Skimboarding is still one of those sports that is semi-underground and that is why finding the best skimboards for riding waves can be a bit difficult.
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You’ve probably been at the beach and have seen shredding on smaller waves and rails thinking, “I need to get on that level”. Well now more than ever, skimboarding is reaching a wider audience, and because of that, the development of different shapes, sizes, and brands have come onto the market.
That’s awesome for the skimboarding community, though can be a bit confusing when it comes to picking a skimboard up for your first time.
We’re going to spend the rest of this article breaking down all you need to know so you can get out there and start ripping right away.
The 17 Best Bets
Top 5 Best Fiberglass Skimboards
Our #1 PIck - Wave Zone 51” Squash Fiberglass Skimboard
Coming in a wide variety of different styles / designs, the Wave Zone Squash is an excellent board for experienced riders. You also have the option to save on a traction pad and board bag specifically designed for this board when you purchase it.
The board is made with a very strong fiberglass that coats a high-density, level 3 PVC foam core. A subtly curved mid section allows you to keep in contact with the water for a smooth glide atop it. The shape of the tail, which is nicely rounded, adds more bite and control in the case of needing to make a sharp turn.
It allows for riders up to 200lbs, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone in the family to take out. From tricks to spins, you’ll be able to do some pretty awesome stuff with this board once you get comfortable with it. You also might like to know that it is crafted completely in the USA!
#2 - AVAC from Apex
The AVAC is one of the most radical high-performance skimboards out on the market today. Born from the minds of pro skimboarders, this board is truly designed for those that are experienced in the sport.
Made with an ultra high-density foam core, multiple layers of woven E-glass fibers, and vacuum mold technology, there is no doubt this board will be a long-lasting part of your arsenal. The boards also come in an array of unique designs that definitely stand out from other board that you’ll see out there.
You should also know that this is easily the lightest and strongest board that you will find for the money. Skimboards like this with perfectly tuned rockers and flexibility are awesome in catering to riders who need something unique to accommodate their style.
#3 - Victoria Johnny Salta Pro Model
This pro level skimboard is excellent for someone who is already familiar with the sport and is looking to experiment. The board comes in three different sizes with suggested weights from 100-210lbs.
Made using extremely high-quality materials, you’ll fall in love with the high-density PVC foam core, carbon fiberglass shell, and Vinylester coat.
The board even looks awesome with the quarter black / watercolor stripe design with the signature Johnny Salta skeleton. This board has a super lightweight matte finish and is very durable. You’ll be able to enjoy this board for many skim sessions. If you need a board that provides a bit extra volume and helps to plane out in far breaks, this is your knight in shining armor.
#4 - Liquid Shredder 32” Fiberglass Skimboard
The Liquid Shredder 32” Fiberglass Skimboard is one of more inexpensive fiberglass boards on the market today. With excellent reviews from around the web, this board is expertly designed for beginners who want a fiberglass board.
Made with an epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth sandwich construction, this board is sure to last you a long time. The board comes in two fairly minimal designs, blue flowers or blue flames.
Even though it is insanely affordable, don’t let that distract you from the fact that it’s also built very well. These boards are super rad and can hit the water just like other brand name boards.
#5 - The Zap Ace Fiberglass Skimboard
Zap has created one of the best new fiberglass boards on the market with premium materials and a high performance shape.
Zap really prides itself on being the filler of a void in a somewhat virgin market. When we look at the Ace, we can see that. The board itself is a traditional shape, though has a finely tuned rocker for serious shredding.
All of this comes with the signature SuperDura bottom. You also never have to worry about busting this board in the water due to the high-density polyvinyl foam core. If you want a truly custom board that you won’t be able to pick up from some local shop, this is definitely a solid choice board.
Top 5 Best Wood Skimboards
OUR #1 PICK - GATOR Skimboard by BPS
With a completely non-traditional shape, the GATOR Skimboard by BPS has been designed for riders who want something a bit more unique to take in the water.
The rounded nose has been made to decrease falling and increase control with a fairly generous rocker. The tail is an interesting flat flatter shape which makes it easier to roll through rough sections. It has been made out of durable plywood with a high-quality epoxy coating.
This combination makes for a rigid board that will prevent water damage and breakage. The board is great for intermediate riders who already feel comfortable on their board. There is also the unique EVA foam grip on top so you never have to wax the board! BPS is so confident that you’ll love the board that they offer their “Bullet Proof” 12-month return guarantee.
