Maybe I'm just completely missing this in the core rulebook, but I can't seem to find any rule regarding using skills in combat. From the PRD under the Actions in Combat Table, under Standard Actions it states that
Use a skill that takes 1 action
That's the closest thing I can find. The way I see it, theres different way to interpret this -
Option 1: Following the Actions in Combat Table, using skills takes 1 standard action.
Option 2: Assume each skill description lists the kind of action necessary. For example, under the ride description it states
Action: Varies. Mounting or dismounting is normally a move action. Other checks are a move action, free action, or no action at all, as noted above.
So how do you all interpret the rules of skill uses in combat? If you go with option 1 it would seem to defeat the common image of PC's using acrobatics and different skills to supplement their actions in combat. On the other hand, if you go with option 2 most skills don't list in their description what kind of action is required to use it. I'm flummoxed - any help would be greatly appreciated!
Every skill lists the action required to use it. The table in the combat section is just bringing a lot of stuff together in one place. It simply tells you that using skills that take a standard action is actually a standard action.
look further down and under full round actions it lists 'use skill that takes 1 round'.
Ok now after perusing the skill descriptions I see what you're saying. That's a clears up an ongoing debate at my table, thanks so much for the help!