Skimboarding (also known as skimming) is a sport which involves hydroplaning on a thin layer of ocean water. Skimboards are smaller and thinner than traditional surfboards because they do not require as much buoyancy.

Straight outta Laguna Beach comes skimboarding, the sport of riding a small board over shallow water at the shoreline. To ride the board, skimboarders throw it on the ground and climb on while running next to it. They can either ride across a shallow film of water left on the sand, or glide out towards a wave and bank off it.

To ride a teardrop shaped board over shallow water, sometimes into oncoming waves.

There are no written or standardized rules for skimboarding, except those created specifically for individual competitions. There are however, certain restrictions on where skimboarders can ride on the beach.

Skimboarding began in the 1920s in Laguna Beach, CA, with lifeguards who would skim across the sand on boards made of plywood. The sport spread to beaches around the world in the first half of the 20th century. By the 1970s, the shape of boards evolved from circular to a surfboard-like shape, and the materials used to make them shifted from plywood to fiberglass. This shift was orchestrated by Tex Haines who started Victoria, the first skimboard manufacturer. Skimboarding has continued to grow as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. The Victoria Skimboards World Championship of Skimboarding is held annually in Laguna Beach, where participants compete in many different age and skill divisions.

Skimboard

Skimboarding can be a dangerous sport, and can be the cause of a variety of minor injuries. These can range from broken bones, skin lacerations and twisted ankles. Practice and experience can decrease the chance of injury, but can't prevent it.

Experience on a surfboard or skateboard is helpful in learning balance and board control.

Skimboard - teardrop shaped, fiberglass board used for riding shallow water

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skimboarding