How to surfskate

1. Intro and history
2. What's a surfskate?
3. Understanding surfskates
4. Getting started: a step-by-step guide
5. Surfskates and equipment

Intro and History

The saying goes: if you want to surf better, surf more. There's even a formula for progress to quantify this theory: repetition + time = progress. Simple enough, but not always practical. Look at surfing, for example. Not everyone has the luxury to sprint down to the beach between meetings for a few punts and cutbacks, as nearly half the world's population lives over 60 kilometers from a coastline. So much for that "surf more" advice, right?

In surfing, progress isn't linear. It's more like a drunk octopus trying to draw a straight line - all over the place, with winks of brilliance followed by spectacular moments of humility. Unlike running, where more kilometers equal improvement, surfing throws unpredictable variables our way. Mother Nature doesn't care about your schedule, serving up flat days when you're amped, and perfect offshore days when you're stuck in meetings. But surfers are a resourceful bunch. We've always found ways to chase that feeling, even when the ocean plays hard to get. This relentless pursuit has sparked some pretty ingenious inventions over the years.

Like many before them, Greg Falk and Neil Carver were surfers itching for waves during the long, flat summer months. They first tried loosening their skateboard trucks to mimic that fluid surf feel. But all they got was a wobbly, unstable ride that felt more like trying to balance on a greased watermelon than anything else. That's when the lightbulb moment hit. They realized the key wasn't just having looser trucks, but creating a front truck with more turn radius than the rear. What they were after was that lateral swing that makes surfing feel so damn good. After countless sketches, they welded together the first prototype of what would become the Carver truck in Neil's garage - the birthplace of the modern surfskate.

What's a surfskate, anyway?

Think of a surfskate as a skateboard that's had a surf-inspired makeover. The critical difference is in the trucks – that's the hardware connecting the wheels to the deck. Surfskate trucks allow for a much wider range of motion than standard skate trucks. This means you can pump, carve, and generate speed without pushing off the ground, mimicking the movements you'd perform on a wave.

But the intention of surf skates isn't to replace surfing - nothing could do that – but to complement it, bottling that feeling of fluidity and freedom and making it accessible even when the ocean decides to take a day off. Fast forward to today, the surfskate quickly evolved from a surfer's training tool to a discipline in its own right. It offers a way to work on technique, sure, but it also opened up a whole new world of "chasing that feeling" on asphalt. Suddenly, that drainage ditch behind your house becomes a perfect peeling right-hander. The local skate park transforms into a skater's version of a pumping, high-performance wave.

Understanding surfskates

Just like surfboards, surfskates come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own personality. If you've ever grappled with the challenge of learning to surf, you'll appreciate how crucial the right board is to your progression. The same principle applies to surfskates – the correct setup can be the difference between stagnation and rapid improvement.

Shortboards

At the nimble end of the spectrum, we have shortboards. These compact dynamos typically feature a kicktail and are designed for riders who crave responsiveness and maneuverability. They are quick, agile, and perfect for tight turns and technical tricks.

Brands like YOW and Carver excel at replicating the essence of high-performance surfing. These boards love a good skatepark or smooth pavements where their agility shines. If you're looking to replicate the quick, snappy turns of shortboard surfing or to progress into more advanced surfskate techniques, a quality shortboard is the way to go.

Longboards

On the other end of the spectrum, we have longboards. These are the gentle giants of the surfskate world, offering stability, smoothness, and the ability to draw out long, flowing carves. If shortboards are sports cars, longboards are luxury sedans – comfortable, stable, and perfect for long, leisurely rides. The longboard surfskate experience is reminiscent of riding a longboard surfboard - it's all about flow, grace, and making the most of momentum.

Arbor, a brand with deep roots in skateboarding and snowboarding, has made significant inroads into the surfskate scene with their longboard lineup. The boards often feature larger wheelbases and wider trucks, providing a stable base ideal for beginners or those looking to cruise and carve with style.

