Best Skimboards of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Skimboards are a popular choice for beachgoers who want to ride the waves without the need for a surfboard. These lightweight and compact boards are designed to glide across the surface of the water, allowing riders to perform tricks and maneuvers with ease. Skimboards are made from a variety of materials, including wood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, and come in a range of sizes to suit different riders and wave conditions. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's a skimboard out there that's perfect for you.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Driftsun 48in Fiberglass Performance Skimboard Cover #TOP 1
Driftsun 48in Fiberglass Performance Skimboard
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wavestorm Foam Skimboard 48" for All Skimming Levels Cover #TOP 2
Wavestorm Foam Skimboard 48" for All Skimming Levels
ftb score rating icon 9.7
BPS Koru 35 Inch Skimboard Cover #TOP 3
BPS Koru 35 Inch Skimboard
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Skimboards

#TOP 1

Driftsun 48in Fiberglass Performance Skimboard

DS-FSKIM-48
48 Inch
Driftsun 48in Fiberglass Performance Skimboard Cover
Driftsun 48in Fiberglass Performance Skimboard - Performance Skimboard for Kids and Adults with EVA Traction Pad

The Driftsun 48in Fiberglass Performance Skimboard is a great choice for both kids and adults. It features a lightweight and durable construction with a hybrid shape, smooth polished bottom, rounded pin tail, hard rail, and 2.25 inch nose rocker. The board also comes with a preinstalled Pro Traction Pad for maximum grip in all conditions. Customers have praised the board for its performance and the excellent customer service of the company.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable construction
Performance design for all skill levels
Preinstalled Pro Traction Pad for maximum grip
Excellent customer service
One year warranty
#TOP 2

Wavestorm Foam Skimboard 48" for All Skimming Levels

Blue
Wavestorm Foam Skimboard 48" for All Skimming Levels Cover
Wavestorm Foam Skimboard 48" | Skimboard for Beginners and All Skimming, Surfing and Bodyboard Levels, Blue Skimboar

The Wavestorm Foam Skimboard 48" is perfect for beginners and all skimming, surfing, and bodyboard levels. Its dimensions are 48" L x 20.5" W x 1" T / 11.3 L, and it weighs 3lbs. Featuring a superior foam core, 4x fiberglass stringers, a colorful GFT top deck, and a rigid HDPE slick bottom, this skimboard ensures durability, stability, and high performance.

What We Like
Durable and stable
Good for all skimming levels
Lightweight design
#TOP 3

BPS Koru 35 Inch Skimboard

BPS
BPS-Koru-Skim-35-DarkblueWhite
Dark Blue, White
35 Inch
BPS Koru 35 Inch Skimboard Cover
BPS ‘Koru’ 35 inch Skimboards with Colored EVA Grip Pad and High Gloss Clear Coat | Wooden Skim Board with Grip Pad for Kids and Adults | Dark Blue with White Accent

The BPS Koru Skimboard is designed for fun and ease of use, ensuring you have a great time right from the start. With its built-in nose rocker, you can make swift turns and master impressive tricks as you gain confidence. The all-over grip pad offers excellent traction, so you can ride without any wax, making it easy for beginners. Made from high-quality poplar plywood and finished with a glossy epoxy coating, this skimboard is built to last. Plus, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the waves.

What We Like
Easy to use for all skill levels
Excellent traction without wax
Durable and long-lasting materials
Lightweight and portable design
#TOP 4

BPS Gator 35 Inch Skim Board

BPS
35''GreenPurpleSkim
Green
35 Inch
BPS Gator 35 Inch Skim Board Cover
BPS 'Gator' 35 Inch No Wax Needed Skim Board - High Gloss Coated Wood Skimboard with EVA Pads - Skim Board for Beach or Flatland (Green)

The BPS Gator Skim Board is designed to make your beach experience enjoyable right from the start. With its built-in nose rocker, you'll find it easy to maneuver and perform tricks, allowing for smooth turns and exciting pivot moves. You can hit the waves immediately since it requires no wax, thanks to its all-over grip pad that ensures excellent traction even when wet. Crafted from durable poplar plywood and finished with a glossy epoxy coating, this board promises longevity and reliable performance. Plus, selecting the right size is a breeze with their size chart, ensuring a perfect fit for your weight.

