Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a skimboard and a boogie board?
The main difference between these two types is the shape-skimboards are longer and thinner, while boogie boards are more rounded and a lot thicker.
Let’s look at why you can’t use a boogie board to skim, and vice versa.
Boogie boards are made to float and support your body weight in the water. Skimboards are somewhat of the exact opposite and are not made to float, but rather support your body while it has enough speed to skim on top of the water.
If you’re looking for a board that you can use to ride the waves and like practicing a lot to gain skills, then a skimboard is probably your best bet.
But if you just want to have some fun in the water and don’t want to worry about staying on top of the waves, then boogie boarding is probably a good choice.
In this post we'll cover:
Skimboard vs boogie board
You’ve seen people using them at the beach, but what’s the difference between skimboarding and boogie boarding?
Boogie boards have been around for a long time and are generally more affordable than skimboards. They’re also more buoyant, making them better for beginners.
If you’re looking for a board that provides more stability and glide, go with a boogie board.
If you want to try surfing but aren’t quite ready to invest in a real surfboard, a skimboard is a great option. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve!
- Skimboard: A longer and narrower board that provides more stability and glide than a boogie board.
- Boogie Board: A board that is more buoyant and better for beginners. It is rounder and thicker than a skimboard.
Is a boogie board the same as a body board?
Technically, a boogie board is the same as a body board. However, when most people refer to a “boogie board” they are actually talking about a body board. Body boarding is the actual sport while boogie board is actually a trademark of a company called Morey Boogie.
The company was founded by Tom Morey in the 1970s and is responsible for popularizing the use of body boards.
So bodyboarding and boogie boarding are the exact same thing.
What’s the difference between a skimboard and a bodyboard?
Skimboards are longer and thinner than body boards, which makes them more difficult to use and less stable.
Skimboards are also not as buoyant as body boards, meaning that they don’t float as well in the water.
Body boards, on the other hand, are more rounded and thicker than skimboards. This makes them more buoyant and easier to use, but they don’t glide as well as skimboards.
Their rectangular shape and big body makes them float and the foam gives better grip, but the only difference is that skimboards get much more maneuverability and control out of their shape and material used (like carbon fiber).
Can you body surf with skimboard?
No, you cannot body surf with a skimboard. Skimboards are not made to support your body weight in the water and will quickly flip over if you try to body surf.
Why you can’t use a boogie board to skim
A boogie board is great for floating on top of the water, but it’s not as good for skimming.
Skimboards are designed to skim on top of the water, while boogie boards are meant to stay in one place while you are on them.
If you try to skim on a boogie board, you’ll quickly find that you don’t have enough speed to stay on top of the waves.
Why you can’t use a skimboard to boogie board
The same is true for skimboards-if you try to use them in the ocean, you’ll quickly find that they’re not as buoyant and you’ll start to sink.
Skimboards are designed to be used on the waves, while boogie boards are great for just hanging out in the water.
Conclusion
If you’re just looking for a board to use in the water and don’t want to worry about staying on top of the waves, then a boogie board is probably your best bet.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in trying surfing but aren’t quite ready to invest in an actual surfboard yet or are more interested in skimming on top of the waves, a skimboard is a great option.
Also read: this is how skimboarding differs from snowboarding
