Skateboarding has become a popular pastime in thousands of urban locations around the world with skate-parks being developed and skateboarders using the most unlikely of street items to perform their tricks on. But it’s not the only board-sport that’s come into fruition, as surfing is also one of the most favored activities as well. Using a large board, surfers use waves to bring them back to shore, giving them an alternative to skating, either because it’s unavailable or because it’s more of a rush. Skimboarding takes both of these and combines them into a single sport that features the benefits of both. Using a skimboard, they can do skateboard tricks, but on the water and use the waves to return them to shore.
Skimboarding
Skimboarding can be split into two categories that differ massively in focus. The first is traditional skimboarding, otherwise known as wave riding. The user starts by using the board to skim across the water’s surface, beginning on the beach (preferably on wet sand), then using their momentum to skim across the water towards a new wave. They then catch this back to shore. Wave riding is considered more advanced than flatland skimming.
Flatland
While wave riding takes place out from the shore, flatland focuses on skateboard-like tricks on the water. They follow the same process of using the momentum to skim across the water, but while they’re moving, they pull off any tricks they wish. There are clear advantages over skateboarding, such as falling has less dangerous consequences.
Additionally, flatland doesn’t require an open ocean to skim on, wet sand will do and in some cases is preferable, such as practice for beginners. Furthermore, even lakes or open pools or water can suffice for flatland skimmers. Skimboards are often wider than surfboards and larger than skateboards,
Have you ever tried to skimboard? It’s fun. At skimboard world, we have some awesome boards that you may be interested in.