Background information
On the wave of happiness: surfskating in Laax
by Patrick Bardelli
ISPO 2019: Surfing without any water
15.2.2019
Translation: machine translated
Video: Manuel Wenk
Do you know the superlative of cool? No, it's not the coolest, it's Surfskate. The skateboard with the movable front axle attracts attention at the ISPO in Munich. Mine too.
I think surfers are cool. The well-trained dudes with their "hang loose" lifestyle impress me. I'd love to ride waves too. If only it wasn't for my aversion to physical activity in the water. But you don't even need water to surf, as I found out last summer in Laax.
The ISPO in Munich has a special hall for fun sports. So off to the surf skateboards from "Your Own Wave" or Yow for short, the brand from San Sebastian in the Basque Country. I meet Xué Gil for an interview at the world's biggest sports fair. Find out more in the video above.
The (next) big thing
Surfskating is in. No wonder, the boards with the movable front axle enable movements just like on a surfboard. It's a brilliant feeling. Even beginners like me get the hang of it relatively quickly. But of course, no comparison to a pro like Xué.
And this is how you start
Place your back foot on the end of the board and your front foot roughly level with the front axis. Your heel and toes should be approximately at the edge of the board. Keep the centre of your body in the middle of the board. As soon as your leg position and posture on the board are correct, you're ready to go. You will quickly realise how easy it is to accelerate the Yow skateboard. With a tilting movement alternating from toe to heel, combined with a rotation in your upper body, you pick up speed. Once you get the hang of it, you can pump effortlessly along the road without having to gain momentum with your foot.
Ride the wave with me here.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
Sport
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
1 comment
later