Key takeaways:
| ◙ Yes, It’s absolutely possible to have a skimboard ride on a lake but there are some advantages and disadvantages to it. |
| ◙ It is important to find the right spot to skimboard on the lake to avoid unwanted risks. |
| ◙ You must use thick and flatland skimboards for a perfect skimboarding experience over a lake. |
| ◙ Skimboarding on a river is similar to doing it over a lake but there are important factors one must know to be safe while doing so. |
Skimboarding combines the thrill of surfing and skateboarding into one exhilarating activity that is sure to get your heart racing. But instead of riding the waves at the beach, you’ll be skimming across the surface of a lake or river too. Yes, you heard that right and you were not the only one who had this doubt Can you skimboard on a lake? Almost every beginner passes through this question in their skimboarding journey. So let’s discuss more on this.
Can you actually skimboard on a lake?
Skimboarding on a lake is definitely possible and can be a fun and exciting activity, but it is also important to keep in mind that there are some pros and cons to it. There’s no second thought in the fact that Skimboarding on a lake is different than skimboarding on the ocean or a river. Lakes generally have calmer waters, but they can still have strong currents, especially in the areas where rivers flow into the lake. Additionally, the surface of the lake may not be as smooth as the sand on a beach, which makes it a completely different experience to ride on your skimboard than you can over a river or beachside. That’s the reason, skimboarding on a surface like a lake is acknowledged as flatland skimboarding.
Let’s discuss some of the main Pros and Cons of Skimboarding on a lake or flatland skimboarding in general.
Advantages of Skimboarding on a lake
Skimboarding can actually be your go-to water sport as you don’t necessarily need to live around a beachside or not have to limit yourself to certain conditions or locations to relish the experience of skimboarding.
- It is always better to start small and the same is with skimboarding, It won’t be the best situation for a beginner who just bought their first skimboard to jump in a wavy ocean or struggle on the beachside. Here comes flatland skimboarding on surface-like lakes for the rescue. Skimboarding on a lake allows for a smooth and stable surface to ride on, which can be easier for beginners to learn on compared to the ocean.
- Definitely fewer falls as lakes often have fewer waves and chop, which can make it easier to stay on your board and ride longer.
- Lakes can be great surfaces not just for beginner skimboarders rather for those as well who’ve mastered the basics and now trying some new innovative tricks like Flat Spins, Kick Out, and all other crazy tricks. We’ve actually talked about some of the top Skimboarding tricks that you must check out and try at least once.
Factors to be careful about while skimboarding on a lake
- The most important factor is you will need to search for a suitable location, preferably a long stretch of shallow shoreline on a large lake. If the lake around your place is a big one then this won’t be a problem for you.
- Make sure to avoid skimboarding in rough or choppy water, as it can be dangerous and make it difficult to stay balanced on the board.
- If the lake you’ve chosen for skimboarding has a smooth, sandy bottom, nothing better than that but if not then make you avoid at least the lake surface with rocks, shells, and other debris that could damage your board or cause you to fall.
- The low windy area is another important thing to consider while you plan for a skimboard ride in your nearby lake
In general, waxing your skimboard is a crucial part, in case you are a beginner & haven’t done it yet, I recommend checking out this guide on how to quickly wax your skimboard properly.
Finding the perfect spot on the lake
Skimboarding on a lake is generally a different experience than on a beach. On the beach, the skimboarder rides on the wet sand near the water’s edge, while on a lake, the skimboarder rides on the surface of the water. n the beach, skimboarders can ride waves that are breaking on the shore, while on a lake, the skimboarder must create their own waves by throwing the board out into the water and then running and jumping on it.
It is extremely important to pick the right spot on the lake for your skimboard session. It can be a bit of a challenge to find that perfect spot if you are a beginner but here are some quick guidelines to help you with that and make it easy for you.
- Look for a spot where the water is relatively calm and flat. Smooth, glassy water is ideal for skimboarding, as it will allow you to glide smoothly across the surface.
- Water should be deep enough to skimboard in, but not so deep that you can’t touch the bottom. The ideal depth for skimboarding on a lake can vary depending on the size and skill level of the skimboarder. In general, a depth of waist- to chest-high is a good range for most skimboarders. This depth will allow you to touch the bottom and get a good push-off when you start your ride, but it’s deep enough that you have plenty of room to ride and perform tricks.
- Definitely stay away from surfaces with obstacles such as rocks or logs to keep yourself and your board safe.
- If possible find a spot where you have plenty of room to ride to build up speed and perform tricks.
Which Skimboard is perfect for a lake
skimboards are typically made from a denser foam material and have a flatter rocker profile is a good fit for riding on a lake. The build of such skimboards makes them more stable and easier to ride on choppy water. A board with a larger size, more thickness, and wider width will enable you to skim over longer distances on flat water because of its larger surface area. A flatland skimboard has a shallow rocker, which means that the board has a little curve. This design feature allows for maximum skimming distance on flat water.
Some good options to consider include the Victoria Skimboards slider, the Zap Skimboards Aqua, and the Exile Skimboards Lake Deck.
Is Skimboarding on a river similar to riding on a lake?
Yes, It is almost similar but with that, there are some important differences to look out for while riding on a river. As the type of water body is different, rivers tend to be narrower and more shallow than lakes, and they also tend to have a stronger current. You’ll have to find a perfect spot on the river as you did on the lake. Preferably a flat, shallow sandbank on the curves of rivers or the banks of creeks.You might not have as smooth a ride on a river as you got on a lake due to the constantly changing surface.
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.
