Bob Smetts is the founder of Zap Skimboards.  Since 1983 he has been working to satisfy the demands of skimboarders everywhere.  They are probably the largest skimboard company anywhere offering a complete line of skimboard models.  Over the years they have been very active in promoting the sport through sponsoring contests and developing international contacts to distribute skimboards worldwide.  For more information on Zap and other skimboard manufacturers, check out the Buyers Guide.

Zap Skimboards' Homepage

Interview conducted through email - October 2000.

Skim Online:  How and when did you first get into skimboarding?

Bob Smetts:  When I was a kid, we would make plywood boards and ride them all day long... just for fun.

Skim Online:  When did you start making skimboards and when did you recognize there was business potential in skimboard manufacturing? 

Bob Smetts:  In 1983.... When I was making surfboards, a customer asked me to make a couple of skimboards, so I did.  After making them, he bought them all and asked for more.  So I knew this was a potential business opportunity.

Skim Online:  Where is Zap located?

Bob Smetts:  We are located in Venice Florida, just one mile from Venice Beach

Skim Online:  Has Zap experienced mostly steady growth?  Or have there periods of boom and bust?

Bob Smetts:  Mostly steady.... been booming lately.

Skim Online:  Skimboarding seems to be exploding in the last couple of years with increased media coverage, interest and participation.  Has this been reflected in Zap's board sales and product demand?

Bob Smetts:  Through the promotion we realize we are helping the sport of skimboarding.  Without our monies and promotion skimboarding wouldn't be booming.  Zap has been supporting skimboarding contests for many years.  We believe this has been helping with increased interest and yes, as I mentioned, its been booming.

Skim Online:  Zap is the lead sponsor on several east coast contests and is intricately involved in running the contests.  What do you feel the role of a board manufacturer should ultimately be in skimboard contests?

Bob Smetts:  We are not intricately involved in the "running" of contests; we leave that up to the organizers and surf shops.  We like to help by sponsoring in any way we can.