What We Like
Easy maneuverability
No wax needed
Durable construction
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 5

BPS Flame Skimboard 40 Inch

BPS
BPS-Flames-SB40BkBlue
40 Inch
BPS Flame Skimboard 40 Inch Cover
BPS 'Flame' Skimboard (40 Inch, Black/Blue) with RPET Bag

The BPS Flame Skimboard is designed to make your water sports experience enjoyable from the start. With its beginner-friendly design, it accommodates riders from 60 to 180 lbs, ensuring everyone in the family can join in on the fun. The board features a no-wax grip pad, allowing you to hit the waves right out of the box without any hassle. Additionally, its padded carry bag, made from recycled materials, is perfect for transporting your board and personal items. Plus, BPS offers a satisfaction guarantee, so you can buy with confidence knowing they stand behind their product.

What We Like
Beginner-friendly design
No wax needed
Padded carry bag
Satisfaction guarantee
#TOP 6

BPS Gator PRO Skimboard

BPS
BPS-Fiberglass-SB-52in
Black
52 Inch
BPS Gator PRO Skimboard Cover
BPS 'Gator PRO' Fiberglass Skimboard (52 Inch)

The BPS Gator PRO Skimboard is designed to enhance your water sports experience. With its lightweight construction and unique rocker profile, you'll enjoy exceptional maneuverability, allowing for smooth turns and quick pivot moves. The board features full diamond cut traction pads that provide excellent grip, eliminating the need for wax and ensuring stability during tricks. Its durable fiberglass construction, along with a reinforced nose and tail, makes it suitable for both beginners and intermediate riders. Plus, with a size chart to guide your choice, you can confidently select the perfect board for your weight category.

What We Like
Lightweight and maneuverable
No wax needed
Durable fiberglass construction
Size chart included
#TOP 7

Own the Wave Hang Loose Skimboard

Own the Wave
Blue
40 Inch
Own the Wave Hang Loose Skimboard Cover
Own the Wave 'Hang Loose' Skimboard (40 Inch, Blue)

The Own the Wave Skimboard is designed for fun and ease of use, perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. With its built-in nose rocker, you can enjoy enhanced maneuverability, making sharp turns and executing tricks a breeze. You won’t need wax thanks to the all-over grip pad, which provides excellent traction even when wet, allowing you to ride right away. Crafted from durable poplar plywood and protected with a glossy epoxy coating, this skimboard ensures longevity. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take to the beach for endless fun.

What We Like
Easy to use
Great traction
Durable construction
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 8

iBOARD 36” Skipper Skimboard

iBoard
iBOARD 36” Skipper Skimboard Cover
iBOARD 36” Skipper Skimboard with High Gloss Coat Wooden Skim Boards for Beginners, Teenagers and Adults Beach Skimboard 3 Color Traction Pad to Choose(Red)

The iBOARD Skipper Skimboard is designed for smooth gliding on shallow waters, thanks to its sturdy 7-layer wood construction. This durable build ensures stability and enhances your handling while riding. The board features an epoxy coating that prevents separation or splitting, giving you peace of mind during use. Additionally, the soft IXPE foam traction pad offers excellent grip, helping you avoid slips and ensuring a safer experience. With its stylish wave-inspired design and customizable color options, you can enjoy the beach while expressing your unique style.

What We Like
Durable 7-layer wood
Safe traction pad
Stylish design options
Lightweight and easy to handle
#TOP 9

Own the Wave Claw Strike Skimboard

Own the Wave
Green
40 Inch
Own the Wave Claw Strike Skimboard Cover
Own the Wave 'Claw Strike' Skimboard (40 Inch, Green)

The Own the Wave Skimboard is designed to enhance your beach experience. With its built-in nose rocker, you can enjoy improved maneuverability, making it easier to master turns and tricks. There's no need for wax; the all-over grip pad provides excellent traction, allowing you to ride right out of the box. Crafted from durable poplar plywood and coated with glossy epoxy, this skimboard is built to last. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, so you can easily carry it to the beach, maximizing your fun and minimizing hassle.

