Dirtsurfing

Lore & Background

The Dirtsurfer is composed of an aircraft aluminium tube frame, a laminate or composite deck, and two 20in or 16in diameter BMX style bicycle wheels. Footstraps are optionally attached to the deck for more control. The board's patented steering geometry uses a 'Swingarm' that pivots the front wheel from a point in front of and below the axle, automatically centering and straightening the wheel under the rider's weight. Unlike four-wheeled boards, stability increases with speed, and the Dirtsurfer never experiences speed wobble normally associated with other bikes or board sports.

Models evolved over time: the first GP (general purpose) board came in black, red, and blue, initially without brakes. Later models included the GP-X with silver anodized frame and integrated calf brake, the Road Racer in canary yellow, and a UK-specific beach racer. In 2003, the Flexideck introduced an epoxy/fibreglass/maple composite deck for absorbing jumps. For 2006, Dirtsurfer updated its line with the Flexi Pro Downhill (DH) and the all-new Freestyle board (FS) with 16 inch wheels, both featuring adjustable metal calf brake levers and rear disc brakes.

The Dirtsurfer can be used downhill on or off-road, or 'skated' on flat areas by pushing with one foot. Riders also use kites, sails, or kitewings for propulsion in wind, a practice called wingsurfing. Disciplines include downhill riding on off-road tracks, road riding on asphalt (with speeds over 70 mph reported), and kiting on flat open spaces, where riders can achieve air time and ride uphill with sufficient wind.

Reader's Guide

Dirtsurfing represents a unique innovation in boardsports, combining elements of skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling into a single inline board. Its patented steering geometry, which increases stability with speed, distinguishes it from traditional four-wheeled boards and allows riders to carve like on a snowboard without experiencing speed wobble. The sport's official recognition by the International Gravity Sports Association and Gravity Sports International in 2005 legitimized it as a competitive discipline, with an international race circuit growing since 2001. The Dirtsurfer's versatility across downhill, road, and kiting disciplines has attracted a dedicated following, and its design evolution—from the early GP models to the Flexideck and 2006 updates—shows ongoing refinement. The sport's significance lies in its demonstration of how a simple mechanical innovation (the front wheel pivot point) can create a new riding experience, bridging the gap between board sports and cycling. Its ability to be propelled by gravity, skating, or wind makes it adaptable to diverse environments, from mountain trails to beaches.

Did You Know?

• The Dirtsurfer's front wheel pivots from a point in front of and below the axle, via the 'Swingarm', which automatically centres and straightens the wheel under the rider's weight.
• Inline boarding was made an official race class by the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) and Gravity Sports International (GSI) in 2005.
• The 2005 IGSA World Cup Champion inline boarder was Nihat Uysal of Germany.
• Dirtsurfing with a kite or kitewing is called wingsurfing and can allow riders to ride uphill with sufficient wind.