Buying Guide - Skim Boards

Skimboarding is a thrilling water sport that combines speed, balance, and tricks on flat or wave-breaking shores. Choosing the right skimboard is key to enhancing your experience and improving your skills. Here’s a complete guide to help you buy the perfect skimboard:

1. Determine Your Skill Level

• Beginner:
  • Look for a board with extra width and buoyancy for stability.
  • Durable materials that can withstand impacts.
• Intermediate:
  • Boards with a good balance of speed and maneuverability.
• Advanced:
  • Lightweight, high-performance boards designed for tricks and wave-riding.

2. Types of Skimboards

• Wave Riding Skimboards:
  • Designed for catching and riding waves.
  • Narrower and lighter for better control.
• Flatland Skimboards:
  • Used on shallow, flat water.
  • Wider and heavier for stability and tricks.

3. Board Size

The size of your skimboard depends on your weight, height, and intended use:

• Weight and Size Chart:

  Rider Weight	Board Length
  Under 100 lbs	35"–40"
  100–150 lbs	40"–45"
  150–200 lbs	45"–50"
  Over 200 lbs	50"+

• Considerations:

  • Smaller Boards: Easier to maneuver and perform tricks but less buoyant.
  • Larger Boards: More buoyant and faster on water but harder to control.

4. Board Shape

The shape affects performance and use:

• Rocker:
  • Refers to the upward curve of the nose.
  • Steep Rocker: Good for waves and sharp turns.
  • Flat Rocker: Ideal for speed on flat surfaces.
• Width:
  • Wider boards are more stable and suitable for beginners or flatland tricks.
  • Narrower boards offer better speed and control for wave riding.

5. Materials

• Wooden Skimboards:
  • Affordable and durable.
  • Best for beginners and flatland skimboarding.
  • Heavier and less buoyant than foam boards.
• Foam Core Skimboards:
  • Lightweight and buoyant.
  • Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders and wave riding.
  • More expensive but better for performance.
• Carbon Fiber Skimboards:
  • Ultra-lightweight and high-performance.
  • Expensive and best for advanced riders.

6. Thickness

• Thin Boards (3/8"):
  • Faster and more responsive.
  • Better for tricks and wave riding.
• Thick Boards (5/8"):
  • More buoyant and stable.
  • Suitable for beginners or flatland skimming.

7. Traction

• Traction Pads:
  • Provides grip for your feet.
  • Essential for advanced riders and wave skimboarding.
• Wax:
  • An alternative to traction pads for grip.
  • Needs regular reapplication.

8. Tail Shape

The tail shape influences control and speed:

• Square Tail:
  • Offers better lift and control for tricks.
  • Ideal for flatland skimboarding.
• Pin Tail:
  • Good for wave riding as it offers more control in turns.
• Rounded Tail:
  • A versatile option for both flatland and wave skimboarding.

9. Budget

• Entry-Level (£50–£100):
  • Wooden boards; great for beginners and casual riders.
• Mid-Range (£100–£300):
  • Foam-core boards with better performance and durability.
• High-End (£300+):
  • Carbon fiber or advanced foam boards for competitive or professional skimboarding.

10. Accessories

• Board Bag:
  • Protects your board during transport and storage.
• Wax:
  • Essential for maintaining grip.
• Traction Pads:
  • Improves control and foot placement.
• Leash:
  • Helps keep the board close in wave riding.

11. Brand Recommendations

Reputable skimboard brands include:

• CJB : High-quality boards for all levels.
• Victoria Skimboards: Renowned for performance wave-riding boards.
• Exile Skimboards: Durable, lightweight boards for advanced riders.
• DB Skimboards: Specializes in flatland skimboards.

12. Tips for Choosing the Right Skimboard

1. Consider Your Riding Style:
   • Flatland: Opt for wider, thicker boards.
   • Wave Riding: Choose lightweight, narrow boards with a foam core.
2. Test Before Buying:
   • If possible, borrow or rent a similar board to see how it feels.
3. Choose Durable Materials:
   • Beginners should prioritize durability over performance.
4. Look for Local Expertise:
   • Visit a surf shop or ask experienced skimboarders for recommendations based on your local conditions.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll find a skimboard that matches your skill level, riding style, and budget, ensuring a fantastic experience on the water!