A Quick Guide to SurfSkates
SurfSkates first arrived on the scene in the 1990s when surfers wanted something to do on flat days. Since then, expert SurfSkate engineers and designers have perfected these street surfing tools to allow surfers to play on days without waves. Here is a quick guide on what SurfSkates are, why they're different from traditional skateboards, and how to get started riding your very own.
What is a SurfSkate?
Basically, a SurfSkate is a skateboard designed to give you the feel of surfing on the street. They have specially designed trucks that allow the rider to mimic the flow, feel, and movements of surfing on waves.
Here is Jamie O’Brien Ripping on his latest Carver Pro Model.
Skateboard vs. SurfSkate
A typical skateboard is designed for tricks, and a typical longboard is designed for cruising. The difference between these models and a SurfSkate is the trucks of traditional skateboards only turn along their kingpin axis which functions as a backbone and connector of the top hanger to the baseplate. In short, it's stiff. A SurfSkate's trucks are specially designed to pivot and rotate to give a whole new axis of movement, mimicking the turns and carves in surfing.
Check out this video to see how Carver SurfSkates came to be:
How to SurfSkate
SurfSkates offer a whole new feel to gliding across the streets, and even if you're an experienced skateboarder or longboarder, there is a learning curve when it comes to mastering this tool.
The first thing to know is your stance on a SurfSkate is the same as your stance on a surfboard. Your feet are shoulder-width apart, with your front foot placed above the front trucks and your back foot above the rear trucks.
The key to SurfSkateing is all in the shoulders and hips. You want to keep your body loose and follow this simple rule; where your head and arms go, your hips and board will follow. Like a surfboard, your body position needs to be loose and comfortable to get the best ride.
Once you have your position down, it's time to start moving. Unlike traditional skateboards that generate speed and power with a pushing movement, SurfSkates use a pumping motion with both feet on the board.
To pump, you lead with your arms and shoulders, swinging and twisting them to create a sweeping movement with your front foot stable on the board. The whole deck will move with you, and once you get going, your movements will be very much like the slither of a snake.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can practice carving, cutbacks, snaps, and more.
Where to get a SurfSkate
There are lots of SurfSkates available today for all skill levels and goals. When looking for your very own, it is important to find one that matches your experience and needs. A quick google search on one of the many SurfSkate devoted websites can help you locate your best fit.
Our favorite SurfSkates are made by Carver. They have a variety of high-quality models and shapes, including their JOB line designed with the help of Jamie and thought of surf training in mind.
Ask Jamie For Help
Want to ask Jamie O’Brien himself about some SurfSkate tips? Check out the Jamie O’Brien Twyn app here to get personal, one on one advice on how to improve your surfing, SurfSkating and more.
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