How to Choose Your First Surfskate
A beginner's guide to picking the right surfskate board. Learn what to look for in deck size, truck system, wheelbase, and more.
So you want to start surfskating?
Choosing your first surfskate can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. This guide will help you understand the key factors that matter most.
1. Deck Length: How tall are you?
The length of your board is closely tied to your height and shoe size:
- Under 5’5” (165 cm): Look for boards between 28” and 30”
- 5’5” to 5’11” (165-180 cm): A 30” to 32” deck is your sweet spot
- Over 5’11” (180 cm): Go for 32” and above
A longer board is more stable but less agile. If you’re a beginner, err on the side of stability.
2. Truck System: The heart of the surfskate
The front truck is what makes a surfskate different from a regular skateboard. The main systems are:
- Carver CX: A good all-rounder. Snappy, responsive, and great for beginners who want a surf feel without extreme looseness.
- Carver C7: The classic spring-loaded truck. Provides the deepest carves and the most surf-like feel. Best for surf training.
- Yow Meraki: Very loose and fluid. Excellent for pumping and flow. Can feel unstable for absolute beginners.
- Waterborne: An adapter that converts any skateboard into a surfskate. Great if you already have a deck you love.
- Smoothstar Thruster: Extremely loose. Designed for serious surf training. Not recommended as a first surfskate.
3. Wheelbase: The most important measurement
The wheelbase is the distance between your front and rear trucks. It’s the single most important spec for how your board will feel:
- 14” - 16”: Very tight turns, snappy feel. Great for small riders or aggressive carving.
- 16” - 18”: The sweet spot for most riders. Good balance of stability and maneuverability.
- 18”+: More stable, wider turns. Better for pumping and cruising.
4. Budget
Surfskates generally fall into three price ranges:
- €€ (€100-200): Entry-level boards. Fine for trying out the sport.
- €€€ (€200-300): Mid-range. Better components and more refined feel.
- €€€€ (€300+): Premium setups with top-tier trucks and decks.
Our recommendation for beginners
If you’re just starting out, we recommend a 30-31” board with a Carver CX truck and a wheelbase around 16-17”. This combination gives you enough stability to learn while still feeling the surf-like carving that makes surfskating addictive.
Use our catalog to filter by these specs and find your perfect match!