What is the difference between a skimboard and a bodyboard ?Ī. Skimboarding can be done on top of waves or along the shore as the waves come in. Skimboarding can be done on any beach, whether it’s by the ocean, a lake, or a river. If properly cared for, a board in this range is likely to last for many years. These have durable and lightweight laminates that allow the board to flex slightly. In the $100 to $200 range are foam boards designed to handle waves and tricks. Many of these boards have durable laminates and traction pads for more control. You’ll find a variety of high-quality wooden boards suited to beginner or intermediate skimmers for $50 to $100. While they work well for getting the hang of skimming, the laminate could wear easily. Skimboard prices InexpensiveĮntry-level skimboards that cost $30 to $50 are typically made of wood and might be smaller than the average board. In general, the steeper the rocker, the slower the board, and it will also be less likely to dip under waves. Some boards designed for skimming on the shore have little to no rocker, while boards designed for tackling waves have extreme rockers of up to three inches high. The rocker is the curved tip of the board. You can also apply a traction pad to a board that doesn’t come with one. Beginners benefit from the control of a traction pad, and experienced skimmers find them useful for performing tricks. Tail pads are the most popular choice because they keep your back foot firmly planted. Many skimboards have a traction pad either at the back of the board or down the length of the board. Traction padĪ traction pad provides extra grip and control. Bear in mind that you’ll also want to match the board’s color when repairing the resin. You should choose a skimboard whose colors and patterns suit your style or complement your bathing suit. Most skimboards are brightly colored on the top with a plain, solid color on the bottom. Once you know what materials you want and which size board is right for you, consider a few additional factors like the look of the board, traction pad, and rocker.

Width has the same effect as length: a wider board is faster but doesn’t carve as well as a narrow board. Width: Board widths range from 18 to 25 inches.A shorter board is better suited to carving, but it might not work as well on the shore.

In general, a longer board is faster but harder to control. Length: Most skimboards range from 35 to 60 inches long. The size of a skimboard should correspond to your weight, experience level, and the type of skimming you want to do. Epoxy: Light, flexible, extremely durable.Vinyl ester: Highly flexible, somewhat slow Polyester: Long-lasting, inflexible, good for faster, longer runs The following are the most common types of resin: Resin: The resin is the protective layer that coats the board and allows it to glide over the water. They’re also slightly thicker and more durable than wooden boards. They float more easily than wood boards and are perfect for catching waves and performing tricks, making them better boards for advanced skimmers. Though wood won’t last as long as a board made of fiberglass-laminated foam, it’s still a serviceable material at a low price.įoam: These boards are lightweight and often covered in carbon fiber or fiberglass. Cheaper boards also tend to be made of wood, making them the ideal material for most beginners. The extra weight of the wood gives you momentum, carrying you farther with each run. Wood: These boards are well suited to beginners and work best on the shore. The materials in a skimboard determine its weight, durability, and handling on the shore and in the waves. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a skimboard for maneuvers, you need to consider the materials and size of each board to find one that suits your style. Skimboarding might be easier to learn than surfing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off seriously impressive tricks. Other important factors when choosing a skimboard are the material and coating.Ĭhoosing the right skimboard means considering your skill level and the conditions. Some boards have a rocker – the curved nose of the board that helps it stay on top of the water when approaching waves. If you’re a veteran, most of your speed will come from your running start, and the waves do the rest of the work. The longer the board is, the faster it will be, so beginners might enjoy a longer board for those precious extra seconds of skimming and learning to control the board. A larger board offers more room for your feet and is better suited to beginners, while smaller boards offer more control for tricks.

Whether you are looking to skim across the sand on wide, flat beaches or pull ollies on curling waves, skimboarding can be excellent exercise.īoard shapes vary widely, but there’s no “right” shape.

Skimboarding is a great sport that’s easy to get into but can take years to master.

Waxing a skimboard