5 Best Flatland Skimboards

In this guide to the best flatland skimboards, we review the top 5 flatland skimboards and share the results along with our advice and answers to the most common questions.

Skimboarding is one of the most underrated watersports out there which is only just beginning to gain in popularity thanks to platforms like youtube, tik-tok, and Instagram. No longer is skimboarding confined to the ocean where the idea originated. Now, people are bringing skimboarding inland and into the cities.

Flatland skimboards are designed to be used to perform tricks which makes them easy to handle and agile underfoot. Ocean skimboards on the other hand are typically shaped more like a mini surfboard so that once you have skimmed out you can catch the wave and ride it in.

5 Best Flatland Skimboards

1. Sandfish Board Co. White Foam Traction Skimboard Cruiser

The Sandfish Board Co. White Foam Traction Skimboard Cruiser is the best flatland skimboard for beginners and professionals alike. It has been made famous by the urban skimboarding pioneer Adrien Raza who has used this model in countless videos on his social media.

Made from super lightweight poplar with a durable laminate, you get the most durable flexibility I have ever experienced. This makes ollies and spins as simple as shifting your weight to one side as you glide across open waters and fountains. Weighing in at 4.3 lbs and measuring 18 x 35 inches makes this an incredibly portable skimboard to take on public transport.

Not only is the Sandfish Cruiser skimboard extra lightweight and durable but it is also incredibly good value and one of the best entry-level flatland skimboards on the market. Experienced skimboarders chose this board for its flex, durability, lightweight, grip, speed, and price. If you want to perform tricks and spins on your skimboard then this flatland option is the number one choice we recommend.

2. DB Skimboards Flex Proto

The DB Skimboards Flex Proto is the second best skimboard for flatland or inland skimming I have tested and was the only skimboard I used for a good 2 years. What makes it so good is the flexible maple core which makes it super fast with a very snappy response.

At just 5.6 lbs and available in 2 sizes with lengths of 39.4 inches and 41.4 inches, it is the perfect weight and size for performing tricks and stunts on any kind of water. Made from a 3-ply hard rock maple core, you feel the flex kick in as you pop shove-it and ollie on inland pools.

The grippy top is made from a thin but durable layer of EVA foam and is ideal for bare feet or with shoes if you are urban skimboarding. If you are serious about getting into flatland skimboarding then you can’t g wrong with a DB skimboard. It’s what the pros use.

3. Zap Skimboards Classic Series

The Zap Skimboards Classic Series Wedge Medium Skimboard is made from fiberglass unlike other wooden options in this guide. This makes it extra springy and perfect for beginners for whom this particular board is designed.

Every Zap skimboard is handmade and designed in Venice, FL to ensure the highest quality standards and American craftsmanship. The classic series wedge shape has a nice profile for both flatland skimboarding and ocean skimming and has incredible speed on shallow water.

If you want a skimboard that works as well as it looks then this is an excellent choice for hanging on your wall and inland skimboarding.

4. BPS ‘Shaka’ Skimboards

The BPS ‘Shaka’ Skimboard is a great skimboard for kids or leisurely use once or twice a year but not the best for long-term use. The best thing about this skimboard is the price at around $50 cheaper than the Sandfish Cruiser and over $100 cheaper than the DB Skimboards Proto Flex above.

It glides across the water very nicely and has some good speed as well as grip on top for use with trainers. It doesn’t have the best snap and the tail which makes ollies a little bit clumsy and isn’t the best for tricks. Another thing is that I am not sure I would trust the strength of this board on ledges and rails.

If you want a skimboard to try on holiday but know you won’t be a regular user then this is an easy way to have fun without spending a lot of money. This is one of the best-selling wooden skimboards for flatland skimboarding.

5. Waveline Neon Wooden Skimboard

The Waveline Neon Wooden Skimboard is our last recommendation and like the BPS Shaka Skimboard above, it is designed for entry-level beginners and children. Available in pink, blue, and yellow – you can get a different color for each child. The reason this skimboard is so popular is that it is one of the cheapest skimboards you can use inland on fountains etc…

The biggest downside to the Waveline board is that it doesn’t have any grip on top which means you have to buy and fit your own separately if you want to use it with shoes on. You can of course heavily wax it up but EVA foam is a far superior option. This is a fun skimboard to take to the beach on a summer holiday but for any kind of serious flatland skimboarders, you should look further up this page.

Buyers Guide to Flatland Skimboards

Here are some of the things you should be looking for in a flatland skimboard – explained in full detail:

Size

Choosing the right size skimboard is more important for flatland skimming than for ocean use because portability and tricks are such a big part of it. We recommend aiming somewhere in the region of 50 cm wide and 100 cm long which is big enough to travel long distances across open water and small enough for tricks and stunts.

Shape

The shape makes a big difference in how well a skimboard performs inland. The shape of the nose isn’t so important however it can be used as a pivot point so I do prefer the sharper angles. Also, the shape of the concave on the tail of the board will have an impact on how high you can ollie.

Material

I personally like using wooden skimboards for flatland because they tend to cope with slides on ledges and rails much better than synthetic material. Wooden skimboards can be made from lots of different wood types however maple and poplar are the most popular choices.

Flex

As well as the shape and size of your skimboard, the flexibility can ultimately make the difference between a beginner option and the best flatland skimboards out there. The more flex the better as it allows you to have move control as well as perform tricks with less effort. A flexible laminate will compliment a wooden construction by adding protection and extra flex.

Durability

Skimboards are surprisingly durable, much like a skateboard, and can be used to essentially grind/slide on ledges and rails made from rock and metal. The laminate layer underneath provides most of the durability and protection of the wood beneath. If the laminate layer is eroded you may find that over time your board becomes compromised due to soggy wood. Avoid this by using wax regularly.

Grip

Grip on the top is important if you plan to use trainers on your skimboard. EVA foam grip is also very good for your bare feet as well and provides grip ven when wet. You can use wax as well to add extra grip and water-shedding properties. If you need to replace or add some grip to your skimboard you can use a surfboard traction pad or traction grip tape.

Weight

Weight is more important to some people than others but unless speed is your goal then a more lightweight skimboard is easier to do tricks with and stay agile. The heavier the board the more damage it can do if you fly off on a water fountain with pedestrians about. This is why I like the Sandfish board so much because it is lightweight.

Construction

Most wooden flatland skimboards will feature a 3-ply construction with a durable laminate and foam grip topping. The shape often differs slightly from brand to brand but a solid construction is what makes any skimboard worth it in the long run. American and European boards have the highest quality of construction and you should avoid most products made in China.

FAQs About Flatland Skimboards

What is Flatland Skimboarding?

Flatland skimboarding basically takes the ocean skimboarding into towns, cities, or anywhere shallow bodies of water can be found. Water fountains and features in the middle of cities, outside museums, and on college campuses have become a modern-day skimboarding park.

How big is a Flatland Skimboard?

Flatland skimboards are typically around 50 cm wide and 1 meter long. This is large enough to carry you over long distances as well as small enough to do tricks with.