Imagine walking through Piazza Gino Valle in Milan, where Casa Milan is located, at dusk. You will most likely find people skating along the ramps that the architectural solution of the square offers, but at a certain point you realize that the board used by the famous “Skaters” does not have its classic shape, moreover they lean much more without performing tricks, their famous acrobatics.
So it is natural to ask what it is all about and today we will see it together.
Surfskate is its technical name, the shape recalls, as the name itself recalls, the shape of a surfboard. Compared to a traditional skateboard, this is less rigid, the tracks are looser than the classic skateboard and the wheels have a larger grip surface. Its operation does not derive from the push dictated by the foot but from the propulsion due to the elastic energy generated by the sequence of movements and pressure given, avoiding the push through the feet.
It is used by surfing communities who, in the absence of waves, train through this solution with the idea of “surfing the asphalt”.
The first board originated in the 2000s in California by the Carver family who designed this modern skateboard. Its history, however, has deeper roots reaching the end of the 60s, where the first cultural exchanges between surfers and skaters took place. Over the years, the discipline of surfing spread beyond the Australian and American continents, reaching as far as Europe.
From Europe to Italy, and here in the cradle of the Mediterranean the second great revolution for the most ancient water sport in human history took place, thanks to the father of Edoardo Papa, a promising Italian surfer, who built the first Wood Wave in the world , the wooden wave for surfing .
Edoardo Papa intent on riding the Wood Wave, skatepark in Pescara
It was designed to replicate as faithfully as possible the sea wave in its perpendicularity, curvature and height. This technology invented in 2012 has allowed to develop a more complete training for the practice of surfing in an innovative way.
Where can it be done? s urfskate in Milan?
Here are some of the coolest spots in the Milanese capital.
GRATOBOWL:
GratoBowl with artwork by Giulio Vesprini, Source: Artribune
Gratobowl belongs to the urban micro-regeneration project of zone 5, in Via Saponaro 5 of the Lombard capital. It is a pool dedicated to the most expert skatesurfers, not recommended for entry-level but suitable for professionals given its imposing curvature that makes it difficult to ride.
In collaboration, the work was created: Gratosoglio-G0073, by the urban artist Giulio Vesprini, the result of listening and collaboration with the local community.
LAMBRO PARK:
Skatepark Parco Lambro, Source: LM Blog
Parco Lambro is the most iconic skatepark in Milan, easy and fun located in one of the largest public parks in the entire city: Parco Lambro, to reach it you have to take one of the paths from Cimiano that leads to the heart of the park. For those who want to practice the wave sport on asphalt it is an excellent reference point: it is suitable for all ages and all levels of experience. This ability to adapt is due both to its soft ramps for the more experienced and to the entire flat part on which you can start to become familiar with the board.
HOUSE MILAN:
Milan House Gino Valle Square, Source: Snowave
Let's move on to one of those places that you can't miss, we are in Piazza Gino Valle, Portello area, in front of Casa Milan. There is no real skatepark with ramps built specifically but the street acts as a playground for those who appreciate this sport. It is perfect for any age group and skill level. In this space there is a community that gives lessons for different experience levels. An excellent place to approach this world full of values and emotions.
GAE AULENTI:
Gae Aulenti Square, Source: Elle Decor
As a last recommended place, really suitable for this sport, we are talking about Piazza Gae Aulenti. One of the beating hearts of the Lombard capital, having a large flat surface and several ramps, it can be proposed as a training place for beginners and intermediate level. Its only flaw is that during the day it is frequented by thousands of people, therefore the most recommended time is the evening.
Surf culture is a lifestyle, of respect, of love for nature, bringing with it healthy values and principles that can be spread not only in typical natural places but also in urban jungles, where often many cornerstones are disrupted.
Thanks to the s urfskate you can promote this love even in the metropolises.
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