Skimboarding can be difficult as it requires good rhythm and balance. To become good at it entails a perfect run-drop-and-slide technique. The good thing about skimboarding is you can practice the basics either on the beach or in your backyard!
Is Skimboarding Easy or Hard to Learn?
Skimboarding can be intimidating for beginners. It demands strong will and dedication because the only way to get better at the sport is to practice consistently. The fact is you will fall many times, but it gets easier eventually as you get more comfortable in your rhythm and balance.
There are two main kinds of skimboarding: wave riding and sand skimming. As a beginner, you will mainly focus on perfecting the run-drop-slide technique on flat ground (sand skimming) before attempting wave riding.
Is Skimboarding Good Exercise?
Skimboarding requires a lot of repetition and practice that makes it a good exercise. One hour of running in sand, chasing your board, and twisting your hips as you ride on the waves makes up for good cardio.
You must be in shape and fit because you will fall many times as you practice. A strong, conditioned body makes up for a good skimboarder and enables you to recover much faster between skims.
For beginners who are serious about skimboarding, start working out now. Starting with good built-up stamina will allow you to maximize your practice. Do your best to land on your butt, and be aware of your surroundings to avoid injury.
How Do You Skimboard for Beginners?
Once you have the right skimboard for you, you’ll need to find the perfect spot to practice. When on a beach, the most ideal will have downward sloping sand that leads to the water with breaking waves close to the shore. Get a feel of the board by starting with dropping the board on the ground and sliding in dry sand.
Run-Drop-Slide Technique
- Start by putting your left hand on the side of the board towards the middle section, your right hand on the tail. Similarly, position your left foot on the side of the board, your right foot on the back. It will help get the skimboard in front of you.
- Run and gain speed. If you are regular foot, your right foot must be in front of you, and your left foot on the back before releasing the board.
- Release the board with both hands at the same time. Drop the board low and flatly to the sand.
- Place your left foot on the board first, then your right foot, to slide forward and continue the momentum.
- Ride the waves!
A tip is to do it first gradually before running fast. If you are goofy foot, do the steps above in reverse. Get a good slide towards the waves with proper timing.
How Do You Teach Kids to Skimboard?
Like surfing and bodyboarding, kids can learn skimboarding. It’s important that they are comfortable in the water and not afraid of waves before they participate. Before teaching your kids, find a professional to get the right board that will maximize their skills. When all is ready, you can then show them how to do the run-drop-slide technique.
Skimboarding is beneficial for kids because they learn rhythm, balance, and coordination at an early age. You will also teach them proper etiquette when sharing the beach and respect for the environment.
How Do I Get Better at Skimboarding?
We have established that skimboarding takes a lot of discipline. The key is to understand your rhythm, timing, and balance on the board. Here are a few tips to help you get better:
- Find an ideal skimboard depending on your style and level of skimming. Wooden boards are suitable for beginners.
- Don’t throw your board far from you. It causes you to slide and fall on your back.
- Avoid jumping on your board to maintain your momentum. Doing so will affect your speed or stop the board.
- When on the board, lean your body towards the ground to maintain balance. Leaning forward too much might cause you to fall.
- Find a spot with a smooth surface and fewer people to avoid the risks of accidents.
Start slow and spend time practicing. Do a warm-up and take time to stretch before getting into your practice. It will help reduce the risk of injury.
How Do You Skimboard Like a Pro?
Once you have the basics carved into your muscle memory, you can start to perform tricks similar to professional skimboarders. Here are some beginner tricks for you to try:
- Wrap: You skim towards an oncoming wave and do a 180-degree turn back towards the shore.
- Body Varial: While on the wave, bend your legs and position your arms as you jump and rotate, then back to your board and the waves. You could do either front or backflip or 360-degree rotations.
- Hippy Jump: When approaching an object that the board can slide under, you jump over and land back to your moving skimboard.
- Flat Spins: You spin by placing your backhand in the water while you are at speed.
- Kneel Down: Lower your back knee as you skim at high speed.
Your commitment and dedication to learning skimboarding are all worth it once you can confidently skim in the water. Remember to be aware of people around you to avoid incidents, and don’t forget your cameras for an Instagram-worthy video!
How Can I Practice Skimboarding at Home?
If you want to start practicing skimboarding before heading to the beach, you can do so in the comfort of your home. For instance, since skimboarding requires a lot of balance, you can practice with a skateboard or a balance board.
Utilize the space of your home and remove any obstacles. You can practice on a carpet or get a smooth black tarp. Put silicon spray or wax on your skimboard, and you’re ready to slip and slide.
How Do I Skimboard My Backyard?
When skimboarding at home, it is best to do it in a generous enough space such as your backyard. Use a tarp or a plastic wrap with a size convenient for you to skimboard. For safety, make a wall around the area using pool noodles or sand sacks. You can then fill it in with water using a hose, and it should be easy enough to slide.
As suggested earlier, practice on smooth, flat surfaces and remove any obstacles. Practice gradually and at smaller distances before attempting high-speed skimming.
Skimboarding is a thrilling experience for casual and professional skimboarders. It takes commitment and patience to learn the sport but fulfilling once you catch your first perfect wave.
