by bradsaxe » Thu Sep 13, 2012 10:05 am
SKIM FOR ALL TYPES OF WIND! The myth that skims are only for light wind is just that, a myth. Some of my best sessions have been on a skim and an 8m.
Here are the facts:
1) skims are relatively cheap when compared to other boards
2) skims make you a better rider since they are like kiting on a banana peel. They also make you a better kite flier.
3) skim tricks are rad and way harder than boosting on any other type of board. You may not be recognized as being rad because many people do not appreciate the degree of difficulty of moves that do not involve getting higher than 3 ft off the water but who cares.
4) Skims in the waves may be the coolest feeling ever (ok that maybe is an opinion but it's my opinion so to me it's a fact).
5) Skims will allow you to ride in breezes that may not normally allow you to plane on your skim but that is not their purpose in life.
I could go on and on. Just get one, hell get two I have two and I would like another. Skims are all different shapes for all different conditions. I ride Victorias (Ultra and Factor) but Zaps are good, Roush also good (but maybe harder to get),there are many more.
Depends on your weight but something in the 52-54" range for length and 20-21" range for width should be good. The wider the board the more flatwater appropriate but also a touch more slippery in my experience. There is also the characteristic of rocker to consider as well. Oh yeah and NO FINS!