New boarding technologies always promise the same feeling as carving fresh powder or surfing. Most don’t live up to the hype, but the Dirtsurfer delivers a whole new boarding experience that adds dynamic possibilities to recreational riding.
From the road you see two bicycle-like tracks serpent through the dew of a long, grassy hill. You’ve passed this hill Monday through Friday and too many winter Saturdays on your way to work hoping—no, praying—for enough snow to float down on your snowboard. You’d fake a cold just to spend the day outside carving fluid lines. Perhaps you’ve even practiced the phone call to see if you could do it convincingly.
Panning further down the hill a misty rooster tail falls out of a scene so inspiring you wonder if it isn’t just part of the dream. A rider stands silhouetted between two wheels against the lush green slope and carves down your hill.
Your reaction catches you off guard. A surprising sense of betrayal bubbles up as a new companion courts your unfaithful hill. You go over and ask a few questions and, whether you realize it or not, your reality has just been altered by the discovery of a new technology in board sports.
Dirtsurfer, originally developed in Australia, is the pioneer of in-line boards. Their top-end Flex Deck technology is an insane cross between a mountain bike and a longboard skateboard. The Thermofibre deck gives this board greater stability and shock absorption over the early solid frame models on all surfaces from smooth pavement to off-road.
This year they added a smaller 16-inch (wheel diameter) to their previous 20-inch line-up. The 16-inch is lighter and more maneuverable than its bigger cousins, yet it retains Dirtsurfer’s characteristic stability at high speed.
When you factor in the disk brake, this ride has control to spare. The new 16-inch Freestyle is smaller than previous models, however it is still fairly large and challenging to carry around and store.
Once outside of crowded urban environments, the Dirtsurfer really shines on mountain slopes. Paired with a windsurfing-like sail, called a Kitewing, any open space has limitless possibility.
If too many of your days are falling into fantasy by lack of snow, wet pavement or flat surf, the Dirtsurfer makes riding dreams a reality.
For more information, visit www.dirtsurfer.com
