Skimboards

Zap Skimboards, In Stock and Ready to Ride

Island Water Sports has been part of the South Florida surf scene since 1978, and skimboarding is one of the few things you can do here on almost any day of the year. When the surf goes flat, the shorebreak still works. We stock Zap Skimboards, handmade in Florida since 1983, in lengths from 35in up to 54in and prices from $179 to $415.

Every board on this page is available for in-store pickup. Come in and we will size you on the spot, or call 954-427-4929 and we will work it out before you drive over.

How to Size a Skimboard

Stand the board on its tail next to you. For riding waves, the nose should reach somewhere between the middle of your chest and your chin. A board that lands below the middle of your stomach is too small, no matter how experienced you are.

• Sand sliding only: you can size down. A shorter board is easier to drop and spin on wet sand.
• Riding waves: stay in the recommended range. Length is what carries you across the flats and out to the break.
• Bigger waves, smaller board. Smaller waves, bigger board. Extra length keeps you moving when the shorebreak is soft, which is most days in Broward County.
• Heavier riders, and kids who are growing fast: size to the top of the range.

Size Guide for the Boards We Stock

Manufacturer rider ranges for every Zap model on this page. Weight figures are suggested limits, not hard cutoffs.

• Mini Lazer, 35in (3/8in core): riders 3ft9in to 4ft7in, up to 75 lbs. $179. The first real board for a small kid.
• Lazer, 40in (3/8in core): riders 4ft2in to 5ft0in, up to 95 lbs. $199. Built for sand sliding, light and easy to throw.
• Core V2, 40in / 45in / 49in (1/2in to 5/8in core): riders 4ft2in to 5ft9in, 95 lbs to 170 lbs. $199 to $249. The entry point for riders who want to progress into waves.
• Wedge, 45in / 49in (1/2in to 5/8in core): riders 4ft7in to 5ft9in, 140 lbs to 170 lbs. $239 to $309. Zap's long-running beginner shape and the one we put most new riders on.
• Wedge with Airbrush Art, 49in (5/8in core): riders 4ft11in to 5ft9in, up to 170 lbs. $345. Same shape, custom airbrushed graphic.
• Ace V2, 54in (3/4in core): riders 5ft4in to 6ft2in, up to 220 lbs. $399. A step up in performance for riders committing to rail turns.
• Pro, 52in / 54in (3/4in core): riders 5ft2in to 6ft2in, 200 lbs to 220 lbs. $415. Zap's proven shape for experienced riders.

Which Board Should You Start On?

If you are buying for a child under about 95 lbs, the Mini Lazer or the Lazer is the honest answer. If you are an adult who has never skimmed, the Wedge in 45in or 49in is the board we recommend most often, because it is forgiving on the drop and still has enough length to reach the shorebreak once your timing improves. Riders who already ride waves consistently and want more response should look at the Ace V2 or the Pro.

Not sure yet? Book a session on our skim lessons page and try it before you commit to a board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size skimboard do I need?

Stand the board on end next to you. For riding waves, the nose should reach between the middle of your chest and your chin. If you only plan to slide on wet sand, you can go shorter. Never go below the middle of your stomach. Rider height and weight ranges for every board we stock are listed in the size guide above.

Are skimboards good for beginners?

Yes. Start on flat, wet sand and learn the run, the drop, and the ride out before you go anywhere near a wave. Most people get the basic sand slide in a session or two. The Wedge, Core V2 and Lazer are the models we point beginners toward.

Do you offer skimboard lessons?

Yes. We run skim lessons in South Florida for beginners and for riders who want to move from sand sliding into the shorebreak. Details and booking are on our skim lessons page.

Can I pick up a skimboard in store?

Yes, and that is the only way we sell boards. Skimboards are in-store pickup only at Island Water Sports, which means you can look at the board, stand it up against yourself, and leave with the right size the same day. Call 954-427-4929 to check stock before you come in.

Do I need wax or traction on a skimboard?

Grip matters more on a skimboard than on a surfboard, because you are landing on it at speed. Most riders run a traction pad, wax, or both. We carry skimboard traction pads in store and can set your board up before you leave.

When is the best time to skimboard in South Florida?

Skimboarding works on days that are useless for surfing, which is most of the summer here. A small, punchy shorebreak on a low, dropping tide is close to ideal. That is why it is a good second board to keep in the car year round.