How to Build a Skimboard Ramp

Skimboarding is a sport that is similar to surfing only it takes place near the ocean shore. It branches off from this into "flatland" skimboarding where only a little water is needed along with ramps and rails much like you see in extreme skateboarding. The ramps are constructed from 1/2-inch plywood and 2-by-4-inch lumber with the 'rails' that are pvc pipe. Ramps are mainly used to get the skimboarder to the rails where skill is demonstrated.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 pieces of 96-by-16-by-1/2-inch plywood
  • Chalk box
  • Circular saw
  • Wood glue
  • 16-pieces of 2-by-4-by-11-inch lumber
  • Variable speed drill
  • Philips head screw tip
  • 1 small box of 1 1/2-inch drywall screws
  • Electric miter saw (or manual miter box)
  • 2 pieces of 2-by-4-by-24-inches
  • 2 pieces of 96-by-12-by-1/2-inch plywood
  • 4 pieces of 3/4-by-96-inch schedule 40 pvc pipe
  • 1-inch drywall screws
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the two of the pieces of 96-by-16-by-1/2-inch plywood on a worktable. Hook the end of the chalk box string on one corner of the plywood and stretch it across the piece catty corner to the opposite corner. Pull the string tight and pop a line on the plywood.

    • 2

      Cut the line with a circular saw. Repeat this with the remaining piece of 96-by-16-by-1/2-inch plywood.

    • 3

      Apply glue to the ends of eight of the 2-by-4-by-11-inch lumber. Lay them on their 3 1/2-inch side. Secure them between both long edges of the remaining two pieces of 96-by-16-by-1/2-plywood with the 1 1/2-inch drywall screws. Space them apart on 12-inch centers. This is the frame for the flat bench. Repeat this for the sloped plywood. This is the frame for the "mellow up" rail or ramp.

    • 4

      Set the electric miter saw on a 45-degree angle. Put one of the pieces 2-by-4-by-24-inch lumber on the miter saw so the wide side of the lumber is against the fence of the saw. Cut the end on this angle.

    • 5

      Position it in the corner created by the 2-by-2-by-11-inch lumber and the 1/2-inch plywood. Mark the other end and cut it accordingly. Install it between the 2-by-4s on the end of the flat bench with the drywall screws. Repeat this with the remaining 2-by-4-by-24-inch lumber.

    • 6

      Put the two pieces of 96-by-12-by-1/2-inch plywood on the worktable. Make several marks from the long edges at 2 and 2 3/4-inches. Keep the marks 5-inches apart.

    • 7

      Drill pilot holes with the 1/16-inch drill bit between the marks. Secure the 3/4-inch schedule 40 PVC pipe to the plywood through the pilot holes with the 1-inch drywall screws. Lay the two pieces of plywood with the pipe on them on top of the frames. Secure them to the 2-by-4-inch lumber with the 1 1/2-inch drywall screws