are some of the family's favorite skipping stories?
Daughter Peggy - Dad has always been one to unexpectedly burst into a fit of the skips. Growing up watching this, I never thought to question public skipping or find it absurd. Seven years ago, just hours after the birth of his 10th grandchild, Dad emerged from the hospital room and spotted me with several other family members at the other end of a long hallway. I don't remember who started it, but soon Dad and I were skipping toward one another. We met in the middle of the hallway, joined arms and twirled around a few times before continuing on our separate paths. It was entirely unplanned, just silly and spontaneous - Dad's favorite kind of fun.

What does he like to do in his spare time (when he's not skipping, that
is)? Wife Dorothy - He plays the piano and listens to ragtime music.
Son Pat - He swims a mean butterfly a couple of times a week at a year-round pool. It's part of his training regimen for Olympic skipping - another one of his hopes.  Daughter Erin - Wear brown paper bags on his head and drive around the neighborhood. Dream about building his airplane.

What are your favorite skipping related memories?  Daughter Terri - My favorite time was when Dad would hold my hand and skip with me, either in the parking lot after leaving the hardware store, at sporting events or at an amusement park. Daughter Kathy - I first remembered skipping with Dad on a warm sunny late Spring day going down a dirt road at Mathis Dairy on the way to the duck pond. I think I was 3. We used to go there every year for the cheap manure for our garden. We'd shovel a couple of trash cans full of manure and then skip down to the pond. Only skipping can make shoveling manure a pleasant memory. I also remember Dad asking us to skip after we had been sick with a cold or flu, kind of his own gauge of if we were well because none of us girls would ever turn him down if we were.

I mostly remember skipping with Dad in parking lots at the mall. Dad usually parked in the farthest away spot, so I think he used skipping as a device to take our minds off the fact that the car was so far away. And we skipped in the mall too, after dining on a frozen coke and salted pretzel. Lately we've been doing that on Christmas Eve as we shop for Mom.

What has your dad taught you about life and skipping? Son Pat - Don't take yourself, or anyone else, too seriously. Daughter Erin - I hope I never grow up either.

Do you skip? Daughter Kathy - After a lifetime of skipping with Pop, I was inspired to skip down the isle immediately after my wedding ceremony was over. Son Pat - No, I do not skip. It is my understanding those tendencies generally skip a generation.

Here's your chance to add anything else you want about skipping and your father:  Son Pat - My Dad has always considered himself to be next in line to assume the throne of World King. During his reign, he has thought it appropriate that his legions of loyal armies be trained to skip in lieu marching at parades - it seems much more friendly.

Skipper's Name: Ashrita Furman

City: New York, NY

What inspired you to start skipping? Have you always skipped as an adult?

Over the years I’ve tried many exciting methods of locomotion, including somersaulting, walking on hands, running while juggling (joggling), running while jumping rope, stilt walking, sack racing, pogo stick jumping, etc., but unfortunately, although I’ve often thought about it, I didn’t get into skipping until just recently. Now I’m hooked for life! Just the thought of skipping thrills me!

Why did you decide to skip an entire marathon?

A: To be honest, I really didn’t plan on skipping an entire marathon. On my first long skip, which was only 2 miles, I got some pretty bad blisters. After experimenting with Vaseline, different kinds of socks and skipping styles, I got up to 6 miles over the next couple of weeks, but the blisters were still a problem. It was at that point that I decided to propose to the Guinness Book of Records people that they establish a category for skipping. I figured that a category for the fastest 10 miles would be a challenge and I suggested the fastest marathon as an alternative. I presumed Guinness would choose the 10-mile category because they’ve been opting for the shorter distances lately, but they shocked me by making the marathon the official distance!

What is your training regimen?

Because I’m so busy and also training for a couple of other records, I usually only skip twice a week. I go for my long skip on the weekend and try to increase the distance every week. The midweek skip is more of a speed session—usually 3 or 4 miles at around a 10-minute pace.

How does skipping make you feel? What does it do for you physically? Spiritually? Mentally?

For me, skipping is pure joy. I just try to abandon all thought and simply glide along without a care in the world, centered within. It becomes a type of meditation, and sometimes I really feel as if I’m floating on air. Unfortunately, since I train on the streets of New York City , this feeling is usually interrupted by an angry motorist trying to bring me back down to Earth so he or she doesn’t run me over!  

Besides the tremendous peace and joy I get from skipping, I have also discovered that it is a fantastic workout. It obviously strengthens all of the leg muscles, but it also works the arms, shoulders and neck. And there is another important benefit of it skipping—it is a great core-strengthening exercise (abs and back) as well. What more could you want—a   sport that strengthens and tones the entire body and is fun as well!  

How do people react when you skip by them?

