Disclaimer: We are reader supported. If you make a purchase from one of our links, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you.
Looking for the Best Skimboard for a Beginner?
If you’re on the hunt for the best skimboards for beginners, you’re in the right place!
Skimboarding offers an exciting way to experience the rush of board riding, much like surfing, but without waiting for the ideal wave.
All it takes is a stretch of beach, no perfect waves required, to have a fun and thrilling ride!
Unlike surfing, skimboarding doesn’t require heading out into deep waters or waiting for perfect waves. It allows riders to enjoy the thrill of wave riding in the more typical conditions found along almost any sandy shoreline.
This accessibility makes skimboarding ideal for beginners looking to have maximum fun during a beach trip.
With so many boards on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide highlighting the five best skimboards, along with a straightforward buyer’s guide to help you make an informed choice.
What Makes This Board Stand Out:
The Slapfish skimboard is one of the top picks in this guide.
Measuring similarly to the South Bay Board Co. skimboard, it provides plenty of space to perform tricks and maneuvers. Boards 50" and larger have no weight restrictions, making them suitable for a wide range of riders.
One standout feature is the craftsmanship: each Slapfish board is carefully handcrafted from fiberglass to ensure precision and quality.
Additionally, the board incorporates Poly PVC foam, which is both lightweight and waterproof. This design minimizes the risk of delamination while keeping the board easy to handle.
Overall, the Slapfish skimboard has impressed us with its performance, quality, and durability, and we haven’t encountered any drawbacks so far.
Pros of this Board
Cons of this option
#2. Sandfish Cruiser
What Makes This Board Stand Out:
For beginners or those looking to step up to a more performance-focused skimboard, the Sandfish Board Co. Cruiser is an excellent choice. Constructed from lightweight yet durable laminate and poplar, this board is built to last.
The top of the board features a soft, grippy foam surface, eliminating the need for wax. Measuring 40 inches long and 18.75 inches wide, it’s well-suited for riders weighing between 125 and 175 pounds.
Designed with learning in mind, the Cruiser offers a stable yet responsive shape, making it easy to practice basic tricks such as slides and shuv-its while still providing a smooth, enjoyable ride for newcomers.
Pros of this Board
Cons of this option
What Makes This Board Stand Out:
This beginner-friendly skimboard features an attractive rocker shape and EVA traction, offering stable footing for new riders. Sliding off is one of the most common challenges for novices, but the EVA surface helps keep your feet securely in place.
While the wood bottom isn’t our favorite, it’s extremely durable and coated with a high-gloss finish for added longevity.
One of the best aspects of this board is its affordability, making it a great choice for anyone unsure about diving into skimboarding but wanting a reliable and sturdy board to start learning on.
Pros of this Board
Cons of this option
What Makes This Board Stand Out:
This skimboard is an excellent choice for kids and beginners alike, offering a smooth and manageable ride that’s easy for young riders to handle.
Unlike many boards that can feel heavy and difficult for children, this one is lightweight and designed with a contoured shape that makes gliding across the sand effortless.
Made from solid wood, the board is durable enough to withstand countless adventures. Its high-quality construction allows it to endure hours in saltwater and exposure to the sun without sustaining damage.
The top of the board features a layered EVA traction pad, providing both grip and cushioning. This not only helps prevent foot fatigue but also gives riders better control and connection with the board while riding.
Pros of this Board
Cons of this option
What Makes This Board Stand Out:
If you’re new to skimboarding, this 41-inch board is an excellent choice. It’s affordably priced and designed with a shape that’s ideal for learners.
The board comes in a variety of colors, making it a fun option for kids or teens interested in trying out this exciting ocean sport. Beginners can start by practicing on the sand ridges before moving on to larger beach waves.
To help newcomers stay stable, this skimboard features an EVA grip, providing all the traction you need without the need for additional wax or traction pads. It’s ready to deliver reliable grip even when your feet are wet.
