Skimboarding goes as far back as the 1920s when American lifeguards devised a way of having fun. They found pieces of wood and carved them into boards which they rode across the shallow waters of the shoreline. This sport has made a big come-back and is now enjoyed all over the world. A skimboard can be made of plastic, wood, or fiberglass.
Skimboarding is a little like surfing but it takes place in the shallow waters of the shoreline. The rider begins by running, then dropping the board into a wave backwash, jumps on the board and skims across the water. Then, just like surfing, the wave is ridden back to the shore.
Like rollerblading and skateboarding, skimboarding also comprises a number of tricks called ‘flat-landing’. The sport has its own lingo and some of the moves have quirky names such as shuv-its or ollies. Because the boards are a lot smaller than surfboards, they are great for performing tricks.
If you are a first-timer looking for a board, it’s best to visit a store that specializes in water sports. It is very important to get a board that suits your size, ability and weight. A store assistant can help you select a suitable one.
Put the board on the shop floor to test it. The center part must lie flat, while the tail and nose sections should be slightly raised. To enable you to ride faster, the underneath part should be fiberglass or plastic. However, if you are looking for a board that is strong and durable, wood is preferable.
As you get more proficient at the sport and start mastering the art of flat-landing, it will be necessary to own two boards. You will need a bigger board for riding waves and a smaller, rounder, lighter one for flat-landing. However, a medium sized skimboard is ideal if you just want to have fun at the beach.
Looking for more info on the great beach sport of skimboarding ? Get the low down on the best skimboard now in our skimboard guide.