I do a lot of out-of-the-ordinary things, so I’m quite accustomed to getting odd looks; but my experience with skipping is a little different. The majority of people I pass don’t want to make eye contact at all. I think they just don’t know what to make of a grownup having so much innocent fun! However, once in a while I’ll get a smile from someone or a cheer or comment.  

Recently, towards the end of a long skipping practice, a fellow popped his head out of a car that was stopped at a light and shouted, “Hey, what’s that good for?” I was tired, covered in sweat, my arms and legs all pumped up and, I guess, a little indignant that anyone would ask a question with such an obvious answer. So I shouted back, “It’s good for everything”, and then to my surprise I forcefully added as the car sped off,  “Hey, it’s better than running”. But I don’t think the guy heard me.  

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share?

My quest to skip further and further has also been a quest to figure out how to avoid getting blisters. Heat builds up from all the friction on the balls of your feet, and your body tries to protect itself by forming painful blisters. While skipping in Seattle (in the rain, of course), I noticed that I didn’t get any blisters because I was able to get more of a slide on the wet asphalt. So when I got back home I decided to try carrying a can of the lubricant WD-40, and spray the bottoms of my shoes every few minutes! That obviously didn’t work, but it inspired me to try gluing different materials to the bottom of my shoes.  

I consulted a friend of mine, named Himangsu, who repairs shoes as a hobby, and we began a fascinating investigation that is still in progress. We’ve experimented with the slipperiness and durability of smooth rubber, hard leather, stick-on vinyl floor tiles and hard plastic. The first time I tried the plastic, my friend had affixed several strips on to the soles of my running shoes. I didn’t realize how slippery it really was and almost killed myself attempting to make my way down the uncarpeted stairs in my house. Once outside, I began to gain confidence and decided to go for a 5-mile skip. It was awesome, better than Seattle ! However, the strips began to disintegrate, and while skipping on a metal grate in the road, the plastic got caught and I went flying!  

It took some time, but after a lot of trial and error, we finally came up with some shoes that worked. After completing a 20-mile skip on a hot day in the middle of August, I felt ready to go where no one has ever gone before—attempt a skipping marathon. I chose the Comox Country Roads Marathon on Vancouver Island in British Columbia , Canada , which was held on an exquisitely beautiful and scenic course at the end of August. I was hoping to complete the marathon in under 6 hours, and everything was going according to plan until I came across some extremely rough back roads. Within minutes, the road chewed up the plastic on the bottom of my shoes and, since I only had 3 changes of shoes to last me the whole marathon, I knew I was in trouble. To save my soles, I resorted to skipping on the horse trail alongside the course which was a lot slower going.

Fortunately, there were only a few more rough patches to deal with and my fourth pair of shoes held out long enough to allow me to complete the marathon in a finishing time of 5 hours, 55 minutes and 13 seconds.  

Everybody, including the runners, was extremely nice to me and seemed to get a kick out of what I was doing. There had been an article about my attempt in the local newspaper the day before the marathon, so many of the people driving by on the day of the race recognized me. Invariably, they would smile, and yell out something like, “Looking good, Skippy!” I got a huge cheer from the crowd at the stadium when I finished, and later at the awards ceremony, the race director, Gary Egli, thanked me for coming and said he had a special presentation to make. He reached into a bag and proudly handed me a jar of Skippy peanut butter! 

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who are too embarrassed to skip?

Life is too short to worry about what other people think about you. The opinion of others is not going to add one iota to your happiness. You have to be brave and follow your heart. That is the first step on the path to happiness. As Sri Chinmoy, my meditation teacher, so eloquently says:

“Never allow anyone

To clip the silver wings

Of your golden dreams.”

Thank for your boundless enthusiasm, Kim. By the way, I had so much fun skipping the marathon that I plan to do another one within the next couple of months. Skip on, my friends!

Ashrita

Skipper’s Name: Mike Base
Age: 21
Occupation: Performance Musician
City: Fredonia, NY

Mike Bies is not only a full-time performance pianist and bassist, he’s a full-time skipper! This 21-year-old upstate New York resident claims that skipping everyday is essential to a healthy mind, body, soul, and attitude. Mike started skipping at the age of 15 when conga drummer Dan Jackson of Horseheads, NY introduced him to the movement. Dan pushed Mike onward into the positive world of daily skipping and now they’re rocking the music world with their unique form of reggae/rap!

How did you hear about iskip.com? From the Peter Pan Web Site

Where do you skip? I skip at the Fredonia State campus when the weather is nice. Often I skip along trails in the woods. Hopefully Mother Nature arrives early this year! I won’t dare go skipping in all this snow we’ve been having lately!

What is your favorite place to skip? Along the beaches of Lake Erie. When the conditions are right, especially in the summer, I nearly skip into the sky. 

