August 16, 2005 Board Games To be a half-way decent surfer, you've got to build up the right muscles. Sounds easy enough. But how do you do it when even a decent shred only has you balancing on the board for a matter of seconds? Lucky for you, there's a way to take your balancing act on shore. Indo Boards produces a line of trainers — a board and roller set that mimics the rock and the roll of a wave. The goal is to keeping the board from touching the ground for an extended ride. It's some gnarlatious fun but, like a skateboard, not without risk. Let the board get out from under you and you could be in for a serious sidewalk facial. In fact, the company recommends that beginners do their practicing on carpet — though we can't endorse this advice either if it means taking your Indo indoors. (Unless, of course, you don't mind the occasional heavy wooden object moving at high velocity through your sliding glass door.) Keep it outdoors. And keep yourself upright. At least that's the goal. And before you know it you'll be ripping much longer than those few seconds — no matter what the waves have in store for you. Indo Board balance trainers are available at indoboard.com. Prices for an Original board start at $99.95 plus shipping.