How to Kick Turn on a Skimboard

Compared to surfboards, skimboards feature a compact design. The lightweight skimboard consists of a carbon fiber or fiberglass construction. While surfers catch the ocean's waves to gain speed, skimboarders run to the water before tossing the board. According to Skim Online, skimboarders generally stand about 20 feet away from the water while waiting for the waves to break. A kickturn is a beginner skimboard maneuver that allows you to carve across a breaking wave.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand about 20 feet away from the water while waiting for the waves to break. Hold your skimboard parallel to the beach with both hands. Run toward the ocean as a wave begins to break offshore.

    • 2

      Drop the skimboard on top of the water as you reach an adequate speed. Leap over the top of the skimboard. Bend your knees as your feet land onto the board.

    • 3

      Spread your feet about shoulder width apart to attain a balanced skimboarding stance. Apply downward pressure with your back foot to prevent the nose of the skimboard from dipping into the water. Shift your bodyweight to navigate the skimboard toward the breaking wave.

    • 4

      Lean back as you begin to glide up the wave. Rotate your shoulders as you reach the apex of the wave. Turn the skimboard 180 degrees to face toward the shore.

    • 5

      Bend your knees as the wave begins to push you toward the beach. Jump off your skimboard as you near the shore.