Build your own board.

By Matt Law [Media Editor]

Want to go surfing but too poor to take a ferry? Like the idea of skateboarding but not eating pavement? Missing your snowboard?

Skimboarding is the perfect summer answer for those wanting to try a board sport around Vancouver’s beaches. Sure, you can pay close to $200 at some of the fancy boarding stores, or $25 at the convenience stores on White Rock Beach. Why not spend some time and make your own custom board?

You will need…

A sheet of plywood (at least 5ply and minimum 150 cm x 80 cm).

Paint and varnish

Jig saw with a fine tooth blade

^{How to start.}

^{Trace out the size and shape of your board on the plywood (103cm x 53cm) in a thin egg shape. You may want to make a larger size board if you are taller than 5’9 and you can be creative with the shape.}

^{Cut out the board with a fine tooth blade jig saw. Makes sure to sand the edges and apply a coat of white primer.}

^{Paint whatever design you may want, stickers work well too.}

^{Place the ends of the board on two chairs (or whatever you can find) with the painted side facing up and place a weight (around 20 lbs) in the middle of the board. Let it sit over night. This gives a slight curve to the board and will help when using it in the water.}

^{Apply at least four coats of varnish to the entire board and let dry.}

^{Go fall on your face.}