Skimboarding is becoming increasingly popular among surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. So if you want to try out a new sport on your next vacation, skimboarding is just the thing for you.
Whether by the sea or at the lake, the skimboard is great fun and easy to learn for beginners.
The best is yet to come:
BeyondSurfing introduces you to different skimboards and shows you what is important when buying one. You are guaranteed to find the right skimboard for your needs.
The best skimboard 2024?
Content
- 1 These are the top 5 skimboards in 2024
- 2 Bonus: Skimboard pads and wax
- 3 Bestsellers: The most popular ski boards
- 4 Buy a skimboard: How to make the right decision
- 5 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about skimboarding
- 6 Conclusion: The most popular skimboards reviewed
- 7 Specialist literature, sources & further links
In a hurry? Our favorite skimboard:
- Natural wood look
- For beginners and advanced users
- Good workmanship
- Good price-performance ratio
Skimboard Checklist
- What is that? Skimboarding is a water sport in which you glide across the water on a board.
- Area of application? Skimboarding can be practiced anywhere where there is water.
- Which material? The boards are made of wood or foam.
- Who is it suitable for? Skimboarding is suitable for children and adults.
Did you know? Learning to surf made easy: 10 steps to becoming a surf pro.
These are the top 5 skimboards in 2024
1. Jucker Hawaii Skimboard
Advantages
- Natural wood look
- For beginners and advanced users
- Good workmanship
- Good price-performance ratio
- Available in 2 designs
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for wave riding
- No skimboard pads
Summary
If you want to try something out first and don’t want to invest a lot of money right away, we recommend the Jucker Hawaii. The Jucker Hawaii is a classic skimboard and its natural wood look is reminiscent of the first skimboards.
But with its 5 layers of pressed poplar wood and the clear lacquer coating, it is a far cry from that. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for people weighing up to 90 kg and can therefore also be used as a ski board for children.
This skimboard also requires skimboard pads or surf wax to prevent slipping. If you want to preserve the beautiful wood surface, use Surfwax from e.g. Sexwax or Sticky Bumps.
Product details
Material: 5 layers of pressed poplar wood | Size/dimensions: 97.5 cm x 52 cm x 0.7 cm, Jucker Hawaii logo on the top | Suitable for Persons up to 90kg
Customer ratings
Customers are impressed by the price/performance ratio of the board and praise the good workmanship. Some customers even like the look of the board so much that they occasionally use it as a decorative item.
FAQ
2. DB Proto Plank
Advantages
- High-quality workmanship
- Light rocker and concave
- Durable
- For beginners and advanced users
Disadvantages
- no skimboard pads
- not suitable for wave riding
Summary
The DB Proto Plank stands out from conventional skimboard models thanks to its unusual shape, light rocker and mini-concave.
The curvature of the board ensures a good feel when sliding, helps with shove its and spins without sacrificing speed. This makes the board ideal for beginners. But advanced users will also get their money’s worth with the DB Proto Plank.
Hard rock maple”, i.e. very stable maple, is used for the core. The material is robust and not very flexible. This keeps the board stable on the surface of the water and maintains speed for as long as possible when gliding.
The top and bottom of the skimboard are made of smooth HPL (High Pressure Laminate). Perfect for sliding over sand, water and PVC.
The disadvantage is the lack of skimboard pads. These must either be purchased separately or the board must be waxed with surf wax.
Product details
Material: Core made of maple wood; top and bottom made of high pressure laminate| Size/Dimensions: Available in S/M/L (depending on size and body weight)| Color: white
Customer ratings
Customers praise the low weight of the board and the very good sliding characteristics. They also say that the board has a good price/performance ratio and is also suitable as a ski board for children.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while only 25% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers complain that the product was not well packaged for shipping. In addition, the quality of the processed material was criticized in one case.
FAQ
Waters.
3. circle one
Advantages
- Suitable for wave riding and flatland
- Buoyancy
- Good workmanship
- High quality material
- Different sizes
Disadvantages
- High price
- No skimboard pads
Summary
If you want to surf waves with your skimboard, this model is the right choice for you. Unlike the other skimboards in the range, the skimboard is not made of wood, but can still be used for flatland skimboarding.
The skimboard consists of a pressed EPS core that provides good buoyancy. This makes it possible to reach waves that do not break directly at the stand. In the middle of the board there is a stringer, a piece of wood that makes the board more stable and gives it flexibility.
