We get a lot of questions asking how to catch a good wave. Catching that perfect wave can be one of the most challenging feats in skimboarding. It is also the most rewarding and the biggest rush in skimboarding. Surfers and skimboarders are always talking about catching that "perfect wave". If you haven't experienced that perfect wave then it's very hard to imagine what it's like and why boarders spend every free minute they have just trying to catch those perfect waves.
We're going to help you and teach you how to catch that awesome wave in the simplest terms we can.
You'll need a wave that you can number #1-reach, and number #2 -turn off of, or catch some air off of it. To get help with your speed as you go over into the deeper water, try a maneuver we call side-slipping. This involves turning the board sideways as you go over the flat areas of the water this should make you lose speed at a much slower rate. As you're approaching the wave, you'll need to start your turn by putting your weight to your back inside/outside rail of the board depending on which way you're going.
To slow your speed down, try using the side rail more towards the middle of the board, instead of the back rail. This is much harder than you would think though, it requires much more practice and skill, and it gives you less direct control over the wave. As you're going up the face of the wave, you can turn off of it and come back down the other side towards shore. Eventually you may try aerials, grabs, and other tricks that skimboarders love to do. Make sure to kick the tail of your board out hard at the top of the wave as it starts to crest over to change directions and to get a good spraying effect going. This is all a detailed explanation of something that can be very complicated. Every beach, wave, sand texture, board, person, and condition is different. In order to master this it just takes practice and careful reading of these instructions.
Don't give up, practice makes perfect.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Skimboarding Org
SkimUSA.org is an organization that helps up and coming skimboarders by offering scholarships and sponsorships for young people. They're up to date with all the skimboarding competitions across America and are up to date with the skimboarding industry.
Organizations like this help young people focus on something that will be a benefit to their lives and help keep them out of trouble. Speaking from experience, young people who don't have an outlet for their energy will put their focus and energy into destructive habits and actions.
Luckily when I was young I found an outlet for my energy and focus before I became too heavily involved in destructive habits. Had I not found the outlet I found there's no telling where I'd be today.
SkimUSA.org keeps a contest schedule on their site, skimboarding videos, news, competition standings and links to other great skimboarding sites.
By joining an organization like SkimUSA you'll be kept up to date with all the skimboarding competitions, the scholarships they offer and most importantly by joining their organization you'll be helping to protect your rights by keeping the beach open to all forms of skimboarding.
So if you're a pro skimboarder or a novus beginner then you need to check this site out. At the very least you should apply for the scholarship program they have set in place. This site is doing a great job to help further the skimboarding industry.
Have fun and be safe with all of your skimboarding adventures.
Go out and buy a skimboard today and get involved in a great, up and coming sport.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Organizations like this help young people focus on something that will be a benefit to their lives and help keep them out of trouble. Speaking from experience, young people who don't have an outlet for their energy will put their focus and energy into destructive habits and actions.
Luckily when I was young I found an outlet for my energy and focus before I became too heavily involved in destructive habits. Had I not found the outlet I found there's no telling where I'd be today.
SkimUSA.org keeps a contest schedule on their site, skimboarding videos, news, competition standings and links to other great skimboarding sites.
By joining an organization like SkimUSA you'll be kept up to date with all the skimboarding competitions, the scholarships they offer and most importantly by joining their organization you'll be helping to protect your rights by keeping the beach open to all forms of skimboarding.
So if you're a pro skimboarder or a novus beginner then you need to check this site out. At the very least you should apply for the scholarship program they have set in place. This site is doing a great job to help further the skimboarding industry.
Have fun and be safe with all of your skimboarding adventures.
Go out and buy a skimboard today and get involved in a great, up and coming sport.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Love Surfers Ocean
Have you ever noticed that there's something magical and something special about the ocean? We're drawn to it like bears to honey. Ever since I took my first dip in the ocean when I was just a young boy I've loved the ocean and dream about hitting the waves all year long especially when winter hits. I've never been a fan of the cold or the snow and I live in one of the best states for skiing.
I was able to visit Hawaii for the first time about 3 years ago and discovered just how awesome the ocean can be. The water there is so clear, warm and has some of the best waves for surfing and skimboarding in the world.
Oceans have an immense amount of energy and power. They can be as calm as a church mouse or as deadly as the black plague. I think one reason people are drawn to the ocean is the feeling you get the minute you dive into the water. You can instantly feel it's power and instantly respect all it's power and beauty. This is definitely one reason that surfers are so addicted to surfing and will give up everything they have and own just to be able to hit the waves everyday. Surfing is a lifestyle, religion and a way of life for surfers, it's what they live for everyday that they're alive. Now that's pretty powerful, there's only a few other sports that I know of that people have that much love for.
If you ever get a chance I recommend going to Hawaii and witnessing the surf culture there. No where else I know of has more serious surfers than Hawaii. Once you visit there you'll see why and what I mean.
Have fun, go out and hit the waves.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
I was able to visit Hawaii for the first time about 3 years ago and discovered just how awesome the ocean can be. The water there is so clear, warm and has some of the best waves for surfing and skimboarding in the world.
Oceans have an immense amount of energy and power. They can be as calm as a church mouse or as deadly as the black plague. I think one reason people are drawn to the ocean is the feeling you get the minute you dive into the water. You can instantly feel it's power and instantly respect all it's power and beauty. This is definitely one reason that surfers are so addicted to surfing and will give up everything they have and own just to be able to hit the waves everyday. Surfing is a lifestyle, religion and a way of life for surfers, it's what they live for everyday that they're alive. Now that's pretty powerful, there's only a few other sports that I know of that people have that much love for.
If you ever get a chance I recommend going to Hawaii and witnessing the surf culture there. No where else I know of has more serious surfers than Hawaii. Once you visit there you'll see why and what I mean.
Have fun, go out and hit the waves.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
SkimBoard
As our world becomes more and more technologically advanced and everything is moving at a much faster pace than our parents could have ever imagined it's safe to say that our stress levels are becoming higher and higher and are also moving at a more faster pace.
Everything now days is fast and there are hundreds of options and choices to choose from whether it's the TV, food, cars, cell phones and movies. All this information causes people to have information over load. Wouldn't it be nice to have a time machine that we could jump in from time to time and go back to the old days when life was like Mayberry? We could go hang out with Andy, Barney and Aunt B and just enjoy the simple pleasures of life, while Aunt B whipped up some good ole home cookin.
Well as luck would have it time machines haven't been invented yet so we're stuck here, but hey I love it here that's why I said "from time to time." So what can we do to relieve stress and create good memories at the same time?
How about skimboarding, surfing or body boarding. These sports relieve my stress more than just about anything out there. There's nothing quite like hitting the beach with my buddies and then catching a wave. When you're out riding waves you can feel the power and energy that wave has and you come to respect it's beauty and power. It's almost a spiritual experience in a way. To become one with the wave is like nothing else. There's nothing else out there that can compare to it.
If you're having a lot of stress with life and work, instead of boozing it up more or doing things that damage your health, pick up a board and hit the waves. Nothing relieves your stress faster.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Everything now days is fast and there are hundreds of options and choices to choose from whether it's the TV, food, cars, cell phones and movies. All this information causes people to have information over load. Wouldn't it be nice to have a time machine that we could jump in from time to time and go back to the old days when life was like Mayberry? We could go hang out with Andy, Barney and Aunt B and just enjoy the simple pleasures of life, while Aunt B whipped up some good ole home cookin.
Well as luck would have it time machines haven't been invented yet so we're stuck here, but hey I love it here that's why I said "from time to time." So what can we do to relieve stress and create good memories at the same time?
How about skimboarding, surfing or body boarding. These sports relieve my stress more than just about anything out there. There's nothing quite like hitting the beach with my buddies and then catching a wave. When you're out riding waves you can feel the power and energy that wave has and you come to respect it's beauty and power. It's almost a spiritual experience in a way. To become one with the wave is like nothing else. There's nothing else out there that can compare to it.
If you're having a lot of stress with life and work, instead of boozing it up more or doing things that damage your health, pick up a board and hit the waves. Nothing relieves your stress faster.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Christmas and Skimboards
Skimboarding is a sport that is gaining momentum. It hasn't been all that popular since it was first invented and professionals boards weren't even being made until the 80's, when Victoria Skimboards came to be. Skimboarding has actually been around for most of the 20th century when people first used pieces of plywood to skim across the sand and waves.
There's two major types of skimboarding, there's inland and sand skimboarding. Inland skimboarding is becoming the new rave for kids during the summer time. Lets face it most of America's population doesn't live next to a beach however that doesn't stop kids from skimboarding on a lake, pond, puddle or even a river.
When you ask most kids what they want for Christmas it's safe to say that video games and movies are high on their list. Ask yourself this question though. Would you rather have your kids inside during the summer months playing video games and watching movies getting fat and overweight? Or would you rather have them out in the beautiful outdoors getting in shape and building social skills with other kids their age?
The answer is obvious.
Like we've said many times before, skimboarding is not a mainstream sport yet. However if other kids see your kid out there skimming across a puddle he or she is going to be the coolest kid on the block and all the kids will be begging their parents to buy them a skimboard.
Do yourself and your kids a favor this Christmas or on their next birthday and buy them a skimboard, not only will they stay in shape and not get fat but they'll be the coolest kid in the neighborhood cause most likely they'll be one of the few kids that actually has a good quality skimboard.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
There's two major types of skimboarding, there's inland and sand skimboarding. Inland skimboarding is becoming the new rave for kids during the summer time. Lets face it most of America's population doesn't live next to a beach however that doesn't stop kids from skimboarding on a lake, pond, puddle or even a river.
When you ask most kids what they want for Christmas it's safe to say that video games and movies are high on their list. Ask yourself this question though. Would you rather have your kids inside during the summer months playing video games and watching movies getting fat and overweight? Or would you rather have them out in the beautiful outdoors getting in shape and building social skills with other kids their age?
The answer is obvious.
Like we've said many times before, skimboarding is not a mainstream sport yet. However if other kids see your kid out there skimming across a puddle he or she is going to be the coolest kid on the block and all the kids will be begging their parents to buy them a skimboard.
Do yourself and your kids a favor this Christmas or on their next birthday and buy them a skimboard, not only will they stay in shape and not get fat but they'll be the coolest kid in the neighborhood cause most likely they'll be one of the few kids that actually has a good quality skimboard.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Vacation Hints For Labor Day
This day is the last vacation or chance to go out with your family or friends before it starts to get cold and bitter outside. Just the other day I started making plans with my family to go on one last camping trip before winter hits and it gets too cold to take the kids out and sleep in a tent. It's exciting planning and anticipating trips like this, getting the whole family together going up to the hills and roughing it. There's nothing quite like being in the majestic Rockies cooking your food over a fire or a gas grill, fighting off the flies and mosquitoes, sitting around a fire talking with the friends and family about the good ole days.
