Well, how to choose your own types of skimboards? We’re right here showing you how.
For some of you who don’t know the exact idea of skimboarding. Skimboarding (or skimming) is a category of watersport.
It requires a board called skimboard with a narrow oval shape, much like a rugby ball but flat and far bigger, no fins and paddling on, with its length ranging from 39 inches to 56 inches (100 to 142 centimeters).
Skimboarding itself is very popular in the US, Europe and Australia. That said, many regions in South America and Asia do practice this sport, and even participate in the amateur contests on an annual basis.
But for the beginners, yes, it’s you I’m talking to, isn’t it? It stands to reason that not all of you know how to skimboard, let alone choose the suitable skimboard for yourselves, as there are such a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting one.
For instance, size, shape, price, brand, your body measurements and your personal proficiency in skimboarding. They all have a role to play when you really pluck up the courage to get on the very skimboard.
So, let’s wait no more. Feast your eyes on the skimboard party.
Types Of Skimboards And Which One Is ‘the One’?
As interviewed with a skimboard retailer, the skimboard should be at your middle sternum’s length from one end to the other. Generally speaking, your nipple line is a good determination.
‘Mmm hmm, what’s next?’, you might be asking. At this point, skimboards are divided into many sub-categories based on the exact criteria we are using.
For example, talking about the terrest you are landing on, we have the ‘Wave Riding Skimboards’ and the ‘Flatland or Inland Skimboards’; or regarding the materials skimboards are built out of, we have the wooden, fiberglass, carbon fiber and fiber-reinforced polymer boards.
But since skimboarding is mostly distinguished as a watersport, we’ll save the wooden boards or inland skimboards for later. This will be mainly going for the much popular wave riding skimboards, dissected from the material perspective.
Fiberglass Skimboard
This type of board, as its name may suggest, is made from fiberglass, which is again made of indefinite number of flexibly extended glass strands in high temperature.
So the result is its strong outer shell and light properties. Hence, it’s suitable for beginners to easily feel the initial glide out and more floating, with this fiberglass guy.
However, due to its flexible nature, the fiberglass skimboard is not rock-proof. It might well get dented after a few hit against the rocks or shells. Unavoidable composite board stuffs.
Fiberglass And Polyester Resin
Basically the material of this type is not as stiff as the carbon board (which we would mention next) but stiff just enough not to get dented when being thrown against rocks or solid surface.
And plus, it’s even lighter than the above-mentioned, which would make the skimboarding speed higher and more dangerous to ride on.
What we mean is, this kind of skimboard has almost everything of a pro board, except that the material is not as expensive, so it might just not be as durable.
But still, affordable, flexible with sharper rails and hybrid shape. Note: The hybrid shape is added width, which in many cases would prove to be helpful in keeping more balance and gaining momentum.
Thus, this would be fit for the intermediate level skimboarders.
Carbon Fiber
This is definitely for the advanced level skimboarders. With its ultimately light, strong and stiff surface, the carbon fiber board genuinely stands out in a small store.
It doesn’t bend as much as the other two, which facilitates skimboarders to gain and control their speed, especially when they intend to do complex turns and twists off the waves.
Another thing that sets it apart from the others is its narrower width and pointed nose, which would be ideal for the professionals to not only challenge big waves, but also create a ‘sexy’ wave line behind every twist.
With that in mind, this is also the most expensive type of skimboards, with price ranging up at least $500. But it’s clearly for a reason, isn’t it, duh?
A Small Note
There is something you should know. As for the wooden board, we would not at all recommend you to if you are a newbie. Wood is tough, small, thin and rough-surfaced and should only be used on wet sand to practice first moves.
Do NOT bring wooden boards out in the water. Otherwise it might hit you back at the legs really bad.
Conclusion
These three types of skimboards are the most commonly used among the world of skimboarding. But after all, it’s just a matter of personal preference to the size and shape of yours, when you get your initial touch and feel from the wave.
So if you have just had some interests in this sport, don’t hesitate to hit the nearest skimboard store. There, you’ll have the professionals navigate yourself to the one skimboard you’ve been longing for.
And from then on, enjoy the priceless moments of your life.
