How to Catch a Wave on a Skimboard
Skimboarders stand patiently on the shore while waiting for the waves to break. As opposed to surfing, skimboarding only requires a few inches of water to glide across the beach. The fiberglass skimboard features an oval shape with a pointed nose and grooved tail. Professional skimboarders have the ability to transfer from the sandy beach to the breaking waves of the ocean. Skim Online recommends waxing the top of your skimboard for increased traction during high-speed carves and maneuvers.
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Instructions
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Stand in a stationary position about 25 feet from the water. Hold the pointed nose of the skimboard in your non-dominant hand and the grooved tail in your dominant hand. Sprint toward the ocean as a large deposit of water washes onto the shore.
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Aim the nose of the skimboard toward the breaking waves. Drop the skimboard onto the water as you sprint forward. Jump vertically to land on top of the waxed skimboard.
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Slide your feet about shoulder length apart with your lead foot about 6 inches from the nose. Lean back slightly to keep the pointed nose out of the water. Shift your body weight to steer toward the breaking waves.
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Approach the wave at a slight angle to avoid being thrown backward. Bend your knees as you ascend the sloping face of the braking wave. Rotate your shoulders to quickly spin the skimboard and face the shore.
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Aim the nose of the skimboard toward the beach. Lean forward as the breaking wave thrusts you toward the shore.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice these basic wave riding techniques to improve your skimboarding skills.
