A complete guide to surf skating

As the name indicates, surf skateboarding is a sport designed to mimic surfing on a surf skateboard. So, think about it this way: if the waves are not cooperating with you, just get on the board and surf the streets. 

This is actually how it all started! Back in the summer of 1996. Two surfer friends from two very different places found themselves bored on a day where the sea was pretty much flat. Although skateboarding was a very fun activity, it just didn’t feel quite the same as surfing, and they felt the skates needed some tuning up! Consequently, they ended up building the first prototype of what would become the “Surf Skate”.

How does Surf Skates work?

Even though these boards look like regular skateboards, underneath lies a secret: the Surf Adapter. It is possible to include it directly into the skateboard. It may also be mounted to any standard skateboard. Regarding the latter, the surf adapter will act like a crane arm that allows the skateboard (or longboard) trucks to move side to side. And of course, given that any standard board already tilts and turns on its axis, it resembles the art of surfing! As a result, if your skateboard is fitted with an adapter, you will be able to move in a variety of ways. Therefore, this will enable you to make smoother and tighter turns. This wider range of motions is what gives the surfskate the ability to swift from side to side.

There are a lot of surfskate brands around the world and each one works with a specific truck model system. At Rapturecamps, we work with SmoothStar, which is one of the most complete surf skateboards for surfers! We will now explain a little more about what makes SmoothStar so special: Custom made boards!

A few things are taken into account when choosing your own board. For example:

Height – The rider’s height is directly connected to his/hers surf stance. Meaning that during the whole time you are on top of a SmoothStar board, it will mimic your exact surf stance. It will feel more natural to you as a surfer, to be on top of this board, than on a regular skateboard. “A narrower surf stance causes the rider to fall off, “bog rail”, or accidentally slide out on their SmoothStar/surfboard. A stance that is too wide will result in the rider being less manoeuvrable on their surfboard or SmoothStar.”

Weight – The second most important factor to the success of these surfboards, which is taken into consideration when purchasing! It’s directly related to the height of the rider, and the board itself has to suit the rider’s weight vs height. The wheels can adapt to each person’s weight. Depending on each rider’s physical features, they have constructed different sets of wheels.

Base and length – Being a custom made design to your physical conditions, these surfboard skates are also built with different wheelbases and deck sizes so the surfskate can adapt to your own surfing stance. The shape of the deck is also taken into account, as they can be more or less concave. This provides (or not) the rider to have more line speed or have a more vigorous role on specific turns and movements.

How to begin surf skating?

Surf skating may be a fun method to learn the basic skills needed to practice outside of the water if you’re new to surfing. You can become an expert on surfing on dry land. Consequently, this can be a great help for when you are riding those waves! Surf Skating brings you better balance, stability and will improve your body positioning on the surfboard (or surfskate). All of these attributes will enable you to easily catch more waves, and ride them for a longer time!

Intermediate & Advanced Surf Skaters

Another skill you will gain as an intermediate surfer by surf skating is to learn compression, extension and timing. These elements are key factors for you to learn how to control the speed generated by all your moves. The speed is generated by your body movements, just like on a surfboard. So, all in all, surf skating will help you improve your surfing skills faster, while having fun!

Becoming an advanced surfer is no easy task. If you already are one: Congratulations! But what can surf skating do for you? Essentially, it can generate more power on your stance and perfect your manoeuvres. Training with your surfskate will undoubtedly improve your skills. Also, it will help correct your bad habits, while still working on your “surfing muscles”.

Surf skateboarding with Rapture Surfcamps

We are implementing Surf Skate lessons on all of our surf camps. At the moment we are offering in Ericeira, Milfontes and also Morocco! However, all of our surf camps will soon be fully prepared to teach you how to surf skate. We will cater to all levels from beginner to pro!

Our surf-skate lessons price include the board itself and all the protection equipment you need to make this happen! 

As a surfer, this will be the best tool to help you improve your skills. So you’ll be training for those angled take-offs! So take a little extra help from our surf skate lessons and start surfing the streets!