What does skipping “do” for you? Skipping keeps me physically healthy, mentally sharp, and tremendously exuberant when facing an increasingly speedy modern world. It also improves my morale while doing household chores. I am a stickler for a tidy ship!

What is the best thing about skipping? Breathing in Mother Nature’s crisp air and the other friendly people I have come across and grown to love in my skipping endeavors. 

What is the downside to skipping? I have fallen down a few times after some really intense skipping. My good pants were so grassed stained they were nearly ruined.

How would you describe your skipping style? I call it the “Skip Trip.” I usually undertake very intensive skipping journeys. Sometimes my skipping friends can’t keep up.

What is a typical skipping session like for you? Usually I skip along the beach and I bring lots of water. So lots of water drinking on top of the fun.

What kinds of reactions to you get from people when you skip? Weird stares.

Do you skip alone or in groups? I skip alone most of the time, but once I had four others along with me while skipping along the beach

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share? One time I was almost arrested for skipping after dark. Ooops!

Do you have any advice for anyone who is hesitant to start skipping? Let down that guard, stretch those legs, and let the inner light pour from your essence and guide you. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? Watch Jeopardy, cook, and clean, clean, clean.

"Skipping makes me look cool"-Vanessa Nygaard

Which came first, the love of skipping or the love of basketball? It's hard to say with WNBA player, Vanessa Nygaard. The 6 foot 1 inch forward for the Portland Fire tells of two of her great joys in life: skipping and basketball.

Name: Vanessa Ann Nygaard
Age: 25
Occupation: Professional Basketball Player/Burrito Critic
City: Hometown-Carlsbad, CA. My residence is wherever I'm currently playing basketball. Right now, that's Ascheffenburg, Germany…but it could be Portland, OR and various other places around the world.

How long have you been skipping as an adult? I can't honestly say that I'm an adult yet, so this question really isn't relevant.

What is your first skipping memory? It was a dark Halloween night in Southern California. I was eight years old and dressed as the new female member of Menudo. My brothers (dressed as Girl Scouts) and I had a euphoric, sugar-high induced skipping race around our block. You had to be there.

What is your first basketball memory? Playing basketball with no shoes on in the driveway. I was really little and I used to climb on top of our lime green pop-up camper so that I could make my shots.

How did you hear about iskip.com? I read about Kim the Skipping Queen in the "SF Chronicle." I instantly thought the whole thing was great. Any time anyone can avoid a real job and do something that makes them happy, I'm all for it.

Where do you skip? Believe it or not, I do a lot of skipping in my training. Usually when we warm up, skipping is one of a variety of exercises we do, like high-knees and butt-kicks. I also try to get a couple of skips in when I'm in line for lay-ups. I find it is a good way to loosen up and to let off a little bit of extra energy and excitement that I get before a game. Also, sometimes I throw a skip in on the way back to defense if I have a ice play, but not often since I'm pretty slow and need to bust my butt to get back.

What is your favorite place to skip? The basketball court, of course!

How does skipping help your basketball game? I would say it has helped my jumping, but the truth is there are fleas that jump higher than I do. I think skipping really helps me burn excess excitement and of course it makes me look cool.

How does basketball help your skipping? I have built-in opportunities to skip every day. Not only that, but my boss encourages my skipping.

What has been the highlight of your basketball career, so far? The entire four years I spent playing basketball at Stanford.

What has been the highlight of your skipping life? I think my best skipping moments are yet to come. But really, any time I skip it is a highlight.

What does skipping "do" for you? Skipping makes me feel like I can jump and it makes me hype.

Has skipping had any impact on your life? Opened new doors? Changed your attitude? Skipping has made sure that I don't get too serious and anyone who knows me knows this is an issue.

What is the best thing about skipping? Definitely the time you are in the air.

Is there a downside to skipping? The landing.

How would you describe your skipping style? Freight train or cannonball style. Once I start skipping, you better watch out.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? I get strange reactions in everyday life, so I don't really notice a difference when I'm skipping.

Have you encouraged others to join you? Do your teammates join you? We do a lot of skipping as a team. I'm currently attempting to convert one of my Aussie teammates to Skipism so she can bring it back to her continent.

As a professional basketball player, you must get the chance to visit many different cities. Do you skip when you travel? What are the best skipping cities? I make it a point to skip everywhere I go. I get to travel a lot and one of my goals is to skip in as many countries as I can. Just last week, I got the opportunity to skip in Bulgaria. How many people can say that? I don't think skipping has caught on tin the former Eastern Block, but that is just a new frontier for the skip masters of the world.

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? Since no one is a skipping expert, there are really no rules. So there is a lot of room for creativity without criticism. So just give it a shot. Only make sure you are wearing sensible shoes.

