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Usually, when I suggest skimboarding to a non-skimming surfer-type as something to do while waiting out a flat spell, I get one of three responses: "Yeah, right." (said with the same enthusiasm you'd expect if you suggested the guy gargle with cat whiz); "Aww, no thanks. But hey! I used to skim when I was a kid."; or, "No way. I'd bust my butt." In other words, it seems most surfer-types think skimming is either really boring, really dangerous, or really lame.
Well, the problem here is simple: They've never actually seen anyone really skim hard. By that I mean running full blast at the ocean, running onto the board, and riding out into the ocean to catch the approaching wave just before it breaks and ride it back into the shore. It's kinda like trying to skateboard on a quarterpipe that's coming right at you...A quarterpipe that, if you don't get there in time, is gonna explode right in your face. Trust me, that's neither boring nor lame (done correctly, it's not even dangerous).
Now, of course, you're probably not ready for such a challenge (or you wouldn't be reading this, would ya?). Instead, what you're gonna be doing is sliding your board parallel to the ocean, running onto it, and sliding. Yeah, I know... But you gotta start somewhere. And trust me when I tell you that, if you follow the instructions in this booklet you'll be killing it (and not yourself) in no time. Think I'm kidding? Read on!
Before You Buy
Obviously your skimboard is your most important (and other than wax or maybe some decking and a board bag - your only) investment So it's important that you buy the one that's right for you. First, make sure that the skimboard you buy is the right size. Despite what you might want to believe (and what some may claim), if you weigh in at 150lbs (or even less - much less), that little wood board just ain't gonna float (and you are floating) ya. As a matter of fact, it'll probably break after a few rides, and no surf shop is likely to give you your money back.
Even if it doesn't break, a skimboard that's too small for you won't give you the ride you want. Instead, you'll simply sink.
On the other hand, a board that's too big will be hard to handle, and even harder to turn. Bottom line, buy the right size board. (See our board page for specifics.)
Once the proper size board is decided upon, buy the one that costs just a little more than you can afford. It'll pay in the long run.
So which board should you buy?
Next, is board quality. As with most things you get what you pay for: Buy cheap, you get cheap. Properly cared for, a top-quality skimboard will last several seasons of day-in, day-out usage. So spend the money, it'll make learning that much easier, and skimming that much more fun.
Top-quality boards today are made out of foam, fiberglass, carbon cloth, even kevlar. Prices for a beginner's board (if you're a little guy) starts at about $50, and go up to about $120. High-end boards generally start at about $200, can be as high as $400, and are worth every single penny. Generally, there are three different high-quality brands available. Most people start out on a Zap. Their base models are inexpensive and incredibly durable, yet still allow you to learn most of the tricks. And their recently issued pro models have been getting rave reviews from amateurs and pros alike. Slotstik is a high-end foam core board that's generally out of the price range for most beginners. Slots are generally known for their maneuverability, and have become all the rage on both coasts. Thanks to their design, they do though require a certain amount of skill to ride if the waves are breaking far off the beach. Finally, there's Victoria. The oldest skimboard manufacturer around, Vic makes many different types of high-performance boards, excellent mid-level boards, and even good wooden boards.
Now a note about those wooden boards: Surf shops sell wooden boards like mad. Should you buy one? Depends on why you want to buy one. If you're a visitor to the beach and don't plan on coming back much, are just a little guy (or gal), don't want to spend what a foam board costs (it's just a little more, but we all have our budgets), or know for sure you'll be content just riding back and forth parallel to the waves, then buy one. If, on the other hand, you think you'll want to progress to your limits, then you can buy a far better board by spending just a little bit more money.
If you just gotta buy a wooden board, look to Victoria; those paper-thin wooden boards those other guys make are generally just a waste of wood. Finally, whatever you buy, put wax on it! You need wax on all boards that don't have a textured top. So many surf shops will sell you a board, then neglect to sell you the $1 bar of wax you need to keep you from sliding off it. Go figger.
3 facts about skimming
You are going to go much faster than you think you will. But speed here is a good thing. Like a bike, it's easier to stay upright if you're moving, than it is if you're stationary.
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You are going to fall. A lot. Skimming is one of the coolest things you'll ever try. It's like surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding all rolled into one. But like all fun things, it has its drawbacks, and falling down and skinning your knees, your butt cheeks, your forearms, your forehead, or whatever on the wet sand is one of them. Fortunately, wet sand is a lot more forgiving than dry concrete, or asphalt, or ice. And again, once you learn, you'll only fall a couple of times a session, and then mostly in water. Bottom line, though, is if you're not willing to fall, take the board back to where you bought it and ask for your money back, because you'll never learn to skim.
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But, you say, you're willing to fall? Good, now all you have to do is learn to enjoy it. How, you say? Relax. Your body already knows how to fall. Relax and let it happen. If you can, fall on your butt. If you're falling face forward, try to tuck your shoulder and roll. Just whatever you do, don't stick out your hands to break your fall. Skimming in a cast sucks!
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Be extremely careful not to hit anyone with your board - including yourself - because it hurts. A lot. And no, they will not get out of your way.
How to Skim: Follow these instructions to the letter and you'll be skimming in no time.
First and foremost: Find an area away from people. Most folks don't understand skimming and they will not move out of your way. It's your responsibility to find an area where you will not hit anyone. Be respectful (even if you're not being respected).
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Find a flat area where the waves wash in, then recede, leaving a thin film of water. Standing at the top of this area, walk about a quarter of the way towards the water and stop. This is where you'll learn.
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Face the water, then turn so that you're facing parallel to the shoreline. As a general rule, right-footed people should turn to their right, left-footed people should turn to their left. If that doesn't feel comfortable after a couple of tries, switch around so that you're facing the other direction.
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Hold the skimboard parallel to the beach, with your throwing hand on the back of the board, and your other hand on the side, supporting the board.
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Wait until the water has washed in and receded, leaving just a very thin film (about ? inch is good enough).
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Standing still, bend over, lower the board until it's parallel to and about 6' or less above the ground, and scoot it across the film of water, aiming it so it goes parallel to the ocean. (Your throwing hand should provide all of the force, while your other hand acts solely as a guide to keep the board parallel to the beach - kinda like trying to shoot a pool cue cross the room.)
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Quickly straighten up and run so that you catch up to the board.
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Run onto the board from the back and stop. It doesn't matter if you run onto it front foot first or back foot first, as long as you get on the board one foot at a time. Do not hop onto the board!
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Bend your knees and slide, slide, slide.
Once you've mastered this. Try running a few steps before scooting the board out in front of you and running onto it. Next, try running full-blast, dropping the board, and running onto it. Then, try getting onto the board in one step. Do all that and you're ready to turn your attention to riding at the incoming waves.
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