Skimboarding is an exhilarating sport that combines the thrill of surfing with the agility and precision required for skateboarding. If you're looking to dive into this exciting water activity, having the right skimboard can make all the difference. In this comprehensive review, well take a deep look at RIP High Wood Boards one of the leading names in skimboarding equipment. We'll cover everything from their design and durability to performance and user feedback, helping you determine if these boards are the perfect fit for your needs. RIP Skimboards has been around since 2015, providing quality products that cater to riders of all levels, from beginners just starting out to seasoned professionals pushing boundaries. The brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in their High Wood Boards series a range designed for high-performance skimboarding with an emphasis on style and durability. This review will provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether RIP High Wood Boards are right for you. Well analyze each aspect of these boards, considering their strengths and weaknesses, so that you can confidently choose the board that best suits your skill level, riding style, and preferences. Let's dive in!
RIP High Wood Boards come in four distinct designs: Classic, Shredder, Pro, and Team Series. Each design has its own unique aesthetic appeal, but they all share a common foundation a 7-layer birch plywood core encapsulated by high-gloss resin coatings on both the top and bottom surfaces. This construction technique provides excellent strength and rigidity while keeping the board relatively lightweight for easy handling in the water. Classic Design: The Classic design offers a traditional look with clean lines and minimal graphics. It's available in various colors, including black, blue, red, green, and natural wood finish. This is often recommended as a great starting point for beginners due to its simple yet effective shape. Shredder Design: Featuring more aggressive graphics and vibrant color options, the Shredder design caters to riders who want to stand out from the crowd. Its available in bold patterns like skulls, flames, and geometric shapes, making it visually appealing while maintaining performance-driven characteristics. Pro Design: The Pro Series boards are designed for experienced skimboarders seeking maximum control and responsiveness. These feature a sleek, professional aesthetic with subtle branding and high-quality graphics. They offer advanced features like rocker and fin options to enhance maneuverability. Team Series Design: As the name suggests, Team Series designs showcase custom artwork created by RIP's pro riders. Each board is unique, reflecting the personality and style of the rider it represents. This design series often incorporates intricate details and vibrant colors, making them a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts. The dimensions of RIP High Wood Boards range from 76 cm to 104 cm (30" - 41"), accommodating riders of all ages and skill levels. They are available in both symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, allowing you to choose the configuration that best suits your riding style and wave conditions. Symmetrical boards offer a more forgiving ride with predictable handling, while asymmetrical boards provide increased speed and maneuverability for advanced riders.
One of the most significant advantages of RIP High Wood Boards is their exceptional durability. The 7-layer birch plywood core provides excellent impact resistance, ensuring that your board can withstand repeated landings and collisions with rocks or other objects. This construction also contributes to the boards overall strength and rigidity, which are crucial for maintaining control in challenging conditions. The high-gloss resin coating not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the boards but also protects them from scratches, UV damage, and saltwater corrosion. This protective layer is highly resistant to chipping or peeling, even after prolonged exposure to harsh environments. RIP Skimboards uses a unique manufacturing process that involves heat pressing each board under high pressure for extended periods. This ensures a tight bond between the layers of wood, resulting in a strong and durable core that can handle extreme stresses without breaking or warping. The edges are carefully rounded off to prevent accidental injuries while riding. Overall, RIP High Wood Boards are built to last, offering excellent value for your investment. With proper care and maintenance, these boards can provide years of reliable performance.
RIP High Wood Boards deliver impressive performance across a wide range of wave conditions. Their responsive handling makes them easy to control in both small and large waves, while their stability allows you to confidently execute tricks and maneuvers. Rocker: The rocker profile on RIP High Wood Boards varies depending on the design series and rider skill level. Classic boards typically feature a moderate rocker for versatility across different wave types. Shredder and Pro Series boards often incorporate more aggressive rockers that enhance speed, maneuverability, and pop off ramps or kickers. Shape: The shape of these boards also plays a crucial role in their performance. Symmetrical shapes offer predictable handling and are ideal for beginners who are still learning the basics of skimboarding. Asymmetrical shapes provide increased speed and responsiveness, making them better suited to experienced riders seeking more advanced maneuvers. The wide nose on RIP High Wood Boards helps with stability during takeoffs and landings, while the tapered tail allows for quick turns and smooth transitions. Flex: The flex pattern on these boards is designed to optimize energy transfer from your feet to the water. This results in a responsive feel that enhances maneuverability and control. The combination of 7-layer birch plywood core and high-gloss resin coating provides a balanced flex profile, offering both stiffness for stability and flexibility for responsiveness. Fin Options: Some RIP High Wood Boards (primarily those from the Pro Series) come with fin boxes allowing you to customize your board with different fins. Fins provide additional control and stability in choppy or turbulent water conditions, while also enhancing maneuverability during carving turns.
Stability is a critical factor for skimboarders of all skill levels. RIP High Wood Boards offer excellent stability thanks to their wide nose, symmetrical shape (on most models), and robust construction. The increased surface area under your feet provides a stable platform from which to launch yourself into the wave. This makes it easier to maintain balance during takeoffs and landings, even in challenging conditions. The flex pattern on RIP High Wood Boards further contributes to their stability by distributing weight evenly across the board's length. This prevents excessive bouncing or wobbling when riding over choppy water or uneven surfaces. The rigidity of the 7-layer birch plywood core also helps maintain stability at higher speeds, allowing you to confidently push your limits without fear of losing control.
