As skateboarding enjoys a growing fanbase in Singapore, Tatler Singapore finds out the three skateboarding styles that have gained popularity amongst hobbyists and skaters alike
The name Nishiya Momiji should now be familiar to those in the skateboarding scene as she made history as the youngest Japanese Olympian to win a gold medal at the Olympics. This marks a historic milestone for not just the 13-year-old skateboarder but also for the sport as it made its debut as an Olympic sport at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
And now, with the inclusion of skateboarding as an Olympic sport, the often conjured image of skateboarding as an extreme sport could soon be shed.
Even on our sunny little island, skateboarding culture is beginning to thrive and see a re-emergence in its popularity. Now that Covid-19 safety restrictions are being lifted, many Singaporeans are heading outdoors for recreation—including skateboarders.
With that said, here are three of the most popular forms of skateboarding in Singapore.
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1. Surfskating
Recently, a new trend of skateboarding emerged amongst hobbyists and skaters alike: surfskating. Created by skateboard label Carver Skateboards in the mid-noughties, the surfskate board was built to simulate the motion, feel, and flow of surfing for surfers to be able to train on land even when the waves were flat.
With its special front-facing trucks that typically feature additional suspension, enabling exceptionally tight, smooth turns and typical surfing manoeuvres like carving.
Similar to surfing, you can even pump a surfskate board from side to side to generate speed, without the need to push your foot off the ground, offering a unique experience unlike that of a traditional skateboard or even a longboard in an urban environment.
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