What Happens if There Are Air Bubbles in a Skimboard?

Many beach enthusiasts are familiar with basic surfing using standard surfboards. However, there is a related sport, called skimboarding, which involves traveling from the wet beach sand and into an incoming surf wave. Skimboarding uses a specialized board that differs from a surfboard design. These skimboarding boards can develop bubbles along their length, causing structural weakening.

  1. Skimboard Features

    • Skimboards consist of a foam core middle surrounded by a fiberglass layer. A skimboard is wider than a standard surfboard, but with half the structural thickness. In addition, the skimboard is shorter than the surfboard by approximately 50 percent. A noticeable difference is the lack of fins on the bottom of the skimboard. A skimboard's bottom is completely flat, allowing smooth surface contact with the wet beach sand as it slides across the beach and into the ocean wave for riding.

    Air Bubble Causes

    • Air bubbles occur on both the top and bottom portions of the skimboard. The bubbles appear when the fiberglass detaches from the foam core. Over time, the fiberglass layer loses adhesion with the foam, creating small bubbles. As the fiberglass continues to detach, the bubbles become larger. In fact, the bubbles can reach the size of a basketball if no repair action is taken.

    Air Bubble Consequences

    • Air bubbles notify the skimboarder owner that the board is losing structural integrity. The fiberglass provides a protective layer for the foam core, as well as an important framework component for sustaining the rider's weight. Multiple bubbles, especially the large types, create a weakened skimboard structure. Eventually, the board will crack or break completely from the rider's weight.

    Repair

    • Air bubbles can be repaired. Typically, the board is sanded down to the foam core. Use a disc sander for the best results. The sanding removes the detached fiberglass layer. After sanding, new fiberglass may be applied to the board. Skimboard owners can easily repair their own boards with patience and practice. As an alternative, many skimboard retail stores offer repair facilities for maintenance and major repair jobs.