Skimboarding is the use of a small, flat board to hydroplane on the shallow water left as waves recede on a beach. You have several choices in board shape and construction depending on the type of riding you wish to do. Boards commonly have a rough surface to stand on, a smooth, flat bottom with no fins, and a small rocker, or bend in its shape.
Construction
Boards can be simple plywood with a fiberglass skin, or modern foam core, honeycomb and carbon composites. As of 2010, inexpensive laminated wood beginner boards are available at many surf shops for under $100 while high-end foam core boards can cost several hundred dollars.
Size
Choosing the correct size skimboard for your weight is essential for skimming. Be sure to check the weight rating before you buy a board. The proper size board should reach your sternum when it is stood on its tail.
Shape
Like surfboards and wakeboards, skimboards have a slight curve built into their otherwise flat shape called "rocker." The amount of rocker determines how the board will perform, with flatter boards more common in "flatland" use, and more rocker in boards that will be used to venture into the surf.
Surface
The top surface of your skimboard may use grip tape, or imbedded grit to keep your feet from slipping off. High end boards need to be prepared with traditional surfer's wax. Regularly check for damage or irregularities especially on the more fragile foam core boards.
Considerations
The best surface on which to skimboard is pure sand. You want to avoid beaches with rocks and shells that disrupt the hydroplaning action and will cause a fall. For beginners, flat beaches with fine sand allow a very smooth surface and lower speeds. An inexpensive wooden board works fine here.
Advanced skimboarders enjoy a steep beach with coarse sand and performing stunts in the waves. Riders run at top speed, fling the board down and skim down the beach, out into the waves, carve a hard 180-degree turn on a wave and ride it back to shore. Riders may use the face of a wave as a ramp to launch skyward. Foam core boards provide the buoyancy needed to ride waves.
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