How to Ride Switch-Footed When Skimboarding

Skimboarding's an interesting sufring spin-off that's rapidly gained popularity over the last few decades. Unlike surfing, each ride begins on the sand and finishes in the surf. Like surfing, however, skimboarding takes incredible balance and energy. Riding switch-footed on your skimboard is more challenging than riding normally.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Wait for a good series of waves before starting your ride. You'll need a flat area of water or wet sand followed by a wave to get air off of your jump.

2. Run toward the water and keep your eyes on the wave as it's coming in. Time your run so that you're approaching the water as the wave nears its crest.

3. Set the skimboard on the ground in front of your feet. Since you're riding switch-footed, hold the back of the skimboard with your non-dominant arm.

4. Hop onto the board so your non-dominant foot is behind your dominant foot. For righties, your left foot will be on the back of the board and your right one will be on the front.

5. Bend your knees and extend your arms for balance as the board skims over the water and toward the wave. You might need to pump it back and forth to preserve your momentum.

6. Ride up the face of the wave as it's cresting and turn at the top. You can either jump off the back of it or cruise down its face, depending on your style.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also ride switch-footed by performing a 180-degree spin as you coast toward the wave. Both sides of your skimboard must be pointed, however, or you'll catch the water and wipe out.

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