Skimboarding has come a long way from wooden mini surfboards. Modern skimboarding has become a sport of it’s own with boards made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, texalium and still good old fashioned wood. Modern skimboard designs have expanded the sport into so much more than simple skim riding. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional skimboarder, there’s a board for everybody.
The design of new foam-core skimboards are well tested and designers have come to know what works and what doesn’t. Foam skimboards are lighter and more buoyant than wood and are easier to ride larger waves. To help you pick out the best board for you, there are five different features of a skimboard you need to look at:
Skimboard Size:
Skimboards that are bigger are going to float better, but they are also slower. You want to make sure you match your skimboard to your body weight and skill level. The larger you are the larger the skimboard you will need. Narrower boards tend to move faster but also sink faster than wider skimboards. Shorter boards will give you more front to back control, but you won’t be able to get as far out.
Skimboard Thickness:
Thickness is usually an easier decision when it comes to picking out your skimboard. Thicker boards travel farther over the water but also make your board heavier and harder to turn. If speed and responsiveness is what you are looking for, you want to go as thin as you can manage at your skill level.
Skimboard Rocker:
The rocker is the amount of curve on the front of your skimboard. The amount of rocker is very much a personal preference. The rocker controls a lot of variables like the transition from the skim to the surf and ultimately how fast your skimboard will go. A larger rocker is easier to transition but will slow your skimboard down.
Skimboard Weight:
Lighter is almost always better. Having a lighter skimboard will allow you to perform more tricks and give you more control over the board.
Skimboard Tail Shape:
Pin tails are great for beginners because they make your skimboard more stable. Pin tails are also the most commonly available. Swallow (w-shaped) and square tails give you more maneuverability with your skimboard, but also make it shorter.