What We Like
Easy maneuverability
No wax required
Durable construction
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 10

Seething 35 Inch Skimboard

Seaside
Seething 35 Inch Skimboard Cover
seething 35 Inch Skimboard with High Gloss Coat Wood Skim Board for Beginners,Kids, Teenagers, Adults and All Skimming(Seaside)

The Seething Skimboard is crafted from high-quality wood that is both lightweight and resilient, making it perfect for users of all skill levels. With its glossy surface, this board repels water, ensuring you can enjoy skimming without worrying about water damage. Its specially contoured design allows for smooth gliding on the beach, helping you gain confidence as you master your skills. Additionally, it comes with a complimentary skimboard bag, providing a convenient way to carry your board and essentials like a towel, making your beach trips hassle-free.

What We Like
High quality wood
Water-resistant coating
Excellent glide design
Includes skimboard bag
Buying Guide Image

The Best Skimboards You Should Consider

Introduction

Skimboarding is a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It provides a great way to get outdoors and have some fun in the sun. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skimmer, choosing the right board is essential to having a good time.

Types of Skimboards

The type of skimboard you choose depends on your skill level, the type of waves you’ll be skimming, and the size of your body. Generally, there are three types of skimboards: wood, fiberglass, and composite boards.

Wood Skimboards

Wood skimboards are the most common and are the least expensive. They are usually made of pine or cedar and are great for beginners. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver in the water. However, wood boards are not very durable and can be damaged by rocks or other debris in the water.

Fiberglass Skimboards

Fiberglass boards are more expensive than wood boards, but they are much more durable. They are made of a strong fiberglass composite, which is lightweight and very buoyant. Fiberglass boards are great for experienced riders who are looking for a board that will last a long time.

Composite Skimboards

Composite boards are the most expensive, but they are also the most durable. These boards are made of a combination of fiberglass, plastic, and foam and are designed to be very buoyant and lightweight. Composite boards are best for advanced riders who are looking for a board that will last through many seasons.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a skimboard, there are several factors you should consider. First, consider your skill level and the type of waves you’ll be skimming. Beginners should stick to wood or fiberglass boards, while experienced riders can opt for a composite board.

Next, consider the size of your body and the size of the board. If you’re a larger person, you’ll need a larger board. If you’re a smaller person, you’ll want a smaller board. You’ll also need to consider the amount of weight you can handle on the board. A larger, heavier board can be difficult to maneuver in the water.

Finally, consider the type of construction and materials used in the board. Look for boards that are made of high-quality materials, such as fiberglass and plastic, and with strong construction. Also, make sure to read reviews of the board before purchasing to ensure you get the best quality for your money.

Conclusion

Choosing the right skimboard is essential for having a great time in the water. Consider your skill level, the type of waves you’ll be skimming, the size of your body, the weight you can handle on the board, and the type of construction and materials used in the board. Reading reviews of the board before purchasing is also recommended. With all these factors in mind, you can find the perfect skimboard for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you ride a skimboard without wax?

For most skimboards, wax is essential. Even if there are traction pads built-in, you'll still need to wax the surface. Without waxing your skimboard, you'll likely slip off when you try to ride it.

2. What is the purpose of a skimboard?

The purpose of a skimboard is to glide across the water's surface and meet an incoming breaking wave. Skimboarding allows riders to ride the wave back to shore. It is a boardsport similar to surfing but with a smaller board and without fins.

3. Are wooden skimboards better?

Wooden skimboards are more suitable for flatland skimming. They are heavier and have low buoyancy, making them sink quicker. Therefore, they are better used in shallow waters rather than hitting waves.

4. Can you hit waves on a wooden skimboard?

Wooden skimboards are primarily intended for flatland skimming and are not suitable for riding large shore-breaking waves. While you can ride them into small waves, their weight and tendency to sink make them unsuitable for legit wave-riding.

5. Why do skimboarders kick sand?

Skimboarders often kick sand onto the underside of the board before running and dropping it onto the water. This trick helps the board drop faster and flatter, improving performance during the glide across the water.

6. Can you skimboard without waves?

Yes, skimboarding can be done without waves. Skimboarding takes place in shallow water along the water's edge, so there's no need to wait for waves like when surfing. The shallow water allows for gliding and riding the skimboard back to shore.

Editor's Notes

During our skimboard research, we found 24 skimboard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,201 customer reviews through our big data system to write the skimboards list. We found that most customers choose skimboards with an average price of $92.22.

The skimboards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of skimboards, including Driftsun, WAVESTORM, BPS, Own the Wave, iBoard. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 118 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.