skim near toronto

[sandy]

Hey all,

So glad to have found that people actually skim in Ontario! I'm coming back to Ontario from Taipei, Taiwan, where I'm surrounded by ocean. I've been riding for only 3 months, off and on, but I've gotten pretty adept at the basics. I think the biggest problems I have now are positioning my board right to ride a wave.

So I have a bunch of questions about skim spots near Toronto　（e.g. are there really any?) , and how the waves work. I've been spoiled by ocean waves, warm weather, and no wind, so what do i need to know to skim in Ontario?
I have a wetsuit, but it's thin; should I get a thicker one? Do you even need a wetsuit to skim in the summer in Ontario? Or is a rashguard and shorts enough?
Also, I skim a woodie. Should I switch to epoxy for speed? I've gotten good enough where I notice the difference, now, when I skim. But still noob enough to be scared of mounting a board that's going too fast.

Also, do any GIRLS skim? hahah. I'm interested cuz I always feel so self-conscious being the only girl to actually try to do it.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me!

-S.

[Skuce]

The skim here is very much different than ocean skim.

Same goes for the surf. It's a different creature.

I would definitely recommend getting a foam core board since the fresh water is nowhere near as boyant as the salt. Also get it in a size larger than is spec'd on the sticker (same reason, they are salt water specs)

I'm already out skimming now without a wetsuit. I never wore one this year yet. I'll start back up again in the late fall.

Yes, there are lots of girls that ride up here. It's at least 10-15% of the rider are girls

[sandy]

How would you say the skimboarding compares? I guess the wave-riding style I'm used to is out. Do most people do inland tricks and stuff then? Are they hard to learn? They always seemed to me so much more scary than wave rides.

Wow! I'm excited. I think I'll bring over my woodie anyway, and then see if I want to purchase a foamie in Canada.

Can't wait to see u guys ride!

[Rob]

Hey Sandy, welcome to the boards! I think the majority or riders in Ontario are going to be more flatland/inland and sand skimming as opposed to wave riding. Typically the waves aren't amazing without a big storm or plenty of wind although you can definitely find some fun skim if you don't mind riding in the rain.

If you feel comfortable on you're woodie and are at the stage where you recognize you'd be better off on a foam board I'd say you should probably pick one up (if you're not into the flatland scene ie rails, ollies, etc). You have a ton of options but as far as entry level foam boards go you'd probably be looking at the typical Large Zap Wedge, Medium Zap Pro or a Large Vic Foamie.

If you're looking for a good all around board without the foam price tag I'd also definitely check out J-Gordon's boards (www.jgordonskimboards.com) as they've got some wood boards that not only pop nicely but are super durable and have a base that is much faster than you're typical woodie.

Hope that helps a bit. Any more questions, just ask.

[skimmertay]

By my old board, it uses f*ckin shitty ass technologie, hard to come by nowadays, you should buy it

[skimmertay]

Im pretty sure me chris and skuce are the only one who ride waves really, i've never seen anyone else who rides them on gbay, besides matt

[chrischevreau]

Im on Huron.

[chrischevreau]

[skimmertay]

Ya that makes more sense

[sandy]

Hey guys,

Thanks for your replies. I'm now in the country! woo hoo! when's ur next skim sesh? I'd really love to come watch u guys. Unfortunately, I was unable to bring my board over (I had too much luggage already), so I'm on the market for something, anything. I've also made it my goal to learn to shuvit. Anyone up for teaching an old lady to shuvit? hahaha

Also, how do i get to where ur at from Toronto?

-S.

[skimmertay]

its two hours away where i am, drive north, google bluewater beach, look for the creek along the shore there on maps, then go from there lemme kniow

[sandy]

Sweet! That's not far at all. I'm in!

Are you guys there all the time? I can make it for the weekend of July 10. Also, where can I get me a skimboard to ride? My friend wants to come too, but he hasn't ever tried to skim before. We are completely board-less. Anyone have a pair of old boards we can ride for the day?

How can we contact you once we get to bluewater beach? lol.

btw, skimmertay, ground swells turn me on as well.

To my fellow surfers, did u guys ever try river surfing in Montreal? It looks sick.

[sandy]

So, July 10 anyone? I can be contacted at [e-mail]
Let me know! I'm so anxious to get back on a board.

[skimmertay]

Still wanna go skimboarding?