How to Make a Professional Skimboard

Skimboarder at the beach

Skimboarding is a water sport that takes place along the ocean shore called the shore break where the beach meets breaking waves. The object of skimboarding is to glide on as little water as possible, riding the board like a skateboard. The boarder can even ride directly into the ocean wave, attempting to ride it back to the beach like a surfer. Skimboards are similar to surf boards, but they are smaller and have no fins. Making your own professional skimboard can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 inch plywood sheet
• Cardboard
• Marker
• Sander
• Paint/ Decal graphics
• Resin or wood finish

Instructions

1. 

   Buy a 1/2 inch thick piece of plywood with dimensions no bigger than 3 feet to 5 feet. Depending on your height and weight, these dimensions may be smaller in size. Typically, you want the board to be chest height when stood up lengthwise. Any type of plywood will work for this project.

2. Draw the desired shape of the skimboard on your plywood using a cardboard cutout. You need to create an egg shape, with a tapered nose, wide body and tapered tail. The tail of the board should not be as pointed as the nose, however. There is a link in the Resources section to a selection of skimboard shapes.

3. 

   Cut out the skimboard design with a jigsaw or hand saw. It might be easier to cut the skimboard if it is clamped down to a table so that it doesn't move around.

4. 

   Use a sander to smooth out the imperfections on the side of the board. After the sides are smoothed, use the sander to smooth out the front and back of the skimboard.

5. Soak the skimboard in water for at least 24 hours. This is will allow you to bend the board upward at the nose to create a rocker. In order to create a rocker, you need to elevate the nose of the board while placing about 20 lbs of weight on top of the nose for at least two days. This will give you the desired curve for the nose of the skimboard.

6. Give the skimboard an additional sanding after the rocking process if you find it to still be rough. If the smoothness level is to your liking, no additional sanding is necessary.

7. 

   Decorate the skimboard with graphics or waterproof paint. Next, you want to cover the entire board with a layer of protective coating such as resin. The alternative to painting the board is to simply add a decal design to the skimboard and finish it with wood polish or stain.

8. 

   Test out your brand new professional skimboard and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• If the curved nose rocker is not achieved, repeat that step again. Or, you might have to wait longer for the skimboard to soak and dry properly.

• Be careful using power tools. If it is your first time with this sort of equipment, ask for assistance.

• You don't want to get a splinter in your foot while riding the skimboard, so make sure it is as smooth as possible and apply enough coating.

References

• The skimboard shape
• Inland Skimboarding

Resources

• The skimboard shape
• Inland Skimboarding