If you’re new and an avid skimboarder, you may have experienced the frustrating issue of your skimboard keeps sinking instead of gliding smoothly across the water. Your first doubt would definitely have been your skimboarding skills but let me tell you that, there might be several other possible reasons that are causing your skimboard to sink skill level being the first factor that would come to your mind. There could be several other factors like the condition of your skimboard or the water body you are skimboarding on.
To fix this problem, we need to first diagnose and identify the most probable reason why your skimboard is sinking. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why skimboards sink and provide tips on how to fix the problem and get back to riding with ease.
Why Does My Skimboard Sink?
some of the most common reasons that your skimboard might sink are:
- Quality of the Skimboard
- Choosing the right Skimboard choice
- Speed and Timing
- Improper Technique
Let’s talk about all these factors in-depth and save your skimboard from sinking.
Quality of the skimboard
The quality of a skimboard can greatly impact your skimboarding experience. A high-quality board that is well-suited to your needs and skill level will provide a smooth and stable ride, allowing you to glide over the water with ease. On the other hand, a lower-quality board may sink or become stuck in the sand, making it difficult to maintain control and perform tricks. While buying your skimboard, consider these measures carefully to be sure about its quality.
- Material: Look for a board made from high-density foam, as it provides the best balance of durability and performance. Avoid wooden boards, especially for wave skimming, as they are less durable and can sink.
- Of course, we will discuss sizing in detail but it is also an important measure to look for..
- Although this is very basic sometimes we miss the basics only. Make sure there are no defects on the board as that can lead it to sink while you go for your skimboard ride.
Choosing the right skimboard
Selecting the perfect fit skimboard for you is not rocket science, all you need to do is make sure of all the factors mentioned below and select as per your requirements. Factors like size, shape, and material are to most important ones to look for.
Size: If the board is too large or too small for the skimmer’s body type, it can be difficult to maintain balance and control, leading to sinking.
Shape: Skimboards are designed for different purposes and have different shapes, like symmetrical or asymmetrical tips. If the skimmer uses a board that is not designed for its intended purpose, it can lead to sinking. For example, using a symmetrical board for wave skimming can make it difficult to ride the wave
Speed and timing
If you are not able to skim fast enough or are unable to maintain your speed on the wave, you will not have enough momentum to stay afloat. This can cause the board to sink. Timings and speed need to go hand in hand to keep you smoothly floating on the surface. If you get on the wave too early or too late, you will not be in the right position to catch the wave and maintain your speed. Speed and timing are a matter of practice and can be learned with time.
Improper Techniques
Improper techniques can make your board sink in several ways, whether It be your posture while on the board or improper technique while getting on the board. If you are not running fast enough before attempting to get on your skimboard. No matter how good your board or posture is, if you don’t have enough speed, you’ll sink like a stone.
Body positioning is also important if you don’t want your skimboard to sink. If your weight is too far forward or too far back on your skimboard, you’ll create a lot of drag in the water, which will slow you down quickly. To prevent this, try to keep your weight centered on the board and distribute it evenly. This will help you maintain your speed and travel further before sinking.
By following these tips, you should be able to prevent your skimboard from sinking before you reach the waves. With a little practice and the right equipment, you’ll be skimming like a pro in no time!
I am Fornillos Bogs, a seasoned professional surfer and accomplished skimboarder originally from Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines. With a remarkable background in both sports, I have carved my niche in the aquatic world. Currently, I reside in Quezon City, Philippines, known for my exceptional skills on the waves and impressive performances in skimboarding competitions. My journey from the serene shores of Tanauan to the bustling city of Quezon City serves as an inspiring testament to my dedication and passion for riding the waves.
