Skimboarding is similar to surfing, except that skimboarders usually stay near the shore, gliding across the shallow wash of water left by returning waves. Many different riding styles exist, including trick and freestyle techniques, which employ skateboarding skills and maneuvers. Your riding style and region determine what skimboard sizes, shapes and design features will work for you, so ask the staff at a surf shop for recommendations suited to your needs.
Foam Skimboards
Foam skimboards are popular along the West Coast and in Hawaii, according to SkimOnline. Skimboarders in those regions often start off on the shore line, ride into the surf a short way and then ride a wave back to the beach. Foam skimboards are light and buoyant. They typically have a core of high-density foam, surrounded by a fiberglass or carbon-fiber shell. A foam board is a good choice if you plan to ride waves in deeper water as well as glide across the shallow areas near the shore.
Wood Skimboards
Wood skimboards are popular along the East Coast, where riders tend to stick near the shore line, according to SkimOnline. Wood skimboards are heavy and do not float well, so most riders who use them stick to gliding on the shallow water near the shore. You can use wood skimboards in deeper water, but it takes practice. Wood skimboards work best on flat beaches. They are often less expensive than foam skimboards.
Specially Designed Skimboards
The design type of your skimboard makes a huge difference, especially if you plan to ride waves, according to SkimOnline. The size and shape of the skimboard affects how well it floats. Larger boards will float better but might be more difficult to turn. Smaller boards will be easier to control but less buoyant. The thickness of the skimboard also affects flotation, with thinner boards being less buoyant but easier to turn. A skimboard's "rocker" refers to the degree of the board's curvature when viewed horizontally, which affects how well you can transition from the sand to the water. The flatter the beach, the less rocker you need. SkimOnline says East Coast riders prefer a rocker of 2 inches, and West Coast riders prefer 3 inches. Tail shape affects stability and maneuverability. Finally, SkimOnline recommends purchasing the lightest board possible, especially if you plan to use it on extremely windy beaches. Ask the staff at the surf shop for tips on which types of designs work best in your region.
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