Alternative Sports
What is... skimboarding?

Laguna Beach is not only known for its hit television show on MTV, it is also the home of skimboarding.
Skimboarding first arose in the 1920s when lifeguards in Laguna Beach, also known as the “Mecca” of skimboarding, would use pieces of wood to skimboard.
Skimboarding is related to the sports of surfing and skating and it began to gain popularity in the 1980s.
Although shaped like a surfboard, a skimboard is much smaller than a surfboard. Most skimboards are made of wood and covered by a thin layer of plastic. Since there are no bindings on the board to keep the boarders feet in place, a rubber traction surface is usually located on the board. However, surf wax can also be used in order for the skimboarder to stay on the board.
There are two ways to skimboard, one for beginners and one for more advanced riders. Most beginners often start off by just skimming on the thinnest layer of water that covers the sand on the beach. As a boarder gets more advanced, he or she can choose to ride the wave that is closest to the shore.
After skimmers have become comfortable with riding the ocean’s waves, they can then learn how to do tricks. Believe it or not, skimboarders can actually launch themselves into the air with the board and perform various flips, spins and grabs.
Skimboarding is mainly done on a beach that is located near an ocean. Many skimmers can be found riding waves on the shores of Hawaii, California, Florida or any other place where there is an ocean nearby.
If not near an ocean, there are still ways that a skimboard can be put to use. Skimmers can take their boards and go to a local golf course after it has just rained. This type of grass is perfect for gliding with a skimboard. A flooded backyard can also be used in this way.
For more information on the sport of skimbaording, visit www.skimonline.com

By Adam Raynard
apr07276@sjfc.edu