Skimboarding: A Complete Guide to Mastering Flatland and Wave Riding
There are two main styles of skimboarding , both very different from each other: flatland riding with wooden skimboards similar to skateboards, and wave riding with foam boards similar to surfboards.
In flatland skimboarding, the boards, generally made of wood, are similar to those of a skateboard and allow for tricks like ollies, shove-its, and slides on structures like ramps and pipes. This style is practiced on the shoreline, requires very little water, and is popular among freestyle enthusiasts. Thanks to its accessibility, flatland skimboarding is very popular in Europe, where the waves necessary for wave riding are often lacking.
Wave riding , on the other hand, involves the use of foam boards, similar to those used in surfing. In this style, the skimboarder uses the undertow to reach a wave, riding it to shore and performing typical surfing tricks and acrobatics. In Italy, the best beaches for wave skimboarding are found in Sardinia, Liguria, and Lazio.
This is why we love skimboarding, because it allows for two types of approach, as a skater or as a surfer.
How do you launch a skimboard?
Whether you're a flats skimboarder or a wave skimboarder, you need to learn how to launch your board before jumping on it. Getting on a skimboard isn't that easy. And if you can't master it, you'll never be able to reach waves or ramps. That's why launch technique is a fundamental skill in skimboarding.
One of the most common mistakes people make is riding with the skimboard pointing skyward or down toward the sand. Instead, it should be held firmly and parallel to the ground, with one hand on the edge and one on the tail. The goal is to get the board down so that it hits the relatively flat water and begins to plane quickly.
The best way to get on your skimboard is to perform the run-drop-slide technique. Let the skimboard drop beneath you, or slightly in front of you, and with a quick step, drop the board first with one foot and then immediately with the other. In flat water, it's natural to use your front foot, while in wave water, the back foot is recommended to maintain planing speed. In both cases, there's nothing stopping you from dropping as much as you like; the important thing is to always step on one foot at a time. The faster you are, the less speed you'll lose.
So, basically, instead of throwing the skimboard in front of you and then chasing it, you have to internalize a movement that's almost unique, but requires patience, technique, and timing. Practice several times on the beach until you feel comfortable with the drop. With practice, you'll get better and better at throwing the board, and it'll feel effortless.
There are plenty of skimboarding beaches , both for wave enthusiasts and flats enthusiasts, but finding the perfect one is much harder than it seems. There are a few variables to consider: tides, wind, rocks, slope, and beach crowding.
Gentle slopes are ideal for wave skimboarders, while very steep beaches aren't as ideal as you might think. Too sharp an entry angle will lead to a disastrous wipeout .
Flats skimmers face slightly different challenges. The quality of the sand and the amount of water available on the surface are key. Smooth, firm, clean ground with half an inch of water covering it is the ideal location. More water means more pop but less speed.
Skimboarding is often considered the perfect mix of surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. That's why finding the perfect spot is harder than it seems.
How to choose a skimboard?
Wooden skimboards come in a variety of types and qualities. You can find basic boards at the bazaar, intermediate boards, and professional skimboards for use in pools, on structures, or in the sea, allowing you to perform tricks and get the perfect feel. Here are some lightweight and practical boards to get you started skimboarding in style.
Skimboarding is growing rapidly, and the lifestyle pioneered by DB Skimboards is unique and recognizable. The quality of DB products is confirmed by the many riders who create their own custom shapes for maximum performance. Here are some examples of PRO-level boards:
Find your ideal skimboard at caveman-shop.it!
We are the exclusive Italian retailers for the market-leading American brand DB Skimboards . In our online shop, you'll find the latest skimboard models: composite, flex, and standard boards, as well as streamline and proto shape combinations, as well as skimboard accessories and apparel.
