Top Best Skimboards Review Guide For 2023

Top Best Skimboards Review Guide For 2023 – Skimboarding is a fun and exciting activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their skill level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve or an advanced rider who wants to perform tricks, one thing is certain – you need one of the best skimboards.

Two factors play crucial roles when looking for a new board – bodyweight and skill level. To help you choose the right board, we’ll break down everything you should look for when choosing.

But first, we’ll take a look at the best skimboards for various skill levels, so you can get out on the water with confidence. To find out even more keep reading our Top Best Skimboards Review Guide For 2023.

Slapfish Fiberglass & Carbon Traction Deck Skimboard

The Slapfish skimboard is fast, stable, and durable – everything you would want from your new board. The right combination of materials and shape makes it incredibly versatile, so anyone from complete beginners to seasoned skimboarders is guaranteed to enjoy the ride. As a bonus, this top rated skimboard is available in four different sizes so you can easily find the one that suits you.

Design:

For optimal performance in varying conditions on the water, the Slapfish skimboard uses a slightly modified teardrop shape. Because of this, you’ll be able to use it for sand skimming, wave cutbacks, and a wide array of tricks. As for the visual appeal, the combination of red and white with a glossy finish looks awesome on the water.

Construction:

Unlike most other boards, the Slapfish uses poly PVC foam for its core instead of EPS foam. This prevents the board from delaminating and gassing out, so it can last much longer. On top of this, it features fiberglass and carbon fiber coatings, as well as double rail reinforcements.

Performance:

Owing to its shape, rail design, and ultra-glide bottom, the Slapfish skimboard is a fantastic performer. Beginners will enjoy the stability and secure footing that it provides, while more advanced riders will appreciate it for its responsiveness and ability to execute tricks.

Product Details:

• 41” length: Rider Weight Limit – up to 140 lbs. 1” Nose Rocker; 1/4” Tail Rocker; average board weight is 3-4 lbs; Suitable for the smaller/beginner skimmer. Performance will support sand skimming, tricks and small wave cutbacks. Plenty of room to grow your tech and skills.
• 48” length: Rider Weight Limit – up to 200 lbs. 2” Nose Rocker; 7/8” Tail Rocker. Performance includes Sand sliding and wave riding from beginner to experienced. Consciously tapered for balance and support of varied stances. Unlimited skim potential! Light weight. Floaty enough to support a wide range of riders. Performs in all wave conditions from mush to surging swell. Long liners, smooth wave wraps, 360 spins and more.
• 50″ & 52″ length: NO WEIGHT LIMIT. 2” Nose Rocker; 7/8” Tail Rocker. For advanced performance, wave riding, airs, liners & more.
• Board Bag (when this option is selected) is fully padded for day or travel use.
• FEATURES: Polished deck, ultra-glide bottom. Perfect sweet spot for long rides. DURABILITY: Handcrafted with precision. This Slapfish board is fiberglass. Carbon reinforced at the nose and tail. Double reinforced at the rails. The Poly PVC foam core is supremely light weight, structurally dense, impact/fracture rated beyond the board weight limit and is waterproof. This is NOT a EPS (styrofoam) core which will gas out and delaminate over time. No fear of delamination or separation – ever.

What Makes This Skimboard Stand Out:

• Traction deck grip in the back prevents your foot from slipping
• Long versions (50 and 52 inches) come without a weight limit
• Performs equally well when riding waves and sliding on sand
• Smooth polished bottom ensures good speed in all conditions
• Lightweight poly PVC core doesn’t delaminate or separate
• Easy to carry
• Foam core greatly reduces the overall weight

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Large and Heavy Riders
• Length: 41, 48, 50, and 52 inches
• Weight Limit: 140lbs (41in), 200lbs (48in), no limit (50 and 52in)
• Width: 21 inches
• Material(s): Fiberglass, Carbon
• Rocker: 2 inches (nose), 7/8 inches (tail)
• Grip Pad: Yes
• Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

BPS ‘Gator’ Colored EVA Grip Skimboard

If you’re buying your first board and want to get the best value for your money, the BPS Gator is the one for you. Despite being affordable, this board also offers impressive construction quality and performs really well. On top of this, it’s available in three different sizes so both kids and adults can get one that fits them perfectly.