There's a lot of options for you and your family this upcoming Labor Day. Depending on where you live you could go camping, water skiing, wave running, skimboarding, surfing, hiking or even go hit an amusement park.
The most important thing to remember is just going out and enjoying time with your friends and family because they're most important in this life. When we leave this world they're going to be the only ones standing there remembering the good times we had, nothing else will be there and that's a guarantee.
Sometimes rounding up the whole family to go out for the weekend has it's challenges and stresses but there's no doubt about it that it's all worth it and something you'll always remember. Going on trips with my family when I was young are some of the best memories of my life.
Be safe this Labor Day and have fun!
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
There's a lot of options for you and your family this upcoming Labor Day. Depending on where you live you could go camping, water skiing, wave running, skimboarding, surfing, hiking or even go hit an amusement park.
The most important thing to remember is just going out and enjoying time with your friends and family because they're most important in this life. When we leave this world they're going to be the only ones standing there remembering the good times we had, nothing else will be there and that's a guarantee.
Sometimes rounding up the whole family to go out for the weekend has it's challenges and stresses but there's no doubt about it that it's all worth it and something you'll always remember. Going on trips with my family when I was young are some of the best memories of my life.
Be safe this Labor Day and have fun!
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Friday, August 20, 2010
Our Cool Oceans
When it comes to water sports such as surfing, skimboarding, body boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving there's many different places and oceans to choose from and we're going to talk about the different oceans and some unique facts about each one.
Pacific: This ocean is most famous among Americans living in the west because of California and also more famous for being Hawaii's ocean. It also happens to be the biggest ocean in the world. The Mariana Trench is in the Pacific Ocean and happens to be the deepest point in the world. The Pacific was first sighted in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers.
Atlantic: This ocean is the second largest ocean in the world and is known for it's S shaped basin and design. As most people know the Atlantic was the ocean explorers used when they discovered the Americas and has a lot of rich history in it. The Atlantic is now a famous hot spot for travelers looking to have fun with their families during the summer months and even during the winter if you happen to make it down to Florida.
Indian: This ocean is the third largest ocean in the world and is a major route for transporting goods such as petroleum from the Middle East. An estimated 40% of the world's off shore oil comes directly from the Indian. It's also a popular place to fish for shrimp and tuna.
Southern/Antarctic: Obviously being one of the coldest oceans in the world with temperatures reaching -2 to 10 celsius. This ocean is also know for fishing large amounts of krill and Patagonian toothfish.
Arctic: Also known as the North Pole. The Arctic is known for certain sea life such as walruses, whales and polar bears. This ocean was also known for being a hazard to ships trying to explore it or pass through it, this was before the invention of the modern "ice breakers".
Every ocean on earth is cool and unique in their own way. If you ever get the chance I recommend trying to visit each ocean and each continent before you die, it's quite the experience.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Pacific: This ocean is most famous among Americans living in the west because of California and also more famous for being Hawaii's ocean. It also happens to be the biggest ocean in the world. The Mariana Trench is in the Pacific Ocean and happens to be the deepest point in the world. The Pacific was first sighted in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers.
Atlantic: This ocean is the second largest ocean in the world and is known for it's S shaped basin and design. As most people know the Atlantic was the ocean explorers used when they discovered the Americas and has a lot of rich history in it. The Atlantic is now a famous hot spot for travelers looking to have fun with their families during the summer months and even during the winter if you happen to make it down to Florida.
Indian: This ocean is the third largest ocean in the world and is a major route for transporting goods such as petroleum from the Middle East. An estimated 40% of the world's off shore oil comes directly from the Indian. It's also a popular place to fish for shrimp and tuna.
Southern/Antarctic: Obviously being one of the coldest oceans in the world with temperatures reaching -2 to 10 celsius. This ocean is also know for fishing large amounts of krill and Patagonian toothfish.
Arctic: Also known as the North Pole. The Arctic is known for certain sea life such as walruses, whales and polar bears. This ocean was also known for being a hazard to ships trying to explore it or pass through it, this was before the invention of the modern "ice breakers".
Every ocean on earth is cool and unique in their own way. If you ever get the chance I recommend trying to visit each ocean and each continent before you die, it's quite the experience.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Go Skimboarding In Auzzie Land
When most people think about Australia the first thing that comes to mind is kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles and Crocodile Dundee. Not too many people know that Australia has some of the best surfing and skimboarding beaches in the world. We're going to give you a list of some of the best beaches to hit your board with.
1. Bells Beach: This beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world for surfers. It was also made famous by the hit movie with Keanu Reeves - Point Break.
2. Bondi Beach: This beach happens to be the most famous beach with tourists. Many different types of people like to visit this beach from surfers, sun bathers to lifesavers. Bondi is located very close to Sydney.
3. Byron Bay: This beach is located in the most easterly part of Australia. This place has become a popular beach resort and just a great place to relax.
4. Cable Beach: This beach has become known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has awesome white sands and is most famous for it's stunning red sunsets. This beach is located on the Indian Ocean.
5. Cottesloe: This place is located in Perth and is one of their most popular beaches. You can do it all at this beach from fishing, surfing, snorkeling, swimming or just out to catch some rays and get a tan.
6. Four Mile Beach: This beach was named because of the 4 miles of beautiful white sands this beach entails. There's a rainforest behind this beach that's great for tourists.
7. Gold Coast: The Gold Coast happens to be a favorite spot with many foreign tourists. This beach is a surfers paradise and is on every surfers wish list of beaches to hit before they die.
I recommend to everyone who loves surfing or skimboarding to plan a trip to Australia and hit as many beaches and hot spots as you can.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
1. Bells Beach: This beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world for surfers. It was also made famous by the hit movie with Keanu Reeves - Point Break.
2. Bondi Beach: This beach happens to be the most famous beach with tourists. Many different types of people like to visit this beach from surfers, sun bathers to lifesavers. Bondi is located very close to Sydney.
3. Byron Bay: This beach is located in the most easterly part of Australia. This place has become a popular beach resort and just a great place to relax.
4. Cable Beach: This beach has become known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has awesome white sands and is most famous for it's stunning red sunsets. This beach is located on the Indian Ocean.
5. Cottesloe: This place is located in Perth and is one of their most popular beaches. You can do it all at this beach from fishing, surfing, snorkeling, swimming or just out to catch some rays and get a tan.
6. Four Mile Beach: This beach was named because of the 4 miles of beautiful white sands this beach entails. There's a rainforest behind this beach that's great for tourists.
7. Gold Coast: The Gold Coast happens to be a favorite spot with many foreign tourists. This beach is a surfers paradise and is on every surfers wish list of beaches to hit before they die.
I recommend to everyone who loves surfing or skimboarding to plan a trip to Australia and hit as many beaches and hot spots as you can.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Summer Vacations Are Good For Kids
If you sit and think about when you were a kid what comes to mind? It would be safe to say that summer time would pop into our minds. Taking vacations, catching frogs and snakes, camping, going to the beach or just relaxing in your back yard with a mini swimming pool or the sprinkler.
When I was around 12 years old my family (2 sisters and 1 brother) made the long trip from Utah to Pennsylvania to visit my mom's cousin. Wow, that was quite the adventure if I sit and reminisce about that trip. There were a lot of fights, tears, blood, laughs and great memories made on that trek to the east coast. We saw many historical places and even took a tour of the White House. Being a 12 year old kid it didn't really hit home all the cool sites I saw because we were more interested in the hotel's swimming pools but now I thank my mom for that trip.
Another trip that we took every summer that sticks out in my mind was going to Orange County, California. We would go there to visit my mom's best friend and we'd hit all the popular places such as Disneyland, Hollywood and the beach. That's where I had my first boogie board experience, needless to say I almost died but I also fell in love with the ocean and board sports from that day on.
These vacations are very important for kids. I cherish these memories and love to sit and think about them and how much fun I had with my family growing up. Now that we're all grown up and have families of our own whenever my family gets together for parties or holidays we all like to sit and talk about all the fun and goofy things we did on our vacations.
There's still some summer left. Take your kids out even if it's just camping for the weekend. Some of the best times I spent with my family were our frequent weekend camping trips.
Have fun and be safe.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
When I was around 12 years old my family (2 sisters and 1 brother) made the long trip from Utah to Pennsylvania to visit my mom's cousin. Wow, that was quite the adventure if I sit and reminisce about that trip. There were a lot of fights, tears, blood, laughs and great memories made on that trek to the east coast. We saw many historical places and even took a tour of the White House. Being a 12 year old kid it didn't really hit home all the cool sites I saw because we were more interested in the hotel's swimming pools but now I thank my mom for that trip.
Another trip that we took every summer that sticks out in my mind was going to Orange County, California. We would go there to visit my mom's best friend and we'd hit all the popular places such as Disneyland, Hollywood and the beach. That's where I had my first boogie board experience, needless to say I almost died but I also fell in love with the ocean and board sports from that day on.
These vacations are very important for kids. I cherish these memories and love to sit and think about them and how much fun I had with my family growing up. Now that we're all grown up and have families of our own whenever my family gets together for parties or holidays we all like to sit and talk about all the fun and goofy things we did on our vacations.
There's still some summer left. Take your kids out even if it's just camping for the weekend. Some of the best times I spent with my family were our frequent weekend camping trips.
Have fun and be safe.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Want To Know How To Get Your Hands On Some Good Skimboarding Info?
For beginners to the sport of skimboarding there's never enough information for them or so it seems. People brand new to skimboarding want to get their hands on as much info as possible to help them become better skimboarders. Then as time progresses they become more and more interested in watching videos, attending skimboard competitions and events, communicating with other skimboarders and basically just immersing themselves into the skimboarding culture.
There's a one stop website for all information pertaining to skimboarding and that's skimonline.com. This site has a plethora of information regarding anything skimboarding.
The newest update on their site has to do with Bill Bryan and how Bill is in the number one spot in the UST after another win at the Outer Banks, NC competition. Skimonline is very good about keeping their information up to date and current.
Skimonline also has a great forum for all skimboarders to hang out in and talk about their latest wipe out or just some new technique they've just mastered. Their site is also loaded with a ton of information on how to improve your skimboarding skills through articles, videos and tips from the pros themselves.
They also talk about the pros and cons of certain boards and usually have news regarding new skimboard companies and the boards they provide. So if you're looking for any information regarding skimboarding from what kind of boards to buy to the best beaches to go skimboarding, just log on to skimonline.com and chances are you'll find the answer you're looking for.
