Comments on: How to Ride a Skimboard

on 5/30/2009 Some of the best starter boards and pro boards can be bought on Skimtastic.com - it's definitely one of the sickest sites and you can choose any color and type of board you want. I would definitely get my first or second board from Apex or Square Skimboards.

on 9/7/2006 I have been riding only a week, but I'm already catching big waves. If you try what I do you're sure not to wipe out. Wait until you see two very big waves, usually in high tide, then get ready and run. Right before they come in, start running and then you can catch two big waves and you won't wipe out. One wave will be there to catch you if you fall. It worked for me.

on 8/8/2006 I've been skimboarding for about 3 years now, I've taught myself just about everything I know. I did a recent experiment; I used to always go when the water was receding, but this is not correct if you want to do wave riding. You should go right when the wave breaks and the water is rushing toward you. I know this may seem awkward, but it works. When water is coming toward shore and you go, it allows you to float and increases your speed. I used to always go when the water was receding and kept wondering why about 5 seconds later I would find myself sinking when I hit the deeper water. It's all in the direction of the water.

If you run about 8 miles per hour and the water is being sucked out at about 5 miles per hour, you are only getting a speed of 3 miles per hour, and you will find yourself sinking in no time. However, if the water is rushing onshore at 5 miles per hour and you are running at about 8 miles per hour, you will have a speed of about 11 miles per hour and you will be able to catch that wave you've had your eye on. Hope this tip helps you, I know it has done wonders for me and I can catch away just about anytime now. Experiment with this, it's helped me so much and you will definitely notice the difference!

on 7/28/2006 You can't start turning unless you know how to ride the board a good distance. All you do is extend your arm to the other side of the board and press down. Be careful, if the beach has big waves they can smash right into you. When you turn you should be bent down. If you don't want to turn anymore, you can get up.

on 7/24/2006 If you get little dings in your board that crack the resin on top, you need to fix them or else your board will rot. Don't worry, just buy some Super glue, put it in the holes and wait a couple of minutes and your board is good to go.

on 7/18/2006 Run, drop, and jump onto the board as you normally would, but when you start to slow down jump off to the side of your board and use the heel of your back foot to get the board moving again. Then, just run and jump onto it again. This usually works a lot better when the beach isn't crowded and the waves are flat.

on 7/12/2006 Another trick is the coffin. Throw the board on slick sand and jump on.Then move to a crouch, and then sitting position. Finally, lay down and cross your arms across your chest.

on 6/30/2006 I've been skimboarding for about 3 years now. I've taught myself just about everything I know. I used to always go when the water was receding, but this is not correct if you want to do wave riding. You should go right when the wave breaks and the water is rushing toward you. I know this may seem awkward, but it works. When water is coming toward shore and you go, it allows you to float and increases your speed. It's all in the direction of the water.

If you run about 8 miles per hour and the water is being sucked out at about 5 miles per hour, you are only getting a speed of 3 miles per hour, and you will find yourself sinking in no time. However, if the water is rushing onshore at 5 miles per hour and you are running at about 8 miles per hour, you will have a speed of about 11 miles per hour and you will be able to catch that wave you've had your eye on.

Hope this tip helps you, I know it has done wonders for me and I can catch waves just about anytime now. Experiment with this, it's helped me so much and you will definitely notice the difference!

on 6/30/2006 I don't live anywhere near the beach, but when we get a lot of rain I have a small river near me that floods over the bank. My buddies and I like to skim over the river. You won't go as far on grass, but when you don't have any beaches around you, you can cope.

on 6/30/2006 When you jump on the board, land both feet at the same time and then bend down - so you can go faster and longer. It is the same with a skateboard, also.

on 6/30/2006 If you seem to go really slow while trying to get out to the waves, try going out then turning your board sideways. If you get it right you'll end up going faster. Do not lean backward. You'll catch the water and fall.

on 1/9/2006 Just as you would on a skateboard, you can ollie on a skimboard. Once you get off the sand onto the water you can perform this. I guess it might be possible in shallow water over the sand if you like to ride sideways, but I've never tried that.

To do it, you push you back foot down and then lift up both of your feet and push your front foot froward to balance out the board. It's a lot easier if you have a traction pad on the back and an arch bar on the front.

on 11/22/2005 the real deal ,with real riders is to time your throw
as to catch a wave back to shore.a longer board will get you into deeper water and it hurts way less to fall
in 2 to 3 feet water.this way of skiming will add a whole new aspect to skiming .I first learned this in
Maui and came home to the central coast cali to find the only place guys rode like this is in Luguna Beach(sweet shore break)or guys who had been to haw.or
luguna.Lately i see more and more guys starting to get it!

on 11/22/2005 Turning is rather simple. If you stand regular (left foot forward) to turn to your right, you put weight on your toes. To turn to your left, put weight on your heels.

on 11/22/2005 Balance is very important, so is wax. If you have good balance and wax you will ride smoothly. Do not lean forward or backward because you will fall off.