Wreck Media

Wreck Boards FAQ:

Here's how it works, send questions, we'll do our best to answer them:

What type of boards do you make?
We make boards for our favorite water sports, specifically skimboarding, wakesurfing and surfing. Right now we're focused on our skimboard line. We've got foam core boards from Australia developed for our small wave area. They're huge for maximum glide on flat, but even better rides on the waves.

What's the difference between flatwater skimming and wave skimming?
Flat water is good times indeed. Big long gliding rides. Maybe set up some obstacles but you can't get the carve that the most appealing thing about board sports. Wave skimming is what it really popular the world over, it's basically one turn surfing. You charge out into the surf, slash a wave and ride it back in. Super good times! One fat carve every ride. The challenge is the changes you need to make in getting on the board. You have to do the 'quick step' not the throw your board and run onto it like flat water lets you do. In wave skimming you minimize your effort and maximize your carve by getting on the board right when you drop. At the end of the day even if you're flat water skimming you'll have more spring in your step if you do the 'quick step' style since you won't be running as much.

When is it best to go flat water skimboarding?
Low tide is often best when you get long stretches of a thin layer of water on the sand.

When is it best to go wave skimboarding?
Anywhere there's a good shore break, meaning when the beach is pretty steep and the waves crash close to shore. You can always ride the ripples at anytime, however usually high tide provides the best shore break. Of course the right beach is important, as mentioned we're fans of Wreck Beach, but here in Vancouver when the tide is high and the winds are blowing strong from the west generating good wind waves, there's lots of good spots.

How do I ride a skimboard?
It's as easy as running and sliding on a slippery floor in your socks. With the different types of skimming, wave and flat water, there are different ways to get on.
Flatwater is the easiest. Just throw that board out in front of you. Start running immediately after throwing it, or jogging while you throw it in front, and then run on to the board. Depending on the way you let your board go, it should track in the water and gently slow down while you run onto it. Then leap on the board and let it slide. You're skimboarding.

How do I ride for Wave Skimboarding?
For wave skimboarding it gets a little more complicated. The waves are breaking a little further out so you want to run out directly into the surf. Dropping your board and jumping on it immediately will enable you maximize your running speed and ride out to the breaking wave. Check out some of the video we have for what this 'quick step' thing looks like. It's is a tricky thing that takes awhile to learn but it's worth it. Wave skimming is basically one turn surfing with none of the paddling.

How do I take care of my board?
Wood boards are easier to maintain since they can take a beating and show little wear and tear. The principles apply to all water board, don't let damage cause water to seep into the board. Our skimboards are made similar to surfboards, so they're foam core wrapped in fibreglass. This provides ideal strength to weight for skimboards, however they are easier to damage. Dings from hits on rocks, logs, or in the trunk of your car are going to damage the board. The most important thing is repair any cracks to the fibreglass before water can seep into the core of the board. If water is already in the damaged area then you should take the time to let the board dry before repairing. There are many brands of epoxy that cure when exposed to UV light that comes with good old sunshine. Follow their instructions, it's pretty easy to do. Experience has taught us to be thorough in cleaning the damage, sanding out areas for good adhesion, and taping off the region to limit waste and extra sanding when cured.
The best way to keep your board from damage is to use a board bag, keep and eye out for rocks and logs, and don't go wiping out in them. They are just like surfboards, so all the same rules apply, one thing is to avoid super hot oven like conditions, the board's don't like hot cars.Most importantly go out there and ride hard, it's way more fun that way.

Why is it called Wreck Boards?
It's tough coming up with a name so when the deadline loomed we looked for inspiration in obvious places. Around here in Vancouver Wreck Beach is one of the better breaks at certain times, so that's where we ride most often. More importantly its a reminder of the foam core boards and they're propensity to get 'wrecked'. These things are meant to be ridden, and when they're ridden hard it will eventually show. That's a fact of life frankly so be aware, it's a badge of honour. We put the 'Wreck' in Wreck Boards. Ride 'em and wreck 'em, that's what they are there for.