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Step 1
Take into account skill level when buying a skimboard. Beginners need a lightweight board that is easy to handle. Look for a wide shape for better balance. A rounded squash tail is the most common tail shape. It provides greater stability and maximum planing. Other beginner boards have a diamond tip offering added speed and better control at the tail. A more advanced skimboard will have a rounded pin tail providing a little more maneuverability.
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Step 2
Look at board materials. Traditional boards are made of plywood or maple wood glassed with at least one coat of resin. Several wood boards have graphite bottoms to glide easier across flats. Other boards are composed of wood or foam and structurally coated with E-glass, (common fiber reinforcement), Texalium (aluminum-coated fiberglass), S-glass (structural fiberglass), carbon fiber (fabric saturated with resin over foam-core center), polyester resin (most common resin) or epoxy resin (superior strength for high-end boards).
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Step 3
Consider the board design. Boards have an oval or teardrop shape with variations. Narrower boards don't carry the rider as far over the water. Boards with wider middles tend to go further out but don't turn as well. Shorter boards offer more front-to-back control. A wider shape provides better balance and grip.
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Step 4
Consider your weight before you purchase a skimboard. Each manufacturer puts weight guidelines on the skimboard. A general guide for less than 50 lbs. is to purchase an extra-small board. From 50 to 80 lbs. consider small. A medium board is best for 80 to 180 lbs. For 120 to 200 lbs., the rider should have a medium to large board. If you weigh between 170 and 240 lbs., you need a large board and if you are over 200 lbs., you'll require an extra-large board.
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Step 5
Explore function. Boards used for inland and sand flats necessitate a wooden board to sustain the elements. A wooden board with a graphite bottom makes a faster ride and supports tricks and maneuvers. For wrapping waves and tricks, research a hybrid board (shorter with a blunted nose). To ride rails and logs, purchase a board with greater traction and flexibility. The more advanced rider should explore a "pro shape" (longer board with a narrower nose).
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Step 6
Weigh the price. Beginners need a durable board with the option of a wave-riding shape. A wood board with a graphite bottom is a plus for beginners. For performance, explore a board with a foam core which has the durability but not the expense. More experienced riders need a board geared toward usage. They are constructed of better materials and reinforcements (E-glass, S-glass or carbon) and varied design choices (traditional, hybrid or pro).