Now go out and enjoy what's left of the summer before we all have to put away our boards for the summer.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
There's a one stop website for all information pertaining to skimboarding and that's skimonline.com. This site has a plethora of information regarding anything skimboarding.
The newest update on their site has to do with Bill Bryan and how Bill is in the number one spot in the UST after another win at the Outer Banks, NC competition. Skimonline is very good about keeping their information up to date and current.
Skimonline also has a great forum for all skimboarders to hang out in and talk about their latest wipe out or just some new technique they've just mastered. Their site is also loaded with a ton of information on how to improve your skimboarding skills through articles, videos and tips from the pros themselves.
They also talk about the pros and cons of certain boards and usually have news regarding new skimboard companies and the boards they provide. So if you're looking for any information regarding skimboarding from what kind of boards to buy to the best beaches to go skimboarding, just log on to skimonline.com and chances are you'll find the answer you're looking for.
Now go out and enjoy what's left of the summer before we all have to put away our boards for the summer.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Cool Down From This Summer Heat!
Just today I was out with my wife and daughter cruising around town buying some things and my daughter was in the back seat crying up a storm and my wife and I couldn't figure out why she was having such a difficult time. She wasn't hungry or tired, we both knew that. Then it hit us, it's the 95 degree weather and the AC was getting back to her. So understandably she was not having a good time and when we pulled her out of the car seat we could tell by the amount of sweat she had accumulated she had every right to be raising the roof.
I think kids find the easiest ways to deal with the summer heat, whether it's jumping on a trampoline with a sprinkler underneath it or sliding down a slip n slide, or maybe even just a small swimming pool.
What about us adults though?
There's many ways for us adults to beat this summer heat but I think a lot of those ideas escape us as we get older. Here's some good ideas for us adults.
1. Skimboarding: Whether you live by the ocean by a lake, river or a pond you can go skimboarding anytime. Not only is it super fun but when you crash and burn you're cooling off at the same time, so it's a win win.
2. Wave Running: I've loved this sport since I was 13 years old. My father used to take his employees and his family up to a local lake every summer and we'd spend the day wave running and having a BBQ. Almost anyone can use a wave runner and renting one is relatively cheap. You can spend all day on one and never get bored.
3. Surfing: This sport does require an ocean and waves, so if you're fortunate enough to live by an ocean and you're not out surfing whenever possible, shame on you for not taking advantage of the beautiful, ever fun, never boring ocean.
4. Swimming: You're never too old to go swimming whether it's in a pool, river, lake or an ocean. Nothing relieves stress more than jumping into some nice cool water. Follow the example of your kids and go take a dive before winter hits and you're regretting not having taken a dip in some nice cool water.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
I think kids find the easiest ways to deal with the summer heat, whether it's jumping on a trampoline with a sprinkler underneath it or sliding down a slip n slide, or maybe even just a small swimming pool.
What about us adults though?
There's many ways for us adults to beat this summer heat but I think a lot of those ideas escape us as we get older. Here's some good ideas for us adults.
1. Skimboarding: Whether you live by the ocean by a lake, river or a pond you can go skimboarding anytime. Not only is it super fun but when you crash and burn you're cooling off at the same time, so it's a win win.
2. Wave Running: I've loved this sport since I was 13 years old. My father used to take his employees and his family up to a local lake every summer and we'd spend the day wave running and having a BBQ. Almost anyone can use a wave runner and renting one is relatively cheap. You can spend all day on one and never get bored.
3. Surfing: This sport does require an ocean and waves, so if you're fortunate enough to live by an ocean and you're not out surfing whenever possible, shame on you for not taking advantage of the beautiful, ever fun, never boring ocean.
4. Swimming: You're never too old to go swimming whether it's in a pool, river, lake or an ocean. Nothing relieves stress more than jumping into some nice cool water. Follow the example of your kids and go take a dive before winter hits and you're regretting not having taken a dip in some nice cool water.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Saturday, July 24, 2010
How Much Should A Skimboard Cost?
This is a huge debate and leads to many arguments among skimboarders. Serious skimboarders view cheaper skimboards as a hindrance to the sport and will openly speak about buying cheap skimboards vs expensive ones. While obviously there is some truth that the more expensive ones of course out perform better than the cheap ones, that's not to say that everyone should run out and buy an expensive board. Especially if you're just a beginner.
I recommend anyone that is a beginner should always start with a cheaper board rather than an expensive board. When you first start out skimboarding you're going to crash and burn more times than not and you're board is going to suffer in the process. Experienced skimboarders have a 6th sense about them that helps them watch out for rocks and other obstacles that may do damage to you or your board.
This sport is definitely learned through trial and error.
After you've somewhat mastered riding a cheap board than I would recommend moving up to an expensive board and then a again it all depends on how serious of a skimboarder you are. If it's something that you'd like to do once or twice a year just when you go on vacation than I would always stick with a cheaper board. However if you've come to love the sport and it becomes addicting than I highly recommend buying a more expensive board.
Whatever type of skimboarder you are just grab a skimboard go out and have fun. It's an addicting sport that will stick with you forever.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
I recommend anyone that is a beginner should always start with a cheaper board rather than an expensive board. When you first start out skimboarding you're going to crash and burn more times than not and you're board is going to suffer in the process. Experienced skimboarders have a 6th sense about them that helps them watch out for rocks and other obstacles that may do damage to you or your board.
This sport is definitely learned through trial and error.
After you've somewhat mastered riding a cheap board than I would recommend moving up to an expensive board and then a again it all depends on how serious of a skimboarder you are. If it's something that you'd like to do once or twice a year just when you go on vacation than I would always stick with a cheaper board. However if you've come to love the sport and it becomes addicting than I highly recommend buying a more expensive board.
Whatever type of skimboarder you are just grab a skimboard go out and have fun. It's an addicting sport that will stick with you forever.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Friday, July 2, 2010
Surfing And SkimBoard Wax...
It's safe to say that a good majority of surfers and skimboarders, beginners to intermediate are still not quite sure which type of wax they should be waxing their boards with. We're going to try and help some people out with any questions you might have. Depending on where you live might also determine what kind of wax you should use on your board.
First lets talk about two very famous wax companies and the different kinds of waxes that they carry and which ones would be best fit you.
1. Mr. Zog's Sex Wax: Zog's Sex Wax was first produced by Fredrick Herzog III aka-(Mr Zog) and also by chemist Nate Skinner way back in 1972.
Zog's was also originally created to be a wax for drummers to get better grips on their drum sticks but quickly became popular with surfers as a great wax for their boards.
Zog's carries a variety of waxes but the most important information to know are the differences between cold wax and warm wax. It's actually quite simple. If you're going to be surfing or skimboarding in cold water than you should use a colder wax. If you're surfing or skimboarding in warm water than you should use warmer/hotter wax.
Warm water wax last longer and is less sticky than cold water wax and some people prefer to use warm wax all the time regardless of the temperature of the water. Cold water wax is more sticky and softer than warm wax.
2. Sticky Bumps Wax: Sticky Bumps was founded in 1967 by John Dahl and is now owned by John and his wife.
Like Zog's, Sticky Bumps carries a wide range of waxes and here's what type of wax they recommend depending on the temperature of the water.
-Tropical Wax: 75.F degrees and above.
-Warm Wax: 64-74.F degrees.
-Cool Wax: 58-78.F degrees.
-Cold Wax: 60.F degrees and below.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
First lets talk about two very famous wax companies and the different kinds of waxes that they carry and which ones would be best fit you.
1. Mr. Zog's Sex Wax: Zog's Sex Wax was first produced by Fredrick Herzog III aka-(Mr Zog) and also by chemist Nate Skinner way back in 1972.
Zog's was also originally created to be a wax for drummers to get better grips on their drum sticks but quickly became popular with surfers as a great wax for their boards.
Zog's carries a variety of waxes but the most important information to know are the differences between cold wax and warm wax. It's actually quite simple. If you're going to be surfing or skimboarding in cold water than you should use a colder wax. If you're surfing or skimboarding in warm water than you should use warmer/hotter wax.
Warm water wax last longer and is less sticky than cold water wax and some people prefer to use warm wax all the time regardless of the temperature of the water. Cold water wax is more sticky and softer than warm wax.
2. Sticky Bumps Wax: Sticky Bumps was founded in 1967 by John Dahl and is now owned by John and his wife.
Like Zog's, Sticky Bumps carries a wide range of waxes and here's what type of wax they recommend depending on the temperature of the water.
-Tropical Wax: 75.F degrees and above.
-Warm Wax: 64-74.F degrees.
-Cool Wax: 58-78.F degrees.
-Cold Wax: 60.F degrees and below.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, June 27, 2010
New Skimboard Companies And Their Cool Boards
Shortbus Skimboards is a company that was started in a basement out of Buxton, North Carolina in 2006 but didn't start selling skimboards until 2008. They're made out in a mobile trailer owned by the creator/founder. Shortbus boards are the only boards that are made using a resin infusion system. Resin infusion allows the boards to be much lighter than the competition while still being durable and strong, this process allows them to use 35. oz of glass. Shortbus skimboards uses only the best quality materials for their boards as well.
Neil Tolson is the pro rider for Shortbus skimboards. He has a BA in Biology and rides Shortbus boards exclusively.
Shortbus skimboards has some great looking boards that are of the highest quality. We look forward to seeing great things come from this now small but soon to be explosive company.
Maui Skimmers was started in 1986 in Kihei Town, Maui, Hawaii. Also the founder began making skimboards in 1980.
Maui Skimmers separates itself by designing and building boards that have more of a surfboard type shape than other skimboards. Maui Skimmers describes them as "small surfboards without fins." Their boards are also a bit narrower, more foam volume and they put channel bottoms on the board for added control during turning. Their boards work in waves from a foot high to as high as you want.
There are many different skimboard companies to choose from out there now and everyone has their own taste and style. Some boards may be for you and fit your exact style and some may not fit your style of riding. The best thing to do is try some out and decide which board best suits your style of boarding and technique.
Go out, have fun and enjoy the summer.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Neil Tolson is the pro rider for Shortbus skimboards. He has a BA in Biology and rides Shortbus boards exclusively.
Shortbus skimboards has some great looking boards that are of the highest quality. We look forward to seeing great things come from this now small but soon to be explosive company.
Maui Skimmers was started in 1986 in Kihei Town, Maui, Hawaii. Also the founder began making skimboards in 1980.
Maui Skimmers separates itself by designing and building boards that have more of a surfboard type shape than other skimboards. Maui Skimmers describes them as "small surfboards without fins." Their boards are also a bit narrower, more foam volume and they put channel bottoms on the board for added control during turning. Their boards work in waves from a foot high to as high as you want.
