When people ask me how I got into surfing and skateboarding, they’re often surprised by my answer: skimboarding. Although it’s less popular and not as well known, it’s definitely underrated for a couple of different reasons. When I was about four or five, my mom gave me my first skimboard as a birthday gift, and I never looked back. I still remember its wooden bottom and the bright red soft-top covering. As someone who’s been obsessed with anything involving a board for as long as I can remember, I can honestly say it was the perfect introduction to action sports for a kid my age. From my mom’s point of view, a skimboard was the safest option for a parent worried about a young child’s safety. Skimming near the shore made it easy for my parents to keep an eye on me without worrying about my underdeveloped swimming skills. After all, tumbling onto the soft, sandy beaches of Maine sounded a lot better to them than breaking a bone on pavement or getting swept out to sea by a strong current.
Fifteen years later, I can absolutely say that I still have just as much fun skimboarding now as I did back then — and I’m convinced it will stay that way for the rest of my life.
The beaches in Southern Maine are perfect for skimboarding, especially around Wells and Ogunquit. Over the years, I’ve learned that skimming along shorelines with rough sand or small rocks is far from ideal. These conditions can wear down a skimboard quickly and even create holes or dents in the bottom. While these blemishes can be repaired, if left untreated or exposed to water for too long, they can cause serious damage. Luckily, the sand on these beaches (which happen to be right near Wheels N Waves) is soft and flat — perfect for beginners and experienced skimboarders alike.
Riding a skimboard is pretty straightforward. The first step is to stand in very shallow water — ideally an inch or two deep. Next, toss the board onto the ground at a slight angle so both ends hit the water at the same time and it glides smoothly across the sand. Most people like to get a running start, but beginners can make due with standing still. While the board is moving — either toward the waves or along the shoreline, depending on your preference — the rider runs forward and jumps on. This is the hardest part for most people, but the only way to do it right is to fully commit. Land with both feet on the board at the same time, with your weight evenly distributed across both legs. This helps prevent the board from slipping out from under rider or tipping them forward. It might take a little practice, but with time and effort, everyone can get the hang of it.
Wheels N Waves is proud to carry a variety of high quality skimboards in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you’re ready to upgrade, need a repair, want to start your skimboarding journey, or just want to talk boards — come by the shop!
See you soon,
Henry