In this article, we answer the question, can you skimboard with a wakesurf board? We share our reasons for both sides of the argument and discuss the differences between skimboards and wake surfing boards.
Skimboarding, wake surfing, wakeboarding. They are all similar yet different. They happen at different speeds and in different water environments and thus all have their own specific boards.
Wakesurfing is done on the wake of a boat, quite close to the boat, where the wake is the biggest and most similar to an ocean wave. While you can use a skimboard to wakesurf, the shorter board and lack of a fin will make it difficult.
Can You Skimboard With a Wakesurf Board?
You can skimboard with a wakesurf board so long as the water is deep enough so that the fins don’t touch the ground. So if your fins are two inches deep then you probably shouldn’t be skimboarding with a wakesurf board in water that is any shallower than five inches deep. Also, you will need a lot of speed to make it out to any waves at most beaches. Competition skimboards are very similar to wake surfboards in both size and shape.
Wakesurf boards are longer and have different curves. Different rockers, concaves, the list goes on. They also have more volume so they feel bulky and slow compared to proper skimboards. Wakesurf boards are designed for wakes so they may not sustain being repeatedly jumped on as a skimboard will.
Can You Wakesurf With a Skimboard?
If you are just out on the boat having a laugh and want to try and ride the wake with a skimboard then go ahead. Of course, it is harder than it looks without a fin underneath and on such a short board it is easy to spin out. Surfboards, wakeboards, and wakesurf boards will all work better than a skimboard.
You need really good balance and a lot of skill to be able to jump off a boat with a skimboard and land in the perfect position on the wake. As a beginner, you can expect a lot of wipeouts but if you are an experienced skimboarder or surfboarder you stand half a chance.
Are Wakesurfing And Wakeboarding The Same?
Wakesurfing and wakeboarding are not the same things, so let’s look at some differences. Wakesurfing is surfing on the wave-like wake, quite close to the back of the boat, around 10m behind it. Whereas wakeboarding is being pulled by a rope, further out from the boat.
Think; wake surfing is like surfing, and wakeboarding is like water skiing. A wake-surfer does not hold the rope as a wakeboarder would.
Wakeboarding is also much faster, with boat speeds around 15-25 mph, and wake surfing is usually done around 8-13 mph.
Can You Wakeboard With a Skimboard?
You can wakeboard with a skimboard, but oh man are you in for an experience. Further on in the article, we discuss the board differences, which contribute greatly to this. But the outline shape of a skimboard is not designed to sustain the higher speeds and actions done in wakeboarding.
Skimboards have no fins or bindings, making control difficult. Wakeboarding purposely hits the wake straight on, using it as a launch ramp for big airs. This is hard to control with a skimboard. Of course, it’s not impossible to use a skimboard to wakesurf, but you may just have to stick to a few turns and spins instead of getting any air.
What Are The Differences Between a Skimboard and a Wakeboard?
The differences between a skimboard and a wakeboard are huge. They are different boards for different purposes. Let’s dive into it further.
Shape
Taking a bird’s eye view of the boards, a (wave type) skimboard has a surfboard-style outline that looks like it’s been squashed, resulting in an oval-shaped outline. Wakeboards, on the other hand, have an outline shape closer to a rectangle.
This is largely due to the speed involved. The higher speed of wakeboarding calls for straighter rails. The oval shape of a skimboard makes spinning easier, and this is rarely done on a wakeboard.
Size
Wakeboards are much longer than skimboards. A wakeboard will be around the 52 inch mark whereas a skimboard will be around 42 inches. Wakesurfing boards are also longer than your average skimboard which helps to maintain direction at speed.
Bindings
The most obvious difference between a skimboard and a wakeboard is the bindings. Skimboards and wakesurf boards don’t have any. They rely on traction pads and wax for grip.
Materials
Skimboard materials and construction methods are different than wakeboards. Wakeboards need to sustain higher speeds and therefore bigger crashes too. So they must be stronger than skimboards.
Skimboards are constructed similarly to surfboards, with a foam core overlayed by sheets of fiberglass. Wakeboards are made in a compression mold hydraulic press technique.
Fins
Skimboards usually do not have fins. Wakeboards do have small, elongated fins and use them for more control. Imagine a fin 8 inches long and one inch tall.
Skim-style wakesurf boards have a single fin at the rear for control and some drive while being small enough to still allow skimboarding-style spins.
What Type of Skimboard is Best For Wakesurfing?
There are specific skimboards made for wake surfing. They’re called wake skim boards or “skim style” wakesurf boards.
Skim-style wakesurf boards are slightly longer and thinner than regular skimboards, to allow them to sit low in the water. They have a concave bottom contour and plugs for a small fin, to give some additional control.
There are many manufacturers of these types of boards. Some names to check out are;
- Liquid Force
- Hyperlite
- Phase Five
- Lib Tech
These manufacturers are known for quality, and strong board construction, and are favored by many top pros. Liquid Force constantly pushes the envelope with designs and works closely with world skim champion Austin Keen.
Lib Tech is known for its recent innovations in construction techniques, across all fiberglass-based board sports, and is regarded as making the strongest boards ever.
Can You Skimboard Behind a Boat?
Yes, you can skimboard behind a boat. Heck, you can get pulled behind a boat on a truck inner tube if you really want.
It is difficult to skimboard behind a boat, in a wakeboarding style with a longer rope. The lack of fins and the more oval outline of a skimboard make it a challenge. Much more fun to skim surf the wake close to the boat.
We hope this answered your question of, can you skimboard with a wakesurf board but if not then let us know what we missed.
