Skateboarding vs Surfing
Skateboarding vs Surfing: how they compare on difficulty, intensity, cost of kit and what suits you — so you can choose with confidence.
At a glance
Every row is drawn from each sport’s own profile — no scores, just the facts side by side.
| Skateboarding | Surfing | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Outdoor Sports | Water Sports |
| Getting started | Rewards practice | Rewards practice |
| Intensity | Adjustable intensity | Adjustable intensity |
| Where you play | indoor or outdoor | outdoor |
| Format | Solo or group | Solo |
| Essential kit | A skateboard, Helmet, Protective pads (wrist, knee and elbow) and Flat, grippy shoes | Surfboard and Leash |
What they share
- Both can be played outdoors.
- Both build balance.
- Both suit people working towards improve balance.
How they differ
- Skateboarding is a outdoor sports sport; Surfing is water sports.
- Skateboarding is usually indoor or outdoor; Surfing is usually outdoor.
Which might suit you
There is no better or worse here — only what fits your goals, your schedule and what you enjoy.
- 1If you would rather not depend on the weather, Skateboarding is easier to play indoors than Surfing.
- 2In the end, the best choice is the one you will enjoy and keep coming back to.
Explore each sport
Full beginner-friendly guides to both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Skateboarding and Surfing?
Skateboarding is a outdoor sports sport and Surfing is water sports, so they feel quite different in pace and setting. The table above lays out how they compare on difficulty, intensity, where you play and the kit you need.
Is Skateboarding or Surfing easier for beginners?
Both Skateboarding and Surfing are approachable for beginners when you start gently. A first lesson or a patient partner helps with either, and the right one is simply the one you are more drawn to try.
Can I do both Skateboarding and Surfing?
Yes — plenty of people enjoy both. Because they share qualities like balance, time spent on one can support the other, and mixing them keeps things varied.