Design:

When talking about the design, an interesting thing about this skim board is its tapered tail. The tip is itself is round, but the tail is narrowed from side to side to give you increased control and make turning easier. To improve the grip of your feet while riding, the top surface is covered with Gator Grip EVA foam that won’t slip even when it’s wet.

Construction:

The core of the BPS Gator is made from extra-durable plywood that can withstand even harder use. Keep in mind, however, that each of the three sizes has a recommended weight limit, so make sure you don’t exceed it.

Performance:

One of the things that impress the most is the traction this board gives you even when it’s completely wet. Combine this with its easy glide and potential to perform tricks, and you get incredibly good skimboards that can’t be beaten at this price.

Product Details:

• ‘Gator’ Skimboards by BPS features its nose rocker for more maneuverability – making it easier for you to turn swiftly as you get more pivot. It is built with enduring plywood with a high gloss clear coating that protects the wood from water damage and breakage.
• Built-In Grip Pads – This board features a Gator Grip layer of EVA foam so you do not have to put some wax on your board as it provides excellent grip when wet.
• Beginners guide – New to skimboarding? No worries, we got your back! On top of an amazing skimboard, you will receive an email from us – containing the E-guide with easy-to-follow instructions written by our experts. We elaborate on how to get on the board and do some basic tricks properly. 30” skimboard is for riders up to 80lbs, 35” for riders around 80-150lbs, and 40” for riders over the said weight. Make sure you DON’T OPT-OUT from receiving emails from Amazon so you won’t miss this.
• Customer Care – You will receive an email from us to check if everything went well. We will also provide an Amazon email link to the business owner in case you may encounter any issues or may have any query. You can always reach out to us by selecting the highlighted ‘Surf and Snow Warehouse’ on ANY of our products (where it says ‘sold by’) – and then using the ‘Have a question for Surf and Snow Warehouse’ feature. We try very hard to respond within 12 hours.
• Buy with complete confidence as all our products are stored and shipped to you by Amazon and are fully guaranteed for one year so if you are not satisfied with your purchase, just let us know. Thanks for looking at a product from our store – SURF and SNOW Warehouse. We are a small family business that ONLY sells what we know and love -water sports gear. We know our products, use our products, and stand behind them 100% so if you have any questions about using any of our products please just ask.

What Makes This Skimboard Stand Out:

• Gator Grip top surface provides impressive traction for your feet
• E-Guide included in the package to help you master the basics
• High-gloss coating looks great and protects the board from damage
• Large nose rocker makes turning and handling the board easy
• Strong epoxy plywood core won’t break or delaminate for a long time
• Easy to carry
• Perfect to get started

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Handling and Maneuvering
• Length: 30, 35, and 40 inches
• Weight Limit: 80lbs (30in), 80 to 150lbs (35in), 150+lbs (40in)
• Width: 15 inches (30in version)
• Material(s): Wood, Clear Coating
• Rocker: Yes (Nose)
• Grip Pad: Yes
• Skill Level: Beginner

South Bay Board Co. Wooden Skimboard Amazon’s #1 Best Seller

The South Bay Board Co. wooden skimboard is hands-down one of the best-looking skimming boards available on the market. The combination of solid wood bottom and textured foam deck is guaranteed to catch many looks on the beach. In addition to this, the foam deck provides a fantastic grip and makes the South Bay Board Co. model one of the best skimboards in terms of secure footing.

Design:

Owing to its custom teardrop shape, this skimboard is very beginner-friendly. The 41×17-inch board has a weight capacity of around 160 pounds, which makes it a great fit for kids, teenagers, and lightweight adults. To boost the performance in larger waves, the board comes with a rockered profile that prevents it from nosediving.

