Bodyboarding and Skimboarding are two popular water sports that share some similarities but also have some key differences.
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between Bodyboarding and Skimboarding
Board Design
The most apparent difference between bodyboarding and Skimboarding is the type of board used.
Bodyboards are typically made of foam and are designed to be ridden lying down or on the knees.
Skimboards, conversely, are made of wood, fibreglass or carbon and are designed to be thrown onto the water’s surface and ridden across shallow water.
Skimboards have a flatter shape than Bodyboards, with a pointed nose and a rounded tail.
Riding Style
Bodyboarding and Skimboarding have different riding styles.
Bodyboarders ride waves lying down or on their knees, with Fins on their feet propelling them through the water.
On the other hand, skimboarders run onto the wet sand and throw their board onto the water’s surface. They then jump onto the board and ride it across the shallow water. Finally, some Skimboarders ride out into the waves.
Wave Selection
Skimboarding typically occurs in shallow water, either in the shore break or along the edge of a receding wave.
On the other hand, Bodyboarding can be done in a wider range of conditions and locations, from small shore breaks to giant waves at offshore reefs.
Skill Level
Both Bodyboarding and Skimboarding require practice and skill to master, but they are different skill sets.
Bodyboarding requires more focus on manoeuvring the board with the body, while Skimboarding requires more focus on timing and positioning to maintain balance.
Should I Choose Bodyboarding Or Skimboarding?
Bodyboarding and Skimboarding are different water sports with different boards, riding styles, wave selection, and skill sets.
While both are fun and rewarding, they offer unique experiences and challenges, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skill level.
There are several reasons why someone might choose bodyboarding over Skimboarding. For one, Bodyboarding can be done in a wider range of conditions and locations, as it is not limited to shallow water like Skimboarding.
Additionally, Bodyboarding allows for a wider range of manoeuvres and tricks, which some people find more exciting and challenging than the riding style of Skimboarding.
Skimboarding can be done even if you can’t swim. However, Bodyboarding requires one to be a moderate to strong swimmer because of waves and currents.
Ultimately, the choice between Bodyboarding and Skimboarding comes down to personal preference and what type of experience and challenges one looks for in a water sport. However, there’s no reason why you cannot do both sports.