- Skimboarding remains as small sport in large part to the fact that it is overshadowed by its big brother, surfing. For those who have heard of it, it seems as though it has been a recent development in the world of sports. Nothing could be further from the truth. Skimboarding has actually been around since since its conception in the 1920s in Laguna Beach, Calif. The sport hit a popularity surge in the 1960s and 1970s at Laguna Beach, and it wouldn't be long until other areas started catching on as well. Once the media caught on in the 1980s and and 1990s, the sport began to grow in other areas of the world. Today, thanks to the Internet, publications and competitions, Skimboarding is more popular than ever.
-
www.liuidtube.comThe basic shape of a skimboard is oval with tips at both ends, much like a leaf. Like most surfboards, the size of the board can vary according to the size of the rider. For example, the dimensions listed here are general specifications for a rider weighing 130 to 200 pounds: The board itself is usually three-fourths of an inch thick, running approximately 50 inches from tip to tip and 20 inches from side to side. For a lighter rider, the board will be about 45 inches from tip to tip and a little less than 20 inches from side to side. - The process of skimboarding is fairly easy in theory. A rider stands with his board on the shore and watches for a wave in the ocean to start breaking. At this point, he runs toward the ocean and drops the board once he reaches wet sand. The board is designed to make a smooth transition from sand to water, and a skilled rider will maintain balance on the board with most of his weight on his back foot. This will allow the board to glide on top of the water. Once the rider reaches the wave, he can turn the board and ride the momentum of the water back toward the shore. It's a process that takes much time, practice and patience.
- Early boards were made of wood, today the more popular medium is fiberglass and foam. Skimboards come in different sizes, weights and materials, but all have the same general features. The "rocker" is the front of the board that angles up a bit so the board won't dive into the water once it makes contact. Unlike surfboards there are no fins on the underside of the board to help steering, but like surfboards, most skimboards come with a leash so once a rider falls off, the board will not skirt away.
- Skimboarding is still a relatively small sport, but has the potential to grow even more. It's not as flashy or high-profile as surfing, but it is a great recreational sport that challenges an athlete. Most skimboarders are happy to participate in a sport that remains fairly small in the grand scheme of things as it avoids the population surge that other sports have.