Construction:

The main material used to make the core of this board is high-quality wood. The core is coated with epoxy, so excellent protection in and around water is guaranteed. Unlike many other wooden boards, this one can easily withstand hits and rougher use without breaking.

Performance:

Besides making the board more enjoyable to ride, the teardrop shape also raises the performance to a higher level. With this board, you can easily ride switch or backside if you want. The board is fairly fast too, so you’re in for a lot of fun.

Product Details:

• The Skipper is 41″x17″x.5″ and supports riders up to 160 lb, perfect for kids, teenagers, and lightweight adults
• These 41″ skim boards are perfect for novice skimboarders including those who have never skimboarded
• The custom tear-drop shape & longer body allow for more performance-focused skim boarding, including switch and backside riding, as your skills progress
• The skim board body includes a wider center and tail for easier foot placement and has a thin profile for a clean glide
• Each wooden skim board is coated with epoxy and features fingerprint textured, wax-free soft top foam deck.

What Makes This Skimboard Stand Out:

• Entire top deck is covered with foam to give you secure footing
• Wooden bottom slides really well on the sand and in shallow water
• Excellent balance and size for kids and teenagers
• Epoxy resin coating increases the board’s durability
• 1-year warranty coverage and a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Perfect for wave riding

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Secure Foot Grip
• Length: 41 inches
• Weight Limit: 160 pounds
• Width: 17 inches
• Material(s): Wood
• Rocker: Yes (Nose)
• Grip Pad: Yes (Foam Top)
• Skill Level: Beginner

Slackers Slide and Surf Kids Skimboard

Measuring only 30 inches in length, the Slackers Slide and Surf is the best wood skimboard for kids. This size easily supports a small body frame while remaining highly maneuverable on the water. Its premium materials guarantee durability, while the foam-covered deck ensures that your little one has secure footing and doesn’t slip.

Design:

Compared to other models we’ve featured, the shape of this board is a bit unconventional. To provide higher stability and buoyancy, the board is fairly wide for its length. The tail is also extra-wide and less rounded, all with the goal of preventing falling and accidents.

Construction:

The core of this board is made from high-quality wood that holds its own regardless of the surface you use it on. Because of this, the board can even be used in very shallow water and on sand without trouble. The entire deck is covered with a waffle-patterned EVA foam that creates an incredible grip even when wet so your feet don’t slip when you step onto the board.

Performance:

Due to its design, this isn’t the highest-performing board on the market – the model focuses more on safety and enjoyment rather than speed and high performance. With this being said, the board isn’t sluggish and is sure to give your children hours of fun.

Product Details:

• Premium wooden skimboard
• Durable, non-slip material
• “Waffle Pattern” EVA material provides soft non-slip surface
• 30″ Skimboard

What Makes This Skimboard Stand Out:

• Perfectly sized for kids (only 30 inches long)
• Waffle-pattern EVA foam top prevents slipping
• Premium wooden core won’t break or damage easily
• Flat bottom allows it to slide faster in shallow water
• Buoyant and forgiving design for those who are learning

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Kids and Teenagers
• Length: 30 inches
• Width: 20 inches
• Material(s): Wood
• Rocker: No
• Grip Pad: Yes
• Skill Level: Beginner

Wavestorm 45-inch Foam Skimboard

The Wavestorm 45-inch skimboard is strong, stable, and comfortable to ride. Because of this, it’s very good if you don’t have much experience and wish to master the technique. As a bonus, it’s a really well-made model that will last for a long time without any problems. Overall, this is the board we would recommend to those of you who want to start skimboarding more seriously.

Design:

At 45 inches long, this board is a very good choice for both older kids and adults. The weight limit is set at 185 pounds, which means that most people can use it without problems. To ensure that you get a smooth and comfortable ride, the entire board deck is covered with GFT foam that feels very soft under your feet.

Construction:

Unlike most other boards we’ve featured, Wavestorm is made from a combination of foam and HDPE to provide the ideal combination of weight and durability. In addition, the board is reinforced with a triple marine stringer system so you can count on it to last a long time.