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you're not skipping, that is?) I really enjoy napping and I'm quite good at it. I also like to read, quilt, knit, and darn. 

Please share any other thoughts or ideas you have about skipping. What about a skip across America or Skip-a-Thon to draw attention to all the Crabby Kellys and Negative Nicks out there.

Introducing Camey Barber-Olds, from Santa Barbara, California who laments that she can't get anyone to play along! So, if you're ever skipping near Santa Barbara, look for Camey. She'll be bouncy, but alone!

Name: Camey M. Barber-Olds
Age: 29 
Occupation: Communications Coordinator at Bacara Resort & Spa
City: Santa Barbara

How long have you been skipping as an adult? I just started skipping again since childhood

How did you hear about iskip.com? Newspaper

Where do you skip? Along the beach

What is your favorite place to skip? Cabrillo Bike Path

What does skipping "do" for you? Is it merely a means of locomotion? A
way to burn calories? Or is it something more and something deeper? I think it's good exercise and super fun!

What is the best thing about skipping? It's quicker than walking…anything but running!

Is there a downside to skipping? Not that I can see!

How would you describe your skipping style? Bouncy!

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? Weird glances.

Do you skip alone or in groups? Have you encouraged others to join you? Alone, I can't get anyone to play!

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? Live a little.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Drink wine!

"I hope to God it doesn't become a movement."             -Jim Crotty,  Los Angeles, CA

Even though Jim Crotty, aka Jim Monk, fears that too much talk about skipping will ruin its mystique, he sure has a lot to say. Get out your  dictionaries and read on!

Occupation(s): CEO, Monk, Inc.; Editor, Monk Media, Monk.com, Monk: the Mobile Magazine; Host, "Get Monked!," Jim@Monk.com  

How long have you been skipping as an adult? 15 years. Skipping
classes, appointments, and commitments far longer. In fact, I've been
skipping being an adult altogether. 

Where do you skip? The Hollywood Reservoir, the Hollywood YMCA, down the streets of beautiful, fabulous Koreatown ("K-town" to those in the know). Anywhere and everywhere the spirit dictates. 

What is your favorite place to skip? I've never thought about it, mainly
because, until now, I have never self-consciously talked of my skipping
(sounds like pederasty, doesn't it?). I have never fetishized it, if you
will (Adorno will proud of me). Which brings up the danger of talking about "it"--skipping becomes this schtick, instead of flowing naturally out of one's own being. Another badge to wear showing "I am different." At the same time, it's nice to know about group skips, even if my intensely individualistic nature resists the inherent groupthink and commodified quality at the heart of such an endeavor. How's that for a nasty, righteous, justification?  The fact that one had to heretofore be a little embarrassed about skipping, to hide it even, added to its cachet. With that said, I plan to join you folks at some future date, once the St. John's Wort kicks in. 

What do you like about skipping? It is a completely free gesture,
spiraling out of one's childlike core. Running seems Puritan, like work,
like boot camp. Skipping is an expression of pure joy, along with
pogo-ing up and down, which I like to do while skipping. I like to get a
good head of skipping steam going and then POP up into the air like a
pogo stick. It loosens up my entire being, and sends me soaring to the
skies. According to research done at Cal Tech, one day we will be able to skip and jump over tall buildings. Not in my life, but someday some
skipper will be able to skip and jump to the moon. My skipping is merely a prelude to that momentous day. An act of faith. 

How has skipping affected your life? It puts me back in touch with that
egregious 12-step term, "my hidden child." Except in my case it's not too hidden. Skipping feels like a socialist impulse done in neutral countries that don't have to worry about being capitalist show pigs. Skipping is for cities where quality of life comes above career ambition, unless dotcom fraternity boys take over the sport. 

How would you describe your skipping style? Wild abandon. Get out of my way. At my tops, I can skip faster than most runners. 

Do you skip for exercise or just for fun? No conscious thought. I just
suddenly do it whenever or wherever. The problem with most physical
activities is that we are so damn literal about them. I just skip. I
think people should just run, or just sit, or just climb. Not so much
thought.  Though, from a practical viewpoint, skipping feels a lot less stressful on the body, and just as aerobically beneficial as running. 

What is a typical skipping session like for you? Sorry to be so difficult, but I don't believe in the concept of a skipping session"--again, back to the commodification of skipping. Soon Nike will be putting out skipping shoes (YIKES!). And there will be skipping shops. I like activities that can't be easily commodified (hopefully skipping remains in that class). Only a yuppie power jogger thinks in terms of "high impact" or "low impact." Not someone suffused with a free spirit. 

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? A true
skipper doesn't care. Really. Though actually, down here in Los Angeles, not a whole lot of reaction, except maybe at the YMCA (but not even there too much--it's Hollywood after all). 

