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How Does Skim Boarding Work?

How Does Skim Boarding Work?

Skim boarding is an adaptation of surfing that is used in the beach breaks with much smaller surf boards known as skim boards. The general idea is to run from the beach with the board and throw it on the shallow wave that has just broken on the sand.

With the momentum of the run you slide standing on the board onto the next breaking wave where you attempt a trick before being pummelled into the sand.

The Board
Skim boards started out as simple off cuts of wood shaped into a teardrop shape for manoeuvrability. Now the popularity and competition of skim boarding has pushed the skim board to be a well designed smaller lighter version of the surf board, concave designs and nose rocker make the board an excellent trickster for one over fast turning tricks.

The Wave
Skim boarding is done on the beach break wave, the last wave to break onto the beach. It is very shallow and depending on the swell and the shape of the beach can produce massive beach break. It is not unheard of for skim boarders to find themselves in stand up barrels right on the beach.

The Tricks
Just like surfing tricks have been developed to become more and more like fast skateboarding tricks that you see on land. Things like 360’s, Shovits, tail slides all come from skate boarding history, then you have the surfing pass me downs like barrel rolls, cut backs and off the lips.

Tips for Skim Boarding
Make sure your board has plenty of wax on it for grip, try and get a much speed as possible when jumping onto the moving skim board. It is best to keep a low centre of gravity so you can spring into your trick once you hit the wave.

Skim boarding is an explosive sport so make sure you are warmed up before you attempt the more demanding tricks. Beware that neck and back injuries are the most popular from being slammed into the sand from the weight of the breaking waves, again warming up the back and neck will minimise risk of injury.

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