Skimboarding and wakesurfing are two great sports that can provide hours of enjoyment.
But what are the key differences between the two? And which one is right for you?
Let’s explore the differences between skimboarding and wakesurfing to help you make the right decision for you!
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Skimboarding vs wakesurfing
So, what are the key differences between skimboarding and wakesurfing?
Skimboarding and wakesurfing are two sports that have a lot in common, but they differ in many ways.
Skimboarding is done on a flat surface like sand or water; wakesurfing is done on the side of a wave where you’re dragged behind a boat that creates the waves.
- Skimboards can be ridden by any age group, while you need to be at least 16 years old to waterski or wakesurf
- Skimboarding is a great sport for people who want to get up and ride quickly; wakesurfing is a great sport for those who want to stay on the board for a longer period of time, out in the ocean
- It’s a bit harder to get into wakesurfing because for one, you need access to a boat which can make it much more expensive to do
- And the areas where you’ll be able to do it will be harder to find, unless you have your own boat, and even then you need to find baeches where it is allowed
- Skimboarding is more versatile than wakesurfing. Because skimboarding doesn’t rely on a boat to create waves, it can be done almost anywhere. You don’t even need a beach to skimboard!
- You can practice skimboarding anywhere from your pool, a lake or river nearby or you can even try skimboarding on carpet
- Skimboarding can easily be built up from beginner to advanced when starting to skim flat waters to big waves
- You don’t need any additional gear whatsoever when skimboarding, just carry your board to where you want to skim and you’re ready to go
Skimboarders use a small board to ride on the surface of the water, while wakesurfers use a much larger board to ride the waves created by a moving boat.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, wakesurfing is your sport. You’ll be dodging waves and riding the boards at high speeds. Skimboarding, on the other hand, is a bit more relaxing. You’ll be cruising on the waves and enjoying the ride.
Is wakesurfing more difficult than skimboarding?
That’s a tough question to answer!
Skimboarding is a great sport for people of all ages and it’s relatively easy to learn. Wakesurfing, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to learn and you need access to a boat.
But once you’ve learned how to wakesurf, you’ll be able to ride the waves for hours on end!
Wakesurfing though, not only requires YOU to hone your skills and get better and better at it. It also requires a good driver to take care of the boat, that’s a skill as well.
How long does it take to learn to wakesurf?
It depends on your skill level and how often you practice. Most people can learn to catch a wave within two hours. But if you’re having trouble after two months, then there’s definitely something wrong with your technique!
How long does it take to learn to skimboard?
Skimboarding can be quite the steap learning curve as you’ll fall a lot. And falling can hurt, because you’re in shallow water and will fall on the sand below.
But you should be able to stand on the board and skim out into a wave after an hour or two with the right skimboard traction pads or surf wax on the surface of the board.
Pros and cons of each sport
So, which is the better sport?
Well, that honestly depends on what you’re looking for. Skimboarding is great because it’s easy to learn and can be done by people of all ages.
Wakesurfing is more difficult to learn, but the satisfaction you get from riding wave after wave for hours on end is unmatched.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference!
Conclusion
Skimboarding is a great sport for people of all ages and it’s relatively easy to learn. Wakesurfing, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to learn and you need access to a boat.
But once you’ve learned how to wakesurf, you’ll be able to ride the waves for hours on end!
It is much easier to get in the practice hours needed with skimboarding though, as you’ll be able to do it anywhere.
Also read: ready to start skimboarding with one of these top boards
