Getting started with skimboarding (by Joan Schroeder)

sk8punk Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:13 pm

Skimboarding or skimming, involves riding oval shaped boards in low water or wet sand. The rider waits for a wave, then approaches the water dropping the board and mounting it. The challenge then becomes, the rider's ability to maintain balance on the board. Sounds like fun? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Choosing a skimboard can be overwhelming at first as there are many types to choose from. Some things to consider when making your choice are, your size, your fitness level , your age and the type of skimboarding you will be doing. As you are just starting out, you don't need to purchase a very expensive board, just in the case you find out that skimboarding is not for you. You can start with a flat sand skimboard, which is good for sand skimming, and work your way up as your ability improves, but the choice of board is entirely up to you.

Boards are available for specific abilities, like beginner, intermediate and professional. Skimboards utilize various types of materials in it's construction some of which are epoxy resin, carbon fiber and structural fiberglass. Carbon fiber skimboards are considered higher quality as they are twice as strong and durable as the regular fiberglass, which also means you could pay a premium for this kind of skim board.

Before you ride your first wave or sand, here are a few tips.

1) Look carefully at the direction and speed of the water you are entering and choose your waves carefully to ensure that you stay afloat.

2) Practice throwing your board, running towards it and getting on it.

3) Remember you are skimming not plunging. If you are able to maintain your skimboard flat on the water, staying afloat would be easier to maintain.

4) When running onto a board, it is recommended that you place your rear foot first on the board before your front foot.

5) Maintenance of your board is key to enjoying the sport and protecting your investment. Check your board regularly for scrapes, nicks wear and breakage and repair as soon as possible.

Skimboarding could be both challenging and fun. Spend some time observing skimboarders at play. This would give you some valuable insights into how the sport is played. There are also lessons available and some information on Internet skimboard sites. As with any sport, do your own research, ask questions and seek advice from professionals in the field, practice and enjoy.