🏄♂️ How to Choose the Right Skimboard for Australian Conditions: An Insider’s Guide
Australia’s coastline is a skimboarder’s dream — endless sand, warm water, and waves for every skill level. But not all skimboards perform the same across different beaches and conditions. Whether you’re chasing waves in Queensland, flatland skimming in Victoria, or sliding the sand at WA’s beach breaks, choosing the right board makes all the difference.
At Exile Skimboards Australia, we’ve spent years helping riders of all levels find their perfect setup. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right skimboard for your local conditions and riding style.
🌊 1. Know Your Conditions
The first step is understanding where you’ll be riding most often. Australian beaches vary massively, and so should your board choice.
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Flat sand beaches (e.g., Gold Coast, Mornington Peninsula) – You’ll want a board with more surface area and flatter rocker to glide far on thin water.
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Wave beaches (e.g., NSW Central Coast, WA’s North Beach) – Look for boards with a sharper nose and a bit more rocker, which helps with control in rougher water.
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Tidal flats or river mouths – Go for a hybrid shape that balances glide with turning ability.
💡 Tip: If you ride in mixed conditions, a mid-size hybrid shape (like the Exile EX1 E-Glass Epoxy) gives you versatility and performance.
🪶 2. Choose the Right Construction
The material and construction of your skimboard determine its weight, flex, and durability. At Exile, we build boards that handle both Aussie sun and saltwater abuse.
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E-Glass Epoxy (EX0, EX1 Series) – Lightweight, durable, and perfect for riders who want top performance without breaking the bank.
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Double Carbon Fiber Epoxy – The strongest, most responsive boards on the market. Ideal for experienced riders or those pushing tricks in waves.
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Custom Options – Blend of materials for the perfect balance of stiffness, control, and glide.
👉 Read more in our Materials Guide to understand the difference between glass, carbon, and epoxy builds.
📏 3. Get the Right Size and Shape
Choosing your board size is about finding the sweet spot between control and distance.
| Rider Weight | Recommended Board Size | Suggested Model |
|---|---|---|
| Under 55kg | Small (44"–48") | EX0 or Small EX1 |
| 55–75kg | Medium (49"–52") | EX0 or Ex1 , Carbon |
| 75kg+ | Large (53"+) | EX0, EX1 Double Carbon Pro Model |
Shape tips:
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Hybrid/Hornet Shape – Great for both flatland and waves; Exile’s most popular.
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Blairacuda / Pro Shapes – Designed for advanced riders chasing performance and tricks.
🧠 4. Match Your Skill Level
Beginners:
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Look for a forgiving shape and medium thickness.
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E-Glass Epoxy boards are ideal — durable yet responsive.
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Focus on learning proper technique before chasing the waves.
Intermediate Riders:
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Experiment with rocker and shape — try a Hybrid or Blairacuda to refine your turns.
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Go slightly smaller for agility, or wider for stability.
Advanced / Pro Riders:
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Double Carbon builds give you explosive response and pro-level performance.
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Pair your board choice with traction pads and pro setup for full control.
🇦🇺 5. Why Exile Works for Australian Riders
Exile is the world’s leading skimboard company, trusted by top pro team riders across the globe. Our boards are handcrafted for speed, control, and durability — built to thrive in Aussie conditions.
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🌏 Designed by pros, ridden worldwide
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🚚 Fast, affordable shipping anywhere in Australia
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💪 Built to last in sand, sun, and saltwater
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🏆 Trusted by top athletes — the same boards our pros ride
Whether you’re just starting out or already pulling wave wraps, there’s an Exile board to match your style.
✅ 6. Quick Reference: Board Selection Cheat Sheet
| Beach Type | Best Shape | Recommended Model | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Sand | Wider, flatter rocker | EX1 Hybrid | Maximum glide distance |
| Small Waves | Hybrid / Moderate rocker | EX1 or Pro Shape | Balance between speed & control |
| Big Waves | Narrower, more rocker | Double Carbon | Superior turning & responsiveness |
🏁 Conclusion
Skimboarding in Australia offers endless opportunities — but the right board makes the experience truly next-level. By understanding your local conditions, board materials, and shape preferences, you’ll ride farther, faster, and with more control.
If you’re still unsure, reach out to our team at Exile Skimboards Australia — we’ll match you with the perfect setup for your skill level and beach conditions.
👉 Explore our full range today: www.exileskimboards.com.au