{"id":1222,"date":"2022-05-02T14:50:14","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T19:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beachfix.com\/?p=1222"},"modified":"2022-05-02T14:53:20","modified_gmt":"2022-05-02T19:53:20","slug":"skimboard-size-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beachfix.com\/skimboarding\/skimboard-size-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Skimboard Size Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Skimboarding is one of the most fun beach activities<\/a>. Whether you’re a new skimboarder or you’re just entertaining the idea of learning, one of the most critical factors of your overall performance is finding the right skimboard. In this guide, we’ll share a skimboard size chart and other tips for choosing your perfect size skimboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the right size board will allow you to successfully skimboard in specific conditions and perform the tricks you want. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about selecting the most appropriate board!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure you go with the right board for you, you’ll want to consider several factors. This includes your skill level, your weight, local conditions, skimboarding style, skimboard material, and other skimboard features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The skimboard size chart we’ll share below is most appropriate for deeper waters. However, beginners skimboarders who want to stick to sand skimboarding are good to use smaller boards. However, you shouldn’t ride the board below your stomach no matter how skilled you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rider’s weight plays a crucial role in picking the most appropriate skimboard size. Larger boards are best for skimboarders who have more weight to throw around. This allows for more control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your local water conditions also have a lot to do with choosing the best skimboard. But, the rule is simple: smaller boards are best for bigger waves (think California beaches<\/a>), and bigger boards are best for smaller waves (think East Coast beaches<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two main types of skimboarding styles: wave skimming and flatland skimming. Wave skimboarding is just that, it’s done out on the waves like surfing. On the other hand, flatland skimming is done in very shallow waters. Beginners especially like flatland skimboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skimboard material also affects its size and weight so let’s take a quick look at common physical materials: wooden, fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and graphite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wooden skimboards<\/strong> are best for beginners to keep a good balance and skimming speed. A wooden board is heavier than other boards and allows new skimboarders to have more control of the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fiberglass skimboards<\/strong> have a foam core. Foam boards work well on flat islands and in deep waters. You can find various size fiberglass boards to fit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbon fiber skimboards<\/strong> offer a perfect middle ground for all levels. They usually have a foam core, too. The deck is carbon fiber, so it\u2019s very tough, lightweight, and reasonably flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kevlar skimboards<\/strong> have an inner core of high-density foam and a layer of reinforcing Kevlar fibers and durable epoxy resins. These boards are extra stable, so they’re ideal for rocky areas. They handle skimboarders of all weights very well, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Graphite skimboards<\/strong> are a step up from standard wood boards. They’re also wooden, but they have a graphite layer that helps reduce the board’s overall weight, which translates into more maneuverability and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 4 standard options for the thickness of a board: 3\/4-inch thick, 5\/8-inch medium, 3\/4 inch tapered, and 5\/8-inch thin. Thicker boards are heavier and less responsive in the water. But, the trade-of is that they’re easier to ride, and they’re usually more buoyant than thinner boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skimboards come in several standard shapes. Each one has a distinctive look that makes them reasonably easy to discern from one another. It’s also important to understand that a skimboard’s overall shape affects its mobility. Here’s a quick rundown of these shapes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight is a significant factor in the agility and responsiveness of a skimboard. Heavier, thicker boards are usually easier to ride. However, they can make it difficult to perform technical tricks and abruptly change directions on the water. On the other hand, thin boards are harder to control at full speed but can easier move and perform tricks better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When shopping for a skimboard, the flexibility (or layup) is either stiff, rigid, or flexy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since there are so many variations in skimboard shapes, weights, thickness, materials, and flex, you can\u2019t just pick out a board by size alone. But, you can zero in on the right size skimboard buying guide tips and a size chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, the following factors can help you choose the right length board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stand the skimboard up in front of you on its tail. If you’re an experienced rider, it should reach somewhere between your lower chest and below your chin. If you’re a beginner, you can get away with using a smaller board if you’d like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have the board to test with, use a tape measure to determine if the length is appropriate for your height, riding style, and skill level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s your ultimate skimboard sizing chart:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSkimboard Sizing 101: Things to Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Skill Level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Local Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skimboarding Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skimboard Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skimboard Thickness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overall Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Layup (or Flex)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What size should my skimboard be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choosing the Right Length Skimboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skimboard Size Chart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Riding Velocity<\/strong><\/td> Wave Conditions<\/strong><\/td> Rider Weight<\/strong><\/td> Best Overall Board Dimensions<\/strong><\/td> General Skimboard Size<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Normal to high<\/td> Large waves<\/td> 210 – 235 lbs<\/td> 54 x 21.5 in.<\/td> XX large<\/td><\/tr> Any<\/td> Any size waves<\/td> 190 – 210 lbs<\/td> 53.5 x 20.75 in.<\/td> X large<\/td><\/tr> Any<\/td> Any size waves<\/td> 170 – 190 lbs<\/td> 52.5 x 20.5 in.<\/td> Large<\/td><\/tr> Any<\/td> Any size waves<\/td> 150 – 170 lbs<\/td> 52 – 52.5 x 20.25 in.<\/td> Medium – Large<\/td><\/tr> Any<\/td> Any size waves<\/td> 130 – 150 lbs<\/td> 51.5 – 52.5 x 20 in.<\/td> Medium<\/td><\/tr> Any<\/td> Any size waves<\/td> 105 – 130 lbs<\/td> 51 x 19.75 in.<\/td> Small<\/td><\/tr> Normal to high<\/td> Smaller waves<\/td> 75 – 105 lbs<\/td> 48 x 19 – 19.25 in.<\/td> X Small<\/td><\/tr> Any<\/td> Any size waves<\/td> Below 75 lbs<\/td> 45 or less x 19 or less in.<\/td> XX Small<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n A Few Skimboarding Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n