Skimboard construction and materials
Gone are the days when round pieces of wood were used as skimboards. Modern skimboards use some of the most advanced materials and construction methods available. Technology adapted from aerospace industry results in a high performance board built to take the extreme forces involved in riding shorebreak
waves.
Here are the most common materials used to make a skimboard:
E-Glass is the most common fibre reinforcement used in the composites world. It is popular because it offers very good performance for how much it costs. It is not as strong or stiff as the higher priced Sglass and Carbon, but is still a high quality material. All beginner,
intermediate and some top end skimboards use this type of fibreglass
S-Glass stands for structural fiberglass. It is 30% stronger than regular fiberglass and about 15% stiffer. It also costs more than twice as much! But when you are buying a high end board it is important to pay a little extra for the things that will make it last. S-glass makes the
board significantly stronger than a regular fiberglass board and a little bit stiffer too.
Used in high end skimboards.
Carbon Fibre is about twice as strong and twice as stiff as regular fiberglass. This is exactly the same material that they build Formula 1 cars from! Carbon fibre results in a board that is very strong and also very stiff. Used in high end skimboards.
Polyester Resin is the most common resin used in skimboard construction. It is also used in the construction of surfboards. Used in all Zap and Victoria boards.
Epoxy Resin is used in high end skimboard construction. It is more expensive than regular polyester resin and the physical properties are much better. It is used in all Exile skimboards, and is available as an option on the Victoria Poly Vac boards.
Related info:
Choosing a skimboard
What is skimboarding?
Skimboard Quote
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The information on this page has been adapted from the Exile Skimboards website.
Used with permission
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