Complete Surfskates

Surf Skateboards Transform Pavement Into Waves

Explore our broad selection of surfskates crafted to replicate the sensation of surfing. Delve into what sets surf skateboards apart and discover the ideal board for your style and level of expertise.

What Defines a Surf Skateboard?

A surf skateboard (also known as a surfskate) is a specialized board featuring a sophisticated front truck setup that facilitates fluid carving and pumping to build velocity.

How a Surf Skateboard Differs From a Standard Skateboard

The primary difference between surfskates and regular skateboards is in the trucks. The technique of turning and gaining momentum is entirely different when contrasting surfskates with other skateboard types.

Truck Engineering

Regular skateboards incorporate standard trucks that pivot on a single axis.
Surfskates are equipped with a dual-axis front truck, emulating surfboard actions, which enables deep, smooth carves and speed generation by leveraging body movements (pumping).

Methods of Building Speed

On a skateboard, pushing (or kicking) against the ground with one foot increases speed.
Conversely, a surfskate builds speed through pumping—shifting your balance from heel to toe while moving your body in a seamless manner.

Consult our guide: Surfskating for beginners.

Height and Dexterity

Typically, surfskates are taller compared to regular skateboards, which elevates the deck above the wheels during sharp turns, minimizing the potential of wheel bite (where wheels touch the deck, possibly causing falls).
Regular skateboards offer less agility and are generally lower than surfskates, as there is no need to accommodate significant deck angles.

Are Surf Skates Suitable for Novices?

If you're unfamiliar with skateboarding or longboarding, you might wonder if a surfskate is a suitable beginner's board. The answer naturally hinges on your own reasons for embarking on this journey. Below, we share several points to reflect upon.

Beginners Looking to Pursue Skateboarding:

Surfskates are less stable (read: extremely dynamic) and thus can make learning balance more challenging.
For confined areas like driveways, small yards, or compact parking spots, a surfskate can provide substantial enjoyment for a novice, allowing for sharp manoeuvres in limited space.
If your plans involve commuting, long-distance cruising, travelling, or going downhill, you might find a longboard or a typical cruiserboard to be more stable and inviting than a surfskate.
For learning tricks like ollies or kickflips, the recommendation is “get a skateboard”.

Surfers Venturing Into Skateboarding:

The mechanics of turning resemble carving on waves, allowing you to practice pumping, balance, and flow when not out in the ocean.
Surfskates are a beneficial tool to maintain your surfing skills on days when the sea is calm or you are unable to reach the water.

Beginners Who've Embraced Surfskating:

Neither cruiserboards, longboards, nor skateboards deliver the surf-like experience that a surfskate can provide.
If this is your preference, then it's simple: Get a surfskate!

Can A Regular Skateboard Serve As a Surfskate?

A regular skateboard lacks the responsive, pivoting front truck necessary for surf-style manoeuvres. To transform one into a surfskate, you may install surfskate trucks on your existing deck. Nonetheless, a typical popsicle deck will yield a shorter wheelbase compared to a deck specifically built for surfskating.

In cases where your skateboard has small, hard wheels, swapping them for proper cruiser wheels will offer a smoother ride. Installing risers to enhance clearance and prevent wheel bite during sharp turns is also advisable.

Distinguishing Between a Surfskate and a Cruiser Skateboard

The terminology speaks volumes—cruiserboards are crafted for smooth commuting, whereas surfskates are intended to replicate the movements of surfing.

Cruiserboards are built for comfortable street travel, characterized by soft wheels and a compact, wide deck.
Surfskates emphasis dynamic carving and pumping, delivering a sensation akin to riding waves.

The lateral motion required for surfskating makes it a less viable option for leisurely cruising, as it occupies more space on sidewalks and streets.

Is It Possible to Ollie on a Surf Skate?

Performing an ollie on a surfskate is indeed feasible, and some skaters adeptly incorporate skateboard tricks into their surfskating routines.

However, the steep pop angle of most surfskates complicates achieving a clean ollie. Landing presentations challenges, as maintaining stability without excess wobbling often necessitates additional effort.

In all honesty:

If your primary goal is performing tricks like ollies, kickflips, or shuvits, a surfskate might not be your best bet. Opting for a traditional skateboard meant for tricks is recommended.
If your inquiry is merely hypothetical and you're curious to integrate some skateboard tricks into your surfskating, then indeed—feel free to explore.