Skim Lessons

Skimboarding can be done year round along the shores of South Florida, and it is the quickest way onto a board: you start on dry sand, drop the board at the water line, and ride the thin wash of a receding wave. Our skim instructors are seasoned professionals who compete regularly, stay current with the latest tricks and maneuvers, and teach every level from a first drop to wrapping a shorebreak wave. Skimboarding lessons are available 7 days a week.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Learn skimboarding with a private one-on-one lesson. Hands-on training with a professional instructor makes sure you have the fundamentals down: reading the wash, the run, the drop, and riding with control.

Most lessons are organized in two parts. You start on the beach with your instructor covering the basics of skimboarding, ocean safety, and how to get on your board. Once the instructor is confident in your abilities, you hit the shoreline and start practicing.

If you are an experienced skimboarder and just looking for tips and tricks to improve your riding, we skip the ground school and get started right away. All lessons are tailored specifically for the student, with a focus on making the experience enjoyable both in and out of the water.

Lesson Time: 1.5 hours
Number of Students: 1
Price: $75

GROUP LESSONS

The more the merrier. If your group is planning a fun excursion, this package is perfect for you. Get big discounts in groups of 6 or more. Popular for birthday parties, corporate team building, bachelor and bachelorette parties, school field trips, graduation parties, and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Planning a bigger event? See our private parties and group events page.

Lesson Time: 1 hour

2 Students: $65 per student

3 - 6 Students: $55 per student

7 - 12 Students: $45 per student

13 - 24 Students: $35 per student

Call 954-427-4929 to reserve your group skim session.

WHERE WE TEACH SKIMBOARDING

Lessons are usually held on Deerfield Beach on the north side of the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, where a shallow sandbar creates a long skim line at the water's edge. On request, an instructor may be able to meet you at your hotel or another South Florida beach near our Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or Pompano Beach shops. See all four shops on our store locations page.

KEEP RIDING AFTER YOUR LESSON

Skimboards rent for $10 per hour, $30 for 24 hours, or $60 for the week, so you can keep practicing the same week you learn. See the full board rental rates, or shop the Zap skimboards we stock in store when you are ready for your own. Riding something you have outgrown? You can sell or consign it with us and put the credit toward the next one.

Want to try another board sport? We also teach surf lessons, stand up paddleboard lessons, and skate lessons, and we run a free surf and paddle program every Saturday morning. See everything on the lessons hub.

SKIM LESSON FAQ

What is the minimum age for skim lessons?

Five years old is our recommended starting age. Skimboarding happens in ankle-deep to knee-deep water right at the shoreline, so young beginners are never far from the sand or from their instructor.

How long does it take to learn basic skimboarding?

Most students are dropping the board and riding short glides within their first 90-minute lesson. Linking a run out to a wave and turning back to shore usually takes a few sessions of practice, which is why many students book a private lesson first and then keep practicing on a rental board.

Where will the skim lessons be held?

Lessons are usually held on Deerfield Beach on the north side of the pier, where the sandbar creates a long, shallow skim line. On request, an instructor may be able to hold the lesson at your hotel or another South Florida beach.

How long is a skim lesson?

A private lesson runs 1.5 hours and a group lesson runs 1 hour. Time is split between beach instruction, board handling and ocean safety, and riding at the water line.

Do I need my own skimboard?

No. We provide the board for your lesson. If you want to keep practicing after the lesson, skimboards rent for $10 per hour, $30 for 24 hours, or $60 for a week, and we stock Zap skimboards in the shop.

What should I bring to a skim lesson?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a rash guard or extra t-shirt, and a camera. Skimboarding is a shoreline sport, so you will be running on wet sand in shallow water.

Can you surf a wave on a skimboard?

Yes. Once you can run, drop, and ride confidently, the next step is skimming out to meet a small shorebreak wave and riding it back to the beach. Our instructors compete regularly and teach that progression once your fundamentals are solid.

Is it customary to tip the instructor?

Tips are never required. If your instructor made the session for you, anywhere from 10% to 20% is a kind gesture and always welcome.

Still have questions?

Email [email protected] or call 954-427-4929.

Lessons are provided by Island Surf & Sport, Inc.