The core is encased in a layer of fiberglass that is reinforced on the sides and top. There is a layer of heat-resistant material around it. The two layers make the board robust and durable. The skimboard is also available in sizes 109, 117, 127, 132 and 137 cm.
The board is not recommended as a beginner ski board due to its high price. You also need to buy non-slip skimboard pads or surf wax to ensure a secure footing.
Product details
Material: EPS core, fiberglass, hot coat | Size/dimensions: 109/117/127/132/137 cm x 52 cm x 2.5 cm | Color: red/blue and grey
Customer ratings
FAQ
4. SkimOne Skimboard
Advantages
- Combination of wood and fiberglass
- For beginners and advanced
- Low weight
- Colorful design
Disadvantages
- No skimboard pads
- Not suitable for people over 90 kg body weight
Summary
Wood or foam? As a rule, you have to choose between one of these two options. Both are built into the Skimboard from the manufacturer SkimOne. This makes the board lighter and gives it more buoyancy, ideal for long slides.
With its thin tail and colorful design, the SkimOne is a real eye-catcher.
However, the Skimboard is only suitable for people weighing up to 90 kg. Skimboard pads or surf wax are also required to make the surface non-slip.
Product details
Material: wood and fiberglass | Size: 122 x 52 x 1.7 cm | Suitable for: Persons up to 90kg body weight | Weight: 3kg
Customer ratings
Unfortunately, there are currently no reviews of this skimboard.
FAQ
5. Volkswagen 41in Skimboard
Advantages
- Good workmanship
- For adults and children
- Beginner-friendly
Disadvantages
- No skimboard pads
- Not suitable for wave riding
Summary
Volkswagen doesn’t just make cars. Your skimboard is something for real VW fans who are interested in a high-quality model.
It is available in 3 different colors and is made of multi-layered poplar wood. The one-size-fits-all board is very beginner-friendly and also ideal for children.
The board requires skimboard pads or surf wax to ensure a secure footing.
Product details
Material: Multi-layer poplar wood | Size: Beginner-friendly one size fits all
Customer ratings
There is currently only one customer review for this board. The customer is satisfied with the skimboard, but complains that the lamination comes away from the edges over time, causing them to soften.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bonus: Skimboard pads and wax
In order to spend as much time as possible on the skimboard and not in the sand when skimboarding, the surface must provide grip. Either skimboard pads or surf wax are required for this.
The set consists of seven adhesive strips for the tail and the rest of the surface of the skimboard. If required, the strips can also be cut to shape in order to adapt precisely to the shape of the skimboard.
The advantage of pads is that you only have to stick the strips on and don’t have to replace them after a short time like wax. This saves time and is easy on the wallet in the long run.
Sex Wax
If you don’t like the look of pads or want the top of the skimboard to remain visible, Surfwax is the right choice. It offers a similarly good hold as pads, but must be reapplied frequently. This is because sand and dirt make the wax less grippy over time.
Always make sure you buy the right wax for the right water temperature. The Sex Wax shown above is suitable for temperatures of 18-26 °C.
Good to know: It doesn’t have to be Sex Wax, other recommended manufacturers include Sticky Bumps, Mrs. Palmers and Famous.
Bestsellers: The most popular ski boards
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy a skimboard:
How to make the right decision
Various factors play a role in choosing the right skimboard. The selection is very large and appears complicated.
But things are getting better:
BeyondSurfing shows you all the important information you need to make the right decision when choosing your skimboard.
What many people don’t know:
A skimboard that does not suit the size and ability of the owner will quickly cause frustration.
What you need to consider when buying a skimboard (incl. Checklist)
When looking for the best skimboard, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Size
- Location
- Material
- Shape
The right skimboard size?
The length and width of the board are crucial when choosing the right ski board. The bigger the board, the more stable it is in the waves and on flat water.
Skimboard beginners should choose a larger board, as the greater stability helps them to take their first steps on the skimboard. But it must not be too big either, otherwise the board will become cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.
Advanced skiers choose a skimboard that is as small as possible but as large as necessary. The smaller the board, the more movements and sharp turns can be performed with it.
Two factors are decisive for the choice of skimboard:
- the body size,
- the body weight.
