Does a Carver Skateboard Really Help with Your Surfing Skills?
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor who’s already felt the thrill of the ocean or someone yet to discover it, you’ve likely heard whispers about surfskating. This sport is making waves, not just among surfers, but across the broader ocean-loving community. At Salty Breeze, we believe it’s time to discover how surfskates can seriously level up your surfing game, and why it might be the land-based key to mastering those tricky maneuvers on water.
The Concept: Surfing Without Waves
Imagine carving down a sidewalk with the same fluidity you’d experience riding a wave. That’s the magic of surfskating. Originally designed for surfers stuck on flat days, surfskates allow you to simulate the rail-to-rail movements of surfing—no ocean required. The board's unique trucks (axles) pivot in a way that mirrors the turning motion you’d perform on a wave, making it an excellent tool for surf training with a SurfSkate.
SurfSkate for Surf Practice: A Land-Based Revolution
The brilliance of a surfskate lies in its ability to mimic the mechanics of surfing while you're on land. When you pump the board, you generate speed—just like on a wave. This is crucial when practicing bottom turns, cutbacks, and top turns, which are all fundamental surfing maneuvers. For beginners, this repetition establishes muscle memory, helping you perfect your technique before you even hit the water.
Why Balance and Coordination Matter
Balance is the cornerstone of surfing, and it’s also central to surfskating. By constantly adjusting your weight and maintaining control of your surfskate, you’ll develop the stability and coordination essential for smooth transitions on a wave. Whether you’re a beginner struggling to stay upright or an intermediate surfer trying to refine your cutbacks, a few minutes on a surfskate each day can dramatically improve your balance.
What Makes SurfSkates Different from Other Boards?
Sure, skateboards and longboards are fun. But surfskates are different—trust us on this. Where skateboards rely on foot movements to turn, surfskates require full-body engagement. It’s all in the shoulders and hips. The result? A fluid, surf-like experience. In fact, it’s this unique movement that makes surfskate for surf practice so beneficial.
If you’ve ever found it tough to transfer skills from land-based boards to the water, surfskating bridges that gap. The board’s design allows for sharper turns and quick transitions, directly replicating the motions of surfing. Surfskating also helps you practice pumping, an essential technique for generating speed on both land and sea.
Does a SurfSkate Really Help Improve Surfing Performance?
The short answer is yes. But let’s dig a little deeper. Practicing on a surfskate allows you to perfect specific techniques in a controlled environment. Unlike ocean waves, where you may only get a few precious seconds to practice, surfskates offer limitless repetitions. You can work on your bottom turns, cutbacks, and even start learning aerials, all from your local park.
Fix Bad Habits Before They Hit the Water
One of the biggest advantages of surfskating is its ability to help you correct bad surfing habits. Poor posture, weak turns, or even the dreaded poop stance (squatting too low on your board). Since surfskates require a similar stance to surfing, they act as a mirror to your surfing style, highlighting any missteps before they translate to the water.
Getting Started: How to Use a SurfSkate to Improve Surfing
So, how do you start? Simple. Place your front foot just behind the front trucks, with your back foot resting on the tail. Push off to gain momentum, and as you shift your weight from heel to toe, the board will carve just like a surfboard. Focus on small movements at first, pumping for speed, transitioning between turns, and eventually start building up to more advanced maneuvers.
If you’re a visual learner, imagine the sinus curves you’d draw on a wave while riding it. These are the same curves you’ll mimic on your surfskate. It’s all about flow, turning, and the rhythm of your body leading the board.
Best SurfSkates for Surf Training in 2024
Now that you’re pumped to get started, let’s talk gear. When choosing a surfskate, opt for one that matches your style and skill level. Here are a few top picks for 2024:
- YOW Pipe 32: Known for its radical turning ability, this board is perfect for tight, sharp maneuvers.
- Carver CX: If you’re new to surfskating, the CX truck system offers a balance between stability and flexibility.
- SmoothStar: A favorite among surf schools for its ability to closely replicate actual surfing on land.
SurfSkate Shop: Find Your Perfect Match
Don’t forget, the best surfskate for you will depend on your style and what you want to practice. Check out local or online surfskate shops that offer a variety of boards suited for different experience levels and riding styles. Investing in the right gear will make all the difference when transitioning from land to sea.
So grab a surfskate, carve some sidewalks, and get ready to shred with confidence.