How to choose your Skimboard

Budget Skimboard Advice

“To start, choose a stable and solid board.
The more you progress, the more you can switch to a short, reactive board to string together tricks.”

1. Understanding Skimboarding

A skimboard is a short board used to glide on the water's edge or do tricks in the waves.
 The choice of board influences:

  • Stability

  • Maneuverability

  • Speed

  • Ease of tricks

Choosing well means progressing quickly and avoiding injuries.


2. Choosing the Board Size

Length:

  • Generally, the skimboard should reach between your navel and chest.

  • Beginners choose a longer board for stability.

  • Experts or riders in small, fast waves prefer a shorter board for maneuverability.

Width :

  • Wider → stable, easy for beginners.

  • Narrower → reactive, ideal for tricks and speed.

The volume of the board influences buoyancy and speed on the water.

 

3. Choosing the Material

Material

Advantages

Disadvantages

Wood (typically Redwood or Paulownia)

Solid, stable, classic look

Can absorb water if not maintained

EPS / Epoxy Resin

Light, floats well, maneuverable

Less durable with repeated impacts

Composite / Fiberglass

Very light, high-performance, for tricks

More expensive, fragile if dropped

For beginners, a wooden or epoxy board is perfect. Composites are more for experienced riders.

 

4. The Board Shape

  • Round board (round nose): stable, perfect for beginners and flatwater gliding.

  • Pointed board (pointed nose): maneuverable, ideal for tricks and waves.

  • Square tail: better thrust and stability.

  • Rounded or swallow tail: maneuverable and control in waves.

Choose a shape that suits your style: shoreline or waves.

 

5. Choosing Based on Weight and Skill Level

Level

Weight

Board Type

Beginner

All

Wide and stable, longer length

Intermediate

Light to medium

Versatile board, slightly shorter and reactive

Expert / Tricks

Medium to heavy

Short and thin board for maneuverability and speed

A board adapted to your weight will allow you to get going easily and better control tricks.

 

6. Skimboard Maintenance

✅ Rinse with fresh water after each session.
 ✅ Dry in the shade to prevent warping.
 ✅ Store flat or upright against a wall, not in direct sunlight.
 ✅ Check for cracks or chips, especially for wooden boards.

Good maintenance extends the life and performance of your board.