RIP Skimboards has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality skimboarding equipment that consistently delivers exceptional performance and durability. Reviews from users across various online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, RIP's official website, and skimboarding forums overwhelmingly praise the brands commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Here are some common themes found in user feedback:
RIP High Wood Boards are positioned in the mid-to-high price range of skimboarding equipment. As of [insert current date], prices typically start around $150-$200 USD for basic Classic models and can go up to $350-$450 USD for Pro Series boards with additional features like fin boxes and custom graphics. While this may seem expensive compared to some other skimboard brands, it's important to remember that youre getting a board built from premium materials using advanced manufacturing techniques. The increased durability and superior performance of RIP High Wood Boards justify the higher price point for serious riders who demand quality equipment. RIP Skimboards also offers financing options through PayPal Credit or Affirm, allowing you to spread out payments over time without incurring interest charges. This can make purchasing one of these boards more accessible to those with limited budgets. Additionally, look out for seasonal sales and promotional discounts on RIP's website or from authorized retailers.
RIP High Wood Boards are a top-tier choice for skimboarders looking for a high-performance board that combines style, durability, and versatility. Their innovative designs, robust construction, and responsive handling make them suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners just starting out to seasoned professionals seeking an edge on the water.
RIP High Wood Boards are high-performance wooden skimboards designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. These boards are crafted with 7-layer plywood and feature a glossy finish, offering durability and excellent glide on the water. They come in four different designs and sizes ranging from 76 cm to 104 cm, making them suitable for kids, teenagers, and adults alike.
Absolutely! RIP High Wood Boards are designed with beginner-friendly features such as a wide nose and tail for stability and easy catching of waves. The smooth bottom surface ensures a quick glide on the water, allowing even novices to experience the thrill of skimboarding without much effort.
Selecting the appropriate board size depends largely on your height and weight. For riders under 120 cm tall or weighing less than 45 kg, a 76 cm or 81 cm board is recommended. Riders between 120-153 cm and weighing 45-68 kg should opt for an 86 cm or 91 cm board. Taller riders over 153 cm or weighing more than 68 kg will find the 96 cm or 104 cm boards ideal.
RIP High Wood Boards stand out due to their exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The use of 7-layer plywood ensures strength and durability, while the glossy finish not only looks great but also reduces water resistance for a faster ride. Additionally, the variety of designs caters to different personal preferences.
To prolong the life of your board, rinse it with fresh water after each use and allow it to dry completely before storing. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Regularly inspect the board for any damage and repair any cracks or chips promptly. A quality wax can also enhance glide and protect against moisture.
Yes, you can! The plywood construction of these boards is designed to withstand the corrosive effects of salt water. However, rinsing them thoroughly after each use with fresh water will help prevent any long-term damage. Regular maintenance as outlined above is also essential for extending their lifespan.
We recommend using a surf or skimboard wax specifically designed for wooden boards. These waxes provide excellent grip and are formulated to protect the wood from moisture. A basecoat layer may be necessary if your board is new, followed by a topcoat that suits your riding style (hot or cool water).
RIP High Wood Boards perform exceptionally well on flatwater and small waves. Their design makes them versatile enough to handle various conditions, from shallow shore breaks to gentle beach waves. However, they are not recommended for advanced riders seeking to perform tricks or ride larger surf.
Yes! All RIP High Wood Boards come with a 30-day manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, improper care, or normal wear and tear. Please refer to our website for full details of the warranty policy.
RIP High Wood Boards are available through select online retailers specializing in skimboarding gear. Visit our website to find a list of authorized dealers near you or purchase directly from us! We offer secure checkout and fast shipping worldwide, making it easy to get your hands on these high-performance wooden skimboards.
Yes, we strive to minimize our environmental impact. The wood used in our boards is sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring responsible harvesting practices. Our production processes also adhere to strict environmental standards and regulations.
Practice makes perfect! Start by getting comfortable walking and running on the board while staying dry. Then, gradually progress to riding short distances along the water's edge before attempting to catch waves. Watch videos of experienced skimboarders for inspiration and tips. Remember to wear appropriate protective gear such as a wetsuit (especially in cooler waters) and helmet!
We recommend using a board bag or padded cover to protect your board during transportation, especially if you're traveling by car or public transit. Avoid leaving it exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.
While we dont currently offer custom designs on our website, you can contact us directly with your requests and we will do our best to accommodate them! We're always open to collaborating with customers who have unique ideas or preferences for their skimboards.
Wooden boards tend to be heavier than fiberglass boards, but they offer exceptional durability and responsiveness. They also provide a more natural feel underfoot and are generally considered easier to learn on due to their forgiving nature. Fiberglass boards, on the other hand, are lighter and faster but can be less stable for beginners.
Absolutely! These boards perform well in both saltwater and freshwater environments. However, rinsing them with fresh water after each use is still recommended to prevent any potential damage from mineral deposits or algae buildup.
Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing it near radiators or other heat sources. If possible, hang the board vertically on a wall to prevent warping or damage over time.