Choosing the Best Skimboard for Wave Riding: 2022 Buyer’s Guide

​​Choosing a Skimboard for Wave Riding: ​Buyers Guide

The increased popularity of skimboarding has spurred a growth from manufacturers in designing a variety of board styles that vary in size, shape, materials, and special features. The wide range of choices have made finding the right skimboard for your individuals needs much more challenging.There’s no doubt that wave riding is one of the most exhilarating aspects of skimboarding, especially since it comes with an array of expert tricks which can make even the most experienced surfer go green with envy. But you won’t be able to enjoy your experience if the skimboard is too heavy or too fragile to withstand the roughness of the waves, sand and shore. This is why most experts recommend getting a board made from fiberglass with a foam core, while other quality options do exist.

Here are all of the features you’ll need to pay close attention to when choosing the best wave riding skimboard for your next adventure, to get you one step closer to diving in:

Type of Skimboard

Skimboarding can be as easy going or as intense and exhilarating as you choose to make it. For those who choose to ride the flat and sandy areas at the water's edge, a less expensive wood board will work great for your fun adventure. However, for those choosing to take on riding waves with their skimboard, a more buoyant and stable board is typically required.

In order to support your weight while riding, the skimboard you choose needs to be designed and constructed:

• For the purpose of catching waves
• For riding and performing tricks
• For durability and buoyancy
• With lightweight materials

In addition to wood, typically used on inland boards, materials used to construct a skimboard include: 

• Foam 
• Fiberglass
• Carbon Fiber 

Each material has it’s benefits and drawbacks. We recommend that you focus your search on skimboards that are made of fiberglass with a foam core or those made with carbon fiber, while advanced users may prefer a solid wood board that’s designed for tricks and experienced riding.

Skimboard Design and Construction

With the advent of a variety of materials being used in making skimboards, manufacturers continue to find new designs and means for improving board performance. The factors the are calculated in designing skimboards include the following:

• Weight and Height: The size of each individual skimboarder will impact the type of skimboard they will need. Choosing the right board impacts the riders balance, speed, stability and maneuverability. 

A board that is too small for the individual will be unstable and lack the buoyancy necessary for successful wave riding. Added surface area in contact with the water creates more drag and will slow down your board. A board that is too large will be difficult to control, maneuver and perform tricks, as well as reducing the speed of the board. Manufacturers provide size charts, factoring your individual height and weight, to guide you in finding the right size board for you.

• Rocker: The rocker is the amount of curvature found at the nose and tail of the skimboard. Typically, there is more curvature at the nose of the board and less at the tail. The more curve at the nose of the board the easier it is to get the board moving over the water and provides more control but the slower it will go.

​There are generally three types of rockers:

1. Traditional Rocker: The front tip of the skimboard has a slight curve and the remainder of the board is flat. Best suited for inland or shoreline skimboarding.
2. Constant Rocker: Curvature remains constant from the front to the back of the board. Designed for riding bigger waves.
3. Hybrid Rocker: The front and center of the board have curvature with the back of the board being flat. Most common and versatile style of skimboard.

​A larger upward curve functions better in rough choppy water. Less curvature results in a faster board and is better suited for calmer waters. 

• Skimboard Tail: Skimboard tails come in primarily three different shapes: pintail, swallowtail and square tail. Pintails are the most common due to the stability they provide. This tail creates little drag in the water. The swallowtail (sometimes called the W tail) and squared tail are less stable, more maneuverable and create a spray during certain tricks.
• Board Shape and Size: As stated previously, you need to choose a skimboard that has the appropriate size for your individual height and weight. Just as important is the shape and size of your board.

Wide, long skimboards are able to produce more speed than a narrow, shorter board. Larger boards are typically designed for inexperienced individuals. They are easier to control and stand on, however they are much heavier and harder to turn and do tricks on.

Smaller boards are more maneuverable, easier to turn and perform spins and do tricks. As a result, they require a higher degree of skills and experience. The deck provides less area making controlling and standing on the board more challenging. 

The thickness of the board will also impact how it responds. A thicker board will glide better but will lack the capacity to turn quickly or carve a wave. Ultimately the thicker the board the less responsive it likely will be. 

• Traction Pads: To be able to perform tricks and be able to turn and maneuver your skimboard will require the board deck having a traction pad. Some boards come with traction pads and others you will need to purchase a pad separately and install.

As you begin your search factor in your size, experience and the style of skimboarding you are planning to do. This information should help to guide your decision-making, ensuring you get the best skimboard for your individual needs.