Have you recruited others into the skipping movement? I hope to God it doesn't become a movement. No recruiting planned. Maybe I will actively pay people NOT to skip, so I can keep it small and authentic. 

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? 
Don't do it, unless you feel like it. You'll be happier at Gold's Gym. 

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share? The time I skipped over a line of bare naked strippers? No, I don't want to share that. 

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you're not skipping, that is)? Cogitate, contemplate, play basketball. 

Do you have any skipping vernacular you've invented? skipstradamus: a skipper who foresees the future of skipping

You can learn more about Jim Monk and at his website www.Monk.com, which he calls "The premier destination for alternative travel and culture on the planet." 

Skipper Margaux Laskey from New York, NY 

"A little skip, a little walk, a little stroll, a little jog, a little run, a little cartwheel."--Margaux Laskey.

Name: Margaux Laskey
Age: 25 (outside), 12 (inside)
Occupation(s): Artist, calligrapher, special events consultant
City: New York City

With a little of this and a little of that, Margaux Laskey of New York
City has found the secret to exercising her inner child.

How long have you been skipping as an adult? I've been a closet skipper for years. Whenever no one was watching, I would break in to a little hop. But the Central Park Skip was my first unabashed adult skipping experience. And oh, what a good one!

Where do you skip? Usually through Central Park and when I go home to Michigan to visit, I skip in the elementary school playground.

What is your favorite place to skip? The aforementioned playground.

What do you like about skipping? It's so cheerful. It automatically makes me smile. Reminds me of my mother...we used to try to dodge raindrops, which, of course, is impossible, but I think that's what made it fun. Fun in futility. 

How has skipping affected your life? It's exercised that inner kiddie. 
She was getting rather pale and lethargic. Now that she's stronger, she
comes out daily. 

How would you describe your skipping style? I like long, skipping strides, and lots of height...a bouncing glide. 

What is a typical skipping session like for you? Relaxed and unscheduled. An improv skip. A little skip, a little walk, a little stroll, a little jog, a little run, a little cartwheel.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? Initially, a look of confusion, then amusement, then pure joy, and oftentimes they break into a little skippy-doodle themselves! That's the best.

Have you recruited others into the skipping movement? I'm trying. I've got a great group of candidates in my acting class. I pass out the stickers to all the kiddie souls I meet. 

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? DO IT! You'll laugh and giggle and your heart will race with glee!

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share? Only the dodging of raindrops with my mother in the park, hand in hand...she's gone now, so that's especially special to me.

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you're not skipping, that is)? Read, draw, create hand-painted clothing, dream, doodle, wander.

Anything else you'd like to add? Yay for Kim Corbin and her skipping 
campaign!

Skipper Chris Reifsteck from San Francisco, CA

“Skipping is more something that happens to me, rather than something I do.”--Cris Reifsteck.

 Cris Reifsteck is a 29-year-old skipper from San Francisco.  Cris, who works as a truck driver, shares these thoughts about skipping and life. 

How long have you been skipping as an adult?  About six months.

Where do you skip? Really, wherever I am when the mood strikes.  I skip on sidewalks the most, and while crossing streets.  I’ve only skipped at work a couple times, but that might be the most fun.  Generally, I prefer skipping outdoors to skipping indoors. 

What is your favorite place to skip? Definitely the financial district.  Skipping amidst people in business suits has a real appeal to it.

What do you like about skipping? You can’t skip without smiling.  Try it. 

How has skipping changed your life?  It has introduced me to several magnificent people, and also helps me remember that pretending to fit in and be normal is bad for me. 

How would you describe your skipping style?  Skips are generally short bursts of joy for me, only 25-50 feet at a time or so.  Unless I skip with other people, in which case I like to skip the whole time if I can.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip?  I think the beauty of San Francisco is that you can skip without really freaking anybody out.  I think it would be interesting to see the different reactions you get from people in different places.  Like how different it would be to skip in Jackson, Mississippi, or Nashville, Tennessee? 

Have you recruited others into the skipping movement? I’d like to think so.

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? It’s good for you physically, it makes you happy, it’s fun.  Life is too short not to do anything you have a notion to do or try.

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share? The Happy Hour skips in the financial district always lead to events and encounters that end up later as stories.

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you’re not skipping, thatis)? Go to school (SF State), write, read, run, mix techno, hang out, trade stocks, take pictures, go on road trips. 

Skipper Laura Baron from San Francisco, CA

"If I didn't skip, I'd feel repressed and confined and whipped and broken spirited and lots of other bad things."--Laura Baron.