Performance:

The thing we really like about this board is that it’s an all-around model that will achieve very good speed along the shore. As we’ve mentioned, it’s an excellent board for learning, so you should definitely consider it if you’re only getting into the sport.

Product Details:

• Country Of Origin : Taiwan
• The Package Height Of The Product Is 3 Inches
• The Package Length Of The Product Is 48.5 Inches
• The Package Width Of The Product Is 20.5 Inches

What Makes This Skimboard Stand Out:

• Strong HDPE bottom significantly increases the durability
• Triple Marine stringer system provides impressive rigidity
• Soft GFT foam deck provides a very comfortable ride
• Excellent speed on the sand and along the shoreline
• Foam core greatly reduces the overall weight

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS:

• Best For: Learning To Skimboard
• Length: 45 inches
• Weight Limit: 185 pounds
• Width: 20.5 inches
• Material(s): Foam, HDPE
• Rocker: Yes (Nose)
• Grip Pad: Yes
• Skill Level: Beginner

Top Best Skimboards Buyers Guide For 2023

How To Choose a Skimboard

Skimboard Size:

Skimboards come in a wide range of sizes, and the right size for you is determined by your riding style and body type. As a rule of thumb, the best skimboards are the smallest and lightest models that fits your body. These will be the fastest when going over a longer distance.

If your goal is distance rather than speed, you should look into a board that is longer and wider. This type of board has more buoyancy which keeps it floating on the surface longer. On the other hand, the added surface area creates more drag that slows the board down.

When looking for a skimboard, make sure that it can support your weight. Here’s a chart that gives you general guidelines about the right length relative to bodyweight:

• 80 to 145 pounds – small boards (under 45 inches)
• 120 to 160 pounds – medium boards (45 to 45 inches)
• 160 to 200 pounds – longboards (49 to 53 inches)
• 200+ pounds – extra-long boards (53+ inches)

One more thing to take into account when choosing is your experience. If you’re just starting with the sport, we advise that you get the best long skimboard. This will provide more buoyancy and stability so you can practice and learn faster. On the other hand, if you already have some experience under your belt, going with a small board will improve the performance.

Generally speaking, shorter boards are a lot more flexible and require a higher degree of skill. The smaller foot area makes it harder to stand and control but makes it easier to do tricks and spins. While everybody starts out with a longboard, the size should be reduced as your skills build up.

Skimboard Shape:

When talking about the board shape, there are two main areas to pay attention to – the nose and the tail. On most boards, the nose has a gentle curve that provides the best balance between stability and speed.

As for the tail, it usually comes as either a pintail or a w-tail. A pintail is often found on the best skimboards for beginners as it gives good balance on the water, while W-tails are better if you want to make tighter turns and perform tricks.

One more area that requires your attention is the board profile, as this greatly impacts the performance in different conditions on the water. Some boards are relatively flat, while others come with a more or less pronounced rocker.

Rocker:

The rocker is the curvature that the board has when you look at it from the size. It will determine how easily you can stand up, while its shape keeps the board’s nose out of the sand. Going from model to model, the rocker usually measures 2 to 3 inches. This number represents the difference in height between the nose tip and the board center.

Choosing the type of rocker depends on your skill level and the conditions on the water. For example, the best skimboards for intermediate and advanced riders feature a smaller rocker (flat bottom) so they can slide faster. On the other hand, the best skimboards for beginners have a larger rocker that will provide extra stability and make learning easier.

On top of this, choosing the right skimboard will also be determined by the area you live in. In general, if you are skimboarding on the east coast, you should be opting for a 2-inch rocker as the waters tend to be a bit calmer. On the west coast, however, you will be better suited with a 3-inch rocker.

As we’ve mentioned, the rocker also influences the performance in different conditions. For example, a larger rocker is ideal for choppier water, as it will prevent the board from sinking. On the other hand, a smaller curve results in a faster board that will do wonders in calm waters.

