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[skimnj2619]

Hey guys I've been skimming since last summer but I can't get this stuff. I can side slip and reach the waves with plenty of speed and time it right with the way it's breaking but whenever I go to snap my turn at the top I just mush the wave or float back like a foot. I have tried different timing for turning or different speeds for reaching the waves. Just wondering what I'm doing wrong. Might be to front foot heavy since my nose seems to dive sometimes but any pointers would help

[mjs]

try to lean more on your front foot as you're snapping the turn

[caliskim]

I can side slip and reach the waves with plenty of speed and time it right with the way it's breaking . . . I just mush the wave or float back like a foot. Just wondering what I'm doing wrong. Might be to front foot heavy since my nose seems to dive.

Sounds like your boad may be too small. Just a thought.

[skimnj2619]

Sounds like your boad may be too small. Just a thought.

I'm 6'0 riding a 3/4 ml slotstik. I fit their weight limits but maybe

[mike hayz]

Come in at more of an angle instead of straight on. That way you have to turn less. Run faster. Start turning earlier, maybe even what seems like too early. sounds like you are just turning too late and missing the wave as it rolls by.

[Jim Gordon]

Come in at more of an angle instead of straight on. That way you have to turn less. Run faster. Start turning earlier, maybe even what seems like too early. sounds like you are just turning too late and missing the wave as it rolls by.

Yes, like Mike said.....if you come in more at a angle you will lose less speed in the turn and remember speed is everything when skimming.

[Kaz_]

Come in at more of an angle instead of straight on. That way you have to turn less. Run faster. Start turning earlier, maybe even what seems like too early. sounds like you are just turning too late and missing the wave as it rolls by.

This is great advice. Yesterday I was side-slipping to try to get big waves by going straight on and it was too hard, but later I switched to going at an angle and I picked up a few smaller ones going down the line.

[Skim Costa]

Best advice you will ever get:

Fun as fast as you possibly can for EVERY wave.

You can always slow down if you feel the need.

[Rubixcu7]

Best advice you will ever get:

Fun as fast as you possibly can for EVERY wave.

You can always slow down if you feel the need.

i personally run for the waves... ill try FUNning for them next time!!

[Kaz_]

Best advice you will ever get:

Fun as fast as you possibly can for EVERY wave.

You can always slow down if you feel the need.

True, I'm sure you mean run not fun lol. I gotta work on my speed, planing & wrapping on far out big ones.

[mjs]

Best advice you will ever get:

Fun as fast as you possibly can for EVERY wave.

You can always slow down if you feel the need.

running faster wont do shit if he can't turn the right way

[skimnj2619]

I am actually 8 pounds overweight for my board. Should it be that dramatic because I have tried what you guys are talking about. More angle and what not but any less of an angle and I'll be going directly down the beach haha. I have been wanting to get a new board but still not positive. I'm gonna keep practicing and I can't run any faster. I'm maxed out and I run daily so I don't know. I'll keep at it and se where it takes me

[mike hayz]

I am actually 8 pounds overweight for my board. Should it be that dramatic because I have tried what you guys are talking about. More angle and what not but any less of an angle and I'll be going directly down the beach haha. I have been wanting to get a new board but still not positive. I'm gonna keep practicing and I can't run any faster. I'm maxed out and I run daily so I don't know. I'll keep at it and se where it takes me

Not to be harsh, but the board isn't causing the problem. You may benefit with a bigger board, but you should still be able to ride and wrap on a small board.

How is your drop? A smooth and quick drops makes a world of difference in keeping up speed and making a fluid transition onto the wave. You want to get it down to one or two steps (the fewer the better) and have a smooth transition into the water. You don't want to displace much water and plane over it.

[skimnj2619]

My drops have been getting better. I'm down to to 1 step and increasing speed. Maybe 3 out of 5 are clean but each one is getting better. Other ones I wipe out but hey I'm learning and pushing myself. I know it's not the board at all but just seeing if it helps.

[Aaron Peluso]

if you have an advanced board and are 8 lbs over its probably not that big an issue. if you have a beginner board like a foamie or wedge and are 8 lbs over... it could be an issue. the weight recommendations on beginner boards are way higher for a given size board.

presumably cause they are intended more as sand sliders and learning the transition and such...

[skimnj2619]

if you have an advanced board and are 8 lbs over its probably not that big an issue. if you have a beginner board like a foamie or wedge and are 8 lbs over... it could be an issue. the weight recommendations on beginner boards are way higher for a given size board.

presumably cause they are intended more as sand sliders and learning the transition and such...

i have a slotstik 330 series and i just measured, i thought i had a ml but i have a mml. i got the board in highschool when i was 120 but now im 160 so im actually 18lbs overweight for the board since it goes to 140. i have been wanting to get another board since ive done it every day this summer trying to get better. i went today and was able to turn around and catch the wave but i still sink even pumping. im looking at the vic mark 2 because of the added rocker, the fish shape, and the fact it is very buoyant. it is a tapered 1 inch to 3/4 and since i ride a 3/4 right now it should be similar turning wise. im hesitant to buy but i rode my friends board which is a vic ultra large and rode the wave in first try. this has made me really think of getting a new board over my weight limit since i am still gaining weight. i currently weigh 160 but im looking at the mark 2 large which is 190lbs-250lbs. if im currently 30lbs underweight will this hurt my performance of it other than floating really really well. just a guess but i am a little confused since i think in a year ill be close to 190. eating like an animal, working out, and working for a landscaper has already made me gain 10lbs since may. let me know what you guys think or if any of you have ever ridden the mark 2.

[Aaron Peluso]

Yeah, 18lbs overweight is a bit more of an issue, particularly taking less than pro skill and location into account. If you think you will be 190 I would consider a board that has 190 square in the middle of its weight range. That way it will still be rideable now and also rideable when/if you get to 190. I wouldnt go for the biggest board possible as there are also drawbacks to having a board thats too big.

At 190 I would seriously consider carbon for the stiffness. Us big guys (I am 210) can flex the heck out of glass boards.

[Jim Gordon]

You might try going at high tide (also the waves have more power when the tide is coming in), the waves have more push and break closer to shore. Also don't turn too late, or you'll hang at the top of the wave and not be able to drop back in.