Skim Boarding

This sport is pretty simple and fun to learn...but be prepared for some falls and bumps when you're first starting out. The idea is to throw your skimboard onto the thin layer of water that rides up onto shore after a wave has broken. After throwing the board onto the thin layer of water, you run and hop onto the board, gaining your balance by keeping low, and riding the board further in toward the water.

The only equipment needed is a skimboard. There are different types of boards appropriate for different types of water and skimmers. A good choice of board for east coast ocean conditions is what's called the egg, hot dog, or trick shape. A good website explaining the different kinds of boards and which size to use in relation to you height and weight is Zapskimboards.

Also, a good directory for skimboarding spots in Florida can be found at http://skimonline.com/skim_spots/florida.htm