Can You Skimboard with a Skateboard? Here’s What You Need to Know

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  21.06.2023
I love creating free content full of tips for my readers, you. I don't accept paid sponsorships, my opinion is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something you like through one of my links, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Skimboarding and skateboarding are both awesome sports, but they’re very different. You can’t use your skateboard to skimboard, so don’t even try. Skimboarding is all about gliding on the water, so you need a flat, thin board with a pointed nose and a wide tail. Skateboarding is all about performing tricks on the ground, so you need a concave board with a rounded nose and a tail. In this article, I’ll explain why you can’t use your skateboard to skimboard, and I’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of both worlds.

Can you skimboard on a skateboard

Why Skimboarding on a Skateboard is Not Possible

Skimboarding and Skateboarding: Two Different Worlds

Skimboarding and skateboarding may seem similar, but they are two completely different sports. Skimboarding involves gliding on a thin board over shallow water, while skateboarding involves performing tricks on a four-wheeled board on solid ground. The two sports require different types of boards, techniques, and skills.

The Physics of Skimboarding and Skateboarding

Skimboards are designed to glide over water, which requires a flat, thin board with a pointed nose and a wide tail. Skateboards, on the other hand, are designed for traction and control on solid ground, which requires a concave board with a rounded nose and tail. The physics of skimboarding and skateboarding are completely different, making it impossible to use a skateboard for skimboarding.

The Challenges of Skimboarding on a Skateboard

Even if you were to try skimboarding on a skateboard, you would face several challenges, including:

  • Lack of speed: Skimboarding requires a lot of speed to glide over water, which is difficult to achieve on a skateboard.
  • Lack of stability: Skimboards are wider than skateboards, providing more stability on water. Skateboards are narrower, making it difficult to balance on them while gliding over water.
  • Lack of buoyancy: Skimboards are made of materials that float on water, while skateboards are made of materials that sink. This means that a skateboard would not be able to support your weight on water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while skimboarding and skateboarding may seem similar, they are two completely different sports that require different types of boards, techniques, and skills. It is not possible to skimboard on a skateboard due to the physics of the two sports and the challenges that come with it. So, if you want to try skimboarding, stick to a skimboard, and if you want to try skateboarding, stick to a skateboard.

Skateboarding vs Skimboarding: What Sets Them Apart?

Similarities between Skateboarding and Skimboarding

  • Both sports require balance and coordination.
  • They can be done on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, sand, and water.
  • Skateboarding and skimboarding both involve riding on a board.
  • Both sports require practice and dedication to improve skills.

While skateboarding and skimboarding are different sports, they do share some similarities. For example, both require a good sense of balance and coordination. Whether you’re trying to land a kickflip on a skateboard or ride a wave on a skimboard, you need to be able to maintain your balance on a moving board.

Another similarity is that both sports can be done on a variety of surfaces. Skateboarding is typically done on concrete or other hard surfaces, but it can also be done on ramps, rails, and other obstacles. Skimboarding, on the other hand, is usually done on sand or in shallow water, but some riders also skim on concrete or other surfaces.

Differences between Skateboarding and Skimboarding

  • Skateboarding involves tricks and stunts, while skimboarding is more about riding waves and performing aerial maneuvers.
  • Skateboards have wheels, while skimboards do not.
  • Skimboards are typically smaller and lighter than skateboards.
  • Skateboarding is more popular and has a larger community than skimboarding.

One of the biggest differences between skateboarding and skimboarding is the type of riding involved. Skateboarding is all about tricks and stunts, from ollies and kickflips to grinds and slides. Skimboarding, on the other hand, is more focused on riding waves and performing aerial maneuvers.

Another key difference is the equipment used. Skateboards have wheels, which allow riders to roll and perform tricks on hard surfaces. Skimboards, on the other hand, do not have wheels and are designed to be ridden on sand or in shallow water. They are typically smaller and lighter than skateboards, making them easier to maneuver in the water.

Finally, skateboarding is a much more popular sport than skimboarding, with a larger community of riders and fans. While both sports have their own unique appeal, skateboarding has become a cultural phenomenon with its own fashion, music, and art scenes.

In conclusion, while skateboarding and skimboarding share some similarities, they are ultimately very different sports. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of skateboarding or the thrill of riding waves on a skimboard, both sports offer unique challenges and rewards for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to master them.

Skateboarding Tricks on a Skimboard: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Why Limit Yourself to One Board?

Who says you have to choose between skateboarding and skimboarding? Why not combine the two and take your skills to the next level? Skimboards are designed to glide across the water’s surface, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used on land. With a little bit of creativity and practice, you can do skateboarding tricks on a skimboard and impress your friends with your versatility.

