Skimboarding is a sport similar to surfing which
takes place near the shore. Originally made of only
wood, modern boards are made from fiberglass or carbon
fiber and high density foam.
Tex Haines, owner of Victoria Skimboards, designed the
first foam core skimboards in the 1970's. Since then the
sport of skimboarding has transformed into a sport
combining the disciplines of skateboarding and surfing.
Dimensions of boards vary depending upon their intended
use. As a rough guide a rider weighing 60 to 75kg who
intends to ride waves as opposed to just flat landing
would ride a board measuring approximately 50 - 56
inches by 19 - 21 inches.
Unlike surfboards skimboards tail shapes vary very
little. Virtually all skimboards have a form of pin or
rounded pin tail to hold the wave face tight due to
their notable lack of fins.
The essence of modern skimboarding is shore break (waves
breaking close to the shore) this allows for varying
maneuvers, many of which resemble surfing and
skateboarding combined. Locally the best shore break is
the Cup n' Saucer although their are several good shore
breaks in Guernsey. The correct state of tide, wind and
swell are essential for these spots to work.
