How NOT to Skimboard: Advice for Beginners from Blair Conklin

[@zrwasp9766]

Skim boarding is such a great sport and it’s so underrated

[@JACOBLEE-hj4jn]

facts

[@princelumpypackmule1101]

Good, less wait times

[@AriGoldFishing9136]

probably because almost all people don’t have access to waves

[@charlesmartin1121]

Back in the day when my cousins were the only ones around skimboarding, I have to confess I didn't see the point. Then I saw Blair at the Wedge. And I understood.

[@Cade222]

Why is the filler so close. Goood

[@oderiyaki]

I am a skimboarder in Korea. I've been skimboarding for around a year now :) You are my hero, my role model :)

[@aaron_jordaan]

The first day I went skimming I thought I lost my brand new exile dude cruise board but I found it shortly after I saw a lady svreaming"ow my shins"

[@sillxntsxurge8677]

lol

[@davstoops]

That would fall under (your fault ) because of rule no1: know where your board is at all times.

[@hayden6119]

@@davstoops no it's her fault for being in the way

[@nickd7057]

@@hayden6119 no

[@brad8710]

😂😂💀💀💀💀

[@MRNRD1958]

Nice to see you teaching the youngsters how to think and be aware of others not to injury them and be thoughtful Thanks Blair you a great skimboarder and a Champion Person

[@jessebott1879]

Not only youngsters. I’m 36 wasted my 20s, so I’m learning now. Just hope I don’t get to banged up. 😂

[@precipitate5164]

After flopping some waves yesterday I was stoked to see this popup hah. Still having a hard time with timing the rhythm of which wave to go after...have yet to see anyone online film a few sets coming in and really break them down, would be great to see something like this.

[@matthewsumpter8238]

13:00 Dude you actually walked onto your board and rode in a wave, thats gonna be a game changer when I'm learning to ride

[@Riggsfilms]

Ik lol

[@ynech]

Great video. Especially for beginners.

[@perfecttweet8531]

Wtf I see u everywhere

[@reialdavidson44]

Lol I’m a bigginer

[@gavinfoote_Music_Surf]

@@reialdavidson44 Me too

[@henrycollins3177]

Does anyone else just like hitting a wave and just flying ten feet in the air

[@dirrtydave]

so much fun

[@levistewart5610]

that’s all i can do right now and i live in colorado so going to the beach is only once or twice a year if any

[@ginlei1989]

Yes it is so fun

[@geencatty]

Lol I can skim board on a boogie board better than a skim board

[@matiasespina1490]

I do it when I get a bit tired. I’m in lucky I land close to my Baird and chill in the water for 5 mins

[@LeosNotFaking]

The 13:00 - 13:15 mark of the video was really eye opening for someone like me who is JUST getting into this really great video

[@androos4135]

im 15 and iv been skimboarding since i was 7 so about 8 years. only now i started to one step drop. All thanks to blair thanks man hope i get a blairacuda soon :)

[@tylerstewart1634]

Thanks for the tips, I just started skimboarding one month ago and it feels good to get tips from a pro

[@liamcampbell4485]

Ok

[@spelldeck]

Good tips about board awareness. Getting a hit in the legs really does bum your day out.

[@bepondi2822]

Hello, I am from Spain and I am starting with the skimboard I am 12 years old and thanks to you I am improving more and more, thanks for everything

[@charlesmartin1121]

Have you ever been skimming in such a strong onshore wind it blew your board back at you?

[@riley5032]

If that's happened to you kick some sand on the bottom of the board it helps

[@charlesmartin1121]

@@riley5032 Ok I will give it a try. Thanks.

[@alexanderbuck7849]

I did that today with strong wind and put some sand on the bottom. With this extra weight the board drops faster and stable on the ground. Try to put the sand balanced on your board...otherwise it catches rails.

[@charlesmartin1121]

@Erik Harper Not always an option on the east coast unfortunately.

[@charlesmartin1121]

@@alexanderbuck7849 It's a neat trick. Thanks.

