Best Skimboards of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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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

BPS Flame Skimboard 40 Inch Cover #TOP 1
BPS Flame Skimboard 40 Inch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BPS 'Gator' 35" Skim Board Cover #TOP 2
BPS 'Gator' 35" Skim Board
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Own the Wave Black Claw Strike 40" Skimboard Cover #TOP 3
Own the Wave Black Claw Strike 40" Skimboard
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Skimboards

#TOP 1

BPS Flame Skimboard 40 Inch

BPS
Black/Cyan (No Bag)
40 Inch
BPS Flame Skimboard 40 Inch Cover
BPS 'Flame' Skimboard (40 Inch, Black/Cyan) Without RPET Bag

The BPS Flame Skimboard is designed to make your water adventures easy and fun. With over 30 years of experience, BPS creates gear that helps you and your family enjoy the water without hassle. This skimboard fits a wide range of riders, from kids to adults, making it great for families who want to share the fun. The upturned nose helps you learn smooth turns and spins quickly. You won’t need any wax because the board has a full grip pad that keeps you steady even when wet. Plus, BPS offers a satisfaction guarantee, so you can buy with confidence and enjoy worry-free fun.

What We Like
Beginner-friendly design
Wide rider weight range
No wax needed grip pad
Upturned nose for easy turns
Satisfaction guarantee
#TOP 2

BPS 'Gator' 35" Skim Board

BPS
35''BlueMagentaSkim
Fluorescent Blue
35 Inch
BPS 'Gator' 35" Skim Board Cover
BPS 'Gator' 35" Skim Board - Epoxy Coated Wood Skimboard with Traction Pad - No Wax Needed - Skimboard for Kids and Adults (Fluorescent Blue)

Designed for both kids and adults, the BPS Gator Skim Board is a high-quality water sports gear that guarantees a fun and thrilling experience. With 30 years of water sports experience, BPS knows exactly what riders need to have a great time in the water. The built-in nose rocker of the Gator allows for smooth and speedy turns, making it easy to nail pivot moves. The board features an all-over grip pad, providing excellent traction even when wet, eliminating the need for wax. Crafted from high-quality poplar plywood and protected by a glossy epoxy coating, this board is built to last. With a size chart to ensure the perfect fit, BPS guarantees that you have made the right choice. And if you're not 100% satisfied, their 'Right Choice Guarantee' ensures a replacement or refund.

What We Like
High-quality and durable
No wax needed
Designed for smooth and speedy turns
#TOP 3

Own the Wave Black Claw Strike 40" Skimboard

Black
40-Inch
Own the Wave Black Claw Strike 40" Skimboard Cover
Own the Wave New Zealand Black Claw Strike 40" High Performance Wooden Skimboard with Padded Carry Bag Made from Recycled Plastics Colored EVA Grip Pad High Gloss Clear Coat Skim Boards Kids Adults

The Own the Wave Skimboard is designed to make your beach days fun and easy. With 30 years of water sports experience behind it, this board is built to suit both beginners and growing kids, so you can feel confident choosing it for your family. Its nose rocker helps you make smooth turns and quick moves, giving you more control and style on the water. You won’t need wax thanks to the full EVA grip pad, which keeps you steady even when wet. Plus, the board is made from durable poplar plywood with a glossy finish, ensuring it lasts for many skimming adventures.

What We Like
Easy maneuverability
No wax needed grip
Durable epoxy coating
Padded carry bag included
Suitable for various weights
#TOP 4

iBOARD 41” Skipper Wooden Skimboard

Blue
41" x 17" x 0.5"
iBOARD 41” Skipper Wooden Skimboard Cover
iBOARD 41” Skipper Skimboard with High Gloss Coat Wooden Skim Boards for Beginners, Teenagers and Adults Beach Skimboard 3 Color Traction Pad to Choose(Blue)

The iBOARD Skipper Skimboard is crafted from high-quality 7-layer wood, giving you a smooth and stable ride on shallow waters. Its sturdy design and epoxy coating make the board durable and resistant to splitting, so you can enjoy it for a long time. The soft IXPE foam traction pad helps keep you steady by preventing slips, making your experience safer. Plus, the board’s lightweight build and wide surface make it easy to control, especially if you’re a beginner or teenager learning to skim. With three color options and a stylish wave-inspired design, you can glide with confidence and show off your style on the beach.

