Skimboarding uses a board to glide across the water’s surface. It is usually used in the ocean. For skimboarding one does not have to venture too far out into the ocean. The skimboard is used to skim the waves which are closer to the beach and the depth of the waves in relation to the ocean floor is shallow. This surfer or user drops the board on the beach where there is a thin wash of water and then moving with the momentum of the wave glides across the water. This technique was first used by the Californian lifeguards to get across the beaches of Laguna. Later on skimboarding was developed into a sport.
Skimboards are about half or three fourth the length of a surfing board. They usually reach up to the mid chest level when standing. The thickness of the board is dependent on the material the board is made of, the range is usually from 3/8th inch to 1 inch. The thickness used by most skimboarders is 5/8th inch to 3/4th inch.
A skimboard is available in three types; constant rocker where the board has a constant curve starting from the nose to the tail. These boards give better control on bigger waves.
Hybrid rocker is a board that has a curve only on the bottom going through about 3/4th of the board’s length. This type is good for speed and control on mid sized waves, this board also can be used to show off tricks known as flatland tricks when riding.
Traditional rocker is one where the board is completely flat except for the nose. Although skimboards look safer than surfboards, they are still dangerous. Many skimboard surfers have injured themselves badly because of recklessness. Fractures, dislocations lacerations, twisted ankles, bruises are quite common in this sport.
These occur due to the impact of the board, or if the board hits a rock underwater or any other obstacle that is not easily discernible to the naked eye. Hamstring injuries are quite common. This occurs because of the fast movement of the skimboarder’s leg as they run to the water and jump on the board. Because of shallow water hurting or breaking the neck is a strong possibility.
Many injuries that happen occur over a period of time, such as fractures of the distal tibia, ankle and mid foot. It is recommended that a skimboarder should warm up and stretch before boarding his board. Toes too are susceptible to fractures while riding. Therefore care and safety precautions are a must in this sport.
Skimboards are about half or three fourth the length of a surfing board. They usually reach up to the mid chest level when standing. The thickness of the board is dependent on the material the board is made of, the range is usually from 3/8th inch to 1 inch. The thickness used by most skimboarders is 5/8th inch to 3/4th inch.
A skimboard is available in three types; constant rocker where the board has a constant curve starting from the nose to the tail. These boards give better control on bigger waves.
Hybrid rocker is a board that has a curve only on the bottom going through about 3/4th of the board’s length. This type is good for speed and control on mid sized waves, this board also can be used to show off tricks known as flatland tricks when riding.
Traditional rocker is one where the board is completely flat except for the nose. Although skimboards look safer than surfboards, they are still dangerous. Many skimboard surfers have injured themselves badly because of recklessness. Fractures, dislocations lacerations, twisted ankles, bruises are quite common in this sport.
These occur due to the impact of the board, or if the board hits a rock underwater or any other obstacle that is not easily discernible to the naked eye. Hamstring injuries are quite common. This occurs because of the fast movement of the skimboarder’s leg as they run to the water and jump on the board. Because of shallow water hurting or breaking the neck is a strong possibility.
Many injuries that happen occur over a period of time, such as fractures of the distal tibia, ankle and mid foot. It is recommended that a skimboarder should warm up and stretch before boarding his board. Toes too are susceptible to fractures while riding. Therefore care and safety precautions are a must in this sport.

