HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SKIMBOARD
Choosing the right board is the most important decision you will make in creating a great skimboarding experience.
Skimboards have come a long way from the homemade plywood boards they used to be. Skimboards can now be used to ride large waves and land technical tricks.
Experience and rider height/weight are the two most important factors in choosing the right skimboard. As a general rule, the board should reach up to the rider's sternum. Avoiding a board that is too small is an important factor in selecting a board.
Like any board sport, finding the right skimboard requires some knowledge and understanding of the different shapes and sizes available. This can take some time, so we've done the work for you, including a size chart for each board. Continue reading for the 5 best skimboards at the best price.
1. WEDGE
If your question is what board to buy to start an adolescent in skimboarding, then you need to look no further than the Zap Wedge. The Wedge is made from Composilite™ construction for unrivaled performance and durability, surpassing other manufacturer’s boards in its class. The Wedge's versatile reputation comes from its ability to perform in any and all conditions. The Wedge comes in three different sizes to accommodate any number of riders from beginning to intermediate skill levels. Top level professional skimboarders like Max Smetts credit the Wedge for developing and honing his wave riding skills. The Wedge's versatility, price point, and quality make it our number one choice as well as the best selling skimboard on the market.
WEDGE - Size Chart
Small Wedge
40" x 17.5" x .5"
5.5 Liters
Weight Limit 90 lbs.
Medium Wedge
45" x 20" x .5"
6 Liters
Weight Limit140 lbs.
Large Wedge
49" x 19.75" x .625"
7.6 Liters
170 lbs.
2. ACE
For outstanding intermediate level skimboarding, Zap welcomes riders to the “Premium Series” Ace model. The Ace offers premium performance without the premium price tag. The Ace focuses on two very critical components of a skimboard: a finely tuned rocker (kick in the nose) and rail shape for emphasis on speed and control. From tricks to overhead waves the Ace excels. Professional riders like David Scott have tested and proven the Ace’s performance and durability in locations such as Sununga, Brazil’s most famous sidewave. With a new SuperDura™ bottom, many options on board lengths and the ¾ inch rail thickness, the Ace provides superior float for reaching waves and landing airs.
MATERIALS
Build Material > Composilite™ + SuperDura™
Finish > TuffCoat™ Gloss
Resin > Polyester
ACE - Size Chart
Small Ace
50″ x 19.65″ x 5/8"
Volume - 7.5 Liters
Weight Limit - 150 lbs.
Medium Ace
Size - 52″ x 20″ x 3/4"
Volume - 9.6 Liters
Weight Limit -180 lbs.
Large Ace
54″ x 20.35″ x 3/4"
Volume - 10 Liters
Weight Limit - 210 lbs.
Extra Large Ace
56″ x 20.7″
3/4"
10.5 Liters
Weight Limit - 240 lbs.
3. FUSE-X
The Fuse-X’s performance, versatility, lightweight, outstanding shape, and strength make it the preferred board of many of the world’s top professionals. Riders like Naji Taha and Matt Buchanan agree that the Fuse-X is, “Good for everything! It’s good for tricks, airs…”. The Fuse-X is the same team preferred shape as the Fuse, but built with upgraded GatorSkin™ glass. GatorSkin™ glass offers increased stiffness in the board, resulting in heightened sensitivity and takeoff speed. The Fuse-X lands at 3rd on our list because of the board’s focused purpose: high level performance for the serious rider.
FUSE-X - Size Chart
Small Fuse-X
50″ x 19.6″ x 3/4"
Volume - 9 Liters
Weight Limit 150 lbs.
Medium Fuse-X
52″ x 20.4″ x 3/4"
Volume - 9.7 Liters
Weight Limit -180 lbs.
Large Fuse-X
54″ x 21" x 3/4"
10.5 Liters
Weight Limit - 210 lbs.
Extra Lage Fuse-X
56″ x 21.65″ x 3/4"
Volume- 11.3 Liters
Weight Limit - 240 lbs.
4. PROWLER + HELLCAT V2
We’re giving you 2 suggestions here because of the similarities in these two great boards from the Zap “Boomhower Collection”. If you’re looking to achieve maximum fun through major float and planing speed, then one of these stable lightweight boards is what you’re looking for. The wider nose and pulled in tail on these shapes have become popular over the last few years. These boards are easy to ride and make tricks and spins doable in weaker conditions. The float, mixed with maneuverability, is popular with both heavier riders and riders looking to find achievable new lines. So how are the two boards different? The tail of the HellCAt V2 comes to a point, allowing a little more hold down the line where as the prowler mixes in a more traditional tail for easier turning and sliding. Over time, Hellcat V2 and Prowler have proven max floatation and speed with the ability to ride well in any conditions.
MATERIALS
HELLCAT V2
Build Material > E-Glass™ + FlexSpine™ Carbon Stringer
Finish > PolyLam™ Texture
Resin > Polyester
PROWLER
Build Material > E-Glass™
Finish > PolyLam Texture™
Resin > Polyester
HELLCAT V2 / PROWLER - Size Chart
Small HellCat V2/ Prowler
51″ x 20.6″ x 3/4"
Volume - 10 Liters
Weight Limit - 200 lbs.
Medium HellCat V2/ Prowler
53″ x 21″ x 3/4"
Volume -10.5 Liters
Weight Limit - 225 lbs.
Large HellCat V2/ Prowler
55″ x 21.5″ x 3/4"
Volume- 11 Liters
Weight Limit - 275 lbs.
5. WHIP
Zap Skimboards presents professional skimboarder John Akerman’s “Ultra” team model, the Whip. The focus of the Whip is twofold: provide an ultra high performance board to compete in such arenas as the United Skim Tour while also providing the durability to surf behind boats and any other conditions you might encounter. The Whip features the Propel bottom for a superior scratch and crack resilient finish and quick release texture for dry sand drops. The Whip also features RidgeGrip™ technology: rail channels or indentions on the deck that are great for grabbing tricks. The Whip’s rail taper from a ¾” middle to 5/8” thickness in the nose and tail create extra focus on both speed and maneuverability.
WHIP - Size Chart
Small Whip 50″ x 20.5″ x 3/4"
Volume - 8 Liters
Weight Limit - 170 lbs.
Medium Whip
52″ x 20.6″ x 3/4"
Volume - 9.25 Liters
Weight Limit - 190 lbs.
Large Whip
54″ x 20.75″ x 3/4"
Volume - 9.5 Liters
Weight Limit - 210 lbs.
Extra Large Whip
56″ x 21″ x 3/4"
Volume - 9.75 Liters
Weight Limit - 230 lbs.