There are many different skimboard companies to choose from out there now and everyone has their own taste and style. Some boards may be for you and fit your exact style and some may not fit your style of riding. The best thing to do is try some out and decide which board best suits your style of boarding and technique.
Go out, have fun and enjoy the summer.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Stress Relief Can Be Found In Sports
Ever had one of those days or weeks when nothing seems to go right and the whole world seems to be against you? This sends your stress level through the roof. Not to mention how crabby and irritable you seem to other people without you knowing about it. This is also the time when you least want to go exercise, play sports, or go to the gym to relieve your stress.
When your stress level hits the maximum point this when you need and must go exercise or play sports to relieve your stress.
I'm sure everyone can also relate when you've had one of these days and you've went to the gym or went and played some type of sport with your friends how much better you felt after wards.
One of the best ways for me to feel better when I'm having a very stressful week is to go hiking. Getting up into the mountains and away from the city is when I'm most at peace with myself. There's just something about being up there all by yourself and the only sounds that you hear are from nature herself. Sitting under an aspen tree listening to your heart beat and falling asleep is truly an awesome experience I encourage everyone to try before they die.
Everyone has their own way of relieving their stress but one way that everyone will agree on is exercise, playing sports or simply getting outdoors and away from the world for awhile. That's the purest way to your take stress away that can't be found at the bottom of a bottle or smoked away.
Summer is upon us now and I'm encouraging everyone to pick up a new hobby whether it's fishing, hiking, skimboarding, body boarding, surfing or just hitting the gym. Summer is short so make every one of your free days count. We're only getting older and not younger so go out enjoy summer and the beautiful world we live in.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
When your stress level hits the maximum point this when you need and must go exercise or play sports to relieve your stress.
I'm sure everyone can also relate when you've had one of these days and you've went to the gym or went and played some type of sport with your friends how much better you felt after wards.
One of the best ways for me to feel better when I'm having a very stressful week is to go hiking. Getting up into the mountains and away from the city is when I'm most at peace with myself. There's just something about being up there all by yourself and the only sounds that you hear are from nature herself. Sitting under an aspen tree listening to your heart beat and falling asleep is truly an awesome experience I encourage everyone to try before they die.
Everyone has their own way of relieving their stress but one way that everyone will agree on is exercise, playing sports or simply getting outdoors and away from the world for awhile. That's the purest way to your take stress away that can't be found at the bottom of a bottle or smoked away.
Summer is upon us now and I'm encouraging everyone to pick up a new hobby whether it's fishing, hiking, skimboarding, body boarding, surfing or just hitting the gym. Summer is short so make every one of your free days count. We're only getting older and not younger so go out enjoy summer and the beautiful world we live in.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Have Some Fun This Summer....pick up a board!
I don't what it is about water board sports but they happen to be very fun and very addicting. It may be because of the unique challenge that lies in each board sport that make it appealing. It may be because of the natural attraction that humans have to the water be it a lake, river or ocean. Or it may be simply being outdoors that make millions of people each year want to hit the water with their different types of boards.
Here's a list of the different types of board sports that we can all enjoy during the summer months unless you happen to be lucky and live in a warm/hot place.
Surfing: This board sport happens to be the most popular and the most challenging of all the board sports. Once you master this sport it is very fun and very addicting. This sport has been mainstream for quite some time with the top athletes in this sport earning millions of dollars each year from sponsors and competitions. If you've never tried surfing then you owe it to yourself to try it once in your life.
Body Boarding/Boogie Boarding: Body boards are much smaller then a surf board and are made out of either fiberglass or wood. Riding a body board is also much different than a surf board. Instead of trying to stand up on the board you lay down on your stomach and paddle with your feet usually with fins, which works best in order to gain speed. Also different from surfing, body boarders try and catch waves that are closer to shore rather than paddle way out into the surf. Body boarding has also become more of a main stream sport in the last couple of decades.
Skimboarding: This sport is very fun and challenging but has yet to break into the main stream sports arena. Skimboarding consists of a board that's half-way between a surf board (without fins) and a body board. And instead of paddling out into the ocean with your board like surfing or body boarding you run with your board along the sand, then at the opportune time throwing your board down and skimming along the sand into the waves and hopefully catching a wave with your board before you wipe out. Skimboarding is a great, extremely fun sport that almost anyone can try at almost any age.
Wakeboarding: This sport is usually a lake sport which consists of a boat pulling you up and pulling you along much like water skiing, except the board looks more like a snowboard and body board than a pair of water-skies. At first this sport can be a challenge but stick with it and once you've mastered the art of getting up on the board, it's a blast!
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Here's a list of the different types of board sports that we can all enjoy during the summer months unless you happen to be lucky and live in a warm/hot place.
Surfing: This board sport happens to be the most popular and the most challenging of all the board sports. Once you master this sport it is very fun and very addicting. This sport has been mainstream for quite some time with the top athletes in this sport earning millions of dollars each year from sponsors and competitions. If you've never tried surfing then you owe it to yourself to try it once in your life.
Body Boarding/Boogie Boarding: Body boards are much smaller then a surf board and are made out of either fiberglass or wood. Riding a body board is also much different than a surf board. Instead of trying to stand up on the board you lay down on your stomach and paddle with your feet usually with fins, which works best in order to gain speed. Also different from surfing, body boarders try and catch waves that are closer to shore rather than paddle way out into the surf. Body boarding has also become more of a main stream sport in the last couple of decades.
Skimboarding: This sport is very fun and challenging but has yet to break into the main stream sports arena. Skimboarding consists of a board that's half-way between a surf board (without fins) and a body board. And instead of paddling out into the ocean with your board like surfing or body boarding you run with your board along the sand, then at the opportune time throwing your board down and skimming along the sand into the waves and hopefully catching a wave with your board before you wipe out. Skimboarding is a great, extremely fun sport that almost anyone can try at almost any age.
Wakeboarding: This sport is usually a lake sport which consists of a boat pulling you up and pulling you along much like water skiing, except the board looks more like a snowboard and body board than a pair of water-skies. At first this sport can be a challenge but stick with it and once you've mastered the art of getting up on the board, it's a blast!
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
How The BP Oil Spill Will Not Stop Skimboarders
When I first heard about the BP oil spill in the Gulf my heart sank not only for the people and the sea life it would ruin. My heart also sank for all the families it's going to effect, all those people who had made plans to go on vacation with their families this summer and enjoy all the beautiful beaches that the black, nasty substance is now washing up on.
This oil spill is effecting so many people in so many ways we can't even count. It would take weeks and months to count all this problems this oil spill is going to cause and is causing. Most people will agree that America's economy is picking up and moving forward, however this definitely takes a bite out of America's recovery to say the least.
I've got a message for everyone who's living close to the Gulf especially to all the skimboarders out there. I can just sit back now and visualize all the angry skimboarders who were waxing up their boards up for the summer getting ready to hit the beach along the Gulf, only to have the brakes come to a skidding halt. This is definitely your chance to give back to the sport by volunteering your services in helping to clean this disaster up or by doing whatever you can to help.
I encourage everyone who has some free time (the time that you would've been boarding if it weren't for BP) to hop in your car drive down to the beaches and offer your services. Giving back to something you love brings great satisfaction and confidence.
Now let's all pray that this disaster gets stopped and cleaned ASAP.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
This oil spill is effecting so many people in so many ways we can't even count. It would take weeks and months to count all this problems this oil spill is going to cause and is causing. Most people will agree that America's economy is picking up and moving forward, however this definitely takes a bite out of America's recovery to say the least.
I've got a message for everyone who's living close to the Gulf especially to all the skimboarders out there. I can just sit back now and visualize all the angry skimboarders who were waxing up their boards up for the summer getting ready to hit the beach along the Gulf, only to have the brakes come to a skidding halt. This is definitely your chance to give back to the sport by volunteering your services in helping to clean this disaster up or by doing whatever you can to help.
I encourage everyone who has some free time (the time that you would've been boarding if it weren't for BP) to hop in your car drive down to the beaches and offer your services. Giving back to something you love brings great satisfaction and confidence.
Now let's all pray that this disaster gets stopped and cleaned ASAP.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sports and Humans
Being 31 years old I've watched the progression of video games, TV, Internet and movies. While I like all of them (don't play video games much anymore though). I've also seen the problems and damage that they can cause to kids and teenagers. When I was young I still remember getting my first Atari system, then my first Nintendo, then my first game boy, then my first super Nintendo. I admit to playing all of those systems a lot but I also went outside a lot with my friends and also just to be by myself. I always had hobbies that took me outside and kept me in shape.
Over the last decade or so I've seen what a negative impact all of things have had on kids. No one will argue that obesity is killing America's youth and adults. You look back even 20 years ago at pictures, films, magazines of regular people and you'll see a stunning difference in weight. You go back 40 years and the it's like a night and day difference between people back then and people now.
One of the problems I see is lack of hobbies or sports. No, I wouldn't count video games or TV as a hobby. I know this first hand by watching some of my family members who are or were addicted to video games or the TV. They're overweight, unhealthy and have very low self-esteem, while the people in my family who go outdoors, play sports, hike and have hobbies are healthy, happy and have high self-esteem.
So I'm just going to state the obvious....go outside, play more sports, watch less TV, get an outdoor hobby.
http://www.SkimboardPros.com
Over the last decade or so I've seen what a negative impact all of things have had on kids. No one will argue that obesity is killing America's youth and adults. You look back even 20 years ago at pictures, films, magazines of regular people and you'll see a stunning difference in weight. You go back 40 years and the it's like a night and day difference between people back then and people now.
One of the problems I see is lack of hobbies or sports. No, I wouldn't count video games or TV as a hobby. I know this first hand by watching some of my family members who are or were addicted to video games or the TV. They're overweight, unhealthy and have very low self-esteem, while the people in my family who go outdoors, play sports, hike and have hobbies are healthy, happy and have high self-esteem.
So I'm just going to state the obvious....go outside, play more sports, watch less TV, get an outdoor hobby.
http://www.SkimboardPros.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Flatland Skimboarding Tricks
As far as we know flatland skimboarding has been around since the 1970's, back when skimboards were just a circular disk. Around the 90's is when flatland skimboarding really took off and people started using ramps and rails to do tricks. Even now indoor skimboard parks are popping up around the U.S. making it become even more popular.
There's many different kinds of tricks (actually limitless tricks) that can be performed while flatland skimboarding. We're going to give you some of the most popular ones first.
1. Ollies:
* Ollie: Is basically just a jump into the air with your board.
* Ollie North: This one is just like the Ollie but you're lifting your front foot off of the board.
