Haad Yao — 2/5

• Our take: Rough sand and lots of sticks and trash made this beach less than ideal for skimming. When we were there, it was also rainy and windy, which didn’t help. Still, we had fun messing around in the waves even if the runs weren’t smooth.
• About the beach: Haad Yao is one of the island’s most famous long beaches, known for sunsets and snorkeling. The vibe is relaxed, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants along the shore. Great for chilling, but not so much for skimboarding.

Haad Son (Secret Beach) — 4/5

• Our take: A long stretch of fine sand with only a few sticks and rocks. It felt smooth and easy to run on, and we caught some great slides here. Definitely one of the better skimboarding spots on Koh Phangan.
• About the beach: Often called “Secret Beach,” Haad Son isn’t such a secret anymore, but it’s still charming. Clear water, calm conditions, and cozy beach bars make it a great place to spend the whole day. Both skimming and relaxing.

Haad Rin — 5/5

• Our take: Hands down the best beach we tried. Shallow water, fine sand, and no rocks. Basically skimboarding heaven. We got long runs, smooth slides, and even a few curious onlookers asking about the sport.
• About the beach: Famous for the Full Moon Party, Haad Rin usually has a wild reputation. But during the day, especially outside of party dates, it transforms into a wide, beautiful beach perfect for sports and relaxation. With plenty of bars and cafes nearby, it’s an easy place to hang out all day.

Chaloklum Pier — 3/5

• Our take: During low tide, this spot gave us some of the cleanest, longest little waves to skim. The downside: rougher sand and shells made running barefoot a bit tricky. Still, it had a unique vibe and was fun to try.
• About the beach: Chaloklum is a fishing village up north, with a much more local feel than the touristy beaches. The pier area at low tide creates some interesting skimboarding conditions, though it’s not as comfortable for long sessions.

Ko Ma (Mae Haad Sandbank) — 2/5

• Our take: Instagram-worthy scenery, with the sandbank linking to the tiny island. But skimboarding-wise, it was disappointing. At low tide the beach was steep, the sand rough, and trash washed up made it less enjoyable. At high tide it looked cool, but not practical for skimming.
• About the beach: Mae Haad and Ko Ma are top snorkeling spots, thanks to the reefs just offshore. The sandbank is a unique attraction, but it doesn’t work well for skimboarding. Better suited for underwater adventures or photo shoots.