BPS New Zealand Gator Skimboard with EVA Grip Pad - Fun, Ready to Ride

In this review the BPS New Zealand Gator skimboard proves to be a great pick for families and beginners who want a durable, ready-to-ride board that produces quick smiles. The biggest reason to buy is the all-over colored EVA grip pad that removes the need for wax and delivers confident traction straight out of the box, so kids and adults can start skimming on beach days with minimal setup. Built from poplar plywood with a glossy epoxy finish, the Gator balances lightweight portability with a survivor mentality for casual beach use.

Key Features

• All-over EVA grip pad: Provides non-slip traction even when wet so riders can use the board immediately without waxing.
• Nose rocker: The built-in nose rocker increases maneuverability and helps pull off smooth turns and pivot moves with less effort.
• Poplar plywood core: A lightweight construction that makes the board easy to carry and suitable for children and adults transporting to the beach.
• Glossy epoxy coating: Protects the wood from wear and extends the board's usable life for casual skimming sessions.
• Size options: Three sizes let buyers match board length to rider weight for better control and a safer learning curve.

Who It's For

The BPS Gator is ideal for families, first-time skimboarders and casual riders who want a forgiving, easy-to-transport board that works straight away due to the no-wax grip pad. The different sizes cover small children through larger teens and adults, so parents can buy the right fit using the size chart for confident sizing.

Experienced wave skimmers seeking performance-grade competition gear should look elsewhere, as the Gator is tuned for learnability and recreational fun rather than high-end professional tricks. Those who need extreme long-term heavy-duty durability may also consider customized surf-grade boards.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ready to ride out of the box thanks to the full EVA traction pad.
• Easy to carry and light for transporting between beach spots.
• Good value for families, combining attractive design with functional construction.
• Built-in nose rocker makes learning turns and pivots more intuitive.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed for heavy or frequent use; casual riders should be fine, but very rough treatment may shorten lifespan.

Specifications

Brand	BPS
Construction	Poplar plywood with glossy epoxy coating
Grip	Colored all-over EVA traction pad (no wax needed)
Sizes	30 in (up to 80 lbs), 35 in (80-150 lbs), 40 in (over 150 lbs)
Designed for	Kids and adults, beginner to recreational riders
Finish	High gloss clear coat

Our Verdict

The BPS New Zealand Gator is a practical, family-friendly skimboard that offers immediate traction and approachable handling for learners. With lightweight poplar construction and a protective epoxy finish, it represents solid value for casual beach days; buyers seeking a simple, dependable skimboard that families can use right away will appreciate this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need wax for this skimboard?
No, the colored all-over EVA grip pad provides sufficient traction so the board is ready to ride without wax.

Which size should I pick for my child?
Use the size chart: 30 in is suitable up to about 80 lbs, 35 in for roughly 80 to 150 lbs, and 40 in for riders over 150 lbs.

Is the board durable for regular beach use?
The glossy epoxy coating protects the poplar plywood and it stands up well for casual use, but durability feedback is mixed for very heavy or rough use.