#2 - Lucky Bums Wood Skimboard
This traditional wood skimboard is great for beginners who are learning as well as intermediate riders. The weight limit also goes up to 170lbs so it can be enjoyed by most riders.
Made from the highest quality materials you are definitely going to be impressed by the epoxy plywood construction and high gloss coating that prevents water damage.
The board also looks super cool in the water with its crisp and clean graphics atop the natural wood. It is truly built to last you a few seasons. If you are looking for something simple and easy to skim across the shoreline with, we highly recommend picking up one of Lucky Bums’ boards.
#3 - Wave Rebel Local Motion
This hardwood laminate board features a really cool and bright laminate design across the top. Even with the strong wood build, the colors make it look otherwise. Do not be fooled by the price though.
This board is extremely durable and glides along the shoreline like any pro skimboard. The small, bean-like shape has been tuned to be responsive to the rider, yet stable enough to balance on with ease.
The epoxy finish makes it so that it will last you for years as you ride the learning curve of becoming a great skimmer.
#4 - Atom Skimboard
This is truly a proper, traditional skimboard. The poplar wood core is coated in a durable laminate that gives it great protection.
Atop the board is a sweet, minimal Hawaiian-style graphic that any beach-goer will dig. It’s an ultra-lightweight board that will support any rider up to 160lbs.
The minimal design is great for someone who just wants a board without the all the added frills.
#5 - Deluxe Wood Skimboard w/ EVA Traction Pad for X-Grip
If you’re looking for something a little different that will help you keep better grip and balance in the water, you should definitely check out this board. It is designed for beginner to intermediate riders.
The board is a nice bean shape with a diamond shaped top surface for ultimate traction. This board is made from solid wood unlike most traditional skimboards that are made with laminated wood.
A hard, protective resin coats the entire board from top to bottom to ensure protection. The sizes vary as you pick different dimensions for your board based on your weight.
Top 5 Best Kids Beginner Skimboards
Our #1 Pick - Wave Zone Squirt
Have you been looking for a solid skimboard to get your little grom? The Zap Squirt is absolutely perfect! It’s capable of skimming the sand where the water breaks along the shoreline.
Not only does it ride well but also comes in a wide array of designs so any kid can find one they like. Every board comes with crisp graphics to give the off the idea of a pro polished board so they won’t feel like they’re riding something cheap.
Individually hand crafted in the USA, the high-density level 1 PVC foam core ensures that the board will stay light while retaining ultimate strength and durability. It will also glide like a champ. The board comes in one 36” size and is good for kids up to 90lbs.
#2 - Exile Super G Skimboard
Exile is one of the top dogs in the world of high quality skimboard manufacturers. They make boards that will last you for years to come.
The Super G skimboard (which stands for Super Grom) is made from a medium density PVC foam core and wrapped in a premium polyester resin and E-glass reinforcement to protect against the elements.
Every one of the boards comes brightly colored and you also have the ability to add some funky resin art on the bottom if you do so choose. This board is great for easily riding for long distances atop the water because of the wide footprint.
If you want your little grom to plane further than all their buddies out on the shoreline, there’s truly no better choice than the Exile Super G.
#3 - Liquid Shredder Wood EVA Deck Skimboard
With a simple yet unique design, the Liquid Shredder Wood EVA Deck Skimboard is a great choice for the little ones.
This board is made with a solid fir wood core and coated in epoxy to keep it strong and waterproof. The shred comfort deck is coated with EVA to make it totally non-slip and help with balance and stability.
The shape of the board makes it perfect to glide seamlessly over the shoreline and can even support riders up to 140lbs just in case mom or dad want to take a go at it. This is a great board to grow with and we assure you will not be able to get your kids out of the water once they start riding.
#4 - Wet Products Skim Unlimited Class 41
Wet Products has created an insanely cheap skimboard that actually holds up pretty well among the others.
The board itself has a round shape with a funky, yet traditional beach personality. Because of the slight rocker on the nose, your kid won’t have to face as many gnarly nosedives into the sand.
It is a durable epoxy plywood construction that is wrapped in a high gloss coating to help prevent water damage. You will definitely want to get some wax as the board gets pretty slippery when your feet get wet.
If you want a very inexpensive skimboard that can support up to 100lbs, this is the one for you.
#5 - Zap Lazer
With a unique design in the rocker, rails, and shape, this easy-to-ride board is excellent for getting your kids out in the water.
The nose has been shaped to minimize falls, which is awesome for building confidence. It has been made from a foam core and fiberglass wrap that will far outshine cheaper wooden boards. The combination of solid build materials and expert craftsmanship will make it a board that will last your little one forever.
