How to Choose the Right Skimboard for You

Your Guide to buying the best Skimboards

Overview

Skimboarding is an increasingly popular sport that is quickly gaining traction among all age groups. It requires a specific type of board, known as a Skimboard, to properly perform tricks and stunts. If you're new to the sport, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of Skimboards available on the market. To help you find the right Skimboard for you, this buying guide will cover the most important features to consider when making your purchase. We'll discuss the different types of Skimboards, explain the importance of materials and design, and provide tips on finding the best Skimboard for your needs. With the right information and a bit of research, you'll be able to find the perfect Skimboard to start your skimboarding journey!

Key features

  1. Size: Skimboards come in a variety of sizes depending on the size of the rider and their intended use. Larger sizes are better for larger riders, while smaller sizes are better for smaller riders.
  2. Material: Skimboards are typically constructed from wood, foam, or fiberglass. Wood is the most common material for entry-level skimboards; it is durable and affordable, but it can be heavy. Foam boards are lightweight and provide good performance, but they are more expensive and not as durable. Fiberglass skimboards provide excellent performance, but they are expensive and prone to damage.
  3. Binding: Skimboards are available with or without bindings. Bindings provide extra control and stability, but they add weight and can hinder maneuverability.
  4. Shape: Skimboards come in a variety of shapes, including tapered, round, and square. Tapered boards are faster, but can be harder to maneuver. Round and square boards are more stable and easier to maneuver, but slower.
  5. Rocker: The rocker of a skimboard is the amount of curvature from the nose to the tail. Higher rockers provide more control, while lower rockers provide more speed.
  6. Fins: Skimboards typically come with one or two fins. Fins provide stability and control, but can make the board more difficult to turn.

See the most popular Skimboards on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to carry - Skimboards are much lighter than traditional surfboards, making them much easier to carry around and transport.
  • Shorter learning curve - Skimboarding is generally a much simpler sport to learn than traditional surfing due to its shorter learning curve.
  • Ability to ride in shallow water - Skimboards can be ridden in much shallower water than traditional surfboards, and is perfect for shallow beaches and coves.
  • Cheaper to buy - Skimboards are much cheaper than traditional surfboards in terms of both price and maintenance costs.
  • Versatility - Skimboards can be ridden in a variety of conditions, from the shoreline to the open ocean.

Cons

  • Cost - Skimboards can be quite expensive depending on the materials, size, and additional features.
  • Weight - Depending on the materials used, skimboards can be quite heavy and difficult to transport or carry.
  • Durability - Skimboards can wear down over time with regular use, meaning they may need to be replaced periodically.
  • Skill level - Skimboarding requires a certain level of skill, so beginners may find it difficult to learn.
  • Weather conditions - Skimboarding is a water sport, so it is dependent on having the right weather conditions to be enjoyable.

Best alternatives

  1. Bodyboards - An alternative to skimboarding that involves a board made of foam and typically ridden in the prone position.
  2. Surfboards - A traditional surfing board that is used to ride the waves, usually in a standing position.
  3. Longboards - A large, longboard-style surfboard used for riding medium-sized to large-sized waves.
  4. Stand Up Paddleboards - A surfboard-style board with an attached paddle, used to surf bigger waves or meander through calm waters.
  5. Kneeboards - A board designed to be ridden in a kneeling position, making it easier to catch small waves.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Skimboard - A thin, flat board, typically made of wood or foam, used for sliding along shallow water or wet sand.
  • Pads - A pad is worn on the lower legs to protect from scrapes and bruises when a rider is doing tricks.
  • Leash - A leash is a strap or rope that is attached to the board and wraps around the rider's ankle so the board does not drift away.
  • Wax - Wax is applied to the top of the board to help the rider stay on the board and maintain their grip.
  • Gloves - Gloves are worn on the hands to provide extra grip for the rider.

Common questions

  1. What is a Skimboard?
    A skimboard is a small, thin board that is used to skim, or glide, across the surface of the water on a beach. It is typically made out of foam or fiberglass and is used for performing tricks, such as 360s, shuvs, sliders, and backflips.
  2. What are the different types of Skimboards?
    There are two main types of skimboards: foam and fiberglass. Foam boards are generally lighter and less expensive, but more prone to damage. Fiberglass boards are more durable and typically faster, but heavier and more expensive.
  3. How do I choose a Skimboard?
    When choosing a skimboard, consider your skill level, size, weight, price, and intended use. Beginners should opt for a foam board, as they are more forgiving and easier to learn on. More experienced riders should look for a fiberglass board that is light and fast. Additionally, make sure the board you choose is the right size and weight for your body.
  4. What safety gear do I need to use a Skimboard?
    It is recommended that skimboarders wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when riding. Additionally, a properly fitted helmet is also recommended for more advanced riders, as well as kneepads and elbow pads.

Trivia

Skimboarding has been gaining popularity around the world since its invention in the late 1920s. In fact, it is considered to be the world's oldest water sport, predating both surfing and skateboarding. One of the most interesting things about skimboarding is that it has been accredited to a young boy who was inspired after watching a group of men slide pieces of wood on the beach. That young boy’s name was Walter “Doc” Ball, and he is considered to be the father of skimboarding. The idea spread quickly, and soon other beach goers started to use their own makeshift boards to skim the waves. Today, skimboarding has become a sought-after activity, and there are dozens of skimboard companies and skimboard parks around the world. Source: https://whatskiing.com/skimboarding/history-of-skimboarding/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.