The beach sport of skimboarding began in the 1920s in California, USA, when lifeguards made boards from pieces of wood. Today, the sport is enjoying a huge comeback and is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in many parts of the world. The modern skimboard is made of fiberglass, wood, or plastic.
Skimboarding is a bit like surfing, but it takes place in the shallows off the coast. The rider starts by running, then drops the board into a wave, jumps onto the board and slides across the water. Then, just like surfing, the wave returns to shore.
An accomplished skimboarder can also do a variety of tricks on the water. The slang for this is ‘flatlanding’ and it consists of oddly named moves like ollies and shuv-its. These moves can be executed because skimboards are much lighter and smaller than surfboards.
If this is your first time looking for a board, it’s best to visit a store that specializes in water sports. It is very important to get a board that suits your size, ability and weight. A shop assistant can help you select a suitable one.
Place the plate on the shop floor to test it. The center part should be flat, while the tail and nose sections should be slightly raised. To allow you to ride faster, the bottom should be fiberglass or plastic. However, if you are looking for a board that is strong and durable, wood is preferable.
If you want to become a proficient rider and trickster, you will need two boards. To surf waves, you will need a big board. To flatland, you’ll need a much smaller, lighter, rounder board. However, for the average person who just wants to have fun on the beach, a medium sized skimboard is perfect.