First off, skimboarding is an extremely fun water sport, in which you throw a board( made of either fiberglass or wood) along the edge of the ocean, and skim along the sand, hence the name skimboarding.
Most entry level skimmers have boards made out of wood, because they are cheaper and easier to handle. As you progress, the equiptment gets better, and more expensive, as it is with any sport.
Ok, so now you've gotten your board, and you're ready for a great time at the beach, right? WRONG. there are some things you need to know before you even hit the water. First off, the boards are coated with a special sealant, so water is unable to get into the wood and rot it. This makes the surface slippery and harder to ride. Go to the local surf shop and pick up some surfboard wax. Cold water or warm water wax will do just fine, but i find that a layer of cold water, and then a top layer of warm does a lot better because it stays sticky longer, and doesnt come off the board as easy. Another thing you need to look for before starting your session, is the tides. Depending on the beach you go to the tides effect the conditions greatly. At high tide there is usually less skimmable sand to work with, and more times than none an incline leading down toward the ocean. These conditions are for the more advanced riders who enjoy a bigger thrill.
Low tide is prime skimming time. The waves gently roll in and leave a thin layer of water behind, on a flat bed of sand, making it perfect for beginners and flatland experts. The third and final thing you need to do before starting the day off, is to take a look at your surroundings. Make sure there are no large rocks or and vast amount of shells in your area. This is a hazzard because not only could you be seriously injured, but your board will take lots of damage as well. Also make sure people arent walking near you or in front of you so no one gets hurt.
ok, NOW you're ready to start your very own skimboarding experience. You've got your board, it's all waxed up, and low tide just peaked. perfect. The first thing you want to do is find the right grip. Depending on your stance (goofy or regular), is how you will hold it. For regular stance, hold the tail of the board (the back) with your right hand, and put your left hand about 3/4 of the way up the board on the side nearest you, so that the bottom of the board is facing the ground. From now on, this will be known as ready stance.
The perfect time to start your ascent to the sand is right as the water starts to pull away from the beach. The wave will crash onto the shore and rise upward. the natural current of the ocean will pull the water back toward the sea. This is exactly when you want to get on the board. This time period will be reffered to as 'the throw'
so you know how to hold it, and when to go, but do you know HOW to throw? no, no you dont. So your standing in ready stance, and the wave approaches 'throw' status. start running along the coast, not at the ocean. do not actually throw the board, simply drop it. Your momentum will allow it to slide forward ahead of you allowing you to jump on. To do so, after you drop, run at it, but angle yourself so that you apporach from the back on the side. always staying on top of it. (by on top i mean you should be between the board and the beach. being between the board and the ocean would mean you are under it). Now the action you take to get onto the board is fairly simple, and is made more complicated then it needs to be. there is no jumping required, because if you do that you will land unbalanced and fall off. that's a no no. All you have to do is continue to run, but move your feet onto the board, instead of striding onto the sand. Make sure your back foot lands on board first, and keep your knees bent. this will maximize your stability and help you get a better ride.
lets recap:
-wait in ready stance
-the wave pulls away and you run
-drop the board
-run at an angle towards it( always on top)
-shift your feet so that you run right onto the board
-the back foot should land first
- keep your knees bent
- ride the sand as far as it will take you
Repeat these steps until it's time to go home or you break a bone, thats my logic.
have fun and be safe!
