Skateboarding culture has immensely grown and gained recognition ever since it became directly coordinated with surfing. In the 1900s, surfers in California decided to come up with new ways to surf when the waves were flat. They originally attached roller skate wheels to the bottom of wooden planks, which led to a skateboarding revolution around the world. After years of adapting the equipment, styles, and skill levels of the sport, it eventually became a professional endeavor that was ultimately tied to surfing.
Much like surfing, skateboarding possesses unique qualities that allows an individual to develop their own style. The two sports have different types of boards that gives someone the opportunity to choose how they want to surf or skate that particular board. The classic skateboard is a popular choice among teenagers or anyone seeking an adrenaline rush or a variety of tricks. It is also the oldest known form of skateboarding. Riding on rails or doing tricks off of curbs are popular ways people embrace this kind of style. Skateboards are also used at skate parks for enhancing tricks by incorporating larger obstacles and bowls for doing drop ins and airs. Surf-skates are a more modern skateboard design, and they are used for almost exactly as they sound. What makes these boards unique is that there are special kinds of trucks attached to the board that make it a smoother ride and easier to turn. The movements one must make in order to perform well on a surf-skate mimic the movements one has to make on a short board. Surf-skate allows for long or sharp turns, carving, and pumping. Longboards are similar to surf-skates, only larger in size and more stable. They turn well but are mostly designed for cruising along the pavement. They can be walked on, and are great for nose riding which is similar to the style a long boarder would have surfing. Longboards can also be used for going downhill at fast speeds. Many boards have an amazing ability to remain stable while blazing down a steep hill and refraining the rider from getting the “speed wobbles” or when a rider poorly distributes their weight while going fast causing the board to shake.
Skateboarding is a great way for hardcore surfers to stay sane when the waves are flat. Any style of skating can be chosen and they will all help the surfer gain valuable skills. Almost everything a skateboarder does on land can be translated into the water to help a surfer build a creative variety of tricks and maneuvers. With an array of similarities between the two sports, there will always be a day when at least one of the sports will be available for someone to hop onto a board and try to improve their skill set.
The island of Bali is the center for skateboarding in Indonesia. It is a great place for people to showcase their skills or learn how to ride. Bali offers several different skate spots consisting of skate parks, bowls, and halfpipes. Pretty Poison in Canggu is a popular skate spot and bar. People come here to skate in front of large crowds because it is a hot spot for internationals to hang out on vacation. Since Bali is a well-known tourist destination, people from all over the world come to the island and get the chance to witness amazing skateboarding and some of the world’s best waves for surfing. Bali presents so many different options for doing these sports. One place to surf is Kuta Beach. Surfers take action at Kuta’s reliable beach break and beautiful blue waters. You can rent boards or take a surf lesson with Odyssey Surf School. As for skating, there are plenty of skate shops around the island, and even some surf shops offer skate equipment as well. Make sure to cease the opportunity to surf and skate while in Bali because it will help you improve your skills for both sports.