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Hi all.

I'm looking for a skimboard to play around in light winds and waves, but know nothing about what works with a kite. I came across this board and was wondering if it would be any good:

http://www.boardzone.co.nz/surftech-ski ... 15664.html

I cant find any other info on it, aparently the base is flat with some rocker in the nose. Would this be worth a try, or better spending a bit more on something else? Its cheap (about $100 USD)


Thanks for the help.

Jeremy

Hey Jeremy,

Welcome to LTS!

Generally Surftech shapes are very safe because they taken proven designs and mass produce them at very reasonable prices. The Surftech outline looks very similar to the wake surfer that is sold @ Costco in the US:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=14

However, it is longer @ 53.5" (136 cm) vs. 45" (114cm), and wider @ 19.7" (50 cm).

The magic size in skims for kiting seems to be between 50" (127 cm) and 54" (137 cm) in length, and around 20" (50 cm) in width. I am not crazy about the swallow tail vs. a pintail, and the nose seems a bit pointy. Another consideration is if you want to do a lot of riding in heavy chop or small waves you might want a board with the option of 1 or 2 fins, and it looks like this board does not offer a fin option. Personally, I don't like fins on my skimboard, but you should have the option so that you can see what you like.

Overall, if it is hard for you to find a better option then I would give it a shot. The price seems very reasonable, and it should perform well enough to see if you like it, which of course you will. Just give it at least 3-4 solid sessions to really get the feel, and make sure to give us a shout here if you have questions or need any help.

See ya on the water

Thanks for the information.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of choice in skim boards locally. The other board i have found is this one, which is selling for about $110 USD at the moment:

http://www.realsurf.co.nz/digicart/fuse ... N=10666634

Redback Fibreglass skimboard
length: 44"
Width: 19 1/2"
Thickness: 3/4"
Nose lift: 1 3/4"
Tail lift: 3/4"


Which do you think would be the better option?

Cheers

I could not see the board with the link you posted, but based on the specifics that you listed I think the Surftech would be a better choice especially since you want to use it in light wind. Unless you are 160 lbs or less I would not give too much consideration to a 44" skimboard unless you could test it. Since you have to purchase either board without testing them the Surftech had better dimensions.

Not really a well known surf brand but coastlines has been going under the radar for a while, they manufacture all their own products so generally a lot cheaper. 45 NZD for their skimboards http://www.coastlines.co.nz/collections/skimboards