Will Ermish
Learn to Surfskate in Venice Beach!
Surfskating in Los Angeles is like trying to navigate a minefield made up of wannabe pro-skaters, sunburnt tourists and beach bums who have been riding the same board since the 70s. But despite the obstacles, there's no denying that learning to surfskate in LA is one of the most exhilarating and downright hilarious experiences you can have.
For starters, you've got the weather. If you're lucky enough to be in LA during the summer months, you'll be blessed with endless sunshine, clear blue skies and temperatures that soar well into the 90s. Of course, this means that you'll also be skating on melting tarmac, dodging sandcastles and trying not to pass out from heatstroke. But hey, at least you'll have a killer tan.
Then there's the issue of finding a decent skatepark. Sure, LA is home to some of the most legendary skating spots in the world, but they're also home to some of the most competitive and territorial skaters you'll ever meet. Good luck trying to drop in on the deep end of the Venice Beach bowl without getting heckled by a pack of tattooed bros who look like they haven't seen the sun in weeks.
But fear not, because surfskating is all about embracing your inner kook. Unlike traditional skateboarding, surfskating is all about mimicking the movements of surfing, using a specially designed board with trucks that allow you to carve and pump just like you would on a wave. And trust us, when you're first starting out, you'll be doing a lot of flailing and floundering around like a fish out of water.
But that's where the fun really begins. As you get more comfortable on your board, you'll start to realize that surfskating is one of the most liberating and empowering forms of exercise out there. You'll be pumping up and down the hills of Santa Monica, weaving in and out of crowds of beachgoers and feeling the wind in your hair as you cruise down the boardwalk. And when you finally nail that smooth, effortless carve, you'll feel like a goddamn surfing legend, even if the only waves you've ever ridden were on your uncle's boogie board.
Of course, the real challenge of surfskating in LA isn't just learning the moves - it's learning the lingo. Skaters in LA have a language all their own, with slang terms like "gnarly", "stoked", "shralp" and "radical" being thrown around like confetti at a kid's birthday party. And if you don't know your "ollies" from your "grinds", you'll quickly find yourself on the outside looking in.
But don't worry, because even if you don't speak the language, the skaters in LA are some of the most welcoming and inclusive people you'll ever meet. They'll be more than happy to show you the ropes, offer up tips and tricks and maybe even share a beer or two with you at the end of the day. And who knows, you might even pick up some new slang terms along the way. Just don't ask what "poser" means, unless you're prepared to face the wrath of the skate gods.
All in all, learning to surfskate in Los Angeles is an experience that you'll never forget. It's a chance to explore one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world, to push your limits and to connect with a community of people who share your love of adrenaline-fueled adventure. And even if you end up with a few bruises, scrapes and sunburns along the way, it's all worth it!