Skim tips

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

Think it's time for me to try something new. If anyone has tips for the seasoned kiter who's just starting to skim kite, please share your suggestions. Thanks.

Jim

mxwllms · Since 26 Jul 2006 110 Posts Boring, Or Stoked

first check out losethestraps.com there is a ton of great skim info on there including videos and board reviews and In gusty and choppy conditions having the right board makes all the difference. I have been using a skim In light wind for years and its not hard. you should pick it up pretty easily. my only piece of advice is to go with it if you dive your kite too hard or catch a big gust. Let yourself go downwind and slowly begin to edge again when you regain control. you have to edge kind of gently on a skimmy and if you try to stop a hard down wind pull by edging hard you will probably end up sliding out. within an hour of riding it you will have it dialed! its super fun. just go for it

sfbomber · Since 27 Jun 2012 114 Posts Stoked

Resist the temptation to put a fin on a skimboard. Skims are a lot of fun. Switching your feet while gybing is the hardest part imo, but a good skim, you can just change direction and ride it switch. In shallow water, you can go down a kite size, but in deep water, I tend to use a similar size kite as a twintip. Bend your knees. Have fun. When you get overpowered, weigh your back foot and point upwind.

forrest · Sat May 03, 14 7:41 am

Grip tape and shoes! Then your feet are protected from rocks, sticks, and the board.

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

^Good tip. I caught a toe nail on a skim board one time and ripped it straight back. OUCH! I'd also recommend something with a little weight to it like the LF Twin Skim. The really lightweight ones get knocked around in the chop and if you catch air with them they tend to fly away.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

^^ what those guys said - I always wear 7 mil booties or sneaks when it's warm - nice to be able to eject at high speed and not snap a toe off.

Seek out the glassy shallows that only a skim can rule and fill your wetsuit with sand!

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

Thanks for tips. Looks like I'm going to wear shoes or booties for me. Regarding the yute, took the resident 5.75 year old out skim and (trainer) kiting on Friday in the kiddy skim pool. Super fun and he was able to get several unassisted full plaining downwind rides over the course of 2 hours. Even though we're novices, we'd add to the preparation tip list, put on the wetsuit, harness, and helmet at home and and of course, skim-nastics. Clutch.

Sella · Sun May 04, 14 9:44 am

I was parked next to the Stringer/Winger rig last Friday and said "hey grom, how was your session?" He just lights up with a grin from ear-to-ear talking about shredding the puddles and then climbs into the rig with his helmet on ready to roll home. The kid's legit.

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 309 Posts Obsessed

sfbomber · Since 27 Jun 2012 114 Posts Stoked

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

Skimming is great. I put a long board deck pad on my skimmie, covers 85% of the top. Go flat pin tail for skatey style. Be prepared to laugh a lot at yourself, dress warm cause you will be in the water a lot more dragging back to that board, and don't forget the helmet, my skim has been grabbed by the wind and bounced off my helmet countless times. I go barefoot, and yes I have torn two toenails completely off. It opens up so much terrain that others don't touch.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sat May 17, 14 10:59 pm

When learning to jibe you need to go really slow, like almost sinking in the water. Also, you don't need to apply a whole lot of pressure or pop to spin the board 180.

Edge upwind, bring the kite high and when it's directly overhead, give your back foot a little kick...boom your heading the other direction