The board allows the rider to get comfortable in the sand sliding experience and expand their skills over time. There are also an array of unique gel coat designs that stand out amongst other boards. Zap is super confident that your kid will love this instant classic of a board and the lightweight design that is easy to take just about anywhere.
Top 2 Best Skimboards for Beginners
Our #1 Pick - Zap Wedge Fiberglass Skimboard
Zap is easily one of the most recognizable names in skimboarding because of their expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials.
Even as the name has grown ever since the birth in 1983, the company has remained a small, grassroots-style operation.
The shapers and designers are keen on making sure every board comes out just as good as the last one. The Zap Wedge comes in three different sizes and is great for beginner surfers who are just getting out there.
The shape is pretty standard with a pointed tail in the front and a more rounded tail in the back. The board is built with Zap’s signature Composolite construction making it ultra durable that far surpasses other beginner boards.
You will, however, have to wax the board, as the glass wrap is very slippery. Another handmade USA board, it’s an ultimate workhorse for the burgeoning skimboarder.
#2 - Wave Rebel Surface Wood Laminate Skim Board
While Wave Rebel makes some great boards, they are really known for their beginner boards.
The Wave Rebel Surface Wood is made from strong hardwood that is cross-laminated. It has been tested to really withstand all conditions out in the water.
The boards come in a wide variety of different, brightly colored graphics so anyone can find the perfect match to their style. Due to the egg shape and squared off tail, this board is great for pretty much just gliding along the water.
You most likely won’t be busting any tricks on this thing off the bat.
Skimboard Size Guide
80 - 140 lbs: 45 in. or less (Small)
120 - 160 lbs: 45 in. to 47 in. (Medium)
140 - 180 lbs: 47 in to 49 in. (Medium - Large)
160 - 200 lbs: 49 in. to 51 in. (Large)
180 - 220 lbs: 51 in or more (Extra Large)
How To Choose The Right Skimboard For You
Types Of Skimboards
Foam Skimboards
Foam skimboards are most always seen in west coast skimboarding. They’re very durable, lightweight, and are great for people who are very avid skimmers. They’re also a ton more flexible and really suited for people who are going beyond the shoreline. These boards are typically coated in some type of fiberglass or carbon fiber wrap. If you have the money and want the most practical board for shredding, a foam board is an excellent choice. Just know that they’re more suited for the pros.
Wood Boards
Right off the bat, if you’re just getting into skimming, you may want to get a wood board. They’re best suited for super low tides such as lakes or rivers and are great for skimming along the shoreline. They also tend to be much lower-priced which can be a deciding factor, especially if skimboarding is not routine for you. They’re very lean, heavier than foam boards, and will sink easier if brought out in the water.
Spec Considerations
Speed
You’ll want to consider how fast you run or move when deciding on a board. Size can definitely be a factor when it comes to speed. If you’re someone who has been in the skimboarding game for a while and you can pull off long planes with tricks and spins, a smaller board will probably do the trick. If you’re someone who is just getting into the sport and needs that extra support to catch waves, a large board will generally be a better decision so that you can ride for more than a few seconds each run.
Rocker
If you didn’t already know, the little part that curves at the nose of a skimboard is called the rocker. The rule of thumb is if the water is choppy get a board with a bit more rocker. If the water is flat and calm, a board without much rocker will do. Usually people who are skimming choppier waters on the west coast will use boards with 3in rockers. Someone who is on the east coast will probably be solid with a shallow rocker that can help gain a bit more speed.
Flexibility
The most flexible material that is used on skimboard is called E-Glass. If you get a board that has a lot of flexibility, it’ll be more lightweight and much easier to trim. With that being said, if the board has too much flexibility for your riding style, it can be harder to ride and much less stable when you get into performing tricks.
Beginner Vs Advanced
If you’re just starting out in the world of skimboarding, you’ll most likely want to get a larger board. This is because larger boards have more foot area so that you can begin to get in tune with how to balance along the water. You’ll also be a lot less likely to slip and fall off a larger board, therefore boosting confidence with less falling. Learning to ride is truly about confidence.
Advanced riders tend to opt for smaller boards because it gives them the ability to perform tricks and spins along the water. An advanced rider will also most likely want a board that is more flexible as we mentioned earlier.
Tails
There are two main types of tails that you’ll see out there with minor exceptions. Those are pintails and square tails. Pintails are great for beginners as they provide a ton of balance in the water while squaretails are great for advanced riders, as it allows them to perform a wide array of tricks. The squaretails are generally more flexible as well.
Wrap
There are many different kinds of wraps that we find on all boards, whether foam or wood. The best three that will assure a high-quality board are E-Glass, S-Glass, and Carbon. E-glass is probably the most popular wrap and is extremely flexible. While it is the most popular, it is definitely the weakest of the three in terms of durability. S-glass not only adds durability, but also adds speed to most boards that it is wrapped on. If you’re going for a high-performance board, you’ll most likely find that it is wrapped in carbon. Carbon fiber wraps are tightly weaved and add a fair amount of stiffness to the board. This is great if your skimming rocky shores or you want a board that is extremely durable against the elements.
Wooden Skimboards Vs Fiberglass Skimboards
Different materials can have a great effect on the way you ride. Some of the best skimboarders you see at your local beach might not even know the kinds of materials that go into their boards. Foam boards with fiberglass resin wraps are very lightweight and very fast. They’re truly for riders who have experience skimming and want to go out a little further than the spittle on the shoreline. They’re also much stronger and will last for longer than a wooden board simply because wood is not as viable. If you are a rider that is going to hang out in the shallow areas of the shoreline can make due with a wooden board. They’re thinner than fiberglass boards, which make them the perfect candidates for skimming across the thin film of water at shore.
How To Skimboard
Before you get out on the water and start skimming, we highly recommend watching some YouTube videos on skimming or just sitting at the beach and watching some talented locals go at it. You need to understand the logistics to get started. Now let’s break it down.
Search For A Solid Skimming Spot
Even though it is definitely possible to surf at places like lakes or creeks, you’ll find that the elements of coastal beaches are more in your favor when it comes to skimming. The sand and water can vary in different places and you’ll begin to realize that certain beaches cater more to a certain type of skimboarding. If you want to skim on the sand, find a beach that is mostly flat. If you want to hit the waves, a beach with steeper slopes will be ideal.
Find The Right Board
If you don’t get the correct board to start out you’ll have difficult time learning. First make the decision on whether you want to learn how to sand skim or wave skim. If you’re just hitting the sand, a cheap wooden board will do. If you want to get out on the waves, look for a customized foam board.
Get In Shape
If you can’t run, skimming is next to impossible. Just like surfing, you’ll want to stretch before you get out there. You’ll also want to make sure that your legs are completely warmed up and that those muscles can support you and a good spring. Without those legs you will be eating a lot of sand.
Practice Form
When you practice, try and find a spot that isn’t very crowded. I’m sure we’ve all seen the newbie skimmers pummel through a crowd of beachgoers like dominos. Don’t let that be you. Find the angle that feels most natural to you, whether that is facing the ocean or facing away. There’s no right or wrong way. It is just what feels right. Lower your board to the ground and push it across the shoreline. Don’t think too much about it. Just naturally use both hands to throw it forward. When the board starts going, run onto it with your front foot first. If you jump on the board to hard, you will just push it into the sand and fall of. When you begin sliding, crouch a bit to remain stable. If you get comfortable and want to hit a wave, find a wave that is in reach and has just made its break. To turn into the wave, just lean like you would on a skateboard or surfboard. It’s actually fairly simple and most people with solid coordination can get going within their first day.
Top 6 Skimboard Brands
Exile
Exile is one of the most popular skimboard brands in the world. They’re known for their high-performance boards that are built with the utmost of strength and durability. They are by far a pro brand.
Victoria
Made here in the USA in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA, Victoria Skimboards is a 40-year old skimboard company with a serious eye for craftsmanship. They pride themselves on having “no frills” boards that are built with performance in mind.
Zap
On the other side of the country in sunny Venice, Florida, another 40-year old company named Zap skimboards is making a wide variety of high-performance boards. The team of craftsman is very small, making them the ultimate in creating truly special handmade boards.
Grape Skimboards
Grape Skimboards is just about as homemade as it can get. Only a bit over a decade old, Paul Wade has turned the brand into one of passion and quality. It’s not about the design of the board, but instead about the performance. Wade has the utmost patience and craftsmanship when it comes to creating his boards and doesn’t stop until they are perfect.
DogFlut Boards
DogFlut has truly seized the European skimboard market. The attention to quality and finish on their boards is their main priority. They skip over trying to make economy boards and really stick to making boards for high-performance riders.
DB Skimboards
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, DB Skimboards have made a name for themselves in flatland skimboarding. With unique molds and materials, precise designs, and a passion for sustainability, this brand lives and breathes skimboarding. They make some next level boards that are great for those who want to stay near the sand.
How To Make A Skimboard
Most people don’t even know that its very much possible to build your own wooden skimboard and save a ton of money! Before you go into building, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper materials. Here are the things we suggest you buy:
- 5’ foot sheet of plywood
- Sand Paper or Electric Sander with a range of grains
- Any saw that can cut a curve. Jigsaw or band saw will work
- Weights to give the board rocker
- Spray Paint or Regular Paint
Here are some simple steps to making it:
- Find your board thickness. A thinner board will be better for smaller riders who maybe want to bust out some tricks. If you’re a bigger person who just wants to simply skim across the water, a heavier and thicker board is best.
- Outline your board’s shape onto the piece of wood. You can find designs online or just go at and get creative
- Cut out your skimboard with the saw of your choice. Make sure to be thorough and detailed about the cut
- Sand your board. Make sure that the edges all along the board are round and that the top and bottom are nice and smooth
- Give it the proper rocker. Like we mentioned earlier, rocker is the bend on the nose of the board. The best way to do this is to sit the board in a tub of water for a few days and then prop it up from nose to tail so that the middle is parallel to the ground with nothing under it. You then place a heavy objects, preferably over 100 pounds, atop the middle section. After a few days, the board should naturally retain the shape once you take off the weight
- Sand again for ultimate smoothness
- Coat your board in some type of watertight paint or sealer so that the board does not get damaged when you take it in the water. A couple layers of spray paint or lacquer should do.
How To Repair A Skimboard
It’s never a good day when you ding up your board. Thankfully, we’re here to tell you how to repair it yourself to save some cash! It’s extremely important to fix a ding right away so that no further damage occurs in or out of the water.
- Gather Your Tools!
- You’ll need resin (make sure you know what type of resin your board is made with), rough and fine grit sandpaper, fiberglass (preferably the same color as your board), masking tape, scissors, a flat wooden stick to apply resin, and a cup to mix the resin. You might want to bring a towel as well as this tends to get messy!
- Sand It!
- Bust out your rough grit sandpaper and smooth out the broken fiberglass
- Tape It!
- As a painter would, frame the area that you’re working on with your masking tape to keep the surgery clean
- Cut your fiberglass!
- You’ll want to make sure that the piece of fiberglass you cut out is a little over half an inch bigger than the actual ding so that it will have enough space to bond with the solid part of your board
- Throw on some resin!
- Read the directions on your resin first! Once you know the ratio needed, mix it up in the cup. Using your wooden stick, dab it onto the ding and gently smooth it across its entirety. Stick your fiberglass piece on top of it and let it dry for a few hours
- Sand It Again!
- This time get your fine grit sandpaper. You don’t want to sand with rough grit and break through the fiberglass you just applied. Smooth everything out so it matches the rest of the board around it.
- Touch Up!
- If anything looks like it isn’t smooth, you can always re-coat and re-sand as many times as necessary to get it right. Just make sure that any coat after the first is thinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skimboards Vs Bodyboards
Though some of these might look alike to the untrained eye, they are different in many ways. For starters, the materials tend to differ pretty greatly. High-performance skimboards are made with foam cores that are covered with fiberglass or carbon fiber. High-performance bodyboards are typically made with plastic cores and have foam edges and carbon stringers. Skimboards are basically the same shape as surfboards, though a bit fatter, and usually average out around 4ft long. Bodyboards are more square-shaped than surfboards and are thicker and fatter. They average out around 4ft long. Lastly and most obviously, bodyboards have leashes while skimboards do not. This is because skimboards are ridden from a running standpoint and bodyboards are ridding lying flat.
Skimboards Vs Surfboards
These two are worlds apart. Surfboards are bigger shapes and sizes, riding waves requires you to be out away from shore, and the style and form is much different. Surfboards can be anywhere from 4ft-12ft long and come with fins to help you maneuver through bigger waves. They also come with leashes. You’ll never see anyone with a surfboard cruising down the shoreline.
Skimboards Vs Wakeboards
Though they are also made with foam cores and fiberglass coats, wakeboards are much stronger than skimboards. If you decide to test your skimboard out like a wakeboard, chances are your board will warp unless you’re working with a seriously heavy-duty board. Wakeboards are made to hit wakes hard and travel across the water at higher speeds. They have different rockers that curve from end to end rather than just on the nose and they also come equipped with fins on the bottom that are either bolted on or removable. They can also be anywhere from 3-8ft long, are a bit more rectangular in shape, and have bindings like snowboards.
What are skimboards made out of?
Low-end skimboards are typically made out of a wood such as plywood or poplar while high-end skimboards are made out of foam cores wrapped in fiberglass or carbon fiber.
How do you wake a skimboard?
First you’ll need to find a boat that can create a good wake with choppy conditions. If you’re trying to wake in a whitewater mess behind the boat it won’t really work. Secondly, you’ll want to get a board that is longer. Anywhere above 4ft should do the trick, as a shorter board will be difficult to stay up on. Some people say that you should add fins to the bottom of your skimboard, though through experience, we can say that is very unnecessary. After that, just hop on like you would a wakeboard and enjoy the day!
How to add a traction pad to a skimboard
Adding a traction pad is actually a very simple process and most traction pad manufacturers make their products so you can just lay them on your board and they’re set. However, if you want to be a little more detailed about the installation to make sure it’s in the right area and stuck on tight, follow our little guide to putting it on your board.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Cloth
- Masking Tape
- A Pencil
- Use the rubbing alcohol and the cloth to clean off the area in which you want to stick your traction pad. This will get all the dirt and grime off so you can make sure you have a clean bond. Dry it after you’ve wiped it down
- Run a piece of masking tape from the center of the nose to the center of the tail to cut the board in half
- Put your traction pad onto the board and over the tape to find the right angle for it. Once it looks nice and centered, draw around the outline of it with pencil.
- Take the tape off the board. Peel off the adhesive layer of your traction pad and stick it within the penciled area that you just drew. Make sure to press all of the air bubbles down so it has a tight bond with the board.
- Erase your penciled lines and give your traction pad about 24 hours to dry completely before taking it in the water
Should I wax if I use traction pads?
This totally depends on the board. Some boards aren’t necessary to wax because they already have a naturally gripping material built in. If the top is a slick fiberglass wrap or wood then you can wax the areas around your traction pads to give you some extra stability. You do not need to wax the actual traction pad though. That will just get messy over time.
What type of traction pads should I use?
You pretty much have two choices when it comes down to skimboard traction pads: tail pads and arch bars. Tail pads are great because they can help to stop your back foot from sliding off the board. They are a lot more popular as well. Arch bars can also be great for added stability. They are essentially rectangular strips that run across the long part of your board. These are pretty much unique to skimboards, as you would never see them on surfboards due to body rashes. If you want ultimate grip, we would recommend buying a set. It can really help with beginner confidence when you don’t have to worry as much about slipping off.
How to take proper care of a skimboard
You’ll want to make sure that after each session, you store your skimboard in an area where the sun don’t shine. Anywhere that is cool and dark is perfect. Leaving it in the heat could result in serious delamination and ruin your board over time. Make sure to always wash your board with fresh water after every session to get all of the sand, salt, and other debris off of it. Hand-dry your board and check it for dings. If you find any dings on it, make sure to repair it right away!
What kinds of resins do skimboards use?
The main three types of resins that you’ll see on skimboards are epoxy, polyester, and vinylester. Epoxy is the lightest and most flexible of three and is the least prone to abrasions. Vinylester is very soft and prone to abrasions as well. However, you should note that it rides a bit slower because of the soft quality. Polyester is extremely durable and very hard. You’ll see this on a ton of high-end board as it makes them go much faster because of the stiff quality.
Is it necessary to repair scratches on the bottom of my board?
Even if scratches might not look very pretty on the bottom of your board, it is definitely not necessary to repair them unless they have broken through the wrap. Basically, if a scratch is just lying on the surface, there’s no use in worrying about it. However, if the scratch is deep enough to wear the core is exposed, you’ll definitely want to get it repaired.
What kinds of tricks should I start out with?
Just like you would in skateboarding, first try some rotating tricks. Flat front or backside 180s are great tricks for beginners. All you have to do is spin the board in a half circle with your front foot. You can also try the other way where you jump and do a 180 and land back on the board. Lots of people refer to this as a hippy jump. There are excellent tutorials on YouTube that can show you the mechanics a bit more in depth.
Final Thoughts
So by now you should be an expert in skimboarding. You’ve learned about various skimboard brands, different shapes, sizes, and builds, and what kinds of skimboards will be best at your skill level. Skimboarding culture is absolutely amazing. Compared to surfing, it is a quieter counter-culture that is full of incredibly welcoming people. Next time you hit your local beach, find a group of skimboarders and say what’s up! Be confident, practice hard, and most of all, have fun out in the water!
