Navigating the world of surfskating

Surfskating is the best alternative for learning and practicing surfing maneuvers and techniques on land. It's also the perfect solution for satisfying our urge to ride waves on these calm, flat days, allowing us to simulate our best pumping, bottom turns, and snaps! 

Here we help you navigate this world of surfskating, so you can understand how the board works and what to consider when choosing one to buy.

What is a surfskate and what is the difference between it and a regular skateboard/cruiser?

The differences are significant, mainly in terms of design, functionality, and use. Street skateboards (or "regular" skateboards) are designed for tricks and maneuvers in urban environments, such as skate parks or areas with smooth surfaces. They are shorter and lighter, with a concave shape and pointed ends (nose and tail), which allows for tricks like ollies, flips, grinds, and slides. They usually have wider trucks and small, hard wheels, which facilitates control and stability when performing tricks.

Cruisers are designed for smooth and comfortable travel over rougher terrain or for getting around town. They are boards with a shape similar to surfboards and are designed to provide a more relaxed riding experience. They are primarily useful for getting from point A to point B. They typically have narrower, stiffer trucks and larger, softer wheels to absorb impacts and offer a smoother ride.

Surfskates look more like cruisers than street skateboards, but they're designed to simulate the feeling of surfing on asphalt. The board itself is more or less the same as a cruiser board, but surfskates have looser front trucks, called "turning" trucks, which allow for smoother turning, mimicking the feeling of riding a wave. The wheels are usually softer to provide better grip and a surfing feel on pavement.

In summary, while street-skate focuses on tricks and technical skateboarding maneuvers, and cruiser focuses on comfort and transportation, surfskate attempts to replicate the feeling of surfing on asphalt, prioritizing fluid turning and the imitation of surf maneuvers without losing its comfort in movement when necessary. 

Choosing a surfskate board: what should you consider?

The key features to consider when choosing your surfskate are the size of the board, trucks, and wheels. Selecting the right size surfskate depends on several factors, including your height, weight, skill level, riding style, and personal preferences.

Surfskate boards vary in length . If you're a beginner or prefer more stability, consider a longer board, as they tend to offer a more stable feel and better control. On the other hand, shorter boards are usually more agile and allow for tighter turns and more technical maneuvers.

The width of the board is also important. Generally, wider boards offer more stability, especially for beginners or people with larger feet. On the other hand, narrower boards can be more agile and make certain movements easier.

The wheelbase can affect the overall feel of the board. A longer wheelbase can provide greater stability and control at high speeds, while a shorter wheelbase can make the board more agile and better suited for tight turns.

Wheels typically have a diameter between 65 mm and 75 mm. Larger wheels offer greater speed and the ability to roll over uneven surfaces, while smaller wheels offer agility and responsiveness. Wheel hardness is measured in durometers (A). Softer wheels are better for grip and control, while harder wheels allow for higher speeds and controlled sliding. 

In short… depending on your skill level and style, if you're looking for a surfskate for tricks and technical maneuvers, you might prefer a shorter, more agile board. On the other hand, if you're more interested in the feeling of surfing and pumping in straight lines, a longer board might be more suitable.

Considering all the technical aspects and product quality, among the different options, we like to recommend the boards from “ManualBoards” (“MB”), a brand from Spain, specifically the Basque Country, where the culture and passion for surfing have led to the development of different boards, with different styles and for all skill levels. Made with Canadian maple wood, and featuring very smooth and high-performing trucks and wheels, MB surfskates are the best choice for durability, quality, and price. Furthermore, they make their boards in two sizes to offer the best option for everyone!

Here you can see all the surfskates we have >

There's no single perfect board for everyone; only by experimenting with different options will you find the surfskate that best suits you. Come to the shop to try out the boards we have for sale—we have demos available!