[@Diffusion8]

Great advice, thanks Blair! I think all of us have done the 'stand tall to heavy fall' move 🤕 Love the sunscreen shout out! 🤣🤙🏼

[@GabrielaCt09]

Just bought my skimboard and trying it out tomorrow!! Super excited after watching some of your videos !! 🙌🏽

[@djpollo2474]

How'd it go one year later?

[@knellem]

I live on the west coast of Florida and when I skimboard I sink before I reach even the smallest of waves! Can you please make a vid teaching how NOT to sink when going for a wave?

[@brrr8904]

are u on a wood board?

[@markstevenson4030]

brrr thinking the same thing here. You need not just a Foam board, but also it need to be big man. Atleast over your nippels, but still below your shoulders

[@knellem]

Brr I have a nice medium wedge (foam core) and yes it is in my weight range

[@AI_Vania]

I'm also in WFL. You want to drop into fast moving water washing up the sand from a breaking wave. Most days we just don't have the wave quality to produce fast water and are left with slow 'dead' water which everybody will sink fast in. Don't get frustrated. Practice keeping speed on the drop and putting more weight on the front foot when gliding over water, so that when conditions are actually good and firing you get to shred more.

[@ambushdrift]

East coast FL guy here. Always try to “run” on to your board, aka translate all of your energy on to the board as parallel to the water as possible. This kind of entails you being light on your feet, but it will help you maintain speed.

[@Blochbuster88]

Hey Blair, great advice! can you do an episode on how to condition your body for skimboarding? - i.e. stretches, warm ups and exercises. That would be super helpful :)

[@watosmate8935]

Pulled a muscle in my thigh from skimboarding first thing in the morning

[@JACOBLEE-hj4jn]

Hey man i just wanted to say that I've learned a lot from you and you are a great teacher thanks for taking time to post these videos it really helps out a lot

[@KAEmmons]

these how-to videos are so incredibly helpful and fun - thank you guys sooo much!!

[@neiohcarbonilla8511]

I just skim alot this past few days, inspired by Blair (of course) and got held back by an injury.. I couldn't run fast enough to catch a wave. I hope i can get back, and recover fast (just sharing 🤙)

[@abbalos]

You definitely prevented my shins getting ruined. Still a few shinners here and there but usually ride all day with no issues!

[@alexanderbuck7849]

One of the missing tutorials in this serie. Now its done. 👍 Really helpful guide for beginners to avoid injuries. Keep up the good work on tutorials much appreciated. Greetings from south Spain. 🤙

[@3rdtripp868]

Great instruction for beginners. I'm a Dad who has a hard time with teaching my kids being that I skate, snowboard and skydive. It can be intimidating to listen to Dad when they think everything I do is hard and maybe slightly crazy. You make it easy to listen and learn via your videos. I've learned that instruction from other people actually works better. Keep it up! Being a beginner I am also learn how to teach by my actioms which I am learning from you and intuition. PEACE.

[@humanx2harryhall]

Dude so many common sense suggestions that I never even considered. Shinners are the absolute worst. It almost makes me sick to my stomach when a real hard shinner happens. Great video! I’m a snowboarder that just moved to Florida and want to start skim boarding/ wave riding. Honestly just be in the water as much as possible.

[@cesarknusmann7217]

Hi Blair ! Thanks to you I started the one step drop, and am getting up to some nice speed... Your videos are really helpfull! Now i have to find some waves to catch :)

[@ethomas2084]

I lost a toe nail skimboarding when I was younger. Picked up the board and it slipped out of my hand directly on the toe nail. This was a heavy wooden skimboard though. Not sure if they could happen with lighter boards

[@privateidiot4762]

Hey would you do a video on what beaches are good for skimboarding

[@Triggs-Music]

I’m watching this video with a bloody shin and scraped up foot and leg. These videos made skimboarding look easy.

[@flynnie7474]

You guys are awesome and super helpful. Im absolutely determined to master this sport incredibly drawn to this and just starting out over here on the east coast. Any tips you can give me are always appreciated. Love your content thank you

[@bestoftimes80s]

I have been skim boarding since ,I was 11. I went through zap skim boards to victorian skim boards. i am 50 and still occasionally drop in on a few.

