Whether you skimboard on sand, or on waves, it is one of the best water activities for people of all ages. Read the Buzzle article to understand what skimboarding is, and how you can master the sport.
What is Skimboarding?
For those who are not really familiar with this sport, skimboarding is performed on a baseboard which looks a lot like a regular surfboard. The only difference is that a skimboard is slightly smaller than the surfboard; this is to let the board glide easily on water. This sport is often known as skimming, where a person (namely, skimmer) stands on the board and slides the board on shallow water. You can find shallow water to skim when the waves are low, and closer to the beach. If you happen to look at someone skimboarding, you will see that the technique is similar to surfing. However, instead of battling the big waves, you are safe on shallow waters. All you need to do is throw your board onto the water, run in its direction, and get on it to skim.
Tips and Tricks to Follow
Once you learn to balance yourself on the board, you can easily glide on the waves and do some amazing tricks.
Selecting the Board
For beginners, the first thing to concentrate on what type of board you wish to choose. Go with either a fiberglass or wooden skimboard. Also, your height and weight will play a big part in deciding which board is right for you. Now although the skimboarding boards are smaller in size, there are a few variations in them. If you pick a board which is too small for you, it could mean that while skimming over the waves, your board may sink rather than glide. The best way to find the right board is by visiting your nearest sporting goods store and ask for assistance from the sales staff.
Finding the Location
Hands down, California is one state that offers one of the best beaches, not only in the U.S., but also around the world. But not everyone is lucky enough to be living here. In order to choose an ideal spot, choose either a beach that's close to you, or opt to practice near a lake. Yes, a lake is an ideal spot for this sport. But there are certain rules, if I may, that you need to keep in mind. The water in the lake should be still and it needs to meet the sand. Make sure there aren't big rocks as the board may topple over due to friction.
Checking your Momentum
Next in our line is understanding the wind pattern and your speed. Now no matter how fast or slow the winds may be, always keep in mind not to jump on the board. You have to run onto it as it will make sure that you don't fall off the board or the board doesn't sink in. When you run to climb on the board, your speed won't decrease and you can actually move it closer to the waves in less time. The speed is the key to skimming.
Waxing your Board
Many skimmers believe that regular waxing of the board can make it go faster. The point here is that while skimboarding, sand can be a sticky situation, literally. It will stick to your board from the bottom and make it heavier to glide smoothly. So using the right kind of wax, depending on the temperature and frequency of use, you can actually make the board glide faster.
Standing in the Right Place
Last, but certainly not the least, inspect how you stand on the board. Where do you normally keep your feet on the board? Is your back foot at the back of the board, or do you stand a little towards the front? Your stance on the board will make a huge difference between an amateur skimmer and an expert. The right way to mount the board is to keep the back foot at the back of the board and the front one up close. This will help you stay balanced and reduce the chances of falling off, or sinking the board in.
Now the next time you and your friends are at the beach and getting bored, grab your skimboards and hit the waves. Practice as much as you can, and showoff your knowledge of the sport to everyone!
