Skimboarding

Seeing as I posted on a surfing related topic, it's only fair that as my first ocean-related sport was skimboarding, I should post on it as well. Skimboarding for many may be the precursor to surfing as it requires less equipment and is generally less expensive. It is also easier to learn, at least I found it so, up to a certain level where the skill level makes a huge leap. Skimboarding is to surfing what skateboarding is to snowboarding. Like with skateboarding you are the one that initiates movement rather requiring a slope to slide down, and in the same fashion you are free to move the board around under your feet, do ollies, grind pipes, etc. At the same time, for those who feel the pull of waves, skimboards can be ridden out into the surf, banked off the waves there, and then surfed in a similar fashion to surfing. The downside is that you are limited to beach break, and require a sandy beach to start from. In its defense, skimboards are versatile and can be used in a variety of environments; in waves, on sany beaches, shallow riverbanks, large puddles and even slip and slides...! If you're at all interested in the sport you'll find the following links useful.

http://www.skimcity.com/
http://www.skimonline.com/
http://www.sgcity.org/recreation/skimboarding/video.php - a video of inland skimboarding