AT DECATHLON, WE MAKE SKIMBOARD PRODUCTS FOR EVERY PERSON AND EVERY LEVEL: BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE OR ADVANCED.
- Beginner: Can ride their board straight over a thin layer of water.
- Intermediate: Can ride their board at speed and do some tricks on the flat or in the foam: 360, varial, etc.
- Advanced: Can ride their board at speed to the waves and do tricks and/or surf back to the beach.
CONDITIONS OF USE
This bodyboard is designed for figures on flat water and to learn to glide as far as the waves: For beginners to intermediate users.
Avoid very windy conditions.
Keep clear of pebbles or rocks on the beach.
USAGE PRECAUTIONS.
Please note that falls are common when skimboarding. Warm up your wrists and ankles before you start. Wax the deck of the board to avoid slipping.
Throw the board in a flat, open area (watch out for swimmers).
DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT
134 cm x 51 cm x 3.5 cm / 2.3 kg
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SKIMBOARD
This skimboard is designed for intermediate users between 1.6m and 1.8m tall, and weighing between 55 kg and 75 kg. Thanks to its foam / stiffener / fibreglass construction, this skimboard offers an optimal glide for learning in all types of conditions.
We recommend the 900 skimboard for a longer ride.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (ON FLAT WATER - Beginners).
PART 1.
1) Throw: Practise throwing your board as straight as possible on a thin film of water.
2) Run: Start running with the board in your hand, throw your board and then sprint to jump on it. Your last steps should be as fast as possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (ON FLAT WATER - Beginners).
PART 2.
3) Jump: Jump on your board as gently as possible. Your feet should be in line with the centre of the board. These pointers should help you have the best ride possible.
4) Ride: Keep your knees bent to lower your centre of gravity, which will keep you more stable for a longer ride.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (WAVE PROGRAMME - Intermediate users).
1- Choose your spot
Look for the beach with the best conditions.
It is advisable to have a good slope of sand, and waves that dig and break at the shoreline. The closer the wave breaks to the edge, the less speed you will need to reach it, so it will be easier to ride it back. The tide can affect the conditions' quality, so watch out for that.
Avoid pebble/rock beaches, as they are dangerous for you and for the board.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (WAVE PROGRAMME - Intermediate users). 2- The start
Before you set off on the wave of your choice, it is essential to observe how it behaves.
Timing is key in the practice of skimboarding: It is a question of defining the right moment to launch yourself in order to reach the wave and turn on it at the right time, right before it breaks.
Mentally anticipate each step: Run, throw, climb, glide and then turn on the wave.
When you're ready, follow these tips.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (WAVE PROGRAMME - Intermediate users). 3- "Quick" jump
The idea is to keep as much speed as possible when climbing onto the skimboard, with as few steps as possible.
To do so, practice in slow motion on dry sand: I walk, throw my board on the ground and, keeping my stride, I put one foot then the other on the skimboard.
Repeat the exercise until you are able to sprint. Running must be gradual so that your last steps are the quickest possible. This exercise is not an easy one but it will be very useful for the future.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (WAVE PROGRAMME - Intermediate users). 4- The ride
For a good glide, the ascent must be light and fluid with the feet well positioned on the central axis of the board.
Pick the right time to lay your board: the thinner the film of water, the easier it will be, and the more the skimboard will slide.
There are techniques to maintain speed as well as possible:
- Pumping: movement of the front foot, up and down, as if you were tapping in rhythm
- The "offset" which consists in positioning the board parallel to the wave during the gliding phase.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (WAVE PROGRAMME - Intermediate users). 5- The kick-off
When you get close to the wave, bend your knees well, and try to put your hand in the water on the side where you want to turn. This will allow you to bring the rail (edge of the board) into the water and thus engage your half turn on the wave.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE (WAVE PROGRAMME - Intermediate users). 6- The turn - roller - on a wave
It is the U-turn performed on the wave that allows you to come back to the shore.
Once the turn has begun, push on your legs, unclasping them (especially the back leg) and direct your gaze towards the beach.
As soon as your board points towards the beach, lower your centre of gravity to gain stability.
The turn will be easier to work if you arrive parallel to the wave. As soon as you master it, you'll be able to head out in front of the waves and enjoy yourself in maximum conditions!