You can see which board dimensions are right for you here:
| Body weight (in kg) | Skimboard model | Length x width (in inches) |
|---|---|---|
| <36 | XXS | 45.00” x 19.00” |
| 36-45 | XS | 48.00” x 19.25” |
| 45-63 | S | 51.00” x 19.75” |
| 54-72 | M | 52.00” x 20.00” |
| 63-81 | ML | 52.25” x 20.25” |
| 72-90 | L | 52.50” x 20.50” |
| 81-99 | XL | 53.00” x 20.75” |
| 90-108 | XXL | 54.00” x 21.50” |
| The table is a guideline, if you want more stability or surf small waves, a slightly larger board is helpful. | ||
Location: Flat or waves?
In skimboarding, a distinction is made between flatland and wave riding. What exactly does this mean and what are the differences?
- Flatland: Gliding over a flat water surface or wet sand. Whether on the beach, a lake or over a puddle, all you need is water and a skimboard. Of course, you can not only glide, but also perform tricks, grinds and jumps over obstacles.
- Wave riding: Here you glide into a wave from the beach and then ride it like on a surfboard, including sharp turns, airs and barrels.
So you have to decide for yourself which of the categories you prefer.
Material: wood or foam?
Most skimboards are made of either wood or foam. Here are the most important differences between the two materials, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Wood
The advantages and disadvantages of wooden boards at a glance:
- Inexpensive
- Robust
- Beginner friendly
- Lots of friction
- Little buoyancy
- Weight
- Risk of injury
- Only suitable for flatland
Wooden skimboards are particularly suitable for beginners. Due to the construction and the material used, they are cheaper and more robust than foam skimboards.
This means:
Wooden boards are ideal for making your first slides on the board and learning the basics.
Make sure the skimboard is well painted. The surface should be as smooth as possible so that the board can glide with as little friction as possible.
Wooden skimboards also involve a certain risk of injury. The edges are thin and hard, so you can easily end up with a bruise on your shin if the board is washed back by a wave.
Foam
The advantages and disadvantages of foam skimboards at a glance:
- Models for beginners, advanced and professionals
- Weight
- Lots of buoyancy
- Suitable for flatland and wave riding
- Can be held better
- More expensive
- Less robust
Foam ski boards are suitable for beginners, advanced skiers and professionals. What is particularly good for beginners is that the boards are easier to hold than thin wooden boards. This makes it easier to drop and jump up.
Foam boards consist of a foam core covered with a layer of fiberglass. This makes the board light and gives it more buoyancy than a wooden board. The smooth surface also results in less friction.
Foamboards are the right choice when it comes to wave riding, because you need as much speed and buoyancy as possible to reach the wave.
The biggest drawback with this type of construction is probably the price and the fact that the material is more susceptible to damage. The good news is that you can easily repair minor damage yourself with resin.
This will help you make the right choice of material:
If you are looking for a vacation toy or don’t want to surf waves, a wooden board will do. Those who are a little more ambitious and aim for waves should opt for a foam skimboard.
The right shape
The rocker (curvature of the skimboard)?
Rocker is the curvature of the skimboard from the rear end (the “tail”) to the front end (the “nose”). This shape is what makes riding a wave with the skimboard possible in the first place, because without it the tip would plunge into the water.
Good to know:
- Wooden boards or flatland boards do not have a rocker, as they are not used for waves.
- With foamboards, the rocker can vary depending on which waves are to be surfed.
A flat rocker is well suited to small waves and calm water, while boards with a large curve are used more in steep waves and choppy water.
Watch out: The more curved the skimboard, the slower and more susceptible to wind it becomes. Make sure that your board does not have more rocker than you need so as not to make it unnecessarily difficult for you.
The tail (rear part of the skimboard)?
The tail is the rear end of the skimboard and affects stability, speed and maneuverability.
Two types of tails are common:
- Pintail: The most common is a pintail: it provides stability in the wave while maintaining good maneuverability.
- Swallow tail: If you are looking for speed, a swallow tail is recommended. The shape allows more speed to be generated in the wave.
The thickness of the skimboard?
Do I need a thick or thin skimboard? The right thickness of the skimboard depends on your own ability:
- For beginners: A thick board stays afloat longer>bt, which gives you an advantage as a beginner.
- For advanced and professional riders: If you already have some experience and can run fast, a thinner board will suffice. Speed can easily make up for the lack of lift.
Skimboard accessories
Pads or wax?
Either traction pads or wax are required in order to have grip on the skimboard and avoid slipping. What you use is up to you.
The disadvantage of wax is that you have to keep renewing it, whereas the skimboard pad is a one-off investment. Pads are available for the rear and middle part of the board. Pads are highly recommended, especially for a wave skimboard.
