The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Surfskates: Ride the Streets Like You’re Riding Waves

The Ultimate (and Totally Fun) Buyer’s Guide to Surfskates

Ahoy, landlocked surfers and street cruisers! 🌊🏄‍♂️ Imagine catching endless waves… but on solid ground. That’s what surfskates are all about! These magical boards bring the feel of surfing to the pavement, letting you carve, cut, and cruise like you’re riding that perfect swell. But before you grab one and hit the streets, let’s dive into the world of surfskates so you can pick the perfect ride!

1. So, What the Heck is a Surfskate?

In simple terms, a surfskate is a skateboard with a sprinkle of surf magic. 🧙✨ The front truck is specially designed to pivot more than your typical skate truck, giving you that smooth, swooping surf feel. This means you can pump, carve, and glide without needing to push off the ground—just like catching a wave! Perfect for surfers who want to keep that muscle memory sharp or anyone who dreams of riding waves… even if the nearest beach is miles away. Absolutely great for beginners too, surfskates are fantastic for improving balance and building core strength, because the whole body is engaged. Believe me, you’ll be sweating after a good surfskate session! 🏄‍♀️💪

2. Things to Consider When Buying Your Surfskate

a. Surfskate Truck Systems (The Heart of Your Ride)

Alright, this is the biggie. The front truck is what gives a surfskate its “surfy” feel.

• Spring-Based Trucks: Think of these like surfboard fins—they’re springy and let you carve deep, buttery turns. Brands like Carver C7 and YOW Meraki have these, and they’re perfect for making you feel like you’re dancing on a wave.
• Bushing-Based Trucks: A bit stiffer and more stable, with a more controlled feel. Carver CX and Waterborne use these, and they’re great if you want a mix of surfing and skating. Think of it as the best of both worlds!
• Hybrid Systems: Some trucks blend traditional skate feel with surfy movements. Great for when you want to dabble in both skating and carving. 🏄‍♀️🛹

b. Deck Shape and Size (The Board That Floats Your Boat)

Now, let’s talk about the actual board, the deck. Size and shape matter here, folks.

• Short Decks (under 30”): Zippy, nippy, and super easy to maneuver. Want to make tight, sharp turns? This is your jam.
• Medium Decks (30” – 34”): The Goldilocks zone—just right. Good balance of stability and agility, perfect for those all-rounder riders.
• Long Decks (over 34”): For the chill cruisers. More stable, more flowy, and great for longer, smoother rides. Think lazy Sunday vibes, coasting along the boardwalk.

c. Wheelbase (A Fancy Word for Stability)

The wheelbase (aka the distance between the trucks) totally changes how your surfskate rides.

• Short Wheelbase: Tight, sharp, quick turns. Perfect for shredders who like to zigzag through city streets. (14″-16″ WB)
• Medium Wheelbase: Perfect all rounder not too loose, good for parks, pump tracks and stability at higher speeds (16″-17,5″ WB)
• Long Wheelbase: Ideal for mellow, relaxed cruising. Feel the breeze, baby. Not good for parks or pumptracks,(18″ WB and above)

d. Wheels (Rolling on the Right Rubber)

Wheels are your connection to the ground, so let’s make sure they’re perfect.

• Smaller Wheels (60mm – 65mm): Quick to start, easy to control, and they can slide like butter on toast. 🧈 Great for technical stuff.
• Larger Wheels (66mm – 75mm+): Speed demons, and super smooth on rough terrain. Perfect for that silky-smooth, never-ending ride.
• Soft Wheels (75a – 78a): Grip like a gecko. 🦎 You’ll stick to the ground even on rough roads. Smooth and comfy, too!
• Hard Wheels (79a – 86a+): Fast and fun, but be ready to feel every bump. Better for those who like to slide and do tricks.

3. Which Surfskate is Perfect for You?

a. Beginners (Hey, No Shame in Starting!)

You’re new, you’re excited, and you don’t want to wipe out (yet). Look for a medium-length board (around 30” – 34”) with a longer wheelbase for a stable, chill ride. Trucks like Waterborne Fin System ( 3 in 1 ) have the ability to adjust the angels and its fun for begiiners to experiment different rides or the  Carver CX will help you learn to pump if you want something lighter. 😉

b. Surf Training (For the Hardcore Waveriders)

If you’re itching to practice your cutbacks and bottom turns, get a board with a spring-based truck that mimics surf movements. Brands like Carver C7 and Smoothstar or YOW will help you keep those surf skills sharp—even when the ocean’s flat.

c. Cruising & Commuting (Smooth Operators)

You’re just here for the ride, and you want it smooth. Longer boards with soft, big wheels will glide over cracks and bumps like they’re nothing. Look for a hybrid truck like the Carver CX, and cruise the streets like they’re your private beach. 🌴

d. Tricks & Mixed Riding (You Fancy, Huh?)

You want to carve, pump, AND maybe throw in some tricks? Go for boards with kicktails, a shorter wheelbase, and harder wheels. This setup will let you pop ollies, manual, and still make those sharp, surfy turns. 🎯

4. Top Surfskate Brands That Deserve a Shout-Out

Here are some of the heavy-hitters in the surfskate world:

• Carver: The OGs of surfskating. Reliable, versatile, and their C7 and CX trucks are iconic.
• YOW (Your Own Wave): Deep carves, real surf feels. Their Meraki system is basically surfing on asphalt.
• SmoothStar: The surfer’s surfskate. Mimics the feel of a real surfboard and is a must-have for training.
• Slide Surfskates: Fun, affordable, and perfect for newbies who want to dip their toes in the surfskate world.
• Waterborne: Not your typical brand—they make adapters so you can turn any skateboard into a surfskate! 🛠️
• Bohanel Boards:  Why not have them all? Bohanel Boards makes great custom handcrafted decks with the above mentioned systems. Choose any and have fun. Ride with style, ride with Bohanel. 🏄‍♂️✨

5. Budget Tips: Get More Bang for Your Buck

Surfskates can range from “Nice! A bargain!” to “Whoa, am I buying a car?”

Usually for a good quality setup you will have to spend around 240-300 bucks.

6. Ride On! Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the lowdown, it’s time to hit the streets. Whether you’re practicing your cutbacks, cruising through town, or just enjoying the feeling of catching endless (pavement) waves, there’s a surfskate out there with your name on it. Pick the one that gets your stoke up, and don’t forget to have fun! 🏄‍♂️🛹

Catch ya on the pavement, wave-chasers! 🌊🛹