* Hippy Jump: This one consists of the rider riding up to an object while being a few inches off the ground and the rider jumps over the object while the board goes underneath it.
2. Spins:
* It's basically what it says it is. You push the down on the ground-sand causing you to spin doing 360-520-720 degree spins.
3. Shuv-Its:
* This is done by jumping into the air and sweeping your back foot forward and your front foot backwards causing you to make your board spin 180 degrees.
* 360 Shuv-It: This is done by placing your feet differently and then sweeping your feet harder this then causes your board to spin 360 degrees.
* 540 Shuv-It: This is done by placing your feet differently and then sweeping your feet harder this then causes your board to spin 360 degrees then by jumping higher into the air you can get the full 540-degree spin.
* Pop Shuv-It: This is done by mixing an Ollie and a shuv-it you can then spin the board in mid air.
* Big Spin: This can be done by mixing a 360 shuv it with a 180 varial.
* Bigger Spin: This can be done by mixing a 540 shuv-it with a 180 varial. This trick was created by John Minns
4. Body Varial:
* Body Varial: This is done by jumping into the air and spin without spinning the board causing you to perform a Body Varial. You'll know when you've performed this right if you land with your back forward.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
There's many different kinds of tricks (actually limitless tricks) that can be performed while flatland skimboarding. We're going to give you some of the most popular ones first.
1. Ollies:
* Ollie: Is basically just a jump into the air with your board.
* Ollie North: This one is just like the Ollie but you're lifting your front foot off of the board.
* Hippy Jump: This one consists of the rider riding up to an object while being a few inches off the ground and the rider jumps over the object while the board goes underneath it.
2. Spins:
* It's basically what it says it is. You push the down on the ground-sand causing you to spin doing 360-520-720 degree spins.
3. Shuv-Its:
* This is done by jumping into the air and sweeping your back foot forward and your front foot backwards causing you to make your board spin 180 degrees.
* 360 Shuv-It: This is done by placing your feet differently and then sweeping your feet harder this then causes your board to spin 360 degrees.
* 540 Shuv-It: This is done by placing your feet differently and then sweeping your feet harder this then causes your board to spin 360 degrees then by jumping higher into the air you can get the full 540-degree spin.
* Pop Shuv-It: This is done by mixing an Ollie and a shuv-it you can then spin the board in mid air.
* Big Spin: This can be done by mixing a 360 shuv it with a 180 varial.
* Bigger Spin: This can be done by mixing a 540 shuv-it with a 180 varial. This trick was created by John Minns
4. Body Varial:
* Body Varial: This is done by jumping into the air and spin without spinning the board causing you to perform a Body Varial. You'll know when you've performed this right if you land with your back forward.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Differences Between Surfing and Skimboarding.
1. Surfing is the grandfather of water board sports being that people have been surfing for hundreds of years with evidence of the natives on Hawaii surfing back before explorers first came to the islands. Back on the Hawaiian Islands surfing was often reserved only for royalty. Surfing has evolved into a mainstream super popular sport and big business. However surfing isn't for everyone just ask people who can't swim or people who are afraid to paddle far out into the surf where the waves most of the time break best. Surfing also requires a lot of skill and practice to become good enough. Once you've mastered the art of surfing though it's amazingly addicting and with it comes a life long passion that never leaves you.
2. Skimboarding however is a water board sport that can be enjoyed by just about everyone from young kids to middle aged adults requiring little skill to thoroughly enjoy it. You don't need to paddle far out into the surf, you don't need to know how to swim, there's also no sharks or undertow. It's a sport that can be enjoyed from the safety of the beach making it a great sport for young kids and easing the minds of parents everywhere. Skimboards are also much much cheaper than a surfboard and much smaller making it easier to take on vacation with you or carry in your car with you. Next time you're planning to hit the beach pick up a skimboard and give it a try, once you do you'll be hooked for life.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
2. Skimboarding however is a water board sport that can be enjoyed by just about everyone from young kids to middle aged adults requiring little skill to thoroughly enjoy it. You don't need to paddle far out into the surf, you don't need to know how to swim, there's also no sharks or undertow. It's a sport that can be enjoyed from the safety of the beach making it a great sport for young kids and easing the minds of parents everywhere. Skimboards are also much much cheaper than a surfboard and much smaller making it easier to take on vacation with you or carry in your car with you. Next time you're planning to hit the beach pick up a skimboard and give it a try, once you do you'll be hooked for life.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Safe Skimboarding
Even though nobody likes to talk or hear about it there are dangers when it comes to skimboarding so we`re going to talk about the dangers and how to prevent them or lessen the possibility.
There are several types of dangers that skimboarders can face on a daily basis. Skimboarding is increasing in popularity on a yearly basis especially inland skimming. Some uncommon injuries that have occurred while people are skimboarding are fractures and dislocations of the lower limbs. However lacerations, bruises and twisted ankles are among the most common injuries that boarders seem to get the most of. This happens mainly due to rocks, logs or other large objects that boarders may impact.
A study was conducted in Britain regarding the dangers of skimboarding and ended up concluding that most of the injuries were minor and needed no major surgeries or the person injured did not need to be rushed to the emergency room.
However some of the injuries that skimboarders sustain are injuries that happen over a long period of time. These include fractures, leg pains and shin splints. These can easily be avoided by stretching every time before and after you go skimboarding or any type of boarding for that matter.
Some ways to avoid serious injury especially when you`re inland skimming is to look at your surroundings before you first start skimming. Look for obstacles that may be a threat to you if you happen to lose control, wipe out and hit the object. Pay close attention to rocks, logs, fences, trees and shallow water. Move these obstacles if you can to avoid hitting them or even change your location altogether so you can skimboard for years to come.
Thanks,
Jason Fackrell
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
There are several types of dangers that skimboarders can face on a daily basis. Skimboarding is increasing in popularity on a yearly basis especially inland skimming. Some uncommon injuries that have occurred while people are skimboarding are fractures and dislocations of the lower limbs. However lacerations, bruises and twisted ankles are among the most common injuries that boarders seem to get the most of. This happens mainly due to rocks, logs or other large objects that boarders may impact.
A study was conducted in Britain regarding the dangers of skimboarding and ended up concluding that most of the injuries were minor and needed no major surgeries or the person injured did not need to be rushed to the emergency room.
However some of the injuries that skimboarders sustain are injuries that happen over a long period of time. These include fractures, leg pains and shin splints. These can easily be avoided by stretching every time before and after you go skimboarding or any type of boarding for that matter.
Some ways to avoid serious injury especially when you`re inland skimming is to look at your surroundings before you first start skimming. Look for obstacles that may be a threat to you if you happen to lose control, wipe out and hit the object. Pay close attention to rocks, logs, fences, trees and shallow water. Move these obstacles if you can to avoid hitting them or even change your location altogether so you can skimboard for years to come.
Thanks,
Jason Fackrell
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Monday, April 26, 2010
Popular Places For Inland Skimboarding
It`s well known that skimboarding originated out of California. This is also considered the center place for the sport being that this is where it all got started. Cali is also home to some of the best skimboarding spots in the world. This sport is becoming more and more popular throughout North America as well as throughout the world.
Skimboarding however is becoming popular in Europe (mainly Portugal and France), Australia, Asia and South America. Many people are starting to skim inland due to lack of a shore or ocean. This is definitely one of the advantages skimboarding has over surfing and body boarding.
"Flatland skimming" as we call it can be done just about anywhere; rivers, lakes, streams, puddles, creeks and wet grass is great if you can find a good patch after a rain storm.
The "Flatland skimming" scene is building up in large numbers across North America in such places as Texas, Utah, Florida, Delaware, Ontario, Washington, Outer Banks, British Columbia, Long Island and the Great Lakes. Outside of North America though the most popular places are Melbourne, Paramata and Wellington NZ. The biggest "flatland skimming" group in Europe though is situated in the Netherlands.
Skimboarding is also becoming popular in places where people are unable to surf due to frequent shark attacks or lack of suitable waves.
If you get the chance and you live inland and you don't have access to the ocean grab a skimboard find a good safe spot (I recommend a lake with a sandy or muddy beach or a patch of wet grass) and give it a try. Once you do you`ll be hooked for life.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Skimboarding however is becoming popular in Europe (mainly Portugal and France), Australia, Asia and South America. Many people are starting to skim inland due to lack of a shore or ocean. This is definitely one of the advantages skimboarding has over surfing and body boarding.
"Flatland skimming" as we call it can be done just about anywhere; rivers, lakes, streams, puddles, creeks and wet grass is great if you can find a good patch after a rain storm.
The "Flatland skimming" scene is building up in large numbers across North America in such places as Texas, Utah, Florida, Delaware, Ontario, Washington, Outer Banks, British Columbia, Long Island and the Great Lakes. Outside of North America though the most popular places are Melbourne, Paramata and Wellington NZ. The biggest "flatland skimming" group in Europe though is situated in the Netherlands.
Skimboarding is also becoming popular in places where people are unable to surf due to frequent shark attacks or lack of suitable waves.
If you get the chance and you live inland and you don't have access to the ocean grab a skimboard find a good safe spot (I recommend a lake with a sandy or muddy beach or a patch of wet grass) and give it a try. Once you do you`ll be hooked for life.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Skimboarding Hot Spots In Florida
1. Siesta Key - Saratosa Florida: This place is better to go skimboarding during the cooler seasons. If you`re looking to catch big waves the best time to hit this beach is when there`s a storm coming up from the coast. Certain parts of this beach can be crowded depending on where you decide to go.
2. North Fort Lauderdale: The commercial pier at "anglans" there`s a good flat beach and it`s easy to get to the water (even for beginners). The swells at this beach can reach 3 feet and other skimboarders have made a break here so at low tide it gets up to about 6 feet high. This beach does tend to get crowded so keep that in mind when you`re heading out to find a spot.
3. St Augustine, Vilano Beach: This beach is only a few minutes from the oldest known city in America, this spot is famous among skimboarders in Florida. This beach has got the typical Florida break combined with a very generous slope. The waves at this beach break right on the shore and are decent sized for most of the year. The biggest waves tend to be in the 4 foot range. There`s a jetty at the south end of the beach near the Vilano inlet and the waves peel best at this area. Try to stay away from the fishermen in this area. The best time to skimboard at this beach is definitely high tide.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
2. North Fort Lauderdale: The commercial pier at "anglans" there`s a good flat beach and it`s easy to get to the water (even for beginners). The swells at this beach can reach 3 feet and other skimboarders have made a break here so at low tide it gets up to about 6 feet high. This beach does tend to get crowded so keep that in mind when you`re heading out to find a spot.