Cover
If you want to ensure that your skimboard lasts a long time, a cover is recommended. If the skimboard falls out of the trunk when unloading, it remains intact. Sunlight, which discolors foam skimboards over time and weakens the material, is also kept out.
Skimboard brands
Don’t skimp on the quality of your skimboard and opt for branded goods. The best-known and most popular brands include:
Bugz, Apex, Jobe, Victoria, DB, Zap, Exile, Jucker, SkimOne
Skimboard tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Consumer Reports and Which? have not yet tested skimboards. However, with BeyondSurfing’s buying guide, you can still find out about the most important criteria for buying the right skimboard.
Reviews from other customers, e.g. on Amazon, can also be helpful for your choice.
What exactly is skimboarding?
Skimboarding involves jumping onto the skimboard from a running motion and then gliding over the surface of the water. Tricks and turns can be performed and even waves can be surfed. Pure fun!
The Skimboard Basics?
In order to glide on the skimboard at all, you first have to generate enough speed and then jump onto the board. Timing plays a major role.
The correct technique involves the following 3 steps:
The run-up
First of all, you need to take enough of a run-up. This is the only way to achieve enough momentum to glide on the board. To avoid injury, you should slowly approach the right speed.
One thing is certain: they will fall! The good thing is that you decide how hard.
The board drop
The skimboard is next dropped from the barrel onto the sand in front of you.
First find out which foot you are standing with at the front of the skimboard. To do this, have another person push you slightly forward from behind, the foot with which you move forward to absorb the impact is in front on the skimboard.
Now hold the board in both hands. With one hand you hold the board approximately in the middle on the side, with the other hand you hold the tail (rear end of the skimboard). The front hand corresponds to your front foot. This means: If your left foot is in front, your left hand is on the rail and your right hand is on the tail. If your right foot is in front, hold the board on the front right with your right hand and the tail with your left hand.
Let the board fall to the ground in front of you with a sufficient run-up. The board should fall as flat and gently as possible onto the ground. Therefore, hold the board close to the ground and let go with both hands at the same time.
The bounce
If you have done everything correctly, the board will now slide on the floor in front of you.
Now comes the most difficult part. You must first place your non-dominant foot on the back of the skimboard and then bring your dominant foot forward.
Once you have done this, stand on the skimboard and continue gliding with your knees slightly bent.
What kind of skimboard tricks are possible?
A lot! Tricks from skateboarding such as shove its or 360’s are possible on the flat, while you can perform airs and turns in the waves. If you want to know how, watch the following video:
The history of the skimboard?
The short answer is:
The history of skimboarding began in California, in Laguna Beach to be precise.
The somewhat more detailed answer is:
Almost 100 years ago, two lifeguards, George Griffeth and his friend Jimmy, built the first wooden disks to glide across the water.
The skimboard has become increasingly popular over the decades and is seen as a fun alternative to other water sports activities.
The reason:
All you need for this fun is a skimboard and a surface with water, wind and wave conditions don’t matter, the skimboard is always ready to go!
Good to know:
The first World Skimboard Championship took place in 1976. he Victoria Skimboards brand was also founded that year. As a result, the sport was no longer just seen as a fun pastime, but gained prestige in the water sports community.
Over time, the sport and the material developed further. New foam skimboards came onto the market in 1980.
Skimboarding is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, which is particularly due to its beginner-friendliness.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about skimboarding
How does skimboarding work?
Which ski board is the best?
What to look out for when buying a skimboard?
What size skimboard do I need for my weight?
What is the difference between a skimboard, wakeboard and surfboard?
When wakeboarding, you are pulled by a rope that is attached to a boat or a special wakeboard system. You start out of the water or jump off a platform and then let yourself be pulled through the water on a wakeboard. You stand in a binding that is fixed to the board. Like surfboards, some wakeboards are equipped with fins that provide more stability and better steering in the water.
Surfboards are longer than skimboards and are equipped with fins and a leash. When surfing, you paddle onto the wave lying down and then jump onto the board and ride along the wave.
Are there ski boards for children?
Conclusion: The most popular skimboards reviewed
Skimboards are ideal for your next beach vacation. Whether you already have experience with other water sports or want to try something new. Fun is guaranteed with the Skimboard!
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Surfer Today: https://www.surfertoday.com/skimboarding/the-history-of-skimboarding
- SKID KIDS; a YouTube channel all about skimboarding, with lots of interesting videos and tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ5kqUO7Pkc7YWRNnjetfbw
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