Looking for a Skimboard? What to Know Before You Buy Your First (or Next) Board

Skimboarding is on the rise and is adored globally, especially in beach towns. And why shouldn't it be? It’s popular for all the right reasons: it benefits our mental and physical well-being while being fun. But how do you ensure you get the most out of it?

Having the right skimboard can boost your skimming experience by improving success rates, comfort, and performance. Whether it's a casual ride or pro-level skimming, there’s a skimboard for every rider out there. 

Not sure which skimboard is best for your skill level? This blog will show you how to pick the best skimboard for your skill level, the type of terrain you'll be riding on, and your own needs. So without wasting a second, let’s get straight into it.

Understanding the Different Types of Skimboards

Skimboarding has blown up lately, and not just with pros; there’s a board for pretty much every style and level now. But yeah, choosing the right one makes a huge difference.

Beginner Skimboards

Just getting started? Go for something wide and flat. These give you way more stability, which is exactly what you need when you're figuring out the basics. They're also great for skimming on shallow water or wet sand, the easier stuff, where you can build some confidence.

Advanced Skimboards

If you’ve been riding for a bit and feel ready to step it up, go for something thinner and quicker. These boards aren’t as forgiving, but once you get used to them, they’re a blast. You’ll get way more control, perfect if you’re going after bigger waves or trying to land sharper turns and tricks.

Specialized Skimboards

Different skimboards are designed for different wave conditions and riding styles. If you’re riding beach breaks or deeper waves, look for something with the right shape. A board with a rocker gives you better control in rough water. A flat deck is great if you’re skimming over calm, open spots and want smooth speed.

Need one that fits your style? Brands like Exile and Zap have solid options for every level.

What to Look for in a Skimboard: Key Features and Specifications

Your skimboard’s performance, handling, and durability depend on a few key features, especially materials, size, shape, and board profile, which ultimately make the difference in types of skimboards.

Material

Each skimboard material has its pros and cons. You can choose the one that’s perfect for your needs:

• Wooden skimboards are sturdy and beginner-friendly. But they’re a bit heavier and can wear down faster with water.
• Fiberglass boards are a lighter option. They give you more control, and their flexibility makes them a great pick if you're looking for better performance.
• Composite skimboards (like fiberglass with epoxy) are known for long-term durability, environmental resistance, and flexibility, making them great for frequent use.

Size and Shape

A skimboard’s size, shape, and design all affect how it rides. These features change how stable the board feels and how well you can control it in the water.

• Length: Love those monster waves? Longer boards are the right fit for maintaining stability in large waves. Love doing tricks? Grab a shorter board. It reacts faster, flips easier, and just feels right for spins and slides.
• Width: Wider boards feel steadier but won’t turn as fast. Narrow ones turn quicker and are better once you’ve got some experience.
• Thickness: Thicker boards float better in deeper water. Thinner boards are quicker and more responsive.
• Design: A pointed nose helps cut through hollow waves, while a wider nose improves stability. Pointed tails provide speed; rounded tails offer smoother transitions.

Board Profile

The curve or rocker of a skimboard affects how it handles:

• Flat design: Great for beginners and for flatland or shallow-water skimming.
• Rocker design: Ideal for wave riding, used by more advanced skimmers for better control.

Looking for the right fit? Choose from exhilarating skimboarding experiences that are tailored to your preferences with Zap skimboards and Exile skimboards.

Choosing a Skimboard Based on Skill Level and Riding Style

Whether you’re just starting or are a professional skimboarder, each kind of skill needs a different skimboard. But you are also unsure of what you’re looking for in skimboards and which one will suit you just right, as per your skill level? Let’s sort things out!

Beginner Skimboarders

Beginners need to focus on stability and control to learn with ease. Skimboards that are wider and flatter do the job as they’re more forgiving for those who are starting out.

Intermediate to Advanced Riders

Are you a pro who just loves monster waves and performing tricks? Responsive boards that balance speed are your go-to options. And when it comes to features, consider tail shape, rocker, and material carefully for better performance.

Whether you're learning or leveling up, the right board can unlock your best ride yet. Every seasoned rider chooses a different one that fits their needs.

The Importance of Terrain: Beach and Water Conditions Matter

The type of terrain you skim on affects what kind of board you need. Here’s how to match the right skimboard to your beach.

Flatland skimboarding

Flatland skimboarding involves riding over thin water layers or wet sand. Look for wide, flat boards for more control and balance on low-friction surfaces.

Wave Skimboarding

Wave skimboarding is tricky and needs greater control and speed. Choose a thinner, lighter board with a rocker design to navigate and launch into waves smoothly.

Skimming on Wet Sand and Shallow Water

A flat board is perfect for skimming on wet sand. It allows for quicker starts and a smoother glide, making it perfect for anyone who wants to focus on speed and balance while riding close to shore.

Skimboarding has come a long way, and there’s a skimboard to match nearly every terrain you’ll encounter.

Choosing the Right Skimboard Brand: What to Consider