Buying Guide

Types of Longboards for Beginners

Top Mount

• The deck sits directly on top of the trucks.

• Offers better grip for carving and freeride.

• Less stable for high-speed cruising but great for maneuverability.

Drop-Through

• Trucks are mounted through the deck.

• Lower ride height for more stability.

• Easier to push and footbrake—ideal for commuting and learning.

Double Drop

• Combines a drop-through mount with a dropped platform.

• Extremely stable and low to the ground.

• Great for beginners, downhill, and long-distance.

Pintail

• Classic surf-style shape.

• No wheel cutouts, so large wheels can cause wheelbite.

• Great for cruising and carving at mellow speeds.

Dancer

• Long, wide decks for freestyle tricks and dancing moves.

• Not ideal for tight turns or steep hills.

• Stable and flowy for creative riding

  Choosing the Right Deck Size

  Deck size determines how the board feels under your feet.

  • 28–32″ = Mini cruisers: nimble but unstable for speed.

  • 32–38″ = Compact longboards: great for portability.

  • 38–42″ = Ideal beginner range: balanced for carving, pushing, commuting.

  • 42”+ = Best for dancing and freestyle: more space to move.

  Wider decks (9–10″) offer more comfort and control. Narrower decks are more nimble but harder to balance on.

  Essential Upgrades for Beginners

  Upgrading your longboard doesn’t require buying a whole new setup. Some small, affordable upgrades can seriously improve your ride:

  • Bearings: Choose built-ins for smoother performance and easier maintenance.

  • Wheels: Softer or larger wheels give you a smoother ride and better grip.

  • Bushings: Swapping out stock bushings can drastically improve your board’s feel.

  • Pivot Cups: Tighten up your trucks and smooth out every carve.

  • Griptape: Get the right grit for your discipline to stay secure on your deck.

How Much Should a Beginner Spend on a Longboard? [UK Buying Guide 2025]

Thinking About Buying Your First Longboard?

If you’re new to longboarding, one of the first questions is: how much should you actually spend on your first longboard?

In the UK, prices for beginner longboards can range anywhere from £40 to over £250. So how do you know what’s worth it—and what’s not?

Let’s break down the options.

Beginner Longboard Price Guide (UK)

Here’s what you can typically expect to get at different price points in the UK market:

• £40 – £80: Entry-level longboards. Often found on Amazon or in high street shops. These can be okay for very casual cruising but usually come with low-quality trucks, wheels, and decks.

• £80 – £150: A solid sweet spot for beginner riders. At this price, you’ll start seeing better materials, more stable setups, and smoother rides. Great for carving, commuting, or learning basic skills.

• £150 and up: These are more premium boards—ideal for serious beginners who want something long-lasting, smoother, and more responsive. These setups often include high-performance trucks, softer wheels, and strong, well-shaped decks.

Should You Buy a Cheap Longboard in the UK?

There’s a big market for budget longboards in the UK, especially on online marketplaces. But there are a few things to consider before going for the cheapest option.

Pros of a budget longboard:

• Affordable for complete beginners

• Good for seeing if you actually enjoy the sport

• Easy to find in most online shops

Cons of a budget longboard:

• Poor quality components that wear out fast

• Unstable turning and rough rides

• Wheels and bearings that make pushing harder

• Not built for progression or safety

In short, a cheap board might work for light use, but you’ll likely outgrow or break it quickly.

Why Spend More? The Case for a Better Beginner Board

If you’re serious about learning, going for a mid-range or high-quality board is a smarter investment. A board like Newton’s Shred Board is a great example. It’s built for beginners but offers the kind of ride and reliability you’d expect from a higher-end setup.

What you get with a board like Newton’s:

• Responsive trucks for easier turning

• Soft, grippy wheels for UK pavements and cycle paths

• A stable deck that supports proper foot placement

• Durability that lasts beyond the beginner phase

It’s not just about having a better board—it’s about making learning safer, smoother, and a lot more enjoyable.

What to Consider When Buying Your First Longboard

Here are a few essentials to help you choose the right board:

• Your riding style: Are you planning to cruise, commute, carve, or just learn?

• Deck length: Longer decks offer better stability for beginners

• Wheel hardness: Softer wheels (78A–83A) handle UK roads and pavements better

• Brand trust: Look for longboards from trusted UK or global brands like Newton’s

So, How Much Should You Spend?