3. St Augustine, Vilano Beach: This beach is only a few minutes from the oldest known city in America, this spot is famous among skimboarders in Florida. This beach has got the typical Florida break combined with a very generous slope. The waves at this beach break right on the shore and are decent sized for most of the year. The biggest waves tend to be in the 4 foot range. There`s a jetty at the south end of the beach near the Vilano inlet and the waves peel best at this area. Try to stay away from the fishermen in this area. The best time to skimboard at this beach is definitely high tide.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Why Skimboard Competitions Are Crucial For The Sport:
When summer approaches so do skimboard competitions. This is the season every skimboarder longs for and dreams about all winter long. This is when it`s so freezing cold outside you can barely feel your feet and hands and the blood in your body slows down like a river that has dammed up. So you could say summer is a skimboarders favorite time of the year.
Competitions help define any sport in the public eye and this is especially true for skimboarding. Being that skimboarding has yet to become as main stream as surfing.
In the past skimboarders were viewed as the weirdos down on the beach playing with some small, weird odd shape version of a surfboard. Competitions help show people that skimboarding is just as legitimate or more so than surfing and that skimboarders are viewed as athletes.
One great thing about skimboarding competitions is that anyone who wants can enter them. In most sports competitions you have to travel the circuit for years for even being aloud to go up against the best of the best. Not so in these competitions anyone who wants a shot at the best skimboarders may do so at any time.
This is also where skimboard companies get a chance to get their products and names out to the public which in turn furthers the sport giving it a good name.
By far more people are introduced to the sport of skimboarding by competitions than any other way. So when you get a chance go to any and all competitions in your local areas and also enter as many competitions as you can to help skimboarding become more mainstream.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Competitions help define any sport in the public eye and this is especially true for skimboarding. Being that skimboarding has yet to become as main stream as surfing.
In the past skimboarders were viewed as the weirdos down on the beach playing with some small, weird odd shape version of a surfboard. Competitions help show people that skimboarding is just as legitimate or more so than surfing and that skimboarders are viewed as athletes.
One great thing about skimboarding competitions is that anyone who wants can enter them. In most sports competitions you have to travel the circuit for years for even being aloud to go up against the best of the best. Not so in these competitions anyone who wants a shot at the best skimboarders may do so at any time.
This is also where skimboard companies get a chance to get their products and names out to the public which in turn furthers the sport giving it a good name.
By far more people are introduced to the sport of skimboarding by competitions than any other way. So when you get a chance go to any and all competitions in your local areas and also enter as many competitions as you can to help skimboarding become more mainstream.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Why Skimboard Competitions Are Crucial For The Sport:
When summer approaches so do skimboard competitions. This is the season every skimboarder longs for and dreams about all winter long. This is when it`s so freezing cold outside you can barely feel your feet and hands and the blood in your body slows down like a river that has dammed up. So you could say summer is a skimboarders favorite time of the year.
Competitions help define any sport in the public eye and this is especially true for skimboarding. Being that skimboarding has yet to become as main stream as surfing.
In the past skimboarders were viewed as the weirdos down on the beach playing with some small, weird odd shape version of a surfboard. Competitions help show people that skimboarding is just as legitimate or more so than surfing and that skimboarders are viewed as athletes.
One great thing about skimboarding competitions is that anyone who wants can enter them. In most sports competitions you have to travel the circuit for years for even being aloud to go up against the best of the best. Not so in these competitions anyone who wants a shot at the best skimboarders may do so at any time.
This is also where skimboard companies get a chance to get their products and names out to the public which in turn furthers the sport giving it a good name.
By far more people are introduced to the sport of skimboarding by competitions than any other way. So when you get a chance go to any and all competitions in your local areas and also enter as many competitions as you can to help skimboarding become more mainstream.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Competitions help define any sport in the public eye and this is especially true for skimboarding. Being that skimboarding has yet to become as main stream as surfing.
In the past skimboarders were viewed as the weirdos down on the beach playing with some small, weird odd shape version of a surfboard. Competitions help show people that skimboarding is just as legitimate or more so than surfing and that skimboarders are viewed as athletes.
One great thing about skimboarding competitions is that anyone who wants can enter them. In most sports competitions you have to travel the circuit for years for even being aloud to go up against the best of the best. Not so in these competitions anyone who wants a shot at the best skimboarders may do so at any time.
This is also where skimboard companies get a chance to get their products and names out to the public which in turn furthers the sport giving it a good name.
By far more people are introduced to the sport of skimboarding by competitions than any other way. So when you get a chance go to any and all competitions in your local areas and also enter as many competitions as you can to help skimboarding become more mainstream.
http://www.SkimBoardPros.com
Sunday, April 4, 2010
What Skimboards Are Made Out Of.
Have you ever wondered what skimboards are made out of or even how they are made?
1. The core of the skimboard now days is made out of density foam usually measuring 5/8" to 3/4". The high quality foam used is called divinycell. This type of foam is very durable and high quality.
2. The hard shell that surrounds skimboards is made out of fiber glass or carbon fiber by what is called being 'laminated' or 'glassed' as it`s called sometimes. Using a resin. We`ll get into different types of resins now.
3. E-Glass: This glass is usually the most economical way to go but it does have sufficient enough strength to do the job. If you`re a beginner in the skimboarding world this type of board may be the best way to go because of the cost.
4. S-Glass: This type of glass is 40% to 70% stronger than E-Glass. So obviously the S-Glass boards are stronger and will last longer.
5. Carbon Fiber: This material is the top of line material when it comes to skimboards. Carbon fiber boards are high performance and almost all professionals use carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter however it is less impact resistant that glass.
6. Polyester Resin: When it comes to 'glassing' there are two types of resins that are used. If you want to make your own board I recommend using this resin it`s much much cheaper than epoxy resin; in case you make mistakes.
7. Epoxy Resin: This resin is basically the industry standard because of it`s high quality. It`s more water resistant, stronger and stiffer than Polyester Resin. Making for a longer lasting skimboard.
http://www.SkimBoardpros.com
1. The core of the skimboard now days is made out of density foam usually measuring 5/8" to 3/4". The high quality foam used is called divinycell. This type of foam is very durable and high quality.
2. The hard shell that surrounds skimboards is made out of fiber glass or carbon fiber by what is called being 'laminated' or 'glassed' as it`s called sometimes. Using a resin. We`ll get into different types of resins now.
3. E-Glass: This glass is usually the most economical way to go but it does have sufficient enough strength to do the job. If you`re a beginner in the skimboarding world this type of board may be the best way to go because of the cost.
4. S-Glass: This type of glass is 40% to 70% stronger than E-Glass. So obviously the S-Glass boards are stronger and will last longer.
5. Carbon Fiber: This material is the top of line material when it comes to skimboards. Carbon fiber boards are high performance and almost all professionals use carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter however it is less impact resistant that glass.
6. Polyester Resin: When it comes to 'glassing' there are two types of resins that are used. If you want to make your own board I recommend using this resin it`s much much cheaper than epoxy resin; in case you make mistakes.
7. Epoxy Resin: This resin is basically the industry standard because of it`s high quality. It`s more water resistant, stronger and stiffer than Polyester Resin. Making for a longer lasting skimboard.
http://www.SkimBoardpros.com
Monday, March 29, 2010
More Great Beaches To Go Skimboarding In Hawaii.
More Great Places To Skimboard In Hawaii.
We now add to our list of great places to skimboard in Hawaii.
1. Pounders Beach-Oahu: This beach is good spot not just for skimboarding, but also for sponging and bodysurfing. The break at this beach is usually really big and strong, a lot of shorebreaks, it has a nice Hawaiian curl to it. Summertime is usually the best time to go skimboarding at Pounders. The waves in winter usually get too big for anything, so plan your vacations accordingly. Usually there`s some college kids hanging around this beach but not too much of a crowd. Also, the sand tends to get extremely soft (like quicksand) in some spots, so look out.
2. Poipu Beach-Oahu: This beach has been known to be outstanding for skimboarding. The shorebreak here is great and sometimes there`s barrels. The only downside to this beach is when you get out so far you hit rocks on the right side of the beach. Sometimes in the afternoon it can get a little crowded, other than that it`s a great beach.
3. Hanalei Bay-Kauai: The waves at this beach can get pretty big which make it great to board on, especially in the winter. There isn`t much of a crowd at this beach. Also there aren`t any rocks at this beach which every skimboarder loves. Rocks and skimboards don`t mix well.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
We now add to our list of great places to skimboard in Hawaii.
1. Pounders Beach-Oahu: This beach is good spot not just for skimboarding, but also for sponging and bodysurfing. The break at this beach is usually really big and strong, a lot of shorebreaks, it has a nice Hawaiian curl to it. Summertime is usually the best time to go skimboarding at Pounders. The waves in winter usually get too big for anything, so plan your vacations accordingly. Usually there`s some college kids hanging around this beach but not too much of a crowd. Also, the sand tends to get extremely soft (like quicksand) in some spots, so look out.
2. Poipu Beach-Oahu: This beach has been known to be outstanding for skimboarding. The shorebreak here is great and sometimes there`s barrels. The only downside to this beach is when you get out so far you hit rocks on the right side of the beach. Sometimes in the afternoon it can get a little crowded, other than that it`s a great beach.
3. Hanalei Bay-Kauai: The waves at this beach can get pretty big which make it great to board on, especially in the winter. There isn`t much of a crowd at this beach. Also there aren`t any rocks at this beach which every skimboarder loves. Rocks and skimboards don`t mix well.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Good Places To Go Skimboarding On Oahu
Oahu is probably most famous for it`s surfing competitions, especially on the North Shore. Have no fear though there`s plenty of good places to go skimboarding on Oahu.
So lets start off here.
The South Shore:
1. Sandy Beach is a good place, it is a little crowded but it has a powerful shorebreak.
2. Waikiki is not so good during the day but after the sun goes down it`s game on.
3. Ewa Beach/Barbers Point-small waves lapping on the shore but this beach is never crowded.
The West Shore:
1. Yokohama Bay has big,thick shorebreak with good sidewash potential with the right swell direction. This is a locals spot so be courteous to them, they`re very protective over their areas.
2. Makaha has some big backwashing waves on shore, this place too is a locals area, so keep that in mind.
3. Also along the West Shore there are plenty of small beaches so keep your eyes open as you`re driving.
The North Shore:
1. Waimea has some great shorebreaks when its breaking, sometimes the sand bars can be a problem so keep your eyes open.
2. Some other places like Pipeline, Sunset have on and off days due to the shifting sand bars however they are usually good after a couple days lull in the big waves.
