Surfskating vs Surfing: The Key Difference You Need to Know

Surfskating has exploded in popularity over the past few years. And for good reason: it’s one of the best ways to train for surfing when you’re on land. The flow, the turns, the way you use your body... it all feels so close to riding waves that many surfers treat their surfskate like a portable ocean.

But here’s the catch: surfskating and surfing aren’t identical. In fact, there’s one tiny technical detail that makes a massive difference once you step into the water.

Front Foot vs. Back Foot

On a surfskate, the action starts with your front foot. The trucks are designed to follow your lead — you lean, twist, and drive through that front foot, and the board responds. It feels intuitive, almost like snowboarding on asphalt.

In surfing, though, the power shifts to the back foot. Why? Because that’s where the fins are. The fins act like the rudder of your board — press down, shift weight, and they’ll redirect your line. Forget about them and try to control your surfboard with your front foot alone, and you’ll quickly discover that nothing really happens… except maybe a wipeout.

Why This Matters

It might sound like a minor distinction, but this small difference completely changes how you move. If you take your surfskate habits straight into the water, you’ll often struggle to turn, generate speed, or maintain control. Your board simply won’t respond the way you expect.

That’s why so many surfers — even after hours of practice on land — feel frustrated in the lineup. The muscle memory is there, but the mechanics aren’t translating.

The Smart Approach

So, what’s the solution? Use surfskating as the incredible training tool it is, but with the right mindset.

✅ Surfskate often to sharpen balance, flow, and body movement.

✅ In the water, engage your back foot. Think about pressing through the fins and letting them do their job.

When you combine both approaches, surfskating becomes the perfect complement to your surfing. It gives you confidence, coordination, and smoother movements, while surfing teaches you how to harness the ocean’s energy through proper board control.

Surfskate = Amazing Tool. Surfing = Its Own Game.

At Tiny Whale Surf Lodge, we use surfskating alongside surf coaching for exactly this reason. It accelerates your progress on land while reinforcing the fundamentals you need in the water. Master both, and you’ll unlock a whole new level of flow.