The Wave (board)

A waveboard or wave board or hi-tide is similar to a skateboard, but built on a riding system called a caster board. The board rides on two independently pivoting platforms, each with a one-wheel caster. Thus, each wheel is able to rotate a full 360°. The platforms are connected by a torsion bar that allows them to pivot about the X–axis. On some models, this torsion bar spins independently of the two platofrms, allowing the rider to grind across surfaces. To operate this board, put your front foot on the front plate, and push with your back foot. Once you gain momentum, start moving your feet in an S formation.

Hailed as the original design for the in-line action board, the Wave is manufactured by the company Street Surfing. The Wave also features inter-changeable deck plates as well as an assortment of wheel colors for customization.

Movement

Riding a waveboard is also known as street surfing or J-Boarding in other countries. It can be distinguished from most other boards by its method of propulsion — the rider swivels his back foot forwards and backwards, or moves the whole board in a transverse wave motion or an 'S' motion. This type of propulsion is also used by snakeboards (whose two platforms pivot about the Y axis), although the dynamics are different. This form of propulsion allows the user to move uphill as well as downhill without taking their foot off the board, as one must on a skateboard. Street Surfing was the first company to make wave boards.

Turning with a Waveboard differs from the conventional turning method on a skateboard; the rider must flex the front of the board in the direction they wish to turn. To make a sharper turn, the rider must flex the back of the board in the opposite direction as well as flexing the front of the board in the direction desired.

Designs

Other specialty designs that stem from The Wave include The Wave LX (light Xtreme),Stealth, Hi-Tide and Ripple boards. The Wave LX is the newest addition to the Street Surfing family. It features a completely new design that is light weight and has bigger paddles. Also, the description at the site (StreetSurfing.com) says it makes tighter turns, which must mean it has a tighter torsion bar. The Ripple is designed for the smaller riders where as the Stealth features a stronger hardware and a grip tape deck insert.

Film/TV

The Wave has made multiple television and movie appearances from international pop culture movies such as Hannah Montana: the Movie to smaller cult-classics such as the Rob and Big television show. It was also awarded the 2008 “Seal of Excellence” as well as “Kids Product of the Year” from Creative Child Magazine.

Street Surfing

Street Surfing, LLC is the leading manufacturer and is responsible for the development of the sport called Street Surfing. Since its launch in 2005, Street Surfing has sold almost a million boards worldwide.

Gallery

Turning

Turning
This shows the rider and board in motion.

This shows the rider and board in motion.

Although tricks are much more difficult to perform on a wave board than other boards (eg. skateboard), these tricks are commonly seen performed by experts and professionals.