When kiteboarding in the small surf, the lightweight skimboard reacts fast, and ollies easily! Skimboards are similar to a shape of a surfboard only shorter, wider, lighter, and more thin. They don't have as much floatation as a surfboard, nor do they usually have any fins.
The skimboard is made to ride in shallow water, flat water, or small shore breaks. They originated from kids surfing the shore break waves. Instead of paddling into waves, like a surfer, one would carry the smaller skimboard on the beach and run into the approaching waves while jumping onto the board. Once they get up to foot speed and jumped on, skimboarders will skim across the shallow water until their momentum runs out, or the more advanced skimmer will launch off oncoming waves or carve up the face and ride it back to shore.
Skimboards have very little rocker curve in the board. They are generally flat throughout the middle, with a little bit of rocker in the nose, and even less in the tail. The flat board makes for a more efficient skim or slide across the water's surface with minimal drag. Skim boarders need little rocker to make it as far as they can with just foot speed, while kiteboarders benefit from the flat board for light wind kiteboarding, as they can plane earlier with less kite power.
A skimboard is wider than most boards, which helps to disperse weight. The more of your weight that gets spread across the water's surface, the better you will float. There is slightly more rocker in the nose of the board, making it possible to get over small waves and pieces of chop. Post by Eltreato » Thu Aug 11, pm. Post by LmpPst » Fri Aug 12, am. Post by bigtone » Fri Aug 12, am.
Post by downunder » Fri Aug 12, am. Contact Imprint Advertising Guidelines. Forums Videos Spots Logout Register. Kite specific skim or go finless? Forum for kitesurfers. Post by andrewjohn » Thu Aug 11, am So I love the days when it's onshore and 10knts and I'm the only person out on my 17m and light wind board. Had that last night and at times it was hard work, but another couple of knots really brings the grin on With incoming waves I'm only riding in 6 to 12 inches of water so am always weary of grounding my board and fins.
It got me thinking about a kite specific skim board. But then I thought, why not just take the fins off my TT?
Anyone got any thoughts as to how this would work compared to a skim? My board is x49 so super wide. On flat water with no waves I can ride in 8 knts with my 17, but need 10 to 12 when there's waves. What would a skim offer that my TT doesn't? Re: Kite specific skim or go finless? Post by halloi » Thu Aug 11, pm hey there! Whilst I wouldnt go out of my way for a skimsession, I tend to travel with one : - it can get you out on the water in very light wind - improves balance and footwork - cuts through chop and shoots upwind - no fear of losing fins or damaging surfboard at lowtide on rocks or corals - adds protection to surboard in travel bag - sling it anywhere, zero maintenance care - paid peanuts for it - have added holes so it can now take a foil too If you are thinking about such boards, The Shinnster or BRM Paipo is like a mix between skim and surfboard.
Not quite as lightwind as has some flex, but does the rest of the above but also carves nicer, likes waves and better high end.
My technique improved quickly with it. Also its superb for downwinders, where surfboards can be a drag, as its fast if not faster that TTs and takes you thru shallow or unknown water without fear of damage. Select to expand quote Jasonwave said.. Would definitely agree with the Shinnster being a fun light wind machine. Alaia boards can be a lot of fun with a kite too. I started mucking around with one a few years back and had a ton of fun on light days.
Used to take the kids el cheapo plywood with foam grip for a run in the shallows a few years back, wasn't as hard as I thought, got me interested in the water bird by shinn but now discontinued, it'd be a doddle of a job to make your own. Was on a flat lake, was a fair bit easier than i thought it would be.
These are the best skimboards for kiting out there and Bernie is a real pioneer and amazing rider. All boards are handmade in USA. Hit him up if you got any questions. I've tried noble, arush, crazyfly, North and liquid force skim boards and would recommend the best one being the North Skim.
It goes well in waves thanks to a slimmer and larger size and a good set of fins. It's the best board for around 10knots. Wouldn't use any skim in stronger winds. Good thread. I finally wanted to get into light wind kiting more to get more kiting days in. I came across the Skim boards for that reason.
Any other experiences that you guys can share about them? I read that they are good for flat or surf, what about choppy conditions? I have to add that all "kite-skims" I've tried are pretty crappy, also riding them with fins seems like anti-skim propaganda to me.
Get a real skimboard, ride it finless and feel the difference.
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