Roller surf in details

Roller surf is a hybrid of skateboard, snowboard, surfboard and rollerblades. Its special design makes it possible to turn 360 degrees and easily bypass obstacles. All a rider needs to do is shift his or her body weight alternately from one foot to the other, making a wave-like motion. Pushing off the ground in this case is not required. This riding technique develops the muscles responsible for balance, increases endurance and improves coordination. This device has many names (casterboard, ripstick, wakeboard, etc.). What else should you know about it?

The board

It consists of a deck and wheels and is very similar to a skateboard, but there are two fundamental differences: the number of wheels and the presence of a new element. The new element we are talking about is called “torsion”. These, as well as some other features of the structure of roller-surf make this vehicle unique.

As a rule, roller-surf has only two wheels (when it comes to professional boards, there can be more of them). Wheels for roller-surf are movable, which is why the device has excellent maneuverability. The wheels can rotate around their axis independently of each other. The vast majority of models have only two wheels located under each of the platforms. Wear-resistant polyurethane wheels of large diameter are usually used.

As a rule, these boards are divided into models for children and adults. It is necessary to choose the board carefully in accordance with the age of a rider, his or her feet size and other parameters, so that riding a rollersurf is a pleasant experience for them. Otherwise it is possible to get injured after falling on the ground.

Anyways, every rider needs to buy protective equipment, especially if we are talking about beginners and children. A helmet, a pair of kneepads and elbow pads, and gloves should be an inevitable part of the rollersurf. As time passes and driving experience grows, the amount of equipment may decrease. At a minimum, you should always put on a helmet when practicing this sport.

How to take care of the board

To take care of your rollersurf properly, you need to periodically perform a few simple manipulations. This device has several moving parts, and the main one is the wheels. You need to monitor their wear and replace them if needed. At least once a week you should check how thoroughly the bolts that connect the wheels and the platform on the inside are tightened. If they have loosened due to shaking, retighten them with a wrench.

In addition to mechanical impacts, roller-surf care involves keeping the device clean. Thoroughly clean it from dirt, dust, wipe the footrests, free the wheels from debris, etc. No other care is needed for this sporty device. As you can see, it is quite simple and very reliable.

Riding technique

Before you start learning how to ride a wakeboard, you need to read the product data sheet and learn about its technological features. The first and most important skill you should master is the ability to keep your balance. Also, you need fairly strong legs and a great vestibular apparatus.

If you do not know how to rollersurf, do a little exercise to acquire the skills of determining the point of gravity and transfer it to different places on the body. Stand on a small chair with both feet, feel how your body itself determines the point of gravity and concentrates the strength of your legs and back muscles in a certain place. Then lift one leg while standing on the chair: the point of gravity shifted, you almost fell, but after adjusting the strength of the other muscles, you are stable again.

This is what you should do on the wakeboard as well. Rollersurf implies a constant change of the center of gravity of the body. At first, you will think about it, but after a week of training this process will be automatic. Once you have mastered the principle of skating, begin to increase the speed, then you can try making turns.

Start

Some people find it more convenient to start from the front platform of the roller-surf. That is, the front foot is placed first, and we push with the back foot. However, some people find it more convenient to ride from the back foot. Only you can figure out how it works for you.

To learn how to start moving, you should put the roller-surf in front of you. The direction of motion should be toward your front foot. Put your front (or back, if it is more comfortable) foot on the roller-surf and level the board.

Use the other foot to push off. If you are not sure, you can push sideways for a few steps and ride on one foot. Then push off and put the second foot on the platform. Keep your feet perpendicular to the board. It is most stable if your feet are perpendicular and above the wheels.

Movement

Try to drive straight for 1-2 meters first. Having mastered this skill, you can learn to accelerate. The simplest way to do it is move your feet forwards backwards. One foot moves forward, while the other moves backward. Then the direction changes. It resembles walking.

Stopping

There is no brake on the roller-surf. That is why you should not go straight down a long descent. You can accelerate a lot. If you are going downhill and the speed gets exhilarating, jump right off the board. The speed may be too high and then you will not be able to jump off without a fall.

In order not to accelerate, apply zigzags; do not go straight downhill. This is called carving. If the road is wide, you can turn completely up the slope. Then the board stops. This is the movement of a falling sheet.

Exercise to practice carving. You need to find a smooth downhill. The road should be wide. Go perpendicular to the downhill. That is, not on the downhill, but across. Then you should turn to the side of a descent and then go perpendicularly again, but to the other side. This way you can go all the way down without any speed. If in the middle the board becomes uncontrollable and goes down, you can jump off.

After this practice you can safely ride almost any descent. Carving depends on the slope. If the slope is smooth and small, there may be no need to strain. The roller surf will not go fast. If the slope is medium and the casterboard accelerates too much, then make smooth zigzags and bring the speed down. A hard downhill requires performing zigzags or riding close to perpendicular at all.

As you can see, rollersurf is a funny discipline that is available almost everywhere where there are roads. It goes without saying that it requires some training like any other sport. Once you have mastered the basic skills, you will enjoy practicing this sport.