What We Like
Durable 7-layer wood
Epoxy-coated for strength
Non-slip foam traction pad
Lightweight and easy control
Attractive wave-inspired design
#TOP 5

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 6

iBOARD 36” Skipper Skimboard Wooden Beach Board

Yellow
36" x 15" x 0.5"
iBOARD 36” Skipper Skimboard Wooden Beach Board Cover
iBOARD 36” Skipper Skimboard with High Gloss Coat Wooden Skim Boards Beginners, Teenagers and Adults Beach Skimboard 3 Color Traction Pad to Choose(Yellow)

The iBOARD Skipper Skimboard is crafted from high-quality 7-layer wood, offering you smooth and stable rides on shallow water. Its sturdy build ensures durability while the epoxy coating keeps the layers firmly bonded, preventing damage over time. The soft IXPE foam traction pad provides excellent grip, helping you stay secure as you glide. Designed with eye-catching wave-inspired patterns and available in three colors, this skimboard lets you express your style while enjoying the beach. Its lightweight and wide surface make it easy for beginners and teenagers to learn and have fun sliding on the water.

What We Like
Durable 7-layer wood
Epoxy coating for strength
Non-slip foam traction pad
Attractive wave design
Lightweight and beginner-friendly
#TOP 7

Own the Wave Hang Loose Skimboard 40"

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

The Own the Wave Skimboard is designed to make your skimboarding experience enjoyable and easy. With 30 years of water sports expertise behind it, this board ensures you get the right fit and feel from the start, helping you learn and have fun quickly. Its built-in nose rocker improves how you turn and spin, giving you smooth control as you practice tricks. You won’t need any wax thanks to the full grip pad, so you can ride immediately without extra prep. Made from durable poplar plywood with a glossy finish, it’s built to last and perform well on every beach day.

What We Like
Experienced design
Enhanced maneuverability
All-over grip pad
Durable epoxy coating
Easy sizing guide
#TOP 8

BPS Koru 40" Wooden Skimboard

BPS
BPS-Koru-Skim-40-OrangeBlack
Orange, Black
40 Inch
BPS Koru 40" Wooden Skimboard Cover
BPS ‘Koru’ 40" Skimboards with Colored EVA Grip Pad and High Gloss Clear Coat | Wooden Skim Board with Grip Pad for Kids and Adults | Orange with Black Accent

The BPS Koru Skimboard is made for both kids and adults who want to enjoy easy and fun skimboarding. With over 30 years of experience behind it, this board is designed to help you quickly get the hang of smooth turns and cool moves thanks to its built-in nose rocker. You won’t need wax to ride it either—the full grip pad gives you great traction even on wet surfaces, so you can start skimming right away. Made from strong poplar plywood and coated with a shiny epoxy finish, this board offers long-lasting performance and makes picking the right size simple with clear guidelines for different weights.

What We Like
Expert design for easy learning
Built-in nose rocker for maneuverability
All-over grip pad, no wax needed
Durable poplar plywood construction
Clear size chart for perfect fit
#TOP 9

Own the Wave Claw Strike Skimboard 35"

Dark Blue
35 Inch
Own the Wave Claw Strike Skimboard 35" Cover
Own the Wave 'Claw Strike' Skimboard (35 Inch, Dark Blue)

The Own the Wave Claw Strike offers an easy start for anyone looking to enjoy skimboarding, thanks to the brand's 30 years of water sports expertise. You'll find it simple to learn and have fun with its built-in nose rocker, which improves your control and lets you perform smooth turns and tricks with ease. The board's all-over grip pad means you can ride right away without needing any extra wax, making your experience hassle-free. Made from durable poplar plywood with a glossy epoxy finish, this skimboard is built to last and designed to fit your size perfectly, ensuring comfort and performance every time you hit the water.

What We Like
Expert design experience
Enhanced maneuverability
All-over grip pad
Durable materials
Size guarantee
#TOP 10

BPS Shaka 40" Epoxy Skimboard

BPS
40''BlueWhtSkimNG
Dark Blue
40 Inch
BPS Shaka 40" Epoxy Skimboard Cover
BPS 'Shaka' 40" Skimboard - Epoxy Coated Wooden Skim Board with Traction Pad - No Wax Needed - Skim Board for Kids and Adults - Large Skim Board (Dark Blue)

The BPS Shaka Skimboard is designed to help you enjoy skimming right away with minimal hassle. Thanks to its built-in nose rocker, you can easily make smooth, fast turns and practice tricks with confidence, whether you're a beginner or more experienced. The board’s all-over grip pad means you don’t need to apply wax, providing excellent traction even when wet, so you can start using it straight out of the box. Made from durable poplar plywood and coated with a glossy epoxy finish, this skimboard is built to last. Plus, with a helpful size chart, you can pick the perfect board for your weight and skill level, ensuring a great fit every time.

What We Like
Built-in nose rocker for maneuverability
All-over traction grip pad
Durable epoxy-coated plywood
Size options for all riders
Ready to use out of box
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 6,901 customer reviews through our big data system to write the skimboards list. We found that most customers choose skimboards with an average price of $50.30.

The skimboards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of skimboards, including BPS, Own the Wave, iBoard, WaveStorm. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 57 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.