Pros of this Board
Cons of this option
What Makes This Board Stand Out:
If you’re in the market for a versatile skimboard, the DB Standard Streamline is worth considering. It performs well on everything from small to large waves and can even handle sand skimming with ease.
This board comes in two larger sizes, making it ideal for adult riders or those with some experience looking to advance their skills. The larger board measures 43.5” x 19.5” x 0.5”, while the smaller version is 40.5” x 18.5” x 0.25”.
The surface is layered with patterned EVA foam, providing excellent grip without the need for wax. Its thoughtfully designed shape allows riders to execute smooth turns and impressive tricks with ease.
Pros of this Board
Cons of this option
How To Choose a Skimboard For a Beginner?
When shopping around for a skimboard, one has to take into account an array of factors. Which is the best brand to go with? What is the cost of this skimboard?
And so on.
Nevertheless, at first, you should concentrate on the following three aspects. They are certainly the factors that will affect your safety along with your overall experience.
The first aspect to take into account is the size. This factor will significantly influence the manner you learn skimboarding, and how you’ll be able to operate the board in general.
Generally, the larger the board is, the simpler it will be for the newbie to operate. Conversely, the more seasoned users, tend to go for smaller skimboards. This is because small boards assist them to slice the wave with ease.
Take a look at the list of recommended board sizes you can choose from.
Extra Large (>=51 inches) for weights ranging from 180-220 lbs.
Large (49-51 inches) for weights ranging from 160-200 lbs.
Medium Large (47-49 inches) for weights ranging from 140-180 lbs.
Medium (45-47 inches) for weights ranging from 120-160 lbs.
Small (=< 45 inches) for weights ranging from 80-140 lbs.
Still, the size charts of some models may vary. Therefore, remember to re-check the board size! Or in the event you are unsure about these size charts, we recommend that you try out the skimboard personally.
Material
Skimboards are made out of three types of materials, including carbon fiber, foam, and wood. Every material has its properties.
Wood
Wood skimboards are suitable for those players on a budget. They are perfect for many light users because wooden boards are usually flat and thin. But these types of skimboards are a little bit heavy.
Foam
Foam is lightweight and will assist you to float easily. Furthermore, thanks to this property, you can prolong the duration you can stand atop waves.
The only shortcoming of foam is its low sturdiness when compared to other materials. Because of this, you must review the foam’s weight capacity before purchasing.
Carbon Fiber
Another alternative if you’re looking for a lightweight material is carbon fiber. Compared to foam, carbon fiber is lighter. The key benefit of carbon fiber is that it will make you float easier. Also, persons using carbon fiber skimboards can attain faster speeds compared to other boards.
We recognize the high performance of skimboards made from carbon fiber.
Design
Pin-shaped tail
The exceptional performance of the pin-shaped tail is to guarantees stability.
For greenhorn users who’ve never used a skimboard, it can be difficult to remain balanced. In this case, the board with this tail will safeguard them from falling over. This is one of the top reasons we highly recommend this type for children and learners.
Square-shaped tail
The square shape is the second kind of skimboard tail that can be used. This type of tail provides excellent flexibility compared to the former. After getting adept with skimboarding, you can select this kind of tail. Given the flexibility it provides, you’ll be able to perform difficult board tricks and techniques.
Is a Beginner board Right for You?
Skimboarding is among the most exhilarating board sports that anybody can take part in. Greenhorn players can skim around the shallow waters while more seasoned riders can hit the deeper water and pull off intricate wave maneuvers.
Skimboarding is an super fun for anybody that loves the feel of the ocean waves. We hope that this article has provided you with the rigor to begin skimming and learn new stunts. When you have the perfect board just for you, skimming is sure to become your favorite beach activity!
Bruce Paulson is the owner of PaddleboardSurf and an avid water sports enthusiast with a lifelong passion for all things aquatic. From stand-up paddleboarding and surfing to boating, kayaking, and canoeing, he thrives on the joy of being on the water. As an advocate for water conservation and environmental stewardship, Bruce shares his adventures and insights through his writing, inspiring others to embrace the beauty and excitement of life on the water.