Skimboards for Adults come in a range of shapes and materials to suit all Skimboarders, from rank beginner to advanced/pro.
When choosing a Skimboard, you must pick the right length, shape and material for your skill level, riding style and goals.
This guide will help you pick the best Adult Skimboard with a list of recommended adult Skimboards.
Recommended Adult Skimboards
Skill Level & Riding Style
There are four levels of Skimboarder.
Beginner
The Beginner is learning the art of skimming in the whitewash. Therefore, the Beginner needs a cost-effective Skimboard that is forgiving of mistakes and very difficult to break.
Intermediate
The intermediate has the Skimming technique down and is now learning to skim further and starting to tackle waves. The intermediate needs a Skimboard that will skim further and can take out into the waves.
Advanced
The advanced Skimboarder can skim, wave ride and perhaps perform tricks. The advanced rider needs are Skimboard that best suits their riding style and will stand up to the rigours of regular use.
Pro
The Pro Skimboarder has practised for many years, has made a name for themselves, has sponsorship and competes in competitions. The pro will collaborate with a manufacturer to build the exact Skimboard tailored to their needs.
Skimboard Materials
Wood
The best material for Beginner Skimboarders is always wood of 3-9 ply.
Wood constructed. Skimboards are flexible. The less ‘ply’, the more flexible they are.
Flexible Skimboards are easy to learn as they are very forgiving of mistakes and are easier on the knees and ankles than stiffer longboards.
Wood Skimboards are also near impossible to break.
Foam/Fibreglass
Foam/Fibreglass Skimboards is the next progression from wood. The Skimboards are a foam core coated in fibreglass and finished in epoxy resin.
Foam/Fibreglass Skimboards are the most popular choice for intermediate and advanced Skimboarders.
Foam/Fibreglass Skimboards are lighter than conventional wood Skimboards. They are also stiffer and more buoyant, so they will skim further and allow you to ride out into the waves.
It’s possible to break a Foam/Fibreglass Skimboard with poor technique, so it’s recommended you learn on a wood Skimboard first or a budget Foam/Fibreglass Skimboard until you have developed your technique.
Carbon Skimboards
Carbon Fibre Skimboards are incredibly light yet strong with a rigid minimal flex which is hyper-responsive to every movement the rider makes.
Carbon Fibre Skimboards are a serious tool for riders who want to push their Skimboarding to their full potential. Carbon Fibre is the most expensive Skimboard material.
Carbon Skimboards are mainly used by advanced and pro riders or the intermediate riders who are determined to progress to the advanced/pro level.
Choosing The Best Skimboard Material
- Beginner – Wood
- Intermediate – Wood or Foam/Fibreglass
- Advanced – Foam/Fibreglass or Carbon
- Pro – Carbon
Skimboard Shapes
Skimboards can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Beginner and Intermediate Skimboards are usually asymmetrical, while advanced and pro Skimboards are symmetrical with twin tips that the rider can land and skim in both directions.
The Pintail (points at both ends) is a common Skimboard shape which is excellent for swimming and riding the waves. Many intermediate and advanced skimboards are Pintails. The Pintail is also a good shape for the Beginner.
Most beginner/intermediate skimboards have a pointed nose with a wider tail, ‘square’, ’round’ or ‘fish tail’.
The square and round tails offer excellent control when skimming in the sand, while the fishtail enables sharper turns.
Advanced Skimboards used for jumping tricks such as ‘shuvits’ usually are symmetrical with twin square or round tips so the rider can land and skim in either direction.
All Skimboards have a degree of ‘rocker’, which is the amount of curvature in the Skimboard.
Beginner and intermediate Skimboards have a mild rocker, which is excellent for skimming in the whitewash.
Higher-end intermediate to advanced Skimboards has a more aggressive rocker suited to faster skimming and riding the waves.
Adult Skimboard Sizes
Adult Skimboards are available in various lengths and widths. Lengths range from 41″-56″.
Shorter Skimboards are easier to control, while longer Skimboards will travel faster and further.
Beginners and intermediates do better on short Skimboards, while longer and wider Skimboards are better for advanced riders.
All Skimboard manufacturers provide sizing guides for their Skimboards. First, pick the shape and material best suited to your skill level and the recommended size.
If you want more control, pick a size down. If you want more speed and distance, pick a size up.