Fish

Sitting slap bang in the middle is a stubby, fun allrounder called "Fish." The best of both worlds, if you will. Taking their name from the classic fish surfboard shape, these boards are typically wider and shorter than a standard shortboard, offering a mix of stability and maneuverability that makes them incredibly versatile. Globe, with their extensive experience in board sports, has some really solid options in this category.

The "fish" is the Swiss army knife of surfskates - stable enough for beginners to find their feet, yet responsive enough for more experienced riders to express themselves. They're equally at home carving down a hill, cruising through your neighborhood, or sessioning it up at a skate park.

Trucks

While board shapes usually catch people's eye, it's without a doubt the truck system that truly defines the performance. There are two main philosophies when it comes to surfskate trucks:

• Spring-based systems: These use a spring mechanism to create that distinctive surfy feel. The spring allows for a greater range of motion in the truck, allowing riders to pump and generate speed with a fluid, wave-like motion. These systems, like those found on YOW boards, offer incredible responsiveness and are great for replicating the feel of surfing on steep waves. However, they can be more challenging to control at high speeds.

• Geometric systems: Rather than relying on springs, these trucks use clever geometry to achieve their turning characteristics. Carver's CX system is a prime example. These trucks offer a more stable ride, especially at higher speeds, while allowing for the pumping and carving that defines surfskating. Riders often prefer them transitioning from traditional skateboarding or those prioritizing stability.

Wheels

There is no "I" in team. Meaning, each and every component in a surfskate adds to the experience. This leads me to an often overlooked but crucial piece of equipment: wheels. Typically, surfskates use softer and larger wheels than traditional skateboards, usually around 70-75mm in diameter. This size and softness serve multiple purposes:

• Smoother ride: Larger wheels roll over small obstacles and crack more easily, providing a smoother ride that better mimics the glide of surfing.

• Better grip: Softer wheels offer improved traction, which is essential for the carving and pumping motions central to surfskating.

• Maintained speed: The larger diameter helps maintain speed, important for long, drawn-out carves and pumping sequences.

Getting Started: a step-by-step guide

Now, with all the specs and theory out of the way, let's move on to the fun stuff. After all, surfskating should be less about memorizing truck geometries or board design, and more about chasing that feeling, even if you live hours away from the ocean. So, how do you go from landlubber to concrete surfer? Let's break it down.

Choose your surfskate

First things first, you need a board. If you're new to this, don't stress too much about the perfect setup. A mid-range fish is a great place to start. It'll give you enough stability to find your feet, but enough responsiveness to keep things interesting as you progress.

Find your stance

Just like in surfing, your stance is crucial. Are you regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward)? If you're not sure, here's a quick trick: have a friend give you a gentle push from behind. Whichever foot you step forward with to catch yourself is likely your lead foot.

It's all in the joints

Two things. Get low and bend those knees - simple! A low center of gravity will give you more control and stability. Think of it as your surf stance on land. The lower you go, the more control you'll have.

Learn to pump

This is where the magic happens. Pumping is how you generate speed without pushing off the ground. Start with small, rhythmic movements from your shoulders down to your feet. It's like doing the worm, but cooler and less likely to get you kicked out of a wedding.

Work on your turns

Once you've got your pumping down, start incorporating carves. Lean into your turns, using your whole body to guide the board. While your toes and heels lead, it's not just your feet doing the work – it's a full-body experience. Head, arms, hips and feet work in sync. Start with wide, gentle carves, and gradually tighten them as you get more comfortable.

Find your local

Look for smooth, flat areas to start. An empty parking lot is perfect. As you get more comfortable, graduate to gentle hills and skate parks. Just remember, concrete is a lot less forgiving than water, so take it easy at first.

Practice, practice, practice

Like anything worth doing, getting good at surfskating takes time. But the beauty is that you can do it almost anywhere, anytime. Stuck in a flat spell? Hit the streets. Lunch break at work? See that parking lot across the office? The more time you spend on your board, the more natural it'll feel. Oh, and one thing; you're going to fall. It's part of the learning process. Embrace it!

Keep it fun

That's literally the whole point of it all.

Surfskating might never replace the real thing. Concrete doesn't curl, but neither does it go flat. The best sessions are the ones you create.

Our surfskates recommandations and accessories