How to Use a Surfskate to Level Up Your Surfing

If you want to surf better but don’t live at the beach OR you're between surf trips, there’s one powerful way to stay sharp.

It’s called surf skateboarding or simply surf skating.

And it's more than just fun. At Kala Surf, we use surf skate training every week to help surfers dial in their style and improve their technique on land.

Here's what you need to know about using surf skateboarding to become a better surfer.

What is a surfskate?

A surfskate is a type of skateboard designed for surf training. The difference is in the trucks (the T-shaped metal components connecting the wheels to the deck). The surfskate truck setup is different from a normal skateboard:

• The front truck uses a rotating arm or spring-loaded mechanism
• This allows the board to pivot like a surfboard
• The rear truck acts more like a normal truck, keeping things stable

This lets you simulate surfing movements on flat ground. You can generate speed without pushing, just by pumping with your feet.

It’s the same principle as pumping down the line on a wave.

The feeling is addictive. As your board rotates, you find yourself naturally mimicking the motions you’d use in the water.

Everything from your shoulders to your hips starts to align with real surf mechanics.

Surfskates vs. normal skateboards

Surfskates feel totally different from a normal skateboard or even a longboard skateboard.

The front truck plays the biggest role. It allows tighter turns, smoother flow and real surf-style carving. The rear truck acts as a pivot point, much like on a surfboard.

Not to get too technical here, but with kingpin axis variations and reverse king pin trucks, the geometry of the trucks lets you simulate the feel of rail-to-rail transitions.

The Carver CX is a go-to truck setup that blends control with freedom. Other brands also use similar tech to mimic ocean dynamics.

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What surfskate drills improve surfing?

At Kala Surf, our coaches guide you through real-world drills at our own private surf skate park.

These sessions help you train how your feet, hips, head and body move during turns. Here's what we practice:

Compress and extend

Stay low on your deck, then extend to push through your turn. It builds strength and rhythm. Practicing this helps you generate more drive through each bottom turn.

Bottom turn

Use your back foot to initiate the turn. Shift your front foot forward, rotate your head and shoulders. This move sets up everything else. It’s a building block for every major manoeuvre.

Linking turns

Link bottom and top turns using the rail. Keep your motion smooth and connected. That’s how you maintain flow. Drill this regularly and your surfing starts to look more composed.

Pumping for speed

Just like on a wave, use your hips, legs and upper body to create forward momentum. No need to push with your foot. This simulates riding real surf. Learning to generate speed on land builds confidence in the water.

Video analysis

We often film training during private surf coaching and lessons so surfers like yourself can watch their movements, compare with coaches and understand what to change.

Seeing your own positioning and timing in slow motion makes subtle but powerful improvements. It's almost like a progression cheat code!

How surfskating helps surfers progress

Train through repetition

One of the biggest advantages is repetition. In the water, you might only get a handful of waves per session. On land, you can repeat a turn or movement fifty times in one go. That’s how real progression happens!

Build functional surf strength

Surfskating builds functional strength. You train your core, hips and lower body in ways that mirror actual surf conditions. That means better paddling posture, improved balance and more drive through your turns.

Rebuild confidence after injury

Need to build confidence after an injury? Surfskating gets you back into surf flow without the risks of the ocean. It lets you move at your own pace while regaining strength and trust in your body.

Fix bad habits faster

Want to fix bad habits? A few drills on the ground with a coach can correct your stance or weight distribution much faster than guessing out in the lineup.

Ride for transport and training

Yes, you can also cruise on your surfskate! While they're not often used for long distances, they love smooth carves and high speeds. Whether you're commuting through Uluwatu or rolling around your local park, you’re still training your body to move like a surfer.

Improve awareness and control

Many pro surfers use surfskates as part of their daily training because they reinforce rhythm, flow and control.

With us, you learn how to use your body more efficiently... especially during our intensive surf coaching packages. You gain awareness of how your back foot and front foot work together. You become more in tune with the board under you.

Progress faster at every level

For beginners, it’s a shortcut to faster learning. For experienced surfers, it’s the key to unlocking new layers of style and technique. Either way, surfskating builds skills that matter in the water!

Where to try surfskate training in Bali

We run surf skate training sessions at Kala Surf in Uluwatu. Our coaches teach real technique at our private surf skate park... not just how to ride.

You get one-on-one coaching on movement, flow and style.

The surface is smooth. The turns feel real. The drills make sense. And when the surf picks up again, you’re already tuned in and ready to rip (or at least your own version of ripping).

We use high-end boards, video feedback and guided progressions to make sure you’re learning effectively. Whether you’re just starting or working toward pro-level flow, we’ve got the tools and coaching to help.

FAQs

Q. Is a surfskate good for beginners?

Yes. It helps you understand balance and turning without needing waves. Many of our beginners learn faster thanks to surfskate practice.

Q. Can I use a normal skateboard for surf training?

Not really. Regular skateboards or longboard trucks don’t move like surfskate trucks. You won’t get the same range of motion or surf-like feel.

Q. Which brand is best?

Carver skateboards are popular, especially the Carver CX model. They offer good control and flow for all skill levels.

Q. Is it possible to fall?

Of course. Like any board sport, you need to learn slowly. But our training area is safe, and we start every session with basics.

Q. How often should I train?

Even two or three short sessions a week can lead to big improvements in surfing skills. Consistency matters more than high speed drills.

Q. Can surfskating really fix bad habits?

Yes. The instant feedback from the board makes you aware of poor form. It helps retrain your movements in a low-pressure environment.

Q. Do surfskates help with longboard surfing too?

Absolutely. While some drills target shortboard mechanics, many also apply to longboard flow, cross-stepping and trimming.

Q. What muscles does surf skateboarding train?

Surfskating works your core, legs, glutes, and stabiliser muscles. It also trains the connection between your brain and body, improving coordination.

Q. Is surfskating good for improving balance?

Definitely. It forces you to stay centered over your deck, especially while turning or pumping. This balance translates directly to your surfboard.

Q. Can I use a surfskate for daily commuting?

Yes, many riders use their boards to get around town. The setup is comfortable for cruising over long distances and adds a workout to your day.

Q. Is surfskating helpful for injury recovery?

Yes. It can be a low-impact way to get back into movement and regain confidence after an injury. Always check with your physio first.

Q. How does the rear truck affect performance?

The rear truck acts as a stabilising point. It controls the resistance of turns and makes sure your motion stays smooth. It’s one of the key differences between surfskates and regular setups.

Final thoughts

Surfskate training bridges the gap between land and sea. It keeps your style, body mechanics and surf mindset active even when the waves aren’t working or you're landlocked.

If you're serious about improving your surf, a surfskate board might be the best thing to add to your routine. And if you're in Uluwatu, come ride with us at Kala Surf. 

We’ll help you practice smarter so you can surf better, with more style and more confidence in the water. Because that's what it's all about!