Editing Skimboarding (section)

==Skimboard characteristics==

[[File:Skimboard shapes evolution.gif|upright=2.5|thumb|Skimboard shapes.]]
Riders typically favor a board [[length]] which reaches about their mid-[[chest]] height when stood on end. Thickness of the board depends somewhat on the [[materials]] used in construction, but typically ranges from {{convert|3/8|to|1|in|cm||round=0.5|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The most common thicknesses are {{convert|5/8|to|3/4|in|cm||round=0.5|abbr=on|order=flip}}. A few high-flotation [[foam]] core boards and "soft" boards have been built with thicknesses in excess of {{convert|2|in|cm||round=0.5|abbr=on|order=flip}}. A {{convert|5/8|in|cm||round=0.5|abbr=on|order=flip}} board is capable of sharper turns while sacrificing a little speed. A {{convert|3/4|in|cm||round=0.5|abbr=on|order=flip}} board will be able to glide out farther, but turns slightly slower.

Most skimboards will have some nose lift, or rocker. There are three types of rockers generally used for skimboards. There is a constant rocker, which means that the board has a constant curve from nose to tail. Constant rockers are known for better control on bigger waves and steeper slopes.  Another type of rocker and the most commonly used is a hybrid rocker. This means that the board has a curve on the bottom through about three quarters of the board's length, the rest (meaning the flat part) is usually the tail. This type of rocker is good for both speed and control on decent size waves; also the best type of board for flatland tricks. Last of all, a traditional rocker means that the board is almost completely flat except for the nose. A traditional rocker is typically used for east coast conditions where the waves are far out.
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