Welcome to the TITUS surfskate guide!
Is regular skateboarding too technical for you and longboarding too cumbersome? Then surfskating might be just the thing for you, especially if you already know how to surf and want to enjoy the feeling of being on a board even on days when there are no waves.
Are you new to surfskating? Would you like to learn more about this type of skating? Then this guide offers you an easy introduction. You will learn how to generate propulsion by shifting your weight without having to push off like on a skateboard. You will also learn how to make smooth turns and use your body to maintain control at all times. Many of the movements are similar to surfing maneuvers such as bottom turns and cutbacks.
Surfskating is a land-based workout that simulates surfing movements. The special front axle of a surf skate is much more sensitive than the axles of normal skateboards. This allows you to improve your balance, leg strength, and timing, even when you're far from the ocean. After a single push, you generate your speed purely through the pumping motion; there is no need to push off as you would with conventional skateboarding.
If you are already interested in this very special type of skating, take a look around our web shop. We offer surfskates from the leading brands YOW and Long Island.
For a stable stance, position your front foot slightly forward behind the front screws and your rear foot over the rear axle. Bend your knees, keep your shoulders relaxed, and look where you want to go. A low, balanced stance makes it easier to change direction quickly.
The actual riding is achieved by rhythmically shifting your weight between your heels and toes. The pumping motion consists of three elements:
• Pushing down with your toes and initiating the turn with your upper body,
• Rotating your shoulders and hips,
• Extending your legs as you exit the turn for additional momentum.
The movement resembles a continuous S-curve, with each bend bringing new speed.
The connection to surfing!
With a surf skate, you can practice so-called “bottoms” and “top turns” in a realistic way. The bottom turn is performed at the lowest point of the imaginary wave and takes you back to the “lip.” The top turn near the lip takes you back down again. In combination, these two turns create the typical surfing flow. You imitate this by transitioning from a deep turn to one side (bottom turn) directly into an opposite turn (top turn).
No water – how to stop?
Unlike surfing, you can't just jump into the water, so at some point you'll have to think about how to stop. Since the front axle is very maneuverable, braking requires slightly different techniques than on a normal skateboard. Three methods are particularly reliable:
• Dismount while running: At low to medium speed, jump off with your back foot and let the momentum run out.
• Stopping on rough surfaces: Simply steer onto a rough surface – the friction will slow you down a little.
• Slowing down by carving: Reduce your speed with wide, controlled turns (only suitable if there is enough space).
Practicing these techniques will give you confidence and allow you to concentrate fully on pumping, carving, and new maneuvers.