Wave Size:

The size of the waves you will be boarding on also plays a role when looking for the best skimboarding board. Mostly as a result of different winds, waves on the west coast tend to be larger than those on the east coast. In addition to this, local conditions can be very different from going from one place to the next.

Generally speaking, a more buoyant board with a larger rocker is better for larger wave riding. On the other hand, a flat board made out of wood will do a good job in calm conditions.

Materials and Construction:

Skimboards are most commonly made using one of two core materials: foam or wood. Once the core is shaped, it is then covered in a wrap. The wrap itself can be made from different materials whose quality plays a key role in the durability of your board. Here’s a quick review of these materials and what they add to the board quality.

Core Materials:

• Foam – This is the lightest material option and makes the board very buoyant (stays on the water surface longer). The thing that makes it stand out is that it’s flexible and can be used in choppy water.
• Wood – It’s a strong material that allows the board to be thinner. Wood skimboards glide well over different surfaces (even sand) which allows you to use them both inland and on the coast. However, wood is much heavier than foam which means that it will break the surface of the water and sink faster than its foam counterpart.
• Fiberglass/Carbon – Even though the majority of boards are made from the two aforementioned materials, there are still some specialty models made from higher-end materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass. While they might offer a significant performance boost, they also cost a lot more.

Wrap Materials:

• E-glass – This is the most common wrap material but, unfortunately, it’s also the weakest. Even though this board type is the least durable, its looseness adds a ton of flexibility and speed to your board. In addition, it’s often the least expensive wrap to get.
• S-glass / Texalium – This cover is featured on mid-priced boards and has a ton of advantages. Offering both strength and speed, these boards are great for those who plan to use their skimboard often.
• Carbon – This wrap is found on high-end (expensive) skimboards. The tight weave in the material makes this board quite stiff which adds to its speed and performance. This is the strongest wrap type and is ideal for coastal waters.

FAQs:

Q: How To Ride A Skimboard?
A: While it does require a bit of practicing, riding a skimboard isn’t that difficult. To get on your board, you have to follow these simple steps:

• Grab your board with both hands, keep it on your right if you are regular-footed
• Find a fairly flat wet surface along the shoreline
• Start running and building up speed
• Throw the board in front of you, making sure it falls flat
• When the board has landed, put your back foot on the tail, and then the front foot on the nose
• Bend at the knees so you can gain and maintain balance
• Slide across the water until the board loses momentum

Skimboarding can be an incredibly fun sport for those with good balance and no fear of falling. You will need to master a few basics but, once you do, you will have a lot of fun on your board. The first step is to find an optimal spot.

To begin with, you want to look for a good spot on the beach, as it’s much easier to learn on a beach than on a lake. Next, you should decide whether you would like to sand skim on a flat beach, or enjoy wave riding in an area with higher waves.

Skimboarding is much easier for those who are in good physical shape. Not only is this important for maintaining balance, but you will also have run and jump when getting on and off the board. You are also likely going to fall so you should be able to handle a few bruises.

When getting on the board, you should try to run onto it rather than jump on it. If you jump on the board, it will break the surface tension of the water and you will ultimately fall.

Be sure to practice this a few times before heading into deeper water or attempting more advanced moves. If you are having a hard time getting the hang of this, try flipping your board to the other side and see if running that way feels more natural.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Skimboard vs Bodyboard?
A: Skimboards and bodyboards look very similar, but there are some subtle differences between the two. The main difference are the materials that are used to make the boards. The best skimboards are typically made of a foam core that is covered in fiberglass or similar material, while bodyboards usually have plastic cores with foam edges and carbon fiber stringers.

Generally speaking, skimboards usually have similar shapes to bodyboards. As for the differences, bodyboards have more of a square shape and are thicker. In addition, bodyboards are ridden laying on the board and come with a leash, while skimboards have no leash and you ride them standing upright.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Skimboard vs Surfboard?
A: The main difference between skimboard and a surfboard are their sizes – surfboards are a lot longer than skimboards. While skimboards are around 4 feet long, surfboards range from 4 feet all the way up to 12 feet. Surfboards also have fins to help you maneuver when wave riding, while skimboards do not.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Skimboard vs Wakeboard?
A: Skimboards and wakeboards have many things in common, but one of the main ways to tell them apart is their strength. Wakeboards are designed to be used in choppier and rougher waters, and their materials match that design. If you were to take the best skimboards and use it for wakeboarding, it’s very likely that the skimboards would break really fast.

