Figure out what powers the skiff. You need to know if a skiff is powered by sails, a motor or rowing. The different power sources have profoundly different effects on how the skiff sails and in what conditions it can safely and effectively run.
Learn to steer the skiff. Most skiffs use a tiller to steer. A tiller is a small handle that is connected to the rudder, which sits in the water at the stern of the boat. A tiller directs the boat in the opposite direction that it points in so if you pull the tiller to the right, the boat will go left. And, conversely, if you pull the tiller to the left, the boat moves to the right.
Move with the waves. Because a skiff is so small, you need to handle it correctly through waves and choppy seas. Try to let the boat float up into the crest of a wave and then surf down the wave's back side, instead of slamming the boat into the face of the wave. Plowing into a wave not only makes the ride bumpy but slows you down and can cause damage to the boat.
Watch for other traffic. Since a skiff is small and maneuverable, you need to make sure you watch out for other traffic and obey right of way laws when you sail. In general, the more maneuverable boat must give way and boats under motor power have to give way to boats under sail and rowing power. Review local right of way regulations before you take your skiff out so you sail safely and legally.
