Skate culture is making a comeback! Once an extreme sport favourite in the eighties, skateboarding, surfskating and rollerskating has been regaining popularity in recent months. Fueled by the long-endured lockdown and the influencing powers of Tiktok algorithms, more Malaysians are stepping outdoors on a post-pandemic quest for new solitary activities.
In recent months, surfskating has been on a rapid rise in popularity. Whether in skateparks or on your Instagram Reels, surfskaters are everywhere! Started out by skateboard brand Carver Skateboards, the surfskate board is designed to mimic the feel and flow of surfing on waves, leaving skaters with a unique surfing experience in the city.
For many, the thrill of surfskating comes in being able to ride the concrete waves continuously and being part of a supportive community of surfskaters bonded by the love for the sport.
“For me, I’ve been surfing for the past 10 years and being on a surfskate is like being able to flow continuously on the board. It’s like you’re surfing a never-ending wave,” said Edward See, founder of local surfskate brand The Seaskate Company, which started at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
Born out of the desire to bring stoke (*a surf slang expression that means excitement or thrill) to people from all walks of life, The Seaskate Company is a Malaysian surfskate establishment that offers carefully-designed surfskates and weekly beginner workshops. Recently, they’ve also launched Malaysia’s very first indoor surfskate wave bank.
“Skating alone is fun,” said no one ever.
“One of the best things that come out of surfskating is the community; it’s one of the most supportive and non-judgemental bunch of people who just share the love for surfskating,” said Harris Hisham, who’s a dive instructor by trade and now also teaches surfskate workshops. He is also the brainchild behind @surfthestreet.malaysia, the fast-growing IG community page that aims to spread the stoke of surfskating.
Excited to start but don’t know where to go? Here are 5 skateparks to visit in Klang Valley:
Equipped with multiple bowls, banks and wide-open spaces, it’s no wonder this multi-sport park in Putrajaya is a favourite amongst skateboarders, surfskaters, rollerbladers and even families with kids who are just learning to skate!
Location: Jalan P5, Presint 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya
Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm
Contact: 03-8887 7000
Best for: Skateboarding, surfskating, rollerblading, rollerskating, scootering
Another skateboarder haven in the city, the Shah Alam Extreme Park is a great place for skateboarders, surfskaters and even rollerbladers alike. There are multiple exciting bowls and pump tracks for you to either find your flow or get into tearing the skatepark up.
Location: Jalan Lompat Pagar 13/37, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm
Contact: 012-287 8787
Best for: Skateboarding, surfskating, rollerblading, rollerskating, scootering
Being a part of the national stadium compound, the skatepark here spans out wide with plenty of banks and smooth concourses for any surfskater and rollerskater to cruise and flow to your heart’s content! Great for beginners who are just looking for a wide flat area to practise.
Location: Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm
Best for: Skateboarding, surfskating, rollerblading, rollerskating, scootering
Recently reopened with fresh murals and brand new ramps, the Mont Kiara skatepark is a favourite amongst skateboarders and rollerbladers as there are plenty of ramps and rails for you to do tricks on! It’s also one of KL’s few skateparks that are sheltered, so you don’t have to worry about the unpredictable Malaysian weather.
Location: Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Everyday, 8am - 7pm. Reservations only.
Contact: 03-2081 5800
Best for: Skateboarding, rollerblading
Introducing Malaysia’s first indoor surfskate wave bank! Recently started by the guys from The Seaskate Company, this wave bank is perfect for intermediate surfskaters who are looking for that extra challenge and extra stoke.
Location: 8, Jalan 19/36, Petaling Jaya 46300
Opening Hours: By reservations only. Tue - Thu & Sun 10am - 10pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 12am
Best for: Surfskating
Surfskating is one of the more beginner-friendly board activities to try out and the learning curve for surfskating is relatively low. So, if you’re interested in picking up a new outdoor hobby, check out weekly beginner workshops by The Seaskate Company and Carver Skateboards that run on a weekly basis.
Whether you’re just starting out on a skateboard or the next skateboard Olympian Nishiya Momiji, remember to wear protective gear at all times (yes, even if you’re a pro skater!) and social-distance as much as you can at the skate park. It’s all fun and games when we all skate safe!
