Surfing and skateboarding are one thing. There’s nothing like sliding down a silky smooth wall of water or rolling along on four wheels. But there are plenty of hybrid surfing and skateboarding ways of riding. And we refer to these as fringe activities. You know, those ways of getting your fun fix but not in a conventional way. Here are a few of our favourites.
Bellyboarding.
Surfing and skateboarding often require the right type of weather and/or conditions to enjoy to their full. Bellyboarding, as with all these activities, really doesn’t. In fact, with bellyboarding you don’t even need to be out of your depth.
Made lovingly from wood riding a bellyboard can also be described as surf riding. It’s been a popular activity since way. But just lately has seen a resurgence of interest. Easily accessible, super fun and a guaranteed way to enjoy waves even when they’re not quality. Bellyboarding is definitely one to tick off and try at the very least.
Land paddling.
Now, this looks really kooky. A hybrid of longboard skateboarding and SUP land paddling has the rider using a longboard style board and a stick. The stick, or paddle, is used to push said rider along thereby he/she not putting their feet down.
Land paddling’s a good way to keep SUP fit (or just fit in general) as it can be a hefty workout believe it or not. It’s great when the weather’s cold and not pricking your interest for watery shenanigans. Of course, the synergy between land paddling and stand up paddle boarding on water is tangible.
Mat surfing.
Mat surfing is enjoying a boom time at the moment – at least in SW UK. Blow up mats are used to ride waves in a sort of bodyboard style. Although from those who do we have it authority mat surfing’s nothing like booging.
Often mats are custom made but everyone we know indulging tells of what a laugh mat surfing is. And isn’t this kind of thing all about how much fun you can have?
Tray surfing.
Using a food service tray, as you’d find in a fast food restaurant, fins are attached to the bottom and riders launch into swells with the tray in front of them. A little like hand planes for bodysurfers trays help with directional stability and additional glide through surf.
Another super kooky looking way of sliding in the sea tray surfing is gaining popularity due to its delivery of miles wide smiles.
One wheel eSkating.
Not just a hybrid of electric skateboard one wheels use gyroscopic technology to have the rider balance on a middle aligned wheel. Using weight distribution they can be ridden forwards, backwards and carved just as you would when skating normally.
One big USP with one wheels are their off road capabilities. It’s possible to head along wet, muddy tracks and not require those smooth surfaces we all dream of when rolling on fours. Some also say that one wheel eSkates resemble hoverboards. Or at least deliver a hoverboarding feeling. We’re not sure about this since hoverboards (Marty McFly style) don’t exist we’ve nothing to compare it to!
Here at NCW we’re big fans of alternative ways of riding. Surfing and skateboarding fringe activities are just as valid as conventional means if they put a smile on your chops. Ignore the haters! The fun’s free…
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