[@djonny_official]

How is he catching the wave by just walking ? If I would walk that slow I would just sink in the whitewater 😅

[@xXJERBEAR69Xx]

I watched that part like 4 times it’s just magic is all I can say

[@loc9588]

I think it’s because he is using his pro model 😂

[@frogflower4026]

same with me, i think he has a skim board that floats better, but it cost $207.99

[@nathanjohnson7589]

Try it Not that difficult and I'm fat as hell.

[@loc9588]

Erik Harper it’s just pure speed that keeps you afloat on the deeper water

[@Giovanni6501]

Genuinely curious how you walked and still managed to glide pretty far, was it because of the slant on the beach?

[@mariolerayous6938]

@CollidedGeneration me too lol. I think California beaches were made for this😂

[@mariolerayous6938]

@Erik Harper are the waves good in Oregon? I know it’s in the pacific but I imagine it must get cold in the winter as well.

[@mariolerayous6938]

@Erik Harper oh ok. I live on the West side of Florida and there are only waves during storms or during hurricanes nearby or scenarios like that. We have super slanted beaches and small shore breaks. Most of the time its ripples. I live close to the east coast which is perfect for skimboarding.

[@dirtybird22222]

@@mariolerayous6938 Not all Cali beaches. Something about Orange County beaches that are just perfect for skimming.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

Man these boards are so different then what i used. I used self made boards, i could never grab waves with it, it didnt float that well as these. But the board was super fun on long stretched beaches. Man so much fun in those days

[@jessejamessimons483]

This video was very educational. You don't have to go fast to have a blast ‼️💯🏄

[@chriscorrente7174]

Blair your instruction is Rad!! The best of the best and so humble... Thank You!

[@SkidKids]

Thanks Chris! Hope it helps

[@benjowells5407]

Can you do a video covering some of Exiles boards and the difference between a floater and a sinker board type? I'm pretty sure my board's a sinker but I don't want to use that as an excuse for not being able to go far, unless it's true.

[@thisdinnerbeimmaculate6252]

Yo watched ur videos for 1 month now and tommorow imma biy a skim board and u gave me sooo many tips thanks🥰 #staysafe #blm keep up the good work

[@jonuran9750]

Thank s man I just busted my foot on my board hard out on the Oregon coast .its swollen and colorful and not fun but I’m getting better it’s a blast and it’s a good sport when your not brave enough to surf.

[@BeachBumsk8]

I haven’t tried skim yet but I do skate, so I am hoping that it will be seamless...🤙🏻 thanks B this rocks!!

[@lixid8444]

Much harder

[@yomama8588]

The equivalent of fast paced pool/bowl skating tbh

[@nathanwilkinson4614]

Stoked to have a video on my birthday. Great video man keep it up

[@calebhawkes4070]

I got a new skimboard a few days ago,this really helped

[@ambushdrift]

Great tips! Always remember to fall as flat possible too. Got any discount codes for Exile boards? Looking to upgrade from my carbon Zap.

[@SkidKids]

use discount code "blairsentme"

[@cedarburge4865]

Man bro I love your videos vibes!! Me an my friend are going Skid next week🤙🏻

[@pauloancarvalho]

Thank you! I just started, coming from a skateboarding background. Still with a wooden board!

[@john-jacklatteier9477]

15 seconds!!!!! Blair's the man

[@Riggsfilms]

Thanks so much great vid just got a proper exile board cannot wait to ride br9

[@swagmoneycash]

Thanks for the tips Blair! Sadly I live in Michigan so not many big waves, and when there are they are really far out or there are other waves in the way. Late congrats on 100k and you deserve to be at 10 million so keep up the good work and I’ll keep supporting you.

[@SARASARA_TARO]

Thank you for always a great video. Please tell us how to pumping. For example, in this video 13:04 , when you make a turn on the board as you walk slowly, it looks like you're pumping a little. That's so awesome. It looks like some magic.