If you’re just testing it out, spending around £80–£120 can work—but expect some compromises.

If you want a board that performs well and lasts as you progress, consider spending around £140–£200. This is where quality beginner boards like Newton’s Shred Board sit—offering excellent value for the price.

Final Buying Tips

• Avoid ultra-cheap no-name boards if possible

• Spend a little more now to avoid upgrading too soon

• Make sure to invest in a helmet and protective gear

• Practice somewhere safe like a park path or smooth pavement

Ready to Ride?

If you’re based in the UK and looking for a reliable beginner longboard, Newton’s Shred Board is a great choice for anyone who wants comfort, stability, and long-term value.

Longboard Concave

Longboards have various concave options, concave is a sideways shape of your deck. Different concave styles will provide different feel and controllability of the board.

Radial

W-concave

Progressive

Gaspedal

Asymetric

Convex

Flat

Types of Griptape by Discipline

1. Cruising & Commuting

• Recommended Grit: Medium (80–100 grit)​

• Benefits: Offers a comfortable balance between grip and foot mobility, ideal for relaxed rides and daily commutes.​

2. Freeride & Sliding

• Recommended Grit: Coarse (36–60 grit)​

• Benefits: Provides enhanced traction, crucial for maintaining control during slides and sharp turns.

  3. Downhill & Speed

  • Recommended Grit: Extra Coarse (24–36 grit)​

  • Benefits: Ensures maximum grip at high speeds, reducing the risk of foot slippage during intense descents.​

  4. Freestyle & Dancing

  • Recommended Grit: Fine to Medium (100–120 grit)​

  • Benefits: Allows for smooth foot transitions and movements, essential for performing tricks and dance steps.​

    Specialty Griptape Options

    • Perforated Griptape: Features tiny holes to prevent air bubbles during application, ensuring a smooth finish.​

    • Clear Griptape: Transparent material that showcases the deck’s design while still providing grip.​

    • Custom Designs: Available in various patterns and colors, allowing riders to personalize their boards.​

      Applying Griptape: Step-by-Step Guide

      1. Preparation: Ensure the deck surface is clean and free from dust or debris.​

      2. Alignment: Peel the backing off the griptape and carefully align it with the deck, starting from one end.​

      3. Application: Press the griptape onto the deck, smoothing it out to avoid air bubbles.​

      4. Trimming: Use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess griptape along the edges of the deck.​

      5. Finishing Touches: Use a file or the edge of the knife to sand down the edges, ensuring a clean finish.​

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft brush or grip tape cleaner to remove dirt and debris, maintaining optimal grip.​

• Inspection: Periodically check for peeling or worn-out areas and replace the griptape as needed to ensure safety.​

  By selecting the appropriate griptape and maintaining it properly, you can significantly enhance your longboarding experience, ensuring both performance and safety.​

  Let me know if you need further assistance or recommendations!

Wheels

Wheels are important part of your longboard and there are different lip styles, diameters, duro ratings, contact patches, core placement and core materials. You should think what you are going to use your longboard for to choose the right wheel for you.

Most of the wheels we offer are between 52mm and 83mm, however most of the longboards use 62mm-83mm wheels. Smaller wheels are suitable for street riding or specia slide setups.

Small wheels accelerate much better than big ones, but they are slower than big ones. If you’re going to cruise a lot bigger wheels will behave much better on rough surfaces.

Durometer is a standard of measuring wheel’s hardness. There are two different durometer scales. Most of the manufacturers use A scale – which is a 100-point scale to express wheel hardness. Second scale is B scale which is less popular and is mostly used for harder wheels, B scale measures 20 points lower than A scale, so 100A wheel hardness will be equal to 80B.

Softer wheels are much better for cruising as they have more grip and behave better on rough surfaces.

Harder wheels are good for street, skate park and other smooth surfaces as they offer less grip and slide more.

Longboard wheels come with different lip shape. Different lip shapes will be suitable for different riding styles and will affect how stable and grippy wheels are.

Contact patch defines how much of your wheel touches the ground and is affected by wheel width and lip shape. The higher the contact patch is, the grippier wheels will be.

Wheel core placement defines the placement of the wheel core, it is divided to three categories.

