How to Ride a Beach Skim Board

Riding a skim board is a versatile, fun activity when you're at the beach. Unlike other beach sports, skim boarding doesn't require big waves or wind and can be done in just about any condition. A few simple steps and you'll be gliding along the shoreline and doing tricks on your skim board.

Things You'll Need

  • Skim board
  • Beach
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy your board. Skim boards are short, flat boards with an oblong shape, almost like a flat football. There are a variety of brands and models, made out of wood and fiberglass. Prices vary widely as well. Discuss the best size/model options with a local shop before purchasing. The best selection of skim boards will be found at sport shops at the beach.

    • 2

      Focus on timing. Get a running start and slide the board onto the sand as the surf is receding after a break. You'll then be able to plant your feet on it and "skim" along the inches of water receding back toward the ocean. Timing will take a little practice. You don't want to go to early and end up in a pool of water or too late and get stuck in sand.

    • 3

      Balance your weight. Center your weight on the skim board so that the board does not slide out from under you, causing you to go hurdling headlong toward the ocean or shore. Balance can be tricky and you may take a number of wipe outs before you get the hang of it. When you plant your feet on the board always try to get your front and back foot firmly planted, while keeping your weight at the center. If you're easily embarrassed, try practicing on a less-crowded beach.

    • 4

      Once you've got the basics of timing and balance down you can begin to expand your style. Try steeper beaches for more speed. Practice doing jumps, flips and tricks as you hit the lip of the breaker. Some skim boards are even designed to catch the waves coming toward shore as you glide out.