Choosing the right skimboard size can make a big difference, especially when you're learning to skim.
When you're starting out, you've already got plenty to think about: running, dropping the board, getting your feet on, finding your balance, staying on. A board that's the right size for you can make those first few sessions feel much more manageable.
So how do you find the balance?
The short version
- A board with the right amount of surface area gives you the stability to get on and glide while you're learning.
- Your weight is the main starting point, but height, experience and riding style all play a part too.
- Not sure? The BPS Board Size Calculator narrows it down based on your details.
The right size makes learning easier
You want a board that feels comfortable underneath you and gives you enough room to find your balance, without feeling like you're trying to control something that's too much for you.
Your skimboard needs to work with you, not against you. Its size affects how it feels when you're running, dropping the board, getting onto it, and controlling where you go.
The more comfortable you feel, the easier it is to keep practising and improving.
Where your board should sit
Too small
May not give you the platform you need to get on and find your balance.
Your range
Enough support to feel stable, without becoming harder to handle and manoeuvre.
Too big
More surface area, but can feel harder to handle, manoeuvre, and control.
Bigger isn't always better
If your board is too small
Stability matters most when you're starting out. You want enough board to support you as you get on and start your glide. Too little, and it may not give you the platform you need.
If your board is too big
It's tempting to think a bigger board is automatically easier to ride, since more board means more surface area. But there's a trade-off: a larger board can feel less responsive and harder to manoeuvre and control.
The goal isn't the biggest board you can find. It's a size that gives you enough support while still feeling comfortable and manageable.
There's more than one factor to consider
Skimboard sizing isn't one-size-fits-all. Your weight is an important starting point, but your height, experience, riding style, and the type of skimboarding you want to do can all influence what feels right. Different board shapes and constructions can also behave differently on the water.
Not sure what that means for you?
Pop in your details and the BPS Board Size Calculator will point you to the closest fit from our range of skimboards.
Find Your BPS Board Size
Your experience level matters too
What works for you can change as you get better. When you're starting out, you may be more focused on feeling comfortable, staying on the board, and building your confidence. As you progress, you might start looking for more speed, better manoeuvrability, or a board that suits the way you like to skim.
That's why there isn't one skimboard size that's right for everyone. Your size, experience, and how you plan to ride all have a part to play.
Wooden or fibreglass? Size isn't the only choice
Getting the right size is important, but there's more to choosing a skimboard than size alone. You'll also want to think about whether a wooden or fibreglass skimboard is the better fit for you and where you're at with your riding. Our Guide to Buying a Skimboard goes into more detail about the different options and what to look for.