Wakeboards are also designed to hit the water hard and travel over waves at high speed. On top of this, wakeboards are often curved differently and come with fins. As for length, wakeboards usually range from 3-8 feet which makes them a bit longer than skimboards.

Q: What Are Skimboards Made Of?
A: Skimboards are usually made from foam or wood. If you are a casual rider and want to save some money, you should go with a board that is made of wood. Plywood and poplar are common types of wood used for a skimboard.

On the other hand, higher-end skimboards will cost you a little more but the materials are lighter and more durable. Costlier skimboards feature foam cores that have been wrapped in fiberglass or carbon fiber.

Q: How Do You Wake A Skimboard?
A: You do this in pretty much the same fashion as you would with a classic wakeboard. However, the performance you’ll get won’t be the same. Even the best skimboard isn’t strong enough to handle the forces of a wake, so it’s likely to get damaged. Additionally, unlike wakeboards, skimboards don’t have fins so you’ll lose balance much easier.

Q: How To Add A Traction Pad To Your Skimboard?
A: Adding a traction pad will significantly improve your grip and prevent slipping. Luckily, most traction pads come with simple installation instructions so you can do it on your own without too much trouble. If you want to make sure that the pad stays on, make sure to follow the instructions step by step.

First, clean your board with some rubbing alcohol, especially the part where the traction pad is going to go. After you’re sure that all the dirt and grime is removed, center the pad on your board and draw an outline of the pad.

Then, take the backing off the traction pad, and use the pencil guide to position the pad on your board. Make sure to work out any air bubbles, starting from the center and working your way out. Let the traction pad sit for 24 hours to set before you use the board (you can erase the pencil lines during this time).

Q: Should I Wax My Board If I Use Traction Pad?
A: Yes, especially if you’re not using a traction pad. Even with a pad, you’ll discover that some uncovered areas are not giving you the grip you need. Waxing the board will solve this problem and ensure a good grip, significantly reducing the chance of slipping and falling.

Q: What Type Of Traction Pads Should I Use?
A: There are two main choices when it comes to the type of traction pad you will use on your skimboard – tail pads and arch bars. Tail pads sit near the tail of your skimboard and stop your back foot from slipping backward on the board. They sit across the width of your board.

Arch bars run from one end of your board to the other. This type of traction pads is commonly found on the best skimboards, significantly reducing the chance of you getting irritated by the traction pad. The main benefit of this type of pad is that it allows you to place your feet anywhere along the length of the board.

Regardless of the type, we would always recommend buying a set of pads for your board. Combining the two types of traction pads on your board will give you excellent hold and give you a wide array of secure foot positions while riding.

Q: How To Take Care Of A Skimboard?
A: When you are done with your skimboard, you should rinse it with warm fresh water. This will wash off any debris such as sand, and the warm water will dissolve any accumulated sand which could damage your board.

Check your board for any damage as you are rinsing it and, if your board is still dirty, use warm soapy water to wash off the dirt. After rinsing your board, make sure to let it dry properly before storing it. However, keep it out of direct sunlight or you risk the UV rays damaging your board.

Q: What Kind Of Resins Do Skimboards Use?
A: A skimboard usually uses one of the three main types of resin – epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester. Other resins are available too, but these are the most reliable options. All three will do a great job for you, with only subtle differences in performance.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re on a lake or an ocean shore, skimboarding can be incredibly fun. As you’ve had the chance to see, a good skimboard is an essential piece of the puzzle. Hopefully, our reviews helped you choose a model that matches your body type and skill so you can truly enjoy yourself and perform tricks with ease. Thanks for taking the time to read our Top Best Skimboards Review Guide For 2023.