How to Skimboard Fast

While surfers enjoy paddling out to catch large breaking waves, skimboarders prefer to keep their feet planted on the shore. Similar to the surfboard, the compact skimboard features a twin-tip tail that allows you to navigate through shallow water. The experts at Skim Online recommend learning the basic skimboarding techniques on a level beach. To create forward momentum, run toward a breaking wave with your skimboard in hand. The faster your takeoff, the more velocity the skimboard will have as it glides across the water.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your nondominant hand around the pointed nose of the skimboard. Grip the twin-tip tail of the skimboard with your opposing hand. Hold the skimboard parallel to the beach.

    • 2

      Carry the skimboard about 25 feet from the water. Bend your knees to maintain a balanced takeoff stance. Run toward the ocean as you see a wave breaking in the distance.

    • 3

      Release your hand from the nose of the skimboard as you reach the water. Thrust your dominant hand forward to launch the skimboard across the top of the water. Run behind the skimboard as it glides across the shore.

    • 4

      Extend your legs to jump vertically above the skimboard. Bend your knees as you land on the top of the traveling board. Spread your feet about shoulder length apart to balance your riding.

    • 5

      Place your arms behind your back to decrease your wind resistance. Lean onto the toe edge of the skimboard to perform a high-speed turn across the water. Practice your takeoff technique to increase the speed of the skimboard.