How to Do Skateboarding Tricks on a Skimboard

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Start with the basics: Before attempting any tricks, make sure you are comfortable riding your skimboard on land. Practice your balance and turning skills until you feel confident.
  • Choose the right skimboard: Look for a skimboard that is sturdy and has a flat bottom. This will make it easier to perform tricks.
  • Try some ollies: Ollies are a basic skateboarding trick that can be done on a skimboard. Start by riding your skimboard at a moderate speed, then jump off the board and bring it up with you. Practice this until you can do it smoothly.
  • Get creative: Once you’ve mastered the ollie, try experimenting with other skateboarding tricks. Kickflips, heelflips, and 180s are all possible on a skimboard.
  • Practice, practice, practice: Like with any new skill, it takes time and practice to get good at skateboarding tricks on a skimboard. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep at it and you’ll get there.

The Benefits of Doing Skateboarding Tricks on a Skimboard

Not only is doing skateboarding tricks on a skimboard a fun way to mix up your riding style, but it also has some benefits:

  • Improves balance: Skimboarding requires a lot of balance, which can help improve your balance on a skateboard as well.
  • Builds core strength: Skimboarding engages your core muscles, which can help build strength and stability.
  • Increases creativity: Trying out new tricks on a skimboard can help you think outside the box and come up with new ideas for skateboarding as well.

So, don’t limit yourself to just one board. Grab a skimboard and start experimenting with some skateboarding tricks. Who knows, you might just discover a new passion.

Facebook’s Take on Skateboarding and Skimboarding

Facebook Groups for Skateboarding and Skimboarding

Facebook is not just a platform to connect with friends and family, but it’s also a hub for communities with shared interests. Skateboarding and skimboarding enthusiasts can join Facebook groups to connect with like-minded individuals, share tips and tricks, and even find local spots to ride.

Some popular Facebook groups for skateboarders include “Skateboarding is Not a Crime,” “Thrasher Magazine,” and “Skateboarders Worldwide.” For skimboarders, groups like “Skimboarding,” “Skimboarders of the World,” and “Skimboarding USA” are great places to start.

Facebook Marketplace for Skateboarding and Skimboarding Gear

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient way to buy and sell new and used items, including skateboarding and skimboarding gear. You can find everything from complete skateboards and skimboards to individual parts like trucks, wheels, and decks.

One advantage of using Facebook Marketplace is that you can easily connect with local sellers and buyers, which can save you money on shipping costs. Plus, you can often negotiate prices and get a better deal than you would at a retail store.

Facebook Live for Skateboarding and Skimboarding Events

Facebook Live is a feature that allows users to broadcast live video to their followers. This can be a great way to share skateboarding and skimboarding events with a wider audience, especially if you’re unable to attend in person.

Skateboarding and skimboarding events that have been streamed live on Facebook include the Vans Park Series, the Red Bull Skim It competition, and the World Cup of Skateboarding. You can also follow your favorite skateboarders and skimboarders on Facebook to see if they’ll be streaming any events in the future.

Facebook Ads for Skateboarding and Skimboarding Brands

If you’re a skateboard or skimboard brand looking to reach a wider audience, Facebook Ads can be a powerful tool. With Facebook Ads, you can target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors to ensure that your ads are seen by the right people.

Some popular skateboard and skimboard brands that have used Facebook Ads include Vans, Element Skateboards, and Victoria Skimboards. By using Facebook Ads, these brands have been able to increase their visibility and reach new customers.

Why Skimboarding Can Help You Improve Your Skateboarding Skills

Improve Your Control and Balance

Skateboarding and skimboarding require different skills, but they share some similarities. Both sports require balance, control, and coordination. Skimboarding can help you improve your control and balance on a skateboard. Here’s how:

  • Skimboarding requires you to ride on a board that’s much smaller than a skateboard. This means you have to be more precise with your movements and have better control over your board.
  • Skimboarding is all about maintaining your balance while riding on a flat surface or a wave. This can help you develop better balance and control on a skateboard.
  • Skimboarding also requires you to position your feet correctly on the board to maintain your balance. This can help you develop better foot positioning and control on a skateboard.

Take Your Riding to the Next Level

Skateboarding and skimboarding are both fun sports, but they can get repetitive if you don’t challenge yourself. Skimboarding can help you take your skateboarding to the next level by introducing new challenges and tricks. Here’s how:

  • Skimboarding tricks are different from skateboarding tricks, but they require similar skills. Practicing skimboarding tricks can help you develop new skills that you can apply to skateboarding.
  • Skimboarding on flatland can be challenging, but it can also be a lot of fun. It can help you develop new lines and approaches to skateboarding on flat surfaces.
  • Skimboarding on waves can be an entirely new experience for skateboarders. It can help you develop a better understanding of how to ride different types of surfaces and waves.

Final Thoughts

Skimboarding and skateboarding are two different sports, but they share some similarities. Skimboarding can help you improve your control, balance, and level of skill on a skateboard. It can also introduce new challenges and tricks that can take your riding to the next level. If you’re looking for a fun way to improve your skateboarding skills, give skimboarding a try!

Conclusion

So, can you use a skateboard to skimboard? 

It’s possible, but you’d need a skateboard that’s lighter and wider to support your weight. You’d also need to use a different set of skills to get the most out of both sports. 

So, don’t be afraid to give it a try! You might just surprise yourself!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.