Surfing and skateboarding are both well-known sports, each with their own risks and benefits. With such similarities, it can be hard to choose between the two. In order to find the best option for FUHSD students, there are a few key factors that need to be considered: costs, learning curve, accessibility, safety and overall enjoyment of the sport. 

The main and most obvious difference between skateboarding and surfing is that skateboarding is done on concrete while surfing is in the ocean. While the Bay Area is right next to the ocean, surfing areas are still hard to find; the closest beach is a 45-minute drive from FHS. On the other hand, skateboarding can be done just about anywhere, and Sunnyvale has a multitude of skateparks.

Despite skateboarding being very accessible, it has one big issue: safety. Mistakes while skateboarding could lead to bruises and even some serious injuries. More often than not, skateboarding will lead to bruises and sometimes broken bones, mostly due to trying new tricks or pushing limits. On the contrary, surfing has water to prevent most injuries from occurring. However, while small mistakes while surfing would leave you unscathed, bigger mistakes could lead to drowning or crashing into rocks. While surfing is safer to try new things, there are still certain hazards like the ocean’s unpredictability and wildlife, which can make surfing very dangerous.

The average skateboard will cost you about $50 to $200 depending on quality and the brand. On the contrary, the cheapest surfboard will be about $150, with higher quality boards going as high as $600. In general, the average skateboard is cheaper, with surfboards being more expensive.

The learning curve of both sports can be difficult for beginners, with many of the fundamentals requiring a lot of practice and time. The skills necessary for skateboarding range from adjusting to being on wheels to maintaining stability and balance. For surfing, one learning curve is catching an unbroken wave. An unbroken wave is a wave that has not yet reached its maximum altitude and developed a forward curve from the crest. Another learning curve is getting wiped out by the wave.

“I will say at the beginning, it was pretty difficult to balance,“ FHS senior Tyce Walker said. 

One of the most important parts of skateboarding and surfing is balancing. It is a fundamental skill which allows for acceleration and control over your skate or surfboard. 

“As a beginner, I think surfing is a lot harder,” FHS freshman Matthew Besser said. “Because you have to learn when to jump up and not just lay down the whole wave.”

While skateboarding, the concrete is the only form of resistance. Surfing on the other hand, is a completely different story. The water is always unpredictable, with many factors affecting the direction and speed of the waves. In addition, while practicing surfing requires one to head to the beach, whereas one can practice balancing by just staying at home and standing on their skateboard.

Last but not least is the overall enjoyment of each sport. It is fair to say that both sports can be really fun, whether by doing cool tricks on your skateboard or feeling the ocean breeze while surfing.

“To skate, honestly, to me, it feels free,” Walker said “That’s why I do it all the time.” 

With skateboarding being so accessible, it allows for more time spent on this hobby, improving overall enjoyment. In contrast, surfing time can be limited, but the time spent can be a unique experience.

“I find skating more enjoyable,” Besser said. “I do that more often, but I’ve also been doing it longer, so I’ve learned the intricate fun part, so I know how to do what I find fun.”

In conclusion, the choice between skateboarding and surfing really depends on one’s personal preferences. If one wants a hobby which is accessible, cheap and easy to learn, then skateboarding is the sport to try. If one likes the ocean breeze and is unfazed by the prospect of being mauled by waves, then surfing might be the activity chosen. If one is daring, they will do both!