Which board to get and other Frequently Asked Questions

[TBABY]

I know Exile has a dealer in Europe. You're pretty light, so I don't think you would need carbon, or even a 3/4 board. I'd say if you didn't want to spend a lot of money, but still wanted a quality board, get an Exile Recruit. They're eglass and vinylester. You can get whatever shape that they offer too, and they're only $299.

[shimmer]

Is it worth trying to learn on a woodboard too see if I really like it?

[Toggaf]

Is it worth trying to learn on a woodboard too see if I really like it?

sure..if your scared to drop a gripload on a nice board, mess around on a woody to see if you even like the sport

[Klaustrophobia]

the first skimboard i ever rode was a friend's tourist trap woody. i didn't really enjoy it, and didn't skim again for a couple of years. i wasn't sold on the sport until i rode a zap bullet.

[Jim Gordon]

Is it worth trying to learn on a woodboard too see if I really like it?

Yeah, just make sure it's got a really smooth bottom and has a little rocker in the nose. Also make sure it not twisted or warped. You can look down the tail or lay it on a flat surface to see if it is twisted or warped.

[Matt_H]

Can't decide on color of traction for my new white board with black logo.
All white, all black, or black tail pad and white w/ black outline arch pad?
If I could find the white with black outline tail pad, I would get that, but unfortunately cannot find it.
Or should I add a little color?

[TBABY]

I like black traction on white boards, but that's just me. The only person's opinion that matters is yours.

[Matt_H]

I like them all enough that I cannot pick one myself. Haha.

[mjs]

white is right

[Matt_H]

Scrolling through like 30 more pages of the pic thread I decided I like white on white best. One more question, should I do two arch bars down the middle like some people do, or is that unnecessary, and one will be enough? Getting skimshop traction by the way.

[mjs]

unnecessary

[Matt_H]

Thank you, sir.
Ordering my pads now. So stoked to get my board this week.

[Se7enth Sin]

Well, I've been riding for a while, but I never really got onto a forum, and I started looking around, and saw a thread about my board I've had from the start "BZ 45". I now understand why I sink when I hit water, no matter how much I change my stance... But now I'm looking into a new board. I have around 400. Should I get a used Exile Carbon, or a Large Zap Wedge since I'm probably more intermediate. I can get the Exile Carbon for 300, or the large Zap with the traction pack for 215. Which is better for me? Should I get the exile for the long run, or the Zap to learn? I probably won't be compelled to buy a new board after this until it breaks.

I'm also around 5'7 150 pounds

[mjs]

My first board was as epoxy carbon vic and I'm gods gift to skimboarding. get the carbon

[oatmeal]

You and are roughly the same size Se7enth

Why not open up options and get a used Zap Boomhower instead of a zap wedge? It doesn't have to be a low end zap, they make excellent high end boards just like exile. But it's really all about preference. I say see if you can find a kid on the beach or a shop that will demo one of these boards and go from there.

[Aaron Peluso]

Well, I've been riding for a while, but I never really got onto a forum, and I started looking around, and saw a thread about my board I've had from the start "BZ 45". I now understand why I sink when I hit water, no matter how much I change my stance... But now I'm looking into a new board. I have around 400. Should I get a used Exile Carbon, or a Large Zap Wedge since I'm probably more intermediate. I can get the Exile Carbon for 300, or the large Zap with the traction pack for 215. Which is better for me? Should I get the exile for the long run, or the Zap to learn? I probably won't be compelled to buy a new board after this until it breaks.

I'm also around 5'7 150 pounds

A high end board will help you to learn faster. At 300 bucks the carbon board is a good deal if its in good shape. If you can afford it and are serious I would step up to a high end board.

[Se7enth Sin]

My father didn't want me buying a used skim board, so I ended up buying a new Zap Pro while I was at the beach today. It's so much lighter than that shitty BZ. I'm getting closer to wrapping waves with this, and I'm not sinking as fast, overall I like it.

