Skimboarding is a sport that offers challenges but is accessible to almost anyone and great for kids. Somewhere between skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing it is a summer activity for the shallow water along the edge. Beginners can skim the wash of the waves on the “flatland” and when they get more skilled and ambitious can glide into the waves and surf them back to the shoreline.
Accommodating these two styles and the skill levels of the rider, a vast array of skimboards are out there to choose from. To help in your selection process, some of the best of the range are reviewed below with descriptions, photos, and videos followed by a comparison table, buying guide, and instructional/demonstration videos.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.
Best Skimboards of 2020
- Fedmax High Gloss Coat Skimboard
- Liquid Shredder Wood EVA Deck Skimboard
- Slapfish Skimboard
- Zap Wedge Skimboard
- Victoria Woody Skimboard
- Wave Zone Squirt Skimboard
- Wave Zone Performance Fish Hook Skimboard
- Sunspecs Rubber Top Wooden Skimboard
- Fedmax Fiberglass Body & Carbon Fiber Tip Hybrid Skimboard
- Circle One EPS Skimboard
Fedmax High Gloss Coat Skimboard
This Fedmax Skimboard is constructed of lightweight durable poplar and has a high gloss finish that provides good traction when combined with surf wax. This simple design is stable and maneuverable and comes in a green or blue top color and natural wood-grain bottom. The two sizes suit a large range of body weights and the pricing is excellent.
- Level: beginner-intermediate
- Length: 30 inches, 41 inches
- Suggested weight limitations: 30-inch – 120 pounds, 41-inch – 120-220 pounds
- Solid lightweight poplar core
- High gloss coat requires surf wax for a good grip
- Choice of blue or green top deck
- 90-day consumer use warranty
- Low-priced
Liquid Shredder Wood EVA Deck Skimboard
This Liquid Shredder Wood Skimboard is constructed of smooth, solid fir with an anti-slip EVA deck providing a quality stable platform great for beginners. A couple of sizes are currently available on this budget-priced board that comes with a 90-day warranty.
- Level: beginner
- Length: 35 inches, 41 inches
- Suggested maximum weights: 35-inch – 120 pounds, 41-inch – 140 pounds
- Solid fir core
- EVA anti-slip deck
- Epoxy coated
- Choice of blue or green
- 90-day consumer use warranty
- Low-priced
View More From Liquid Shredder
The Slapfish Skimboard has a quality, lightweight, buoyant Poly PVC core and fiberglass with carbon fiber on the nose and tail for durability, and a streamlined shape for speedy and smooth gliding. There is a rear traction pad great for experienced and advanced riders to grip while trying out their latest tricks. Pricing is not low but that is to be expected on a board of this caliber. A board bar and board bag are available in a package deal.
- Level: intermediate-advanced
- Length: 48 inches
- Suggested maximum weight: 200 pounds
- Poly PVC core
- Fiberglass construction with nose and tail carbon fiber reinforcement
- Rear traction pad
- Choice of blue, grey, or red themes
- Board bag and arch bar are optional
Handmade in Florida, the Zap Wedge is expertly crafted with their propriety Composolite construction for durability. It’s a great board for beginners that will serve them after they have advanced, as well. Several sizes and numerous colors are available and surfers will need to use surf wax on the glossy deck for traction. It is a little expensive but will serve you for years as you develop your moves.
- Level: beginner-intermediate
- Length: 40 inches, 45 inches, 49 inches
- Suggested maximum weight: 40-inch – 90 pounds, 45-inch – 140 pounds, 49-inch – 170 pounds
- Zap Composolite construction
- Tuff coat gloss
- Choice of numerous colors
This classic “woody” made of Russian birch, a hardwood, comes from Victoria, who has been making it by hand for more than 30 years in the USA. Great for beginners it has a slick, flat fiberglass bottom that can glide well or take on small waves. It has a hand-painted deck design and comes in 6 sizes to suit a wide range of body weights.
- Level: beginner
- Length: 6 models from 35-44 inches
- Suggested weight range: from 30-220 pounds (depending on the model)
- Solid Russian birch construction
- Fiberglass bottom
- Hand-painted deck design
The Wave Zone Squirt Skimboard is handcrafted in the USA with a lightweight, buoyant foam core, high-quality fiberglass shell, and gel coat, especially aimed at kids and beginners under 90 pounds. Great for sand-skimming it’s durable in the harsh sun and for the abuse a kid might give it. Every board has a unique graphic and it comes with a supply of surf wax. A package is also available that can include an optional bag and/or traction tail pad.
- Level: beginner-kids
- Length: 36.5 inches
- Suggested maximum weight: 90 pounds
- Level 1 PVC foam core
- Fiberglass shell with a gel coat
- Optional bag and traction tail pad
- Handcrafted board and deck illustration
Wave Zone Performance Fish Hook Skimboard
The Wave Zone Fish Hook has the design and features to excite even experienced and advanced riders. Speedy and maneuverable with its fishtail and tapered hook side wings, it is hand-crafted in America. Buoyant with a high-density foam core, this board has a durable fiberglass shell with double-reinforced poly wrapped rails for years of enjoyment. The hand-painted graphics are quite eye-catching and you can add an optional traction tail pad and/or carry bag into the package.
- Level: intermediate-advanced
- Length: 51.5 inches
- Suggested maximum weight: 200 pounds
- High-density level 3 PVC foam core
- Fiberglass shell with a gel coat
- Double-reinforced poly wrapped rails
- Fish-tail shape
- Optional bag and traction tail pad
- Handcrafted board and deck illustration
Sunspecs Rubber Top Wooden Skimboard
This Sunspecs Skimboard is constructed of wood and has a rubber grip covering the top deck for excellent traction without the need for surf wax. Durable and lightweight, the simple design comes in three sizes to suit a range of body weights in a variety of colors with intriguing graphics and at a very reasonable price.
