If you are wondering what is a skimboard slingshot then you probably have visions of being catapulted into the ocean. What a skimboard slingshot really is is an elasticated bungee rope you anchor into the ground and use like a wakeboard.
Skimboarding Slingshots add a whole new layer of fun and possibilities to the sport and allow you to get some serious speed with no run-up. You can aim them into the ocean to catch some shore breaks or towards a rail or jump so that you can get enough momentum. Or you can just use them for fun at the beach.
What is a Skimboard Slingshot?
A skimboard slingshot has two main components which allow it to work. The first part is a ground anchor which is drilled into the ground using your hands and the included wrench to twist it down. The second part is the elasticated bungee rope which attaches to the anchor and has a handle at the other end.
The handle is around 1 foot wide and has a rubberized grip which is easy to hold on to and floats so you never lose it under the water. The bungee is 50 feet long but can be stretched to well over 100 feet with the help of a friend.
How Does a Skimboard Slingshot Work?
A slingshot for skimboards works by fixing one end of an elasticated bungee to the ground and then stretching it out before jumping on your board. You use the tension built up in the bungee to pull you towards the anchor point. By the time you have reached the anchor, you will have traveled nearly 100 feet and will have built up some speed and direction.
How to Use a Skimboard Slingshot
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a skimboard slingshot at the beach:
- Slot the steel bar through the top of the beach plate anchor to create a lever.
- Drive the steel beach plate anchor into the sand by twisting it down using the lever for extra torque.
- Attach the bungee through the loop at the top which should be sitting just above ground level.
- Make sure the rope and handle leash are not twisted and get a good grip of the handle.
- Walk with the bungee as far as you can while also pulling it as tight as you possibly can.
- Place the board directly in front of you and place your lead foot on the skimboard.
- To release the slingshot simply jump and place your back foot onto the board and lean back.
- The acceleration is almost instant so be prepared and balance your weight onto your back foot.
- As you pick up speed you may need to rotate slightly and aim away from the ground anchor.
- Let go of the handle once all of the elasticity has been released.
- Try and finish with a new trick you want to learn as you start to slow down.
How Far Can a Skimboard Slingshot Launch You?
If we just do some quick math and assume that we can make it to at least the anchor point then it is safe to say that a skimboard slingshot will launch you at least 100 feet or over 30 meters. To work this out we doubled the length of bungee rope from 50 to 100 feet assuming that you can at least stretch it this far on your own.
If you have a strong group of people you can expect to stretch that at least another 10-20 feet and maybe more. Not only would this give you more distance but the initial boost from the increased tension will launch you disproportionately faster.
Can You Use a Skimboard Slingshot on Your Own?
Skimboarding Slingshots are best used with two or three people. This is so that the person riding the skimboard can get both feet on the board while the other person/s can combine their strength to maximize the bungee. That being said, Skimboard slingshots are perfect for using on your own but you can get more power with the help of some friends.
Can You Use a Skimboard Slingshot on Snow?
Skimboard slingshots can be used in snow with a snowboard, skis, or a sled in the same way they can be used on water. If you are doing some urban snowboarding and only have a short run-up for a rail then you can use a slingshot to launch you. Likewise, if you want to go sledding but don’t have many hills you can use a slingshot to have fun in your garden.
Check out the Skimshot Skimboard Slingshot here