• Offset – offset wheels have a core placed closer to truck, that allows rider to use trucks with lower axle length. Offset wheels are much more grippier than other types due to force distribution.
• Centerset – centerset wheels have core placed in the middle of the wheel, that allows equal force distribution. Centerset wheels last longer and you can flip them once they start to wear down – which should prolong their life.
• Sideset – sideset wheels have core placed on the side of the wheel, they are one of the slidiest wheels available. Most of the force is being applied on internal edge of the wheel – that’s why they’re that easy to slide. The downside is that they wear down much faster.

Trucks

Longboard trucks are the heart of your setup, dictating how your board turns, carves, and handles speed. Whether you’re a beginner buying your first set or an advanced rider looking for the perfect upgrade, this guide will help you navigate the world of longboard trucks with ease and confidence.

Understanding Longboard Trucks

Longboard trucks are the metal T-shaped components that connect your wheels to your deck. Unlike standard skateboard trucks, longboard trucks are wider and designed for stability, smooth turning, and durability.

Types of Longboard Trucks

1. Traditional Kingpin (TKP) Trucks

• Best for: Street-style longboarding, cruising, and tech slides.
• Characteristics:
  • Shorter and more responsive
  • Found on street skateboards and some hybrid longboards
  • Snappier turns, but less stability at high speeds

2. Reverse Kingpin (RKP) Trucks

• Best for: Downhill, freeride, carving, and dancing.
• Characteristics:
  • Taller and more stable at high speeds
  • Smoother, more controlled turns
  • Widely used in longboarding for a surfy, flowy feel

Cast vs. Precision Trucks

Cast Trucks

• Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious riders.
• How they’re made: Liquid metal is poured into a mold to form the truck.
• Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Great for cruising, carving, and beginner setups
• Cons:
  • Less precise than CNC-machined trucks
  • Slight inconsistencies due to manufacturing process
• Examples: Paris V3, Caliber II, Bear Grizzly Gen 6

Precision Trucks

• Best for: Advanced riders and high-performance setups.
• How they’re made: Machined from a solid block of aluminum for extreme accuracy.
• Pros:
  • Incredibly smooth and precise turns
  • More durable and long-lasting
  • No slop, making them ideal for downhill and freeride
• Cons:
  • Expensive
• Examples: Rogue, Aera, Valkyrie, Skoa

Truck Width & Baseplate Angle

Truck Width

• Most longboard trucks come in 150mm to 180mm widths.
• 150mm trucks – More nimble, best for narrower decks (~8-9″).
• 180mm trucks – More stable, best for wider decks (~9-10″).

Baseplate Angle

• 50° Baseplate – More turny, great for carving and freestyle.
• 44° Baseplate – More stable, best for downhill and freeride.

Bushings & Pivot Cups

Bushings

Bushings are the urethane cushions inside the truck that affect turn responsiveness.

• Soft (78A-85A): Easier turns, better for carving.
• Medium (86A-90A): Balanced feel, good for all-around riding.
• Hard (91A+): Less turny, more stable at high speeds.

Pivot Cups

• The small urethane cups inside the baseplate that hold the truck’s pivot.
• Upgrading to aftermarket pivot cups (like Riptide or Venom) can smooth out turns and reduce slop.

Choosing the Right Trucks for Your Style

Riding Style	Recommended Trucks
Cruising/Carving	Paris V3, Bear Grizzly, Randal
Freeride	Caliber II, Rogue, Aera K5
Downhill	Valkyrie, Skoa, Rogue
Dancing	Paris V3, Bear Gen 6, Carver CX
Tech Slide	Independent, Atlas, Bear Polar

Final Tips

1. Match your truck width to your deck width for a balanced ride.
2. Choose a baseplate angle that fits your riding style (higher angles for carving, lower for stability).
3. Experiment with bushings to fine-tune your turn and stability.
4. If you’re serious about downhill or freeride, consider precision trucks.

With the right trucks, your longboard will feel like an extension of yourself. Now get out there and ride!

What Are Longboard Bearings?