Laura Baron is a 26 year old skipper from San Francisco. Laura didn't have to rediscover skipping, because she's never given it up since she started at age 3. With twenty three years skipping experience behind her, Laura not only has a seemingly unlimited energy supply, but also unlimited enthusiasm for the skipping life.

How long have you been skipping as an adult? 23 years 

Where do you skip? In the office on my way to the printer, at Crissy Field to ameliorate my weekly run, on the dance floor, in the bookstore. 

What is your favorite place to skip? Long empty hallways that are usually crowded but aren't when I'm there, like school halls on the weekends or libraries and museums after hours or outdoor commercial centers late in the evening when there is a warm wind blowing. 

What do you like about skipping? Geez, it's really not that complex of an activity. It's fun and it feels good. There isn't much else to say about it.

How do you skip and what is a typical skipping session like for you? I like the high leaping and bounding type skips that cover a lot of ground. Typical skipping is either while dancing (BIG COMMITTED SKIPPING) or at work (more casual silly skipping). 

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? Encouragement when dancing, amusement when at work. 

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? 
Maybe. It depends on why they're hesitant. If they want to skip, and it
won't cause physical harm to their body, then they should definitely
skip. 

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you're not skipping, that
is)? I play ice-hockey and soccer. I climb rocks and ride my bike and run. I love to dance. I sail boats and boards. I roller skate. I go horsing. I volunteer at assorted do-gooder type organizations in the city. I throw eating parties. I plan vacations to go skiing or scubaing or bird watching or spelunking. I go to old buildings and churches and wander around. I go to hear music and attend local theatre. I explore museums and galleries...the usual city stuff. 

Skipper Theresa "Heartdancer" Carey from Miamisburg, OH
Age- 51 
Occupation- editor/publisher; Reverend/shaman/psychic; artist/cartoonist

"If movement was a language, skipping would be the natural word for
'bliss.'"-- Theresa "Heartdancer" Carey

Theresa "Heartdancer" Carey has found bliss not only through skipping,
but in the many ways she uses to re-discover the inner child. Through
workshops, festivals, and private sessions, Theresa helps people get
reacquainted with their inner children who may be lost to years of
drudgery and cynicism. Skipping, she says, is just one way to bring out
the kid in you. Here's more of what she has to say about skipping and life.

How long have you been skipping as an adult? Who knows? It comes so
naturally.

Where do you skip? On the street. In my house. As a clown.

What is your favorite place to skip? In my neighborhood.

What do you like about skipping? It is the physical expression of JOY,
and "Kidness."

How has skipping changed your life? It makes me giggle and takes me
directly out of the doldrums and into that kid who is my bliss!

Would you recommend skipping as a way to help rediscover the inner child?
Exactly! That's what the experience IS. I skip and I'm a kid again!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle people face when beginning the journey of rediscovering the inner child through skipping, or other
means? Generally, as Americans, we see ourselves as hard, and cynical.  It's tough to break through that stereotype! But just one skip, all for oneself, can do the trick and then lead to actual spontaneous random acts of "skipdom".

What is a typical skipping session like for you? Right now I'm an at home and neighborhood skipper. I'm gathering a group of skippers at any group activity I can get together.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? They laugh at me or make sarcastic jokes but I can tell that their spirits are
lifted at the sight of the joyous activity that they are being entertained by, as they watch me skip. Sometimes even when I'm probably not being seen, as I skip, it brings a giggle to me, to know that someone who might see themselves as being too rigid to enjoy a skip, are being knocked off their tight rope...to actually broaden their view of life.

Have you recruited others into the skipping movement? It's gonna happen, yes.

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping?
Start slow and do it because it pleases you. Then when the right time
comes, do a skip in front of someone you trust and then watch your
skipping habit grow and empower you to the expressions of joy...and get you healthy too.

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share? I remember when my present husband and I had just started going together. I was walking down a city street and just skipped because I couldn't help it. It was like there was no way around it or the spirit of skipping had revealed itself in my movements. If movement was a language, skipping would be the natural word for Bliss!

Tell a little about your website, your magazines, and your other
services. To say it simply, Sacred Child Sanctuary is the Tickle Spot
of the Goddess. I was inspired by a poem once that still moves me
whenever I read it. This is how Tickle Spot got it's name. When I
started the poem, I tried to answer the question "Does MOM Earth have a tickle spot?" It was just meant to be funny. At first, I tried to answer the question, with an actual place on the globe where this "tickle spot" might be. Then I felt the inspiration touch me, and tears came to my eyes. I was aware that the Goddess was saying to me that ...that place on Her Earthly form that brought Her delight was ....me and you and you and you! From this inspiration grew all the works and joyous expressions the TICKLE SPOT & SACRED CHILD SANCTUARY support and extend.