[@deiterwilliams]

Imagine actually being the first person to watch and comment love the vids btw

[@riley5032]

Damn I think I was second

[@deiterwilliams]

@@riley5032 gg hahah

[@riley5032]

@@deiterwilliams Still liked the vid tho

[@MuddyPuttersDG]

Imagine thinking it means anything at all to be first, second, 69th, whatever to watch and comment on a KZbin video.

[@4lex453]

I have a wooden board. Is it possible to actually surf waves on one

[@locobass]

Your videos are very cool. Good job and thanks

[@berniekitts1786]

I have enjoyed watching your videos but this is really a practical Public Service message...

[@andirehana4485]

Thank you blair for the tips , shoutout from singapore✌

[@myusernameisspartymarty9472]

One time I was skipping a giant rock and it hit a Karen in the butt lol

[@quickscope8058]

What about putting speed wax on the bottom of your board?

[@JamesMadisonAudits]

Nice tutorials. Appreciate you taking the time doing this:)I've been watching skim boarding now for like an hour lol

[@lil_bohts]

Wishing I watched this BEFORE I got hurt lmao great vid!

[@jamielawrence4749]

wow, seeing you glide out over the water from walking was so helpful! Thanks. I know I'd want to run just because I'd have that idea in my head, so this was super helpful to save myself, no doubt, haha

[@lievnichtso]

I am watching your videos for a while but wanted to ask where do you skimboard. Which regions have spots to skimboard?

[@desireemendez5530]

Hey!! I’m sure you may have answered this somewhereeee above but, what’s a good beginner board to purchase?

[@MundusTransit]

that walking tip was great, thank you.

[@willpico4351]

Hey! I’m getting an exile skimboard because of you! Thanks for the great content

[@NoaVanSnick]

Awesome, I love beginner videos like this really helps us out alot!

[@kevinwestcott672]

Blair it is Cadel. I love your KZbin channel. I am subscribed

[@SkidKids]

Yeah Cadel! thanks buddy

[@gempysmile134]

Congrats on 100k! 🎉🍾🎊

[@lorddaelk]

@Skid Kids What about that speedwax ?Is it necessary?In previous vid You wax bottom of Your board...Will the board slide on a wet sand without it?I 've noticed ,when I tried on a dry sand that my board just ,how to say it,refused to slide..And on wet sand(but without a thin layer of water )it just got sucked to the ground ,sending me straight forward ...haha Ate some sand..;-)Good minerals ,like You said...I live in ,ah nevermind,don't want to complain or anything,but far from a sea,(which has no shorebreak feature;-), or just occasionally but it is cold and windy then)I'm on a vacation right now,and after watching Your vids,I ordered a board from NZ.(greetings to those up side down;-))(Unfortunately shipping from exile would kill our home budget)And long story short I thought it would be as easy as it looks right?I 'm also 45 and my kids never seen me falling so many times haha.So what about that speed wax knowledge. Great work guys!

[@MrxNiiggles]

Can you PLEASE make a video on how to do a back/frontside wrap for beginners?

[@HuskyHB]

Can’t wait to go there someday with my dude cruise and skim those big waves 🌊 when’s the best time to go? I’m off during the winter now for months

[@SkidKids]

winter is a little hit or miss. I would recommend trying to come in October

[@HuskyHB]

@@SkidKids thanks

[@CMX431]

Everytime I try it I can only go like 1 feet and then need to step off, or I straight up fly foward almost faceplanting

[@abbalos]

Great video, excited to try it out soon. Future video idea and something that would help is content for beginners to find good 🌊 or location and what conditions to look for

[@zach-lc2zb]

I always fall on my back and get winded this might help

[@jeffreyrostocki7529]

Um I have one question I just started and I can get on my board but the board isn’t staying on top of the water. What do u think I’m doing wrong

[@gibsonfowler3331]

I live on the east coast and the waves come in like so fast so I can never get out far enough to get a wave. Any ways to get out farther

[@SkidKids]

There are some really good skimboarding waves on the East Coast. Find some people that are good around you and learn from them

[@butterslice1053]

Look up Matt Buchanan. He’s a local guy that skims near me at Wrightsville beach. He rides for Zap. He has a KZbin channel. You can analyze his videos to see when you should drop

[@fann6038]

Can you do a video about after you wrap the wave how to find the line and lengthen your ride?