Longboard bearings are essential components that allow your wheels to spin smoothly on the axles of your trucks. Each wheel requires two bearings, totaling eight for a complete setup. They consist of an inner and outer ring, balls (usually 6 or 7), a cage to keep the balls in place, and shields to protect against dirt and debris. Proper lubrication is crucial for optimal performance.​

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Built-In vs. Standard Bearings

Built-In Bearings: These bearings have integrated spacers and speed rings, simplifying installation and ensuring perfect alignment. Ideal for beginners and those seeking hassle-free maintenance.​

Standard Bearings: Require separate spacers and speed rings. While they offer customization options, they demand more meticulous setup and maintenance.​

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6-Ball vs. 7-Ball Bearings

7-Ball Bearings: The standard configuration, offering a balance between speed and durability.​Newtons Shred

6-Ball Bearings: Feature larger balls, reducing friction and enhancing acceleration. They are more robust and better suited for high-speed applications.​

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Steel vs. Ceramic Bearings

Steel Bearings: Commonly used, affordable, and durable. However, they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to corrosion.​

Ceramic Bearings: Utilize ceramic balls, which are lighter, harder, and more resistant to heat and corrosion. They offer superior performance but come at a higher cost.​

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Top Bearing Brands at Newton’s Shred

Zealous Bearings

Zealous Steel Bearings: Feature built-in spacers and speed rings, pre-lubricated with nanoceramic grease that fills microscopic imperfections, reducing friction. An excellent choice for beginners seeking reliability.​

Zealous Ceramic Bearings: Offer the same built-in design with ceramic balls for enhanced speed and durability. Ideal for riders looking to upgrade their performance.​

Bones Bearings

Bones REDS: Affordable and reliable, these bearings are pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and feature removable rubber shields for easy cleaning.​

Bones Super REDS: An upgraded version of REDS, offering higher-grade steel and superior finish for smoother rides.​

Bones Big Balls REDS: Utilize six larger balls for increased speed and durability, making them suitable for high-speed cruising.​

Bones Race REDS: Designed with built-in spacers and speed rings, ensuring precise alignment and stability at high speeds.​

Bones Swiss: Manufactured in Switzerland, these bearings provide exceptional speed and longevity, favored by professional riders.​

Bones Swiss Ceramic: Incorporate ceramic balls for the highest performance, offering reduced weight, increased speed, and resistance to moisture and dirt.​

Seismic Bearings

Fullspin 6-Ball Steel XT Built-In Bearings: Feature six large steel balls and built-in spacers, delivering reduced friction and enhanced durability.​

Fullspin 6-Ball Ceramic XT Built-In Bearings: Combine the six-ball design with ceramic balls for superior speed and corrosion resistance.​

Fullspin 7-Ball Steel XT Built-In Bearings: Offer a balanced performance with seven steel balls, suitable for various riding styles.​

Fullspin 7-Ball Ceramic XT Built-In Bearings: Provide the benefits of ceramic balls in a seven-ball configuration, ideal for high-speed downhill riding.​

Fullspin 7-Ball Lite Built-In Bearings: Lightweight and responsive, these bearings are tailored for freestyle and technical riding.​

Loaded Bearings

Loaded Jehu V2 Bearings: Designed with extended inner raceways, eliminating the need for separate spacers and speed rings. They offer a secure fit and are pre-lubricated for smooth performance.​Newtons Shred

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Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your bearings free from dirt and debris to maintain optimal performance.​

• Proper Lubrication: Use skate-specific lubricants like Bones Speed Cream to reduce friction and prevent rust.​

• Correct Installation: Ensure bearings are properly seated and wheels are not overtightened to allow free spinning.​

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By understanding the different types of bearings and their specific applications, you can choose the right set to match your riding style and performance needs. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade, Newton’s Shred offers a wide selection to suit every rider.

Skateboard Deck Width

Width is one of the most important factors while choosing your deck. Depending on your height, shoe size, personal preference and riding style you should choose the right width.

Wider boards are heavier; thus, you need to use more power to perform a trick, however they offer a bit more space to land on.

It should be easier to do a trick on a smaller skateboard due to its weight, but it might be harder to land when you have bigger foot size.

That’s why you have to find the right size, so you can compromise ease of landing tricks and amount of power you need to perform it.

Things to look at when buying a Skateboard

The most important factor while buying a skateboard is width, but it does not mean that’s the only thing you should look at while choosing your deck. Skateboard decks have various sizes, but the most common ones are 7”-9 wide and 28”-33” length. The other important factor is a material the skateboard is made off – usually they’re made of plywood(Canadian Maple), but nowadays manufacturers use various materials including carbon fiber, fiberglass, resins or plastic.

Width

The most common deck widths for adult skateboarders are between 7.5” and 8.5”. Wider decks are heavier – you need more power to do tricks, which might make it harder for you to successfully land it. Smