Skim Surfboarding

Though the earliest records of skim boarding date back to
the 1920’s, the boards were simple and hard to control.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the design for the skim
boards we use today began to take shape. They have now
taken on a shape similar to the modern surfboard only they
are smaller and thinner than surfboards.

The first boards were made from plywood sheets, but now are
being made from fiberglass.

The best board for beginners are square ones, though they
come in circles, ovals and teardrops also. The best size to
start with in most cases stands about mid-chest.

The shapes of the boards determine the ease of control for
the rider. Surfboards and bodyboards, although similar, are
extremely more buoyant then the skim surfboard.

The principal of skimboarding is to hydroplane across the
thin water of a receding wave. Though tricks can be done in
bigger waves, the need for buoyancy is not as great as with
a surfboard.

The best skimboards have a slightly raised nose and
traction pads already installed. Of course traction pads
can be added separately and even surf wax can be used to
help keep feet gripped to the boards.

Skimming across the water is also a balancing act, so a
good sense of balance is also key to perfecting the art of
skimboarding.

Although skimboards have been around for almost a hundred
years, it is a relatively new as a competitive sport. When
riding out on the water on a skimboard, tricks and flips
are attempted when coming into contact with an incoming
wave.

The real trick is in the landing.