Having the best out of your skimboard requires choosing the correct form, scale, and flex. This buyer’s guide will take you through the pros and cons of each choice so you can make an educated decision and choose the best skim boards for beginners.
Choosing the Correct Shape
Streamline
The board’s narrow midsection makes it easy to navigate and turn. This form will Ollie and spin flat thanks to its big nose and tail, as well as the softly curving rails—best for bank slips, ollies, sprint runs, and small waves.
Thomas
I’m not sure. Between the streamline and the proto, this shape exists. Increased stabilization and straight tracking are provided by a wide midsection and side cuts. The streamline’s prominent nose and tail are used to provide more pop for Ollies and extra balance in blunt slides.
Proto
The side cuts, big waist, and narrow nose and tail of the proto offer the ideal balance of maneuverability and stability. From technical tricks to long drives and bank slides, this is a team favorite.
Raza
Adapted from the Sacramento shape for improved maneuverability and a lighter swing weight at the nose and tail. This board is set up with the most advanced tricks as well as the most pop.
Sacramento
This board’s extra-wide waist and profile are engineered to improve speed, pop, and water control. Straight tracking and effortless pop are supported by double side cuts. This form is perfect for flatland jibs and technical tricks.
Selecting the Correct Size & Flexibility
When it comes to choosing the best board for you, size and flex are crucial considerations. There is no absolutely correct answer for flex, weight, or physical size, just as there is no absolutely correct answer for yin and yang or peanut butter and jelly! You must decide your own choice between flex, weight, and physical size and choose the right board for you from a bodyboard shop.
Flexibility
The versatility of a deck is determined by the “layup” (physical materials) that give it form and the board’s shape profile. More flexible panels are lightweight and more uncomplicated to trim. Still, they can be more challenging to ride and less flexible/reliable for technical tricks.
- Flexi: Layup that is the most compact and lightest in weight (Flex Series Boards)
- Stiff: Mid-flex and mid-weight stiffness (Standard Series Boards)
- Rigid: Stiffness and heaviness (Used on the Thomas Pro)
Size
Larger boards have more skim-able surface space, but they add to the board’s weight. Smaller boards are lighter and easier to pop, but they’re also harder to control. Make sure your weight is in line with the sizing guide’s recommendations. If you’re a seasoned rider, you might want to try smaller boards that make for more advanced maneuvers.
Still, Confused?
These guidelines are intended to be suggestions rather than rules. There are several variations and exceptional conditions that may cause you to depart from our buying guide.
Drop your questions if you have any!