- Level: beginner-intermediate
- Length: 30 inches, 36 inches, 41 inches
- Suggested weight limitations: 30-inch – 120 pounds, 36-inch – 120 to 160 pounds, 41-inch – 200 pounds
- Wooden board
- Rubber grip top
- Comes in a variety of colors each with its own graphic design
- Low-priced
Fedmax Fiberglass Body & Carbon Fiber Tip Hybrid Skimboard
The Fedmax Hybrid has a lightweight PVC core, speedy and maneuverable body shape with nose rocker, and a durable fiberglass body with carbon fiber reinforcement in the nose and tail. The two sizes will suit a range of large and small bodies and it comes with a 3-piece traction pad set for a firm grip. It will last for years giving you an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and learn a few tricks.
- Level: beginner-intermediate
- Length: 44 inches, 52 inches
- Suggested weight range: 50-220 pounds
- Poly PVC core
- Fiberglass body with carbon fiber reinforced nose and tail
- 3-piece EVA traction pad
- 2.28-inch nose rocker
- Comes with a Tips and Tricks Guide
- Available in red, green, and blue themes
This Circle One Skimboard is a durable high-performance model great for taking your skills to the next level. The lightweight and buoyant EPS core has a solid wood stringer and multiple layers of fiberglass laminate for strength and flex. It is a thing of beauty handcrafted from the best materials for great long-term riding.
- Level: intermediate
- Length: 50 inches
- Suggested maximum weight: 154 pounds
- EPS foam core
- Layered fiberglass with epoxy resin laminate used throughout
- Full-length wood stringer for reinforcement
- Criss-cross blue graphics
Best Skimboards of 2020 Comparison Table
| Picture | Skimboard | Level | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Fedmax High Gloss Coat Skimboard | Beginner - Intermediate | 30 inches 41 inches | $ |
  | Liquid Shredder Wood EVA Deck Skimboard | Beginner | 35 inches 41 inches | $ |
  | Slapfish Skimboard | Intermediate - Advanced | 48 inches | $$$ |
  | Zap Wedge Skimboard | Beginner - Intermediate | 40 inches 45 inches 49 inches | $$$ |
  | Victoria Woody Skimboard | Beginner | 35-44 inches | $$ |
  | Wave Zone Squirt Skimboard | Beginner - Kids | 36 inches | $$ |
  | Wave Zone Performance Fish Hook Skimboard | Intermediate - Advanced | 51.5 inches | $$$ |
  | Sunspecs Rubber Top Wooden Skimboard | Beginner - Intermediate | 30 inches 36 inches 41 inches | $ |
  | Fedmax Fiberglass Body & Carbon Fiber Tip Hybrid Skimboard | Beginner - Intermediate | 48 inches 52 inches | $$$ |
  | Circle One EPS Skimboard | Intermediate | 50 inches | $$$ |
| Picture | Skimboard | Level | Length | Price |
Best Skimboards of 2020 Buying Guide
Styles/Types of Skimboarding – In the introduction two basic ways to skimboard were mentioned.
The first or easiest is flatland or inland skimboarding. This involves riding the wash along the shallows of shorelines. The boards used for this are usually cheaper and often made of wood and known for toughness and durability.
In the second style, the rider glides perpendicular from the shore toward the breaking waves then turns to ride them back to shore. The boards best suited for this come often have a foam core and fiberglass shell and are generally greater in volume with features to maximize maneuverability.
Skimboard Materials – The fabrication includes a core material, usually some sort of plastic foam or wood, and another material wrapped around or covering it.
Core Materials
- Foam boards can be of different types of plastic. They are buoyant and durability is a feature to look for.
- Wood boards are naturally durable and usually thinner. They can accept the wear and scuffs of riding over sand, shells, and other debris. Usually heavier and denser than foam boards they are not as buoyant.
- Other Materials – Many top performance boards have gone to cores of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or combinations. These are known for durability and can be light but will be more expensive.
Wrap Materials – On the outside of the core there is often fiberglass that is glued or laminated to the surface of the core material. There are different grades with variations in durability. The fiberglass adds flexibility and speed. Carbon fiber is the most durable of the wraps, tends to make the board stiffer, and is the most expensive.
Skimboard Size – Skimboards come is a variety of sizes. Your choice should be determined primarily by physical factors like your weight, height, and speed and by your experience and style of riding.
Your buoyancy is affected by your weight but also by your speed and the size of the board. The faster you go the easier it is to maintain buoyancy. The bigger the board, the more buoyant you are.
More experienced skimmers who want to catch a wave prefer smaller more maneuverable boards.
The less experienced often prefer larger boards because they are more stable and easier to balance, can support their weight, and are faster.
Manufacturers give recommendations for the best bodyweight for each model.
Here is a general guide: Skimboard Sizing Guide (note: 1 stone = 14 pounds, 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds)
Shape, Rocker, and Tail
Boards that work best for flatland skimming are usually symmetrical with the nose and tail the same shape. This makes it possible to go either direction with the same performance.
Boards that have a different shape on the nose and tail are directional and more maneuverable and work best for riding the wave.
Rocker refers to the curve of the board. On skimboards, it concerns the curve of the nose. The steeper or greater the rocker, the easier it is to skim wavy water, whereas a shallow rocker is better on flatter, calmer water and will allow you to achieve more speed.
On the tail of the board, several shapes are common. A more pointed or pin-tail will aid in balance. Other variations are rounded, square, and fish or swallow-tail. These add varying degrees of maneuverability for changing direction such as when turning on a wave or performing tricks.
Introduction to Skimboarding Technique
Here are some posts on other board sports that may be of interest:
Feedback and Comments
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