DIY: Skimboard

Intro: DIY: Skimboard

I saw a skimboard at a shop near the beach one day, and I thought, "You know I could make something like that!" Guess what I did, I came home, found some wood, and started hauling away at making a skimboard.

This skimboard isn't too hard to make, and the cost is relatively low. Give it a nice paint job and clear coat, and then you've got a stunning piece of functional art. This method can be used for other applications also such as skateboards.

The way we glue the boards together and add weight in the center creates a concave in the board. It is sanded completely and then finished with art and a nice coating.

STEP 1: Supplies

The things you will need to make an amazingly awesome skimboard are:

• 2 1/4 inch Marine Plywood Boards (I used regular plywood because I had it, Marine ply would be the best though)
• A Jig Saw
• Titebond 3 Wood Glue
• Paint Spreader
• Polyurethane
• Wax
• A Few Grits of Sandpaper (I used 40, 100, 120, 220, 400, 600, and 1500)
• A Few Clamps (Around 12)
• A Roll of Duct tape or Masking Tape
• Paint

And don't forget WEAR YO' SAFETY GOGGLES!

STEP 2: Gluing

Spread your glue evenly across one of the boards with the paint spreader. Press the other board to it and then clamp it up. Add a weight in the center of the boards, to create a nice concave. The way I had my clamps set up I could just add the weight on, you will most likely need to put something under each end to suspend the board in the air, and then place a weight in the center.

STEP 3: Layout

Once you've let the board dry for 24 hours, it should have a nice concave. It doesn't need a huge concave, but you will definitely want one. Draw out whatever shape you want the board to be on one side of the board. I freehanded the shape to give it a nice natural vibe.

STEP 4: Cut Out the Shape

Get the jigsaw out and cut out the shape that you drew. Make sure that the jigsaw is flat to the board. If you don't, you will get this uneven, oddly beveled edge.

STEP 5: Sanding

Once the shape is cut out, remove the marks you made from the board. You can remove it with some coarse grit sandpaper. Now, take the 40 grit sandpaper and smooth out the edges. Work your way up the grits of sandpaper until you get to a very fine grit. Next, use a 100 grit sandpaper on both the front and back. Again work your way up the grits. You should now have a very smooth board.

STEP 6: Finish on Bottom

Take your polyurethane and put a few good layers on the bottom. You want to get it pretty thick, because it will be rubbing up against sand. Let it dry for required time.

STEP 7: Painting Top

Give your board a head-turning paint job. Really make it look nice, you'll be pleased with it in the end.

STEP 8: Finish on Top

Take your polyurethane and brush it on the top of the board. You will want to protect your awesome paint job. It doesn't need to be as thick as the bottom. For it won't be rubbing up against the sand. Just give it a few clean coats.

STEP 9: Waxing Bottom

Give the bottom of your board a waxing, I would recommend surfing wax, but I just used some old wax stuff I had kicking around.

STEP 10: Take the New Board Out for a Spin

You have now created a stunning skimboard. It is now time to pack up and hit the beach. Give your new board a test drive. Show it off in the glistening sun. You are now done. Hope you like it!

Comments

[iarnon]

sick board, but just wondering what wax does for the bottom of the board

[SamU8]

Also doesn't the board have to be slightly bent at the nose for it to slide well?

If so when should I do that process?

[hcd774218]

norm you would put the front in water over night after cutting it out and then bend it to get a curve

[SamU8]

Can you please let me know how much Titebond glue I need and how much Polyurethane and paint I need because I dont want to buy too little / too much.

Thanks For The Help

[Me2free]

I love skimboarding and wanted to know how much does it weigh?

[Kiteman]

Now we need a "How to Skimboard" instructable!

[rowerwet]

it really isn't hard, 1. find a flatish beach where the waves are breaking. you are looking for a place where they take some time to recede back into the surf.

2 find a spot where the water is about an inch or so deep, heavier people need less water as you are "surfing" on the water compressed between the beach and the board, deeper water will just let you bog down and stop, thinner will be compressed and keep you going

3. run forward, throw the board down onto the water (this takes some pratice, as the board must be gliding straight, you will find it takes just the right angle hitting the water to give a good glide, kind of like the way a rock can be skipped across the water when thrown correctly)

4. still running, hop onto the board, (this takes the same kind of skill that hopping onto a moving skateboard does) propper foot placement is key, along with balance.

5. ride the board, skateboarders and probably snowboarders will have the advantage here, you ride just like you skate board, one foot forward facing forward, and the other sideways toward the back. the forward foot keeps you balanced front to back, the back foot tilts the board for steering. Ride across the wave and toward deeper water as the wave recedes.

Be aware- you will need to be able to hop off at any moment, much like a skateboard hitting a rock, the board will stop and you will do a faceplant unless you are ready to leap and run to a stop, same thing if the board goes off to the side. (the reason you soo more little kids doing this than adults) expect bruises on your feet and body while learing.

[Kiteman]

I see five steps there - looks like your next instructable!

[BenjiDaa]

Yes, that would be good!

[Kiteman]

(I meant from you!)

[TrollFaceTheMan]

Nice :)

[Jack Moran]

I used to have one of these, snapped it. Now too get out that plywood.......

[XaqFixx]

These are so much fun, I used to ride one in my early teens out on the outer banks.

[mhoogerwerf]

Surfwax is used on top of a surfboard to give grip , putting surfwax on The downside of a board Will slow you down

[BenjiDaa]

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said surf wax. I'll be more broad. Wax. In order to glide on the sand better, you need to wax the bottom of your board.

[The_Epic_Juan]

I love it now if only I'm I knew how to skim board?

[bergerab]

Looks great! A year or two ago I tried to make a skimboard out of fiberglass/carbon fiber, maybe you can have a follow up instructable on that? But anyway, great work!

[BenjiDaa]

Thanks! I'm not too familiar working with fiberglass/carbon fiber though.