How many sacred sisters do you have and do you all skip? Those who choose to attend the Spring Goddess Festival on May 7, will be skipping for the first time as one of our INNER CHILD activities. This will remain as one of our traditions.

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you're not skipping, that is)? Dancing, cartooning, making playful goddess statue, and writing about playful ways.

Skipper Brenda Star Walker from Jacksonville, FL

“Just do it”--Brenda Star Walker          

You might think it’s just a slogan for Nike, but Brenda Star Walker of Jacksonville, Florida applies it to skipping as well. Brenda is a fifty-year-old licensed massage therapist, yoga teacher and self-proclaimed merry maker. She skips anywhere, at any time, for exercise and just for fun, alone or in groups. Brenda has this to say about the activity which makes her merry: skipping.

How long have you been skipping as an adult? Never stopped as a child

Where do you skip? Anywhere I want, I'm not shy

What is your favorite place to skip? My beautiful neighborhood, although
I recently skipped in the snow in Iceland and in Amsterdam

What do you like about skipping? It’s invigorating, burns calories and is
fun.

How has skipping changed your life? It hasn’t really, skipping just
enhances my life.

What is a typical skipping session like for you? I add skipping to my walk/jogs or just going to the store. I park far away so I have more time and space to skip a little.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip? Usually,
people smile.

Have you recruited others into the skipping movement? Sure

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? 
Just do it.

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share? Just that I was
bowled over to find a skipping site/organization online.

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you're not skipping, that
is)? Listen to music (especially the Grateful Dead), read, garden, play with my grandbabies. I'm trying to teach them skipping, but find that they are a bit too young yet at almost 2 and 4 - I'm figuring that the skipping skill probably comes around age 4 - would be curious to see how young others have started.

Skipper Rod O'Shea from Scarsdale, NY              

“A winner has to skip to win.”--Rod O’Shea

Rod O’Shea of Scarsdale, New York knows a lot about winning.  Rod’s radio show on WFAS am often focuses on what makes winners succeed, what traits winners share.  His business, WIP (Winners Identification Profile), profiles the actions of the successful people in any group.  He then teaches others to model their actions after those of the winners, to improve their performance.  He’s also written books about Winners Identification Profiles.

“A winner has to skip to win,” Rod says.  “Win what?  Win in being alive in the day.  Every winner I know celebrates with enthusiasm and joy.  It’s a winning action to let the body have its say and to connect with everything internal and external...the spirit, the mind with the body.”

Here is what Rod has to say about skipping and winning:

How long have you been skipping as an adult?  Just this year since I heard about iskip. 

Where do you skip? When I walk my dogs, when I take a break during the day around the building. 

What is your favorite place to skip?  Gee, I don’t know if I have a favorite place.  Like I said above.

What do you like about skipping?  My spirit lights up.  Just like when I was a kid, I skipped simultaneously when walking...or just skipped.

How has skipping changed your life?  Skipping gave me one more way to cherish my child spirit, to be free and spontaneous.

How would you describe your skipping style?  I just skip and leave the style to the moment.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip?   Well, when I skip, the world knows it.  I’ve been 6’6” since my teens, so everything I do draws attention.  I don’t notice it, but the world does.  Heads turn?  Sometimes.  But most of the time, the people I’m with join in.  That simple.  They like what they see.  They were all kids once and my skipping reminds them of that.  I’m not doing it for them so that’s all I can say about them.

Have you recruited others into the skipping movement?   Oh yes.  I did a broadcast with the Skipper several months ago and a lot of my listeners to my program “Talkin’ With Rod O’Shea” have told me they’ve been skipping ever since.  One great thing...I have a lot of seniors listening and Vets and they tell me skipping in the pool is fantastic.  Keeps the pressure off the joints.

Do you have any favorite skipping stories to share?                                     Do you want my X-rated ones or PG ones?

Do you have any advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping?   Let the girl and boy inside out.  He and she have been locked up in there so long, for too much of the time of our lives.

What do you like to do in your spare time (when you’re not skipping, that is)?  Impossible to answer since I now skip all the time, doing everything as I skip. Only kidding!  Read, theater, concerts, visiting hospitals, particularly Veterans hospitals.  And a bunch more things.  And I work also.  I almost forgot.

Name: Jay Rostosky      Age: 32
Occupation: Java Instructor
City: New York, NY

How long have you been skipping as an adult?
Off and on, throughout adulthood, but recently I'm skipping much more. As I continue to grow and mature and get more and more comfortable with who and what I am, I realize that hey, I can do whatever I want, and I'm comfortable doing it. This certainly includes skipping.

Where do you skip?
In my day to day life, wherever the urge comes over me. On a semi-regular basis, around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

Where is your favorite place to skip?
Skipping makes every place a good place.

