The Surf Skate Academy - Does length matter?

[@IMueTz3]

That is one of the most informative and technical correct Surfskate Videos existing! Deserves much more Attention, awesome work mate!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Thanks bud, this was one of the major vids Seb (Surf skate academy) wanted to create, I was guilty of this exact point in that I just made the assumption shorter was better, how wrong I was…!!

[@IMueTz3]

@@scottishsurfer9885 Yes I guess that's a typical missconception. I made the same mistake at my starting point. Having this video and understanding at the right time can save a huge amount of money and pain.. :D

[@scottishsurfer9885]

@@IMueTz3 absolutely, I can say from having used the variety of skates now I can confirm from a practical perspective that it genuinely makes a huge difference

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Many thanks pal. I really wanted to take the time to explain some important details that can make a massive difference in your surfskating and make you save time and money. 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@IMueTz3]

@@thesurfskateacademy1068 that definetly worked!

[@baudosgarage4761]

Well, I’m 185 too and that video was sooooo much helpful! I just buy a Meraki system and I’m trying few wb drilling an old deck…but your explanation was perfect, thank you man!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Great comment bro, thanks so much

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi! Many thanks for your feedback. Im so glad this video was helpful

[@farishamdouch3510]

this is the best Yow guide out there ! thanks a lot man ! a friend of mine actually hurt his knee for about 2 months because his deck was to short for his size ! You should be an official Yow adviser ! 😂🧡

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Man, that’s an amazing comment, Seba will be stoked for this one..! Hope your mate is healing and getting back on the board

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hey Faris!!! Many thanks for your comment pal. Yep, have a wider stance is important to have a good style, low centre of gravity and more pressure on your rails and a lot other things… and also to have that rotation in your front foot to make your upper body rotation better and avoid knee injuries or tendinitis. Hope your friend is back on the board stronger than ever !

[@imppao]

Hi, this is one of the best video I've see so far. I wish I had seen it a couple of years ago, when starting to surfskate. The wheelbase is one of the most misunderstood concept in surfakating. I've changed 3 boards, before understanding it and I now ride a 34'' board with a 18 wheelbase. I'm not a great fan of the meraki system, but after seeing your video I thin I' m gonna try one! Thanks a lot 🙏

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi pal, many thanks for your comment and I’m so glad you liked this video. There’s a lot of mixed information out there which make people to get confused. We try to make this video as simple as possible but with lots of important information. Different surfskate brands have different surfskate track systems so the WB change a bit but basically shorter WB turns easier and longer WB gives you longer turns where you can add more power into. Longer WB on a good system like the Meraki it’s an amazing feeling even more on a 33”/34” deck or even longer deck. People say that Meraki is difficult or too lose etc… but actually Meraki makes things very smooth and nice with lots of power! If you have the wrong board , for example: if you are a tall person and heavy and you have a 32” deck on a 17”WB Meraki, that would be too crazy for you. But if you have the right board and WB on a Meraki your surfskating will be amazing. Meraki is not a forgiving track like a Carver CX. If you are doing the wrong technique you will have a wheel bite but I rather to have more wheel bites until I understand to do the right technique than have a track that doesn’t let me go hard on my rails and low on my centre of gravity. You should try them ! Hopefully soon we will start making more videos like this 🤙🏻

[@MultiBloxx]

Bought my YOW SURF SKATE while on holiday from Daks Fuengirola I bought the j.bay it's amazing

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Glad to hear it Martin, what length did you go with

[@MultiBloxx]

@@scottishsurfer9885 33 and it's a beast

[@scottishsurfer9885]

@@MultiBloxx very nice mate, keep us informed of how you get on with it

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

That’s a great board! Enjoy 🤙🏻

[@larocdokarnap3227]

I shortened my wheelbase and gave the hind truck an angled spacer, i felt my board lacked turning capability since i want to learn infinity loops but my turns weren't sharp enough. I also lost the nut of my front truck so my bushings fell out, i rode home making sure my board would not get unstuck from the ground but i actually liked how it felt. I'm still new at this so I'm kinda experimenting with the board and my technique.

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi! What board do you have ? Brand and model ?

[@larocdokarnap3227]

@@thesurfskateacademy1068 I got the Oxelo Carve 540, the poor man's surfskate. It's pretty good though if not just for cruising alone, i just can't find any videos of people doing infinity loops with it because most folks who do ride a Yow or a Smoothstar,

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Ok. Yes it’s not a bad surfskate but there ir a big difference in performance in comparison with a YOW or Smoothstar. It’s not impossible to do nice turns with your surfskate but your technique must be on point!

