DIY: Skimboard

I saw a skimboard at a shop near the beach one day, and I thought, "You know I could make something like that!" Guess what I did, I came home, found some wood, and started hauling away at making a skimboard.

This skimboard isn't too hard to make, and the cost is relatively low. Give it a nice paint job and clear coat, and then you've got a stunning piece of functional art. This method can be used for other applications also such as skateboards.

The way we glue the boards together and add weight in the center creates a concave in the board. It is sanded completely and then finished with art and a nice coating.

The things you will need to make an amazingly awesome skimboard are:

• 2 1/4 inch Marine Plywood Boards (I used regular plywood because I had it, Marine ply would be the best though)
• A Jig Saw
• Titebond 3 Wood Glue
• Paint Spreader
• Polyurethane
• Wax
• A Few Grits of Sandpaper (I used 40, 100, 120, 220, 400, 600, and 1500)
• A Few Clamps (Around 12)
• A Roll of Duct tape or Masking Tape
• Paint

And don't forget WEAR YO' SAFETY GOGGLES!

Spread your glue evenly across one of the boards with the paint spreader. Press the other board to it and then clamp it up. Add a weight in the center of the boards, to create a nice concave. The way I had my clamps set up I could just add the weight on, you will most likely need to put something under each end to suspend the board in the air, and then place a weight in the center.

Once you've let the board dry for 24 hours, it should have a nice concave. It doesn't need a huge concave, but you will definitely want one. Draw out whatever shape you want the board to be on one side of the board. I freehanded the shape to give it a nice natural vibe.

Get the jigsaw out and cut out the shape that you drew. Make sure that the jigsaw is flat to the board. If you don't, you will get this uneven, oddly beveled edge.

Once the shape is cut out, remove the marks you made from the board. You can remove it with some coarse grit sandpaper. Now, take the 40 grit sandpaper and smooth out the edges. Work your way up the grits of sandpaper until you get to a very fine grit. Next, use a 100 grit sandpaper on both the front and back. Again work your way up the grits. You should now have a very smooth board.

Take your polyurethane and put a few good layers on the bottom. You want to get it pretty thick, because it will be rubbing up against sand. Let it dry for required time.

Give your board a head-turning paint job. Really make it look nice, you'll be pleased with it in the end.

Take your polyurethane and brush it on the top of the board. You will want to protect your awesome paint job. It doesn't need to be as thick as the bottom. For it won't be rubbing up against the sand. Just give it a few clean coats.

Give the bottom of your board a waxing, I would recommend surfing wax, but I just used some old wax stuff I had kicking around.

You have now created a stunning skimboard. It is now time to pack up and hit the beach. Give your new board a test drive. Show it off in the glistening sun. You are now done. Hope you like it!