Rail surfing is a thrilling aspect of skateboarding and surfing. Mastering the technique requires practice and patience. This article will guide you through the steps to set up your rail surfing skills, whether you are starting from scratch or looking to improve your technique.
What is Rail Surfing?
Rail surfing refers to the technique of using the edge (rail) of your skateboard or surfboard to perform tricks and maneuvers. In skateboarding, it typically involves balancing on the edge of the skateboard while riding along curbs, rails, or ramps. In surfing, the focus is on using the rail to carve along the wave for smooth, controlled turns.
Essential Gear for Rail Surfing
Before setting up your rail surfing, it’s essential to have the right gear. The equipment you’ll need varies slightly between skateboarding and surfing, but both share some key components.
For Skateboarding:
Skateboard: Choose a skateboard with a deck that suits your skill level. A wider deck offers more balance, while a narrower one allows for quicker maneuverability.
Trucks: These connect your skateboard’s wheels to the deck. Strong trucks are crucial for rail surfing because they help you maintain control while balancing on the edge.
Wheels: Softer wheels provide more grip on rough surfaces, whereas harder wheels are better suited for smooth, slick surfaces.
Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads to prevent injuries, especially when you are starting.
For Surfing:
Surfboard: Select a board with rails that are suitable for carving. Shortboards are great for faster turns, while longboards offer more stability.
Fins: These provide the necessary control and direction when carving the wave with your rail.
Wetsuit: Depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit can help you stay warm and comfortable.
Leash: A leash keeps you connected to your board, preventing it from floating away when you fall off.
Understanding the Basics of Rail Surfing
To successfully perform rail surfing, it’s important to understand the basic concept of using the board’s edge (the rail) for turning and control. The rail is the part of the skateboard or surfboard that sits in contact with the surface or water. When you lean into the rail, you shift your weight to carve and create smooth arcs, whether on a wave or a surface.
In skateboarding, this technique allows you to grind along rails, curbs, and other obstacles. In surfing, it’s all about making sharp, smooth turns along the face of the wave, creating a fluid motion.
Step 1: Position Your Feet Correctly
Proper foot placement is crucial to achieving control and stability while rail surfing.
For Skateboarding:
Front Foot: Place your front foot near the middle of the skateboard. Your toes should be pointed slightly towards the nose of the board.
Back Foot: Your back foot should be centered on the tail of the board. This foot controls your board’s direction, so it should be able to push or pull the board to initiate turns.
For Surfing:
Front Foot: Position your front foot over the middle or just slightly towards the nose of the surfboard. This foot plays a significant role in controlling your turns.
Back Foot: Keep your back foot towards the tail of the board. This foot helps you shift your weight and control the board’s angle as you carve through the wave.
Step 2: Master Your Balance
Achieving balance on the edge of the board is essential for rail surfing. Without balance, you risk falling off the board or losing control.
For Skateboarding:
Practice on Flat Ground: Start by balancing on your skateboard on flat ground. Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain a low center of gravity.
Shift Your Weight: To initiate a rail turn, shift your weight toward your front foot. Apply pressure to the front rail of the skateboard.
Use Your Body: As you shift weight onto your front foot, use your body to guide the skateboard’s movement. Your shoulders and hips should rotate as you lean into the turn.
For Surfing:
Stay Low: In surfing, keeping a low stance is essential for balance. Bend your knees and keep your body centered over the surfboard.
Focus on Weight Distribution: As you ride the wave, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot to control the direction of your turns.
Look Ahead: To maintain balance, always look where you want to go. Your body follows your head, so looking ahead will naturally guide your movements.
Step 3: Understand the Mechanics of Carving
Carving is a key aspect of rail surfing. It involves making smooth, controlled turns by leaning into the rail of the board.
For Skateboarding:
Initiate the Turn: To start a turn, lean your body in the direction you want to go. Apply pressure to the front rail of the skateboard and tilt the board slightly.
Follow Through: As the skateboard turns, continue to shift your weight to maintain control. Keep your body relaxed and fluid as you carve along the surface.
Finish the Turn: To exit the turn, shift your weight back slightly and ease off the rail. The skateboard will straighten out and continue forward.
For Surfing:
Carve into the Wave: When carving on a wave, start by applying pressure to the front of the board. The rail will sink slightly into the wave, allowing you to make the turn.
Maintain a Smooth Arc: As you carve, maintain a smooth, circular motion. Keep your weight balanced and focus on making fluid, uninterrupted turns.
Control the Speed: Use the rail to control your speed. By applying more pressure, you can slow down, or by releasing pressure, you can speed up.
Step 4: Practice and Build Confidence
Mastering rail surfing takes time and consistent practice. Start on smaller, more manageable obstacles or waves before progressing to more challenging environments.
For Skateboarding:
Start on Small Rails: Begin by practicing on small, low rails or curbs. Focus on getting comfortable with the feeling of balancing on the edge.
Gradually Increase the Difficulty: As you become more confident, move on to higher or more complex rail setups. Try grinding along the rail to challenge yourself further.
For Surfing:
Begin on Small Waves: Start with smaller waves to practice carving with your rail. Focus on controlling your turns and maintaining balance.
Increase Wave Size: As you gain confidence, try surfing bigger waves. Your carving technique will improve as you become more comfortable on the board.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
While learning rail surfing, you may encounter some challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to overcome them.
For Skateboarding:
Losing Balance: If you lose balance while rail surfing, check your foot placement. Make sure your front foot is positioned correctly on the deck, and your weight is evenly distributed.
Not Enough Grip: If your skateboard slides out on the rail, consider using softer wheels for better grip, especially on rough surfaces.
For Surfing:
Oversteering: If you find yourself oversteering and falling off the wave, try adjusting your foot placement. Keep your weight centered and avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
Not Enough Speed: If you’re not carving efficiently on the wave, focus on generating more speed. Paddle harder and focus on finding the right line.
Conclusion
Rail surfing is an exciting and rewarding skill to master. Whether you’re skateboarding or surfing, the key to success lies in proper foot placement, balance, and carving technique. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy the thrilling experience of rail surfing.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and every time you fall, you learn something new. So, grab your skateboard or surfboard, and get ready to carve the waves or the pavement with your rail surfing skills!