Are carbon fiber skimboards good?
So why choose carbon fiber? This material is extremely light weight, stiff, and incredibly strong which creates a skimboard that is super responsive and incredibly high performance, and not to mention lasts longer than just about any skimboard we (or anyone) make. Cons: Once the ultimate strength is exceeded, carbon fiber will fail suddenly and catastrophically. Carbon fiber materials are significantly more expensive than traditional materials. Working with carbon fiber requires a high skill level and specialized tooling to produce high-quality structural materials.Because carbon fibre is relatively new to the market, research is ongoing to cut the costs of its production – unlike many metals and plastics, which utilise a production refined over decades and even centuries. The manufacturing process is lengthy and complex, requiring skilled engineers to complete.High-modulus and ultra-high-modulus fibers are the most expensive types of carbon fiber. Mesophase pitch precursor material significantly increases production costs. The manufacturing process includes extreme heat treatment (graphitization) up to 3000°C.As you can see, carbon fiber offers a lot more advantages over glass fiber products. It is lighter, stronger, and safer while offering a higher aesthetic value too. The main problem many encounter is the differences in cost. However, the durability and performance of carbon fiber panels often allay material costs.
What is the best material for a skimboard?
Epoxy Glass Fibre or Carbon Fibre Skimboards Both these types of construction are the real deal for serious skimboarders. They’re lighter, float better, and have a rocker (upward curve) for efficient turning and carving. These boards are thicker with a larger surface area, perfect for catching waves further out. Foam skimboards are playful, have high buoyancy and are perfect for kids and recreational use. Given their flexibility and water flotation, they are the preferred choice of those skimmers that want to ride the waves in the sea. Wooden skimboards are heavier than foam skimboards and suitable for flatland skimming.Wooden boards are more suitable for flatland (also inland) skimming. Because they are heavier (have low buoyancy), wooden skimboards also sink quicker, therefore, it is better to use them in shallow waters.The ideal water depth is anywhere from just a few millimetres to 10 centimetres, as the aquaplaning effect doesn’t last long enough in deeper water. Skimboards are small and handy and can therefore be taken everywhere.
Is skimboarding safer than surfing?
How Dangerous is Skimboarding? You are unlikely to drown while skimboarding as you are in very shallow water. Due to falls and landing you are more likely to bruise or have musculoskeletal injuries than surfing. This is due to the acrobatics and falls that skimmers perform. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to go skimboarding. During these periods, the wind is usually lighter, which is important as it helps keep the water surface calm and ideal for skimboarding. Moreover, the temperature is more comfortable than the midday heat, especially in the summer.Typically, the best time for skimboarding is usually around low tide. In this case, the water should be shallow enough to allow the board to glide across the surface, but not so deep that it becomes hard to control your skim board.Skimboards are built to take a beating. They must be if their intended use is slamming into the pounding surf and riding the waves into the shore. If you hit the beach a few times a week, one board can last over a year. If you wait longer between skim sessions, it can last much longer.
Should I wax a skimboard?
Most surfaces are smooth and must be made ‘grippy’ with wax. So there’s no chance of slipping if a foot lands on a smooth part of your Skimboard, and EVA coated boards can be made extra-grippy with some wax. Most skimboarders prefer to use a combination of wax and traction pads to help stay on their skimboard.Wax is often used to help you stick to your skimboard while flatland or wave skimming. There are specific techniques for waxing a skimboard so that it sticks to your board, and so do you. The surface of a skimboard is slippery, which is great for the side in contact with the water but not good for under your feet.Epoxy Glass Fibre or Carbon Fibre Skimboards Both these types of construction are the real deal for serious skimboarders. They’re lighter, float better, and have a rocker (upward curve) for efficient turning and carving. These boards are thicker with a larger surface area, perfect for catching waves further out.