On the East shore
a)Pounders has a small shorebreak with sidewash potential though this beach is usually crowded.
b)Makapuu is further out than the others making it hard to hit any of the BIG waves. Back in the day this beach was reserved for only Royalty.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
So lets start off here.
The South Shore:
1. Sandy Beach is a good place, it is a little crowded but it has a powerful shorebreak.
2. Waikiki is not so good during the day but after the sun goes down it`s game on.
3. Ewa Beach/Barbers Point-small waves lapping on the shore but this beach is never crowded.
The West Shore:
1. Yokohama Bay has big,thick shorebreak with good sidewash potential with the right swell direction. This is a locals spot so be courteous to them, they`re very protective over their areas.
2. Makaha has some big backwashing waves on shore, this place too is a locals area, so keep that in mind.
3. Also along the West Shore there are plenty of small beaches so keep your eyes open as you`re driving.
The North Shore:
1. Waimea has some great shorebreaks when its breaking, sometimes the sand bars can be a problem so keep your eyes open.
2. Some other places like Pipeline, Sunset have on and off days due to the shifting sand bars however they are usually good after a couple days lull in the big waves.
On the East shore
a)Pounders has a small shorebreak with sidewash potential though this beach is usually crowded.
b)Makapuu is further out than the others making it hard to hit any of the BIG waves. Back in the day this beach was reserved for only Royalty.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Three Good Places to Go Skimboarding in Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii simply is paradise, it also has some of the best places to go skimboarding in the world. One of the best places is on Maui, Big Makena. The shores are known for their great slopes and being very wide. The waves can get as big as 12 feet, which are great for skimboarding. Big Makena usually isnt very crowded either which all skimboarders desire. There are some big rocks there so watch out for those, other than that it's the ideal place. Big Beach Makena is very easy to get to. When you're on Maui simply ask some locals or pick up a tourists map anywhere.
Another great place is called Kaanapali. This beach is very famous for what's called sidewash and most of the time is not very crowded. This place is popular with the locals which generally are very nice to everyone. Kaanapali has some good-powerful breaks which make it ideal to perform a good variety of tricks.
Kaanapali is located right in front of the Kaanapali Alii Hotel, Westin Hotel and goes on down to the Hyatt.
When you get a chance head to Maui and hit the beaches with your skimboard.
Lahaina
Lahaina has good beach breaks a lot of the time. The First BIG swells of winter and summer are the best. Tubes, tubes, tubes!! Incoming tides are the way to go. The crowds here are not so good though and some locals have been known to stir trouble so make sure you`re careful not to hit anyone when you`re skimboarding.
From Lahaina(west side),Maui. Go north to Kaanapali on Honoapiialani HWY(only one road). Turn left at Kaanapali and look for the Condo Kaanapali Ali'i. Go to a beach access at the Ali'i or at the Marriot.
Thanks,
SkimBoard Pros
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Another great place is called Kaanapali. This beach is very famous for what's called sidewash and most of the time is not very crowded. This place is popular with the locals which generally are very nice to everyone. Kaanapali has some good-powerful breaks which make it ideal to perform a good variety of tricks.
Kaanapali is located right in front of the Kaanapali Alii Hotel, Westin Hotel and goes on down to the Hyatt.
When you get a chance head to Maui and hit the beaches with your skimboard.
Lahaina
Lahaina has good beach breaks a lot of the time. The First BIG swells of winter and summer are the best. Tubes, tubes, tubes!! Incoming tides are the way to go. The crowds here are not so good though and some locals have been known to stir trouble so make sure you`re careful not to hit anyone when you`re skimboarding.
From Lahaina(west side),Maui. Go north to Kaanapali on Honoapiialani HWY(only one road). Turn left at Kaanapali and look for the Condo Kaanapali Ali'i. Go to a beach access at the Ali'i or at the Marriot.
Thanks,
SkimBoard Pros
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Friday, March 5, 2010
Different Styles Of Skimboarding
Many people don't know that there are many different ways to ride a skimboard. You can either glide over a layer of water or glide across wet sand to a wave or ride in shallow water towards the ocean; this is also known as flatland or inland skimming. Most of the flatland skimming takes place over rivers or tide flats.
Wave riding is definitely more advanced than skimboarding on flatland. Flatlanding is becoming more and more popular though. Over the years people have developed ramps, advanced rails and technical tricks.
Every skimboarder had to first learn how to ride a skimboard by first throwing it down while running then jumping onto the board. After people have mastered the basics they can they can move to more complicated tricks, or riding waves, grinding rails, or other skateboarding type techniques.
Watching an advanced skimboarder perform tricks and techniques though is a very impressive show just because of the amount of skill and talent it takes to do what they do.
One advanced move is called the 'Wrap." This is when the skimboarder reaches the wave, by shifting their weight the skimboarder can wrap around it, which also propels them back to shore. To take it a step further, a very advanced move is called the "Wrap Barrel."
This is when you wrap the wave, but instead of coming directly back to shore, you turn farther and get into the barrel of the wave.
Another technique that is used often to reach "hard-to-reach waves" is "side-slipping." It involves doing the normal one-step but once the rider has landed on the board, they turn the skimboard sideways and crouch into balance, approaching the wave rail-first. This technique allows for the rider to have much less surface friction which allows the rider to keep a faster speed which is different than the traditional way of going straight out into the on-coming wave.
Another technique involves "pumping the board" both leading to and once on a wave to maintain speed.
Thanks,
SkimBoard Pros
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Wave riding is definitely more advanced than skimboarding on flatland. Flatlanding is becoming more and more popular though. Over the years people have developed ramps, advanced rails and technical tricks.
Every skimboarder had to first learn how to ride a skimboard by first throwing it down while running then jumping onto the board. After people have mastered the basics they can they can move to more complicated tricks, or riding waves, grinding rails, or other skateboarding type techniques.
Watching an advanced skimboarder perform tricks and techniques though is a very impressive show just because of the amount of skill and talent it takes to do what they do.
One advanced move is called the 'Wrap." This is when the skimboarder reaches the wave, by shifting their weight the skimboarder can wrap around it, which also propels them back to shore. To take it a step further, a very advanced move is called the "Wrap Barrel."
This is when you wrap the wave, but instead of coming directly back to shore, you turn farther and get into the barrel of the wave.
Another technique that is used often to reach "hard-to-reach waves" is "side-slipping." It involves doing the normal one-step but once the rider has landed on the board, they turn the skimboard sideways and crouch into balance, approaching the wave rail-first. This technique allows for the rider to have much less surface friction which allows the rider to keep a faster speed which is different than the traditional way of going straight out into the on-coming wave.
Another technique involves "pumping the board" both leading to and once on a wave to maintain speed.
Thanks,
SkimBoard Pros
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Choosing The Best Skimboard For You
Many people ask me which type of skimboard is best for me? Well there's a few different variables when it comes to choosing which skimboard is best suited for you.
There's different sizes, brands and materials.
First lets talk about wooden skimboards. Wooden skimboards are great for beginners because they're cheap and easy to find so it's ok it you're rough with the board. As you become better and more experienced skimboarder I recommend switching to a fiberglass skimboard.
Fiberglass skimboards are great because they're light and fast across the sand and water which you need if you plan on doing a lot of tricks and moves with your skimboard when you hit the wave.
There are many different sizes to skimboards depending on your skill level, height and weight.
Here's a list of sizes I recommend to people who are looking for a board:
# 35 inch - 75~110 lb beginner # 37 inch - 85~120 lb beginner or intermediate # 38 inch - 85~120 lb beginner or intermediate # 40 inch - 110~160 lb beginner or intermediate # 44 inch - 120~160 lb beginner to expert # 45 inch - 120~160 lb intermediate to expert # 48 inch - 135~185 lb intermediate to expert # 52 inch - 140~220 lb intermediate to expert
So when it comes to choosing a skimboard go through the list to decide which is best for you, at the end of the day its your choice. Everyone has their own style and taste.
Thanks,
Jason Fackrell
http://www.skimboardpros.com
There's different sizes, brands and materials.
First lets talk about wooden skimboards. Wooden skimboards are great for beginners because they're cheap and easy to find so it's ok it you're rough with the board. As you become better and more experienced skimboarder I recommend switching to a fiberglass skimboard.
Fiberglass skimboards are great because they're light and fast across the sand and water which you need if you plan on doing a lot of tricks and moves with your skimboard when you hit the wave.
There are many different sizes to skimboards depending on your skill level, height and weight.
Here's a list of sizes I recommend to people who are looking for a board:
# 35 inch - 75~110 lb beginner # 37 inch - 85~120 lb beginner or intermediate # 38 inch - 85~120 lb beginner or intermediate # 40 inch - 110~160 lb beginner or intermediate # 44 inch - 120~160 lb beginner to expert # 45 inch - 120~160 lb intermediate to expert # 48 inch - 135~185 lb intermediate to expert # 52 inch - 140~220 lb intermediate to expert
So when it comes to choosing a skimboard go through the list to decide which is best for you, at the end of the day its your choice. Everyone has their own style and taste.
Thanks,
Jason Fackrell
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
What Is Skimboarding?
Skimboarding itself is a type of board sport. It's different than surfing because the boards are much smaller and you're not paddling out into the waves. You're actually riding the waves before they crash onto the shore or in many cases start skimming on the sand heading out into the waves. You actually get a running start gaining momentum then dropping the board and quickly jumping on the board catching the wave before it hits the beach.
There are many different kinds of boards depending on your weight, height and taste. There are fiberglass, bamboo, glassfoam and wood skimboards to suit everyone's taste or level of skimboarding technique and talent.
Most skimboards have a lift or rocker on the front/nose of the skimboard to prevent what skimboarders hate what is called "nose diving", this is where the skimboard nose dives into the sand causing the skimboarder to crash or wipe out.
Skimboards are constantly evolving into better styles and designs and is becoming a mainstream sport. Skimboarding is becoming more and more popular every year.
Skimboarding styles and tricks are also similar to skateboarding such as ollies and shuv-its on the wash of waves without catching shorebreaks.
SkimBoardPros.com
http://www.skimboardpros.com
There are many different kinds of boards depending on your weight, height and taste. There are fiberglass, bamboo, glassfoam and wood skimboards to suit everyone's taste or level of skimboarding technique and talent.
Most skimboards have a lift or rocker on the front/nose of the skimboard to prevent what skimboarders hate what is called "nose diving", this is where the skimboard nose dives into the sand causing the skimboarder to crash or wipe out.
Skimboards are constantly evolving into better styles and designs and is becoming a mainstream sport. Skimboarding is becoming more and more popular every year.
Skimboarding styles and tricks are also similar to skateboarding such as ollies and shuv-its on the wash of waves without catching shorebreaks.