[@johnathoncheng3168]

can you make a video on why sometimes when you are skimboarding you sink? Btw your videos are super helpful in teaching me how to skimbaord

[@tjescarate8882]

You need to pump your board to keep on top of the water. Also foot placement and speed are big factors. Try to keep your body weight balanced in the middle so you are creating the least amount of drag. And pump your front foot so the board will almost skip on the water

[@Lukas-fq2yg]

Any tips for getting the board out of the water? Mine always gets stuck on the sand

[@benp4736]

Try sliding the board along while lifting it up

[@johnathoncheng3168]

u should try leaning more back of the board instead of up in the front and osmetimes a skimboard has a front and the back and the front sometimes has a little upwards type. thats all i got

[@sgtcarbonillapafr9506]

Is it possible to ride that kind of wave using woody skimboard with fiberglass?

[@butterslice1053]

You have to be really good to ride them on a Woody. You can definitely do it on a Fiberglass, it just takes practice

[@sgtcarbonillapafr9506]

@@butterslice1053 Oh I see.. thank you for the response 😊😊 🤙

[@dannytattersal]

In the process of hand making my first wooden skim board 🤟🏽 making 5

[@bseblake8659]

Can you make a vid on what you do in your camps🤙🤘🏻

[@sasquatch1686]

Blair! Do you have any ways to practice putting your back foot down first on the board

[@waveriders6970]

Nice tips Blair thanks for heads up. 💯👍Cool vlog

[@rubenjasoncarangue581]

Learned alot, can't wait to apply them on the next sesh thanks 🤙🤙🤙 hope you will have a tutorial on how to time and do an air better.

[@loismaas2559]

If I want to go far in the sea my board is sinking by like 5cm, why is that? Is it because you should not use a wooden board?

[@SkidKids]

Wooden boards do not work well, you also may need a bigger board

[@loismaas2559]

Skid Kids thank you

[@mannymo253]

Great skimboard teaching video..

[@davidalvarez2556]

Hey Blair, how many km/h or miles can you reach with your skimboard. It could be very interesant to know the speed...thank you greats from Canary island..

[@SWEETDREAMS-mn6ke]

To get your board to not stick to the sand . Do you use a wax for the bottom to make it slide easier and if so what do you use?

[@kyem6686]

The first time I tried it which was like about a month ago I fell and hurt my knee, like I scraped it. It hurt for 3 days and it kind of hurt to walk on that leg so that was definitely nice.

[@JM-qq8qq]

Blair, amazing Video just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to help out the new guys! Also what size board should i be riding? I’m 6’4” 240. Thank you!

[@erickschaefer5886]

Biggest possible 52’+

[@trinitytay2815]

Riippp the sun burrrnssss!! Thanks for these tips nice vid 👌👌👌

[@TroyVogel]

Great advice, and idea

[@JakeTTG1]

You should try flatland skimboarding

[@PirateNinjaCowboi]

Thank you so much for this video and the tips, it’ll help a lot

[@kinit1smtv55]

Watching from PH 🇵🇭🔥

[@jamieedwards4334]

For some reason I hate traction pads, I feel like they add unnecessary bulk to the board and make it harder to place my feet. Is something wrong with me?

[@luisgtz8725]

Going back to basics 👌nice vid

[@pushingbroom]

For learning and days where it's just not time feasible to drive to the beach, what about practising drops on lush wet grass ? We've got a super grassy park across the street, just thinking for those days where you've got 15-20 minutes to kill. Obviously going to the beach would be way better, cause it's the beach.

[@SkidKids]

NOt a bad idea! It might not slide super well but worth a try

[@nugget10110]

thanks for making this im just starting out and my board only slides on water not wet sand do you have an answer to that?

[@xifyy4700]

could you do a on how to buy a custom skimboard like deck channels and other points please

[@snowrider9018]

In your ‘how-to for skimboarding’ you mention applying *speedwax* on the bottom of the board. When you say “don’t wax the bottom of the board” are you just referring to any other wax that isn’t speedwax?