Choosing a skimboard requires a bit of consideration. At first, you may think all skimboards are alike. However, skimboards have come a long way in the past few decades. There are many designs, each specialized for different types of skimboarding, similar to the range of boards available in surfboards. To select a proper skimboard, think about your size, athletic ability, experience and the type of skimboarding you want to do. With a little forethought and planning, you can find a skimboard that will do what you want, the way you want it, giving you a good ride in the process.
Step 1
Determine how much you want spend of your skimboard. According to SkimOnline.com, if you don't want to spend a lot, choose a wooden board, which costs around $60. If your budget is higher, consider a foam and fiberglass board, which can cost $150 or more.
Step 2
Consider your athletic ability when deciding on a skimboard. Choose a longer, more stable design if you are a beginner or novice rider. Select a shorter board that is easier to turn if you are more skilled and experienced.
Step 3
Decide what type of skimboard surfing you want to do. For working flat waters along the shoreline, a wooden board or a fiberglass board with a flatter rocker of 2 inches is a good choice. If you want to skim waves, look for a skimboard with a steeper rocker of three inches or better. Remember that too high of a rocker will slow you down.
Step 4
Buy the lightest weight board you can get away with that will still hold your weight. The lighter the better to keep you up on the surface. Heavier boards tend to sink more quickly.
Step 5
Select a board that is also big enough to carry you well. Most skimboard manufacturers produce boards in different sizes to accommodate different weight surfers. For example, the Tex Haines Pro model from Victoria Skimboards comes in size small, rated for riders 100-150 lbs, medium for 130 to 180 lb riders and a large model for riders 160 to 210 lbs.
Step 6
Choose a skimboard with a pintail for added stability, Try a swallowtail or square tail for added maneuverability. These boards also then to produce more spray as they are ridden. Consider purchasing a traction pad to put on your board. This is a rubber pad that helps you better grip the board with your feet.
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