How to make a skimboard

Skimboarding
Skimboarding: there's nothing like riding our custom shaped skimboard | Photo: John Lemieux

Professional skimboards are works of art, science, and design. But you don't necessarily need a high-end skimboard to shred and have fun. Let's learn how to shape a skimboard.

The good news is that producing your own skimboard isn't expensive. With a couple of phone calls, you will get all tools and equipment you need to cut the leaf and ride it.

If you want to shape a skimboard, start by doing it with wood materials.

They're easy to cut, sand, glue, and paint. A wood plank is also relatively cheap, especially if you visit a large do-it-yourself store.

Tools and Materials

So, what do you need to make your first skimboard?

  • Two 1/4-inch, 52'' x 20'' marine plywood boards;
  • Jigsaw;
  • Duct tape;
  • Waterproof wood glue;
  • Varnish spreader;
  • Assorted sandpaper;
  • Clamps;
  • Polyurethane varnish or fiberglass resin;
  • Paint or permanent marker;

Marine plywood: resistant and durable

Shaping a Skimboard

Now that you've gathered all gear and materials, let's learn how to shape a skimboard:

  1. Spread glue on one side of a marine plywood board;
  2. Get the two boards together;
  3. Clamp the board up tight;
  4. Put a weight in the center of the glued board to create a slight concave curve;
  5. Let the glued board dry for 24 hours;
  6. Draw the desired template;
  7. Use the jigsaw to cut the skimboard shape;
  8. Sand the edges and smooth out both sides of the board;
  9. Apply four layers of varnish/resin on the bottom;
  10. Custom paint your skimboard;
  11. Apply two layers of varnish/resin on the top;
  12. Let it dry for 24 hours;

Unsure about the size of your plank? Explore our skimboard size chart. Need a new board? Learn how to buy a skimboard.