Below you will find our FAQ. If you still need something, just let us know! We got you.
We are here to help
FIND THE RIGHT GEAR
WHERE CAN I BUY A SKIMBOARD?
You can purchase skimboards from your local authorized dealer, authorized online dealer or online directly from our online store.
DO YOU SELL INTERNATIONALLY?
WHAT BOARD IS BEST FOR ME?
Check out our Board Size Chart for guidance on the choosing the best size and shape for you:
HOW DO I STAY ON THE BOARD? (USING TRACTION PADS OR WAX)
Most skimboarders prefer to use a combination of wax and traction pads to help stay on their skimboard. Wax comes in a variety of brands and is made for different temperature water. It comes in bar form and is applied by rubbing the bar on the top/deck of the board.
Traction pads are also applied to the top/deck of the board. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors to fit your board, foot, and style. The most commonly used traction pad is a tail pad on the back/tail of the skimboard. It usually has a rise in the back portion called a “kick or block” to help prevent your back foot from slipping off the board. The traction applied to the front/lower nose is called a front pad or arch bar which is applied to help grip the board with your front foot. Most riders prefer an arch bar in the front, which is a raised strip commonly placed down the center on the mid/upper section of the skimboard. There are also flat front pads which often cover more of the top deck of the board.
WHAT ARE THE MOST HELPFUL SKIMBOARDING ACCESSORIES?
Aside from wax and traction some accessories you may want to consider are:
Board Sock: to help prevent scratches and keep sunlight away.
Travel Bag: to protect your skimboard when checked in as luggage.
Eelsnot: to help your board go faster.
SPF Lycra Shirt, Skim Hat and Sunscreen: so you don't get burned in the sun.
Wetsuit: to stay warm in colder temps.
Wax Comb: to remove wax from the deck of your board.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
HOW DO I PUT WAX AND TRACTION ON MY SKIMBOARD?
Wax typically comes in “bar” form and is applied to the top/deck of the board by rubbing the bar, with medium pressure, in a circular motion, from nose to tail, and rail to rail.
HOW DO I REMOVE WAX AND TRACTION FROM MY SKIMBOARD?
Wax can be removed from your skimboard by using a wax comb or hard straight edge (old credit card, etc.) to scrape the wax off. Heat (sun or heat gun) helps this process and can soften/liquefy the wax, making it easier to remove by wiping with a paper towel. Once the majority of the wax has been removed you can use a liquid wax remover or solvent to wipe off the thin layer of wax/grease left behind. Complete by cleaning with a degreaser or windex to prepare for traction or stickers.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY SKIMBOARD?
Do not leave your skimboard in extreme heat or direct sunlight for long periods of time (ex: trunk of car). The resin can get so hot that it may soften and the board can change shape (delamination). When you are not skimming on the beach, stick the tip/nose in the sand and point the tail towards the sun so that as little of the board as possible is directly facing the sun.
Skimboards will get scratched, dented and can even break. Rocks and sand scratch and wear away the board’s finish. This is normal wear and tear and part of skimboarding. Dings/Cracks and holes in the board must be patched so water does not penetrate the foam.
HOW DO I FIX MY SKIMBOARD?
To repair, let the ding dry completely, rough up the area with sandpaper, apply the proper type of resin and spread it over the ding. Use fiberglass cloth if necessary and smooth after the resin hardens. There are many D.I.Y. ding repair kits available for purchase at your local surf shop or online. For larger/major repairs you may want to take your board to a surf shop or ding repair professional.
HOW DO I MAKE MY SKIMBOARD GO FASTER?
If you want to go faster you should run faster and develop a smooth technique of stepping on the board.
There are also techniques for moving your board while sliding to increase speed and distance. Two popular techniques are side slipping/planing and pumping. To side slip or plane you turn the board sideways while sliding so that your rail is facing forward instead of the nose. This increases the flat surface area hitting the water and reduces drag.
Pumping is a technique where you quickly take the weight of your front foot off the board and rapidly reapply with pressure while pointing the nose in the direction that you would like to go. This can help increase momentum if you are losing speed or need to redirect your angle during your slide.
You can also apply a speed wax or paste to the bottom of your skimboard, such as Eelsnot. These speed pastes typically fill in scratches and help repel the water off the bottom of your board. These products can help your board to not stick to the sand and increase the speed of your slide.
WARRANTY INFO
Please review our warranty page:
SKILLS & TIPS
HOW DO I LEARN TO RIDE MY SKIMBOARD?
The best way to learn how to skim is by taking a lesson and riding with other more experienced skimboarders. There are local skim instructors, lessons, and camps in many beach towns that can be found through surf shops and on the internet.
We also have trick tip videos here on our website that you may find useful:
Where do I skim?
You can skim almost anywhere there is a thin layer of water or a slippery smooth surface. Here at Zap Skimboards we prefer the beach and behind the boat. Other popular places to ride are river beds, tide pools, and large puddles. It is always best to check rules and regulations in the area before riding.
SKIM SAFETY
Skimboards are extremely hard and can be dangerous when they are moving quickly. It is always best to avoid crowds and congested locations when skimboarding. Assess the conditions and look both ways before running and sliding with your skimboard.
HOW DO I DO TRICKS AND LEARN TO RIDE WAVES?
Observe others, watch videos, and/or get instruction from a more experienced skimboarder. There are skim instructors and skim camps along many coasts. Please contact us if you need help finding the right instructor. Many of our team riders offer professional skim instruction.
You may also find very helpful tricks and tips videos here:
COMPETITIONS
For competitions check out Skim USA and the United Skim Tour for amateur and professional competitions in your area.
SPONSORSHIP
The best way to get sponsored is by being a positive and influential skimboarder. We look for individuals who attract others' attention with their skimboarding skills and attitude. We like to partner with/sponsor skimboarders who spread and progress skimboarding as a sport and art. This includes sharing your skimboarding with others on the beach and social media, competing, being creative and innovative, and attracting others to ride Zap Skimboards.
TRAVELING WITH A SKIMBOARD
We recommend a travel bag when traveling with your skimboard as luggage. This will help protect the board from damage and provide additional storage for beach items you may need to bring such as your towel, wetsuit, and other skim accessories. Some airlines charge additional fees for traveling with sports equipment and oversized luggage. We recommend checking with your travel operator for more information.
STILL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Phone
(941) 488-4586
info@zapskimboards.com