Surfskate: what it is, how it works and how to choose the ideal surfskate board

When the waves are slow to come or the wind is unpredictable, surfskate is the answer! Discover how it can refine your technique, strengthen your muscles and give you the same adrenaline rush as the sea. Kiteworldshop guides you through the world of surfskate, with advice, models and everything you need to start “riding” the asphalt!

The feeling of freedom you get from gliding on a wave, the wind in your hair, the power of the water beneath your board is a unique and unmissable thrill for anyone who surfs, kitesurfs or windsurfs. But what do you do when the ocean is far away, conditions are unfavourable or you simply don't have much time? The answer is surfskate.

What is surfskate?

Surfskate, also known as surf skateboard, is a skateboard designed to simulate the feeling of surfing on asphalt. It works differently from a traditional skateboard, distinguished not only by its polyurethane wheels and bearings, but above all by its front truck, designed to generate a dynamic thrust, or “pump”, similar to that used in surfing to pick up speed or overcome a “sluggish” section of the wave. This truck allows for tight turns, rotations and carving, faithfully replicating the sensations of surfing.

So, we can consider surfskating an incredibly effective and fun alternative to keep your passion alive, refine your technique and prepare your body for your next session in the water.

How surfskate works and how to get started

Practising water sports is good for the body and mind. Immersed in nature, harnessing the power of the elements, you can escape from everyday stress and recharge your batteries. For those who live near the sea or a windy spot, the ideal training is simple: get out on the water as much as possible, in all seasons and conditions.

But for most of us, the reality is different. Our passion clashes with work and family commitments and the vagaries of the weather. Finding the right balance between duty and freedom is a constant challenge. And that's where surfskate comes in.

If you are a beginner, you can start on a flat area free of obstacles, taking the time to familiarise yourself with the board and truck and learn the basics before tackling more complex turns. Remember to regularly check the condition of your board and its components and replace any worn parts. The more you use your surfskate in a technical and conscious way, the better the results will be.

One piece of advice we give to all skaters is to take advantage of even the simplest spaces, such as your backyard, as practising there will help you improve the fluidity of your movements and strengthen your legs.

Once you have gained more mastery of surfskating, you can move on to training in wave parks and skate parks. This type of training adds the vertical component, simulating the sensations of surfing even more realistically. In these sessions, you can reproduce the typical lines of surfing, enriching the dynamics of your movements with the vertical section of the wave.

Being good at skateboarding, and especially surfskating, is excellent training for your surfing stance and technique. But the benefits don't stop there. Surfskating trains your leg muscles and engages your shoulders, neck and abs, improving your balance and coordination. It's an activity that promotes concentration, increases physical endurance and prevents injuries. But above all, surfskating is speed, technique, adrenaline, wind in your face, tricks and tons of fun! Even when you're far from the sea, you can “ride” the asphalt and experience the same thrills as surfing.

Skateboarding and Surfing: different sports with a common spirit

Even when you can't get out on the water, it's essential not to neglect your physical training. Staying in good shape helps prevent injuries, speed up recovery times, tackle longer sessions and improve performance. And there's no better way to do this than with disciplines similar to surfing, both in terms of athletic requirements and philosophy.

Skateboarding is one of them. It's no coincidence that many water sports enthusiasts are also skaters. The two disciplines share a lot, starting with their origins: the first skaters were Californian surfers looking for a way to train when there were no waves, simulating the movements of surfing in empty swimming pools.

Differences between surfskate and traditional skateboard

Surfskate is a skateboard designed to simulate the feeling of surfing on asphalt, focusing on fluidity of movement and carving. Unlike traditional skateboards, which require you to push with your foot to generate speed and focus mainly on tricks and street skating, surfskate uses an articulated front truck that allows you to create speed through body movement, replicating the “pump” typical of surfing. The soft, wide wheels offer grip and absorb bumps in the terrain, making turns tighter and smoother. In this way, surfskate becomes not only a training tool for surfers, but also a real urban discipline focused on fun and balance.

Come scegliere un surfskate?

Choosing the right surfskate means finding the balance between the type of riding you want to do (cruising, dancing, carving or surf-feeling) and the shape/structure of the board. At Kiteworldshop.com, you can choose from a range of models, from pure “surf-style” boards designed to simulate surfing on asphalt to more “hybrid” boards, ideal for a versatile use.

• If you are looking for stability and good manoeuvrability, choose boards with longer decks and shapes resembling longboards, with wheelbases and trucks designed for horizontal cruising or pool carving. An example of this is the Slide Surfskate Neme Pro 35", designed to maximise every turn while keeping every move under control.

• If, on the other hand, you want maximum fluidity and a surfing feel, choose a compact deck with surfskate-oriented trucks and an agile shape suitable for tight turns and quick changes of direction to create a rail-to-rail surfing sensation, such as the Yow C-Hawk 33 by Californian shaper Chris Christenson.

Among our offerings, you will also find trucks, accessories and protective gear, so you can equip your skateboard with the best components for safety and performance.

How much does a surfskate cost?

The price of a surfskate can vary greatly depending on the quality, brand, type of deck, truck and wheels. Entry-level models start at €180-220, such as the Slide Surfskate Gussie Avalanche 31‘ or Long Island Flaming 32’, up to mid-to-high-end surfskates that cost €250–300+, such as the Yow Medina Bengal 33" Signature Series.

Consider your budget based on how you intend to use it. For occasional use or beginners, an inexpensive model may suffice, but if you are looking for maximum performance, it is worth investing in a mid-range or high-end board.

Your perfect surfskate awaits you at Kiteworldshop!

If you're ready to turn the asphalt into your own personal ocean, Kiteworldshop is the right place to start! In our online shop, you'll find a wide selection of surfskates from the best brands, including Long Island, Slide and Yow, as well as accessories to help you live your passion to the fullest. Don't wait for the waves to come back: start surfing the asphalt now with Kiteworldshop!

Photo Credit

Photo 1: YOW

Photo 2: LONG ISLAND SURFSKATE

Photo 3: YOW

Photo 4: LAPOINT

Photo 5: YOW

Photo 6: SLIDE SURFSKATE