[StoKes]

Im Looking to customize my next exile...I just contacted steve taylor but i just saw the new competition weight.
Does anyone have an exile with the competition weight fabric? I already know what my dream board will be but im just curious if anybody on here who rides on the east coast of the U.S. has it?

[a_pla5tic_bag]

Anybody have Harvest board? I've just never seen anyone with one.

[Manny]

Was thinking the same thing. They look solid as hell.

[Bryan Kelleher]

yes it is

[hersheyson]

Has anyone tried a velocity skimboard? If so, can you tell me more about them in comparison to other companies.

[mcosta21]

hey, i've been doing alot of research so i can pick my next board, and i know this'll be kinda repetitive but i want to get as many opinions as possible before i drop my money, i can't spend too much so i'm going for a cheaper board to move up. My height is 5'4 and my weight is 117 lbs, and i live on the West Coast. I'l be skimming in a variety of wave conditions from shore break to far out waves, but mostly shore break. I want to get the Zap Wedge, should i go for the Medium or the Large? I've had problems reaching waves on an old fiberglass board i have (never reaching them that is unless they came out super close). I believe it's because i both dont run fast enough and the board is too small. Should i go for the wedge medium that states its the proper size for me? or go for the large that is bigger and might compensate for my lack of speed and dropping skills by giving me more float the the waves? This will help a bunch, and i appreciate any feedback, tips, opinions etc. Thank you

[oatmeal]

@mcosta21

I am assuming you are a beginner if you are looking into getting a wedge. I rode a wedge for just a bit when I was beginning and thought it was a decent beginning board to progress. But if you feel that you are a bit better than a beginner you can always go with their Pro series which would be there through much more of your progression than the wedge. As far as size goes go with a medium. I'm like 5'10 145-150 and I ride a medium. I probably should be riding a Medium Large but my personal preference is a bit of a smaller board so that way I can turn it easier.

If you go to a large you will definitely float farther but you will sure struggle to turn it. And what's the point of planning all the way out to waves if you can't turn on them? Get the medium, you won't be disappointed.

@hersheyson

Just rode one a couple days ago. Here were my observations:

• Great weight, you can definitely tell there is different weight distribution through the board. I noticed the tail has some more weight to it, which the kid said
seemed to help with pop and some control .
• Definitely fast, like really fast.
• I didn't think it turned any better than my Grape. Somewhat slower of a turn (at least in my experience)
• Excellent rails on that beast, only had it for a handful of rides but I could tell it would definitely hold well in all types of waves

[grantnoble]

I suggest a either carbon fiber or s glass dude cruise with freak pads ordered from MAIN STREET SURF SHOP.....if you get a exile there, your bound to be stoked to the max.

[dawongjr]

???

[Kaz_]

???

That's hella small for you. It shouldn't be floating you good enough. I'm your same size(literally lol) and I ride a Large Zap Boomhower Pro that's 54'' long and I love it. I'd recommend that board to anyone on the east coast, but if you live out west(where there's usually a steep slope and big waves breaking on shore consistently) I'd recommend a different board with more rocker. But anyways, you should probably get a Large or Medium Large.

[Jim Gordon]

Yes I agree too, a 44'' board is way too small for you, you need room for your feet, because you're tall your front foot will be too close to the nose (making the board hard to ride and turn). Also you'll need more planing surface for your weight too.

[Romulo]

Im Looking to customize my next exile...I just contacted steve taylor but i just saw the new competition weight.
Does anyone have an exile with the competition weight fabric? I already know what my dream board will be but im just curious if anybody on here who rides on the east coast of the U.S. has it?

From what i've heard the competition weight is much lighter but loses a little in resistance, but i don't think it's a must have, also if you live in a place with a lot of wind it could be bad for you.

I think competition weight it's more of a secondary board for super classic conditions.

Correct me if i'm wrong AP!

[Aaron Peluso]

Yeah its not for everyone. There is a trade off with weight and durability. So its really for riders who love light boards and are willing to sacrifice a little durability to get it.

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