What do you like about skipping?
The feeling it gives you as you do it. It makes you feel good, and it brings out a sense of play and lightheartedness. It's pretty hard not to feel happy while skipping. Try it -- betcha can't be sad while skipping! I also like how there are lots of different ways to skip, to reflect your mood. There's the Mellow Skip, the High Jump Skip, the Long Jump Skip, and of course the fun Circle Skip and Backward Skip to cap off a nice skip.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip?
I'm not bulletproof, but I tend not to care about their reactions, so I don't notice much. (Though I consider myself to be a very observant person, when I want to be.) Often, I'll just skip across a parking lot or something, or down a hallway. Just a quickie. The people who notice almost don't realize what happened.They do notice, though, and then I'm gone, leaving them wondering about the playful guy that just skipped by. Maybe they'll also give it a try.

Do you have any words of advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping?
Don't be! Regarding any potential naysayers, forget about 'em. In fact, feel sorry for them, as they're likely blocking and resisting what we skippers know is a good thing -- your inner child and sense of playfulness. We should help these people, actually. Skipping is FUN. Why hesitate to have fun? Enjoy Life -- this is not a dress rehearsal.

Any favorite skipping stories to share?
One of my most wild skips was on the top of Observation Peak, in Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness. 80 degrees and sunny, yet snow on top, high peaks all around, absolute quiet. Calls for a Mellow Skip. Also had to bust out some Jumping Jacks, which I'm also a fan of. I do jumping jacks whenever I'm happy about something or cheering for someone. (You think skipping draws a reaction sometimes -- try jumping jacks.) The world is your playground. Can I go out and play?

Any advice for pioneers of the skipping movement to help spread the word?
Just keep on skippin', and help out the Head Skippers out there (or become one!). Really, we're not trying to push skipping on people -- we are just promoting awareness. We are helping to break down walls and inhibitions. For those that try it, skipping is an entry point into a much happier and playful existence. Just think -- you may have helped someone enter that existence. Oh, they entered it on their own, but you held the door open.

Name: Rosie Bates
Age: 51
Occupation: Executive Educational Secretary - Administration
Hometown: Battle Creek, Michigan

How long have you been skipping as an adult?
Approximately two months

Where do you skip?
I skip in my neighborhood every day. However, I have been known to skip in the grocery store, in the parking lot going into the grocery store; in the hallway at work; and today, I skipped my way around the local County Fair!!!

Where is your favorite place to skip?
In my neighborhood, but actually now, anywhere I feel the urge.

What do you like about skipping?
The feeling that skipping gives is one of exhilaration and freedom. There is nothing like it. It really does make you feel like a kid again.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip?
At first, looks of disbelief....now smiles and"thumbs-up."

Do you have any words of advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping?
Oh, please, don't hesitate. At first, I will admit, I was a little shy about skipping in public. After you begin your skip...nothing matters but the joy it brings you....and to everyone who is watching. It's fantastic!

Any favorite skipping stories to share?
My favorite story so far is when the hot air balloonists were flying overhead on a beautiful summer evening and saw me skipping and yelled down"are you actually skipping?" It was a terrific experience to have the heavens yelling down at a skipper!!!!!

Name: Colleen Schell
Age: 26
City: San Francisco

How long have you been skipping as an adult?
2 years

Where do you skip?
Marina, beach, randomly throughout the city, Bay to Breakers

Where is your favorite place to skip?
The Bay to Breaker race

What do you like about skipping?
My sister and I started skipping when we got to tired when running. We didn't want to walk because it was so slow so I started to skip and she just followed no questions asked. It turned into a sort of tradition that always made us smile.

What kinds of reactions do you get from people when you skip?
Most people don't know how to react. But I get alot of smiles and some people are actually inspired to put that extra jump in their step and join in.

Do you have any words of advice for someone who is hesitant to start skipping? Take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, add that extra jump, and feel your lips spread across your face to form a smile, only to part to let out a childish giggle.

Any favorite skipping stories to share?
How I became the Skipping Fairy and won the Skipping Bay to Breakers: My sister and I dressed up as a fairy to run the Bay to Breakers for the first time two years ago. We have a friend that lives on the route around the three mile mark who invited us up for mimosas. We were so thirsty from running that we started downing the mimosas as we sat on the roof and watched as the other runners went by. 15 minutes and five drinks later we decided to hit the pavement again. As we approached the hill the champagne started to get us and we couldn't run anymore so we decided we would skip for a little while. Well the skipping stuck and we skipped the rest of the four miles of the Bay to Breakers. People loved and cheered on the skipping fairies, asking"did you skip the whole way?" I took that as a challenge and decided to skip the whole race this year, hence giving me first place in the skipping Bay to Breakers race. Alright, I was the only participant but that's not really my fault now is it.