SkimBoardPros.com
http://www.skimboardpros.com
The Best Places To Go Skimboarding
The best places to go skimboarding.
Skimboarding is becoming immensely popular especially for people who love to surf. One reason being is anyone young or old can skimboard, it's not limited to age. Another reason being is you don't need big waves to skimboard and you don't have to paddle out into the deep ocean to enjoy yourself.
Even now skimboarding competitions are becoming more and more popular each year.
Where are the best places to go you ask?
The major skimboarding competitions are held in places like Laguna Beach, CA; Baja, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Dewey Beach, Delaware; and Barngate Light, New Jersey. These are some of the better beaches to skimboard at.
Of course there are many other beaches to skimboard at such as: The Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Hilton Head, South Carolina which is known for it's flat beach which makes it an excellent place to practice your skimboarding skills.
Then you can head out west again to Padre Island, Texas to the area of Big Shell which is located Padre Island National Seashore.
Last but not least the entire coast of Florida offers countless beaches to go skimboarding. Florida has many different kinds of beaches ranging from flat beaches to steep beaches to medium sized beaches. Make sure you choose a beach that doesn't have a lot of shells and rocks this can make near to impossible to skimboard not to mention tearing up your board. Also choose a beach that is not so crowded so it lessens the chance of hitting and hurting someone with your board.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Skimboarding is becoming immensely popular especially for people who love to surf. One reason being is anyone young or old can skimboard, it's not limited to age. Another reason being is you don't need big waves to skimboard and you don't have to paddle out into the deep ocean to enjoy yourself.
Even now skimboarding competitions are becoming more and more popular each year.
Where are the best places to go you ask?
The major skimboarding competitions are held in places like Laguna Beach, CA; Baja, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Dewey Beach, Delaware; and Barngate Light, New Jersey. These are some of the better beaches to skimboard at.
Of course there are many other beaches to skimboard at such as: The Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Hilton Head, South Carolina which is known for it's flat beach which makes it an excellent place to practice your skimboarding skills.
Then you can head out west again to Padre Island, Texas to the area of Big Shell which is located Padre Island National Seashore.
Last but not least the entire coast of Florida offers countless beaches to go skimboarding. Florida has many different kinds of beaches ranging from flat beaches to steep beaches to medium sized beaches. Make sure you choose a beach that doesn't have a lot of shells and rocks this can make near to impossible to skimboard not to mention tearing up your board. Also choose a beach that is not so crowded so it lessens the chance of hitting and hurting someone with your board.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The History of Skimboarding
Skimboarding began as far as we can tell back in the early 1920's, in southern California around Laguna Beach. Lifeguards used boards to skim on the sand and receding waves. Starting with homemade boards usually made out of old plywood. Skimboarding started as a way to ride off the wet sand into the ocean, starting back about 15 to 25 feet on the beach a rider would get a running start and drop the board onto the wet sand and then jump on riding it into deeper water.
The sport advanced just like any other sport in board design and tricks based on the design and materials the board was made of. The sport was little known until the sixties when more guys started skimming at Victoria Beach and it started to gain some ground and become more popular. The style and tricks began to get more advanced as the boards became shorter and wider. The shallow water riding turned into trying to get farther out and catch waves as the broke on the beach. Eventually starting to carve on the waves turn 360's and fly aways and other tricks.
By the 70's its popularity grew even more and started to get popular in places other than SoCal. One of the major skimboarding companies started back in this era called Victoria Skimboards. Started by a couple of guys that grew up in SoCal skimboarding at Victoria beach, Tex Haines and Peter Prietto. They are considered pioneers in the industry working hard to increase credibility for the sport and their products The popularity increased in the 80's but never to the point of major watersports. The increase in media coverage in the sports arena has helped to gain some ground but towards to end of the 80's and early 90's the interest was down.
The mid 90's saw a increase in attention as people started to gain interest in sports that weren't normally labeled "major sport." Helped along by magazines that were published focusing on the sport of skimboarding like "Skim Magazine" and the presence of more pros and amateurs used to promote the different companies, skimboarding has become more popular heading into the new century.
With the world wide access to media and sports through the internet, combined with the amazing technology of today, skimboarding might be on its way to that "major sport" title. The people that have been in the industry a while disagree on whether or not that`s a good thing.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
The sport advanced just like any other sport in board design and tricks based on the design and materials the board was made of. The sport was little known until the sixties when more guys started skimming at Victoria Beach and it started to gain some ground and become more popular. The style and tricks began to get more advanced as the boards became shorter and wider. The shallow water riding turned into trying to get farther out and catch waves as the broke on the beach. Eventually starting to carve on the waves turn 360's and fly aways and other tricks.
By the 70's its popularity grew even more and started to get popular in places other than SoCal. One of the major skimboarding companies started back in this era called Victoria Skimboards. Started by a couple of guys that grew up in SoCal skimboarding at Victoria beach, Tex Haines and Peter Prietto. They are considered pioneers in the industry working hard to increase credibility for the sport and their products The popularity increased in the 80's but never to the point of major watersports. The increase in media coverage in the sports arena has helped to gain some ground but towards to end of the 80's and early 90's the interest was down.
The mid 90's saw a increase in attention as people started to gain interest in sports that weren't normally labeled "major sport." Helped along by magazines that were published focusing on the sport of skimboarding like "Skim Magazine" and the presence of more pros and amateurs used to promote the different companies, skimboarding has become more popular heading into the new century.
With the world wide access to media and sports through the internet, combined with the amazing technology of today, skimboarding might be on its way to that "major sport" title. The people that have been in the industry a while disagree on whether or not that`s a good thing.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Skimboarding Tips
Skimboarding Tips
1. Dealing with the wind: First off make sure you skim with the wind not against it. This will prevent many bad things from happening and you'll wipe out much less.
2. Getting on the board: When you're first trying to get on the board "run onto it don't jump onto to it." Running onto the board greatly decreases your chances of falling. You don't want to weight down the board which creates drag and slows you down. Also by running onto the board instead of jumping onto it maintains your speed which is important.
3. Getting out to the waves: Getting out to the waves can sometimes pose a problem so what you want to do is what's called "Side-Slipping." This can be a little tricky to master but it's definitely worth it. What you do is while you're speeding over the water out toward the wave, you turn your board sideways so that your toes are pointed out toward the ocean. If you "trim it" at the right time you'll lose speed much more slowly. Then when you get close to the wave turn your skimboard back to the normal position and ride your board normally.
4. How to make your board faster? Waxing your board with car wax or products like rain-x make your board faster as well as keeping the sand from sticking to your board.
5. Using the right wax on your board: Some people don't know this but never wax the bottom of your board only the top of your skimboard. There are many different kinds of wax. There's cool wax and warm wax. Cold water wax is much softer and stickier and warm wax is harder and less sticky. Also cold water wax doesn't last as long as warm water wax.
6. Skimboarding tip: Make sure to keep your foot on the back of the board. Many people tend to stand on the front of the board; some surfers do this maybe that's where the problem comes from.
7. What to do when you get a new board: Some new boards come all nice and polished and this can pose a problem when it comes to waxing it or putting traction pads on it. So if you have this problem clean it very good and take some rubbing alcohol and rub off the polish on the places you want to wax and put traction pads on. Your traction pads will stick much better.
8. Putting traction pads back on: As with all things traction pads sometimes come off. To help stop this from happening make sure you first clean the surface and take off the polish before applying the traction pads. If they start coming off around the edges take some super glue to keep them from further peeling. Also using a hot hair dryer to remove the pads will be a big benefit to you.
9. Removing glue and wax: If you want to remove wax simply put it on the hot sun and watch it melt. Then take some sand and paper towels and rub it off. Glue can be a bit of a challenge so I suggest buying some "Goof Off" and using a razor blade to scrape it off.
10. Traveling with a skimboard: Of course first you should purchase a skimboard bag. Make sure the bag is bigger than your board because you're going to want to put extra padding in your bag such as beach towels, foam pads or anything that will help protect your board. One thing you don't want is rail damage to your board. Also make sure you check with your airline company regarding the rules and prices with bringing on a skimboard. Every airline is different and they're constantly changing the rules.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
1. Dealing with the wind: First off make sure you skim with the wind not against it. This will prevent many bad things from happening and you'll wipe out much less.
2. Getting on the board: When you're first trying to get on the board "run onto it don't jump onto to it." Running onto the board greatly decreases your chances of falling. You don't want to weight down the board which creates drag and slows you down. Also by running onto the board instead of jumping onto it maintains your speed which is important.
3. Getting out to the waves: Getting out to the waves can sometimes pose a problem so what you want to do is what's called "Side-Slipping." This can be a little tricky to master but it's definitely worth it. What you do is while you're speeding over the water out toward the wave, you turn your board sideways so that your toes are pointed out toward the ocean. If you "trim it" at the right time you'll lose speed much more slowly. Then when you get close to the wave turn your skimboard back to the normal position and ride your board normally.
4. How to make your board faster? Waxing your board with car wax or products like rain-x make your board faster as well as keeping the sand from sticking to your board.
5. Using the right wax on your board: Some people don't know this but never wax the bottom of your board only the top of your skimboard. There are many different kinds of wax. There's cool wax and warm wax. Cold water wax is much softer and stickier and warm wax is harder and less sticky. Also cold water wax doesn't last as long as warm water wax.
6. Skimboarding tip: Make sure to keep your foot on the back of the board. Many people tend to stand on the front of the board; some surfers do this maybe that's where the problem comes from.
7. What to do when you get a new board: Some new boards come all nice and polished and this can pose a problem when it comes to waxing it or putting traction pads on it. So if you have this problem clean it very good and take some rubbing alcohol and rub off the polish on the places you want to wax and put traction pads on. Your traction pads will stick much better.
8. Putting traction pads back on: As with all things traction pads sometimes come off. To help stop this from happening make sure you first clean the surface and take off the polish before applying the traction pads. If they start coming off around the edges take some super glue to keep them from further peeling. Also using a hot hair dryer to remove the pads will be a big benefit to you.
9. Removing glue and wax: If you want to remove wax simply put it on the hot sun and watch it melt. Then take some sand and paper towels and rub it off. Glue can be a bit of a challenge so I suggest buying some "Goof Off" and using a razor blade to scrape it off.
10. Traveling with a skimboard: Of course first you should purchase a skimboard bag. Make sure the bag is bigger than your board because you're going to want to put extra padding in your bag such as beach towels, foam pads or anything that will help protect your board. One thing you don't want is rail damage to your board. Also make sure you check with your airline company regarding the rules and prices with bringing on a skimboard. Every airline is different and they're constantly changing the rules.
http://www.skimboardpros.com
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