[@larocdokarnap3227]

@@thesurfskateacademy1068 I'm gonna try and master this board before upgrading. I did increase the turning radius which is nice, it does feel more responsive then before. I actually had to tone it down a bit because i was sacrificing stability on the front and found myself tipping forward at times. I got my wiggles down, been pumping uphill, so now i'm trying to use my arms cause i wasn't. All these videos on YT have been tremendous help, so keep making them, and its just fun to watch people ride.

[@mitch0267]

Fantastic vid, See is super knowledgeable and its clear to see.

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Thanks!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

🤙🤙🤙

[@marioschristofi3145]

Thank you very much for this video! Very informational!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Our pleasure, Seba is a super knowledgeable guy who works day to day in surfskate lessons for all abilities

[@marioschristofi3145]

@@scottishsurfer9885 I have been leaning towards buying a YOW surfskate and this video helped me decide to go ahead with a YOW instead of other brands. Thanks again!

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Thanks! Glad you like it 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

@@marioschristofi3145 I’m sure you are going to love it!!!

[@AvatarWil1]

Great teacher, thank you!!!

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi! Thanks so much!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

🤙🤙🤙

[@MrConfo]

Great video, after 1 year of practice on Slide V3 and Meraki between 17, 18 or 19 WB, i stay on 19WB with Meraki, because the flow is Closer to real surfing, amount of stability, more confortable in pumptrack, and as it's very well shown in this video, tighter radius capacity are not so affected. And i'm only 1,73m and 69kg. If i want a more nimble ride on flat, my preference is to change the wheels (from 70 to 66mm), not the WB. Personal style and confidence are the key and experimentations : i also ride a 48 deck with SlideV3 front truck, this is pure snowboard, not too big turning radius at all....i use to ride a 34" deck.

[@scottishsurfer9885]

This is a fantastic comment and super insightful, it’s really cool to read how much you understand what your getting from each setup and then basing that against each sport too..!

[@MrConfo]

@@scottishsurfer9885 Thanks, that's true that my reference is toward water sport : longsup surfing and kitesurfing, that explain big part of my WB choice, which is also an evolutive process. I use a homemade paddle with 48 deck, it's so fun. For me shorter WB are more specialized practice, where 19WB is ok on all my terrain. I still search the wheels that will increase speed in Park without too sacrifying grip : Gbones 64mm/97a coming soon, pretty hard for me but, to be tested.

[@TheUkSurfShow]

This is a fantastic vid, thanks Seb for the insights and Mitch for putting it together to share it, it's nice to see a non bias opinion too...!! keep them coming boys..!!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Cheers team, glad you enjoyed it

[@karenredpath-w4f]

Big shout to Seba, I loved my surf skate lesson with him and should do it again.

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Ohhh yeah, I remember that

[@badasspuppy]

It's like this video was made for me 😄 I'm wondering about board size and wheelbase, my daughter's board is 33" and it feels just slightly short for me. I'm also 1m85, shoe size 45, and seeing this is great confirmation that a 34" is the board I should get for myself. Thanks a lot.

[@scottishsurfer9885]

That's such a great comment, thanks so much. We wanted to be as informative as possible for that exact reason..!! @thesurfskateacademy

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Thanks mate! That’s like music to my ears. Enjoy!

[@bananaschmidt2173]

Thanks for the infos

[@scottishsurfer9885]

No problem, hope it was helpful

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Cheers pal

[@kylemitchell1043]

amazing work!!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Thank you 🙏

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Thanks!

[@christopetkov4168]

super competent vid - thank you!! which one would you recommend : the kontiki or the skalle ?

[@martynrandall7652]

Great info man, when your talking wheel base is that inside to inside of the trucks? Or axle to axle? Cheers

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Hey man, thanks for the positive comment. What Seb is talking about with wheelbase is axle to axle, shorter together the easier or more forgiving in essence which could give a false feeling of achievement where as the longer wheel base forces the technique and if it’s wrong it’ll respond as such, ie not being able to complete the manoeuvre. Hope that helps

[@martynrandall7652]

@@scottishsurfer9885 ah thought so. I'm 62 surfed on and off. Recently got back into it, and discovered surfskates, man they have come on since I was a kid. Bought a slide with a 20" WB which is amazing. Then got a cheap long board and but a waterborne with rail on it WB 23 1/2". This thing is amazing and that's where I can feel the difference in driving the back foot through the turns, with the rail the board leans more to. So will keep working out on the longer board . Cheers guys! Oh and I'm 6'2" so all makes sense what he was saying.

[@scottishsurfer9885]

@@martynrandall7652 that’s brilliant Martyn, I’m just stoked for anyone that’s able to surf knowing how much it gives me..! Yeah surfskate may not be a new concept but they are a fantastic training tool or just good fun to skate around on

[@MrPsiman]

wheel base in more important than deck length. I have seen seen 34 inch decks with shorter wheel bases than a 31. I prefer a deck no longer than 31 inches and a 17 inch wheel base with Carver style CX trucks. The new Grasp trucks seem to have farther turn radius and lean than CX's do. I wish there were more Surfskate deck companies ang not a bunch of companies that are in the completes business

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi Pal, I think deck length is as important as Wheel Base. If you have a very short deck your short stance will reduce massively your upper body movements, your knees are going to be too close which will not help to drop down your centre of gravity and so on. A wide stance will give you more rail to work with ( more power, more time on rails ) but then you need to find which is the right WB for you so it’s all about find the right balance for you in between the surfskate technology you are using, WB and deck length. YOW for example sells complete boards but also you can buy just the deck or the tracks so you can set up a board with YOW deck ( which they have lots of different design options ) and the track you like for example. 🤙🏻

[@MrPsiman]

@@thesurfskateacademy1068 I agree but many decks are longer than they need to be and are 3 or more inches of wasted length. 17 inch wheel base decks don't need to be 34 or more inches long and many are.

[@johnharrington9655]

Thanks for all your input! What are your thoughts on the grom series for kids? I’m 179cm 83kg & have the Padang Padang & love it. My son is 144cm , 34kg. He doesn’t skate much but is getting into surfing, using mine he’s enjoying it but obviously doesn’t have the weight to get the tighter turns as easily. I want something that will help his surfing rather than skateboarding, any thoughts would be appreciated🤟

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Many thanks for doing this epic video mate!

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Ahh man, as always it’s a pleasure…! Your insight are second to none

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Have a look at the question below mate

[@christopherhodges3881]

Hey mate, great video. I'm looking between either a Yow Arica (33" but I like the 10.5" width), Skalle (34" and widest looking tail at 10") or the Fanning Performer (33.5 and 10 1/4" wide). I'm 186cm, 80kg and wear a EU44 shoe. Do any of these options stand out as best for someone with my stats?

[@scottishsurfer9885]

@thesurfskateacademy ??

[@Embodied-Today]

Fanning

[@rafaelgomezgarcia7232]

Great video! Thank you. My height is the same as yours, I'm thinking of getting La Jolla from Yow. It is a 35” with a 21” wheelbase. I like it because is very wide 10.5”. How do you think you would feel with it? Too much wheelbase? Could you make snaps or moves a bit more aggressive? How do you think it would work in bowls? Thank you!

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

Very interesting! Thanks! I myself am quite tall (192cm), too tall for all the boards in your video based on what I see. What do you think of Swelltech? They have generally a bit longer boards.

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi Victor, hope you are doing well. I’m 1,85m tall and all the 34” decks work very well for me. I have lots of students and quite a few with your same height and for example the YOW Pukas Dark works really good on them. It’s a 34.5” deck, 20 WB and medium rocker. I love that board and I think that’s the right one for you. About Swelltech, I understand your point but with all due respect I am not a fan of them at all. I’m not going to get into details, that would not be a nice but that’s my personal opinion. I hope this helps! Thanks

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

@Pro Patte I have tried the Malibu and I really enjoyed it!

[@larocdokarnap3227]

I was wondering, cause my front truck is a little higher then my hind truck, so the board is slightly angled up towards the nose, does this affect anything at all good or bad?

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Yes, front truck and back truck should have the same height so you can be comfortable to have a neutral balance or 50 -50 amount of weight on each foot so then you can transfer weight more towards your front foot or your back foot (depending what are you doing) without having to deal with angle that is forcing you to have an awkward stance Same thing about the wheels. Front wheels and back wheels have robe the same size

[@larocdokarnap3227]

@@thesurfskateacademy1068 I still got some thin flat spacers left, guess i will balance the board out properly. I used a bubble spirit so thats how i know.

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

@@larocdokarnap3227 cool. Yep, better to have a good balance in your board

[@dgentry81]

I have been looking at all the boards in your video. I am 6‘1“ as well but probably a bit heavier than you lol. I have a Malibu but want some more responsive for practicing cutbacks and to learn carving on ramps and in a bole. I was looking mostly at the Kontiki but not sure if it will be to unstable for me? Is the Kontiki ok for an intermediate rider with its 17 wheelbase? Thank you and great video

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Hey man, I think this is one for my good friend Seba to answer @thesurfskateacademy

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi Daniel, apologies for the late reply. I think it’s going to be a big jump from the Malibu to the Kontiki. If you are a bout heavier than me the Kontiki (17”WB) will be a bit too responsive for you. Be a bit heavier is not a bad thing if you learn how to use your body weight in your favour. So, because you are a tall person and probably a bit more than 80kg you definitely need a 34” deck and a longer WB ( longer than 17”) The Pukas Dark it’s a grey model. 34.5” deck and 20”WB. The deck is quite wide which gives you more confidence. Some people might think a 20”WB is too long but it really depends on your style, in how hard you can put pressure on your rails ( lower centre of gravity ) and on a YOW Meraki system a 20”WB is very responsive. If you want to try something a bit more responsive , yes the Teahupoo it’s another great model. 34” deck and 19”WB. I hope this is helpful. Thanks 😊

[@PJY1978]

Hi, thanks for the informative video :) Could you give a surf skate recommendation, please? I have only theory to go by in my decision. I plan to buy as first surf skate a YOW and try to decide between: YOW Teahupoo (34/10/19), X Pyzel Ghost (33,5/10/20), possibly Pukas (or smaller¿). I am open for other recommendations. I look for some concave, so medium at least. The Amatriain is also in this size range, but is advertised as lower than mdeium concave (performance) - is this a non-issue in your view, when comparing to other boards? I am 1,78m tall and 95 kg (heavy), 44 yrs., stance short of 17, not very sporty/flexible :) Wanting to use the board mostly for short - medium distance cruising, for fun, and playful flowy surfing on the flat pathways and yard around our house. No bowls or pipes, possibly at some point concrete wave park. Having almost no boarding (surf/skate) experience, it seems logic that I initially feel more comfortable on a long stable board, but I want to think also ahead, for when I am used to surf skating and not buy a second board after a year. Alternative boards I looked at: Pukas (34,5/9,858/20) which is the only one I could try, found it great (!), but for my size possibly a bit long so not ideal (?) I had no praxis comparison. Medina or Artiz shorter boards with 19 WB. Love! the shape, wide tail and front of the FANNING FALCON, but it's a lot shorter (32,5/10/18,5) or the old ARICA with 34/10,5/19,5, but it has only performance concave which i unverstanden to be less than medium (besides if I could still find it in a shop). Thx

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Hey PJ, Seb is going to reply to you, he’s currently coaching surf skate lessons but will reply as soon as poss, thanks for the comment

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

Hi pal, thanks for all that info. I think the YOW Teahupoo is the one for you or the Pukas Dark. Both of them have very nice concave and rocker ( 2022/23 collection) and I think is important that you have a deck not shorter than 33.5”. You mentioned that your stance is 17”. It would be great if you try to get used to have a bit longer stance so your centre of gravity can get lower which will help you to have stronger lower body, more time on rails and better compression-extension-compression. Don’t be scared to go for the Pukas Dark (20” WB) You are tall and heavy and YOW Meraki system is excellent! I love to Pukas Dark. If you go to my Instagram you will see a clip doing some drills on the Pukas Dark and others clips doing drills on the YOW Waikiki 26”WB 40” deck. Even on a 26”WB the Meraki system will allow you to turn strong and tight! I hope this helps 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@PJY1978]

@@thesurfskateacademy1068 Hi Seb, thanks a lot for the feedback. That's really helpful. Looking forward to putting all the tips from your videos into action and enjoy the ride.

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

@@PJY1978 Enjoy pal!

[@LapoSapo]

Is how you use

[@scottishsurfer9885]

Hahaha very true my friend

[@thesurfskateacademy1068]

🤩

[@houstonrunner5840]

Prononciation is not so good. Hard to understand what you are talking about.