Pros and cons of wooden skimboards: are they any good?

There are many different types of skimboards available on the market, but one of the most popular is the wooden skimboard.

Wooden skimboards are made of wood, which gives them a natural buoyancy in the water and they are also very durable.

However, there are some disadvantages to using wooden skimboards.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the pros and cons of using wooden skimboards so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are right for you.

Are wood skimboards any good?

Yes, wood skimboards are a great choice for people who want a durable and environmentally friendly board that is easy to control and ride on the waves. However, one of the main disadvantages to using wooden skimboards is that they can be quite heavy for beginners.

Of course, it does all depend on the brand and model that you’re looking at when making any of these statements.

As with any material, there are some good boards and definitely some bad ones.

Take these for example, as top performers for both a high-end wooden skimboard and a budget-friendly but sturdy one:

Best overall wooden skimboard: South Bay Board Co. Skipper	(view more images)
Best cheap wooden skimboard: Waveline Neon	(view more images)

Also check out our post on the 9 best skimboards you can buy right now

Pros to wooden skimboards

Wooden skimboards have a great natural buoyancy

This means that you can ride them for a longer time without having the nose duck underwater, and it makes them really easy to get up on.

This can be a huge advantage when you’re starting out and are still learning how to ride them.

They are durable and can last for a long time

Unlike some of the newer materials that are used for skimboards, wood is really tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

This means that you don’t have to worry about your board breaking if you accidentally drop it or if you hit a rock.

They are easy to control and ride on the waves

When it comes to wooden skimboards, they are easy to control and ride on the waves. This is due to their natural buoyancy and the durability of the wood.

Skimboarding is a great way to have fun and get some exercise, and wooden boards make it even more enjoyable because of their ease of use.

Here’s how to use one:

They are environmentally friendly

One of the great things about wooden skimboards is that they are environmentally friendly.

This is because the wood is a natural material, and it doesn’t release any harmful toxins into the water like some of the other synthetic materials do.

This makes them a great choice for people who care about the environment and want to do their part in preserving it.

Wooden skimboards are affordable and can be bought for a reasonable price

Wooden skimboards can be quite affordable, but there are also some expensive ones available on the market.

However, even the most expensive ones are still a fraction of the price of some of the newer synthetic materials that are used for skimboards.

They can be bought for a reasonable price, and this is one of the main reasons why they are so popular.

Cons to wooden skimboards

Wooden skimboards can be heavy for beginners

One of the main disadvantages to using wooden skimboards is that they can be quite heavy for beginners.

This is because they are made of wood, which is a heavier material than some of the newer synthetic materials that are used for skimboards.

This can be a bit of a challenge when you’re starting out and are still getting used to the way that a skimboard works.

However, with a bit of practice, you will soon be able to overcome this disadvantage and start enjoying the benefits that wooden boards have to offer.

They can warp over time when left in the water or sun too long

Wooden skimboards can warp over time when left in the water or sun too long. This is because wood is a natural material and it can be affected by the elements.

However, this is only a problem if you leave your board in the water or sun for an extended period of time.

If you take care of your board and store it in a dry place when you’re not using it, then it won’t warp and you won’t have any problems.

Overall, wooden skimboards are a great choice for people who want a durable and environmentally friendly board that is easy to control and ride on the waves.

They don’t work well with certain types of sand

Especially sand that has small grains because it causes friction between the board and sand.

This can cause the board to slow down or even stop.

However, this is only a problem if you’re skimboarding in a place that has sand that has small grains.

If you’re in a place that has sand with bigger grains, then you won’t have any problems.

Wood is not great for rough waves

Although wood has a great natural buoyancy, it doesn’t float as well as other materials like foam or plastic do.

This means that it’s not the best material for skimboarding in rough waves.

However, if you’re looking for a board that is good for riding small to medium waves, then a wooden skimboard is a great choice.

The price point is higher than many other types of boards

It’s both a pro and a con, the pricepoint of wooden boards.

That’s because it’s somewhere in the middle between the cheapest kinds of boards made from synthetics (which I don’t really recommend, not even for beginners) and more expensive carbon fiber skimboards.

How much does a wooden skimboard cost?

The pricepoint of wooden skimboards can vary depending on the size, type of wood, and other features of the board.

However, most wooden skimboards cost somewhere between $50 and $200.

This is a fraction of the price of some of the newer carbon materials that are used for skimboards.

So, if you’re looking for a durable and environmentally friendly board that is easy to control and ride on the waves, then a wooden skimboard is a great choice.

What kind of wood is used for skimboards?

Wooden skimboards can be made from a variety of different types of wood.

The most popular types of wood that are used for skimboards are maple, birch, and bamboo.

However, there are also some boards that are made from cedar, oak, or pine.

Each type of wood has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Is maple a good wood for skimboards?

Maple is a strong and durable wood that is good for riders who want a board that is easy to control.

Is birch a good wood for skimboards?

Birch is a light wood that is good for beginner riders who want a board that is easy to lift and move around.

Is bamboo a good wood for skimboards?

Bamboo is a strong and environmentally friendly wood that is good for riders who want a board that is durable and easy to control.

Is cedar a good wood for skimboards?

Cedar is a lightweight wood that is good for riders who want a board that is easy to carry around.

Is oak a good wood for skimboards?

Oak is a strong and heavy wood that is good for riders who want a board that is durable and easy to control.

Is pine a good wood for skimboards?

Pine is a lightweight wood that is good for riders who want a board that is easy to carry around.

So, wooden skimboards can be made from a variety of different types of wood, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Choose the type of wood that best suits your needs and riding style.

Can a wood skimboard ride waves?

Yes, a wood skimboard can ride waves. However, it is not the best material for skimboarding in rough waves.

If you’re looking for a board that is good for riding small to medium waves, then a wooden skimboard is a great choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wooden skimboards have many advantages over other types of boards.

They are durable, environmentally friendly, and easy to control and ride on the waves.

They can also be bought for a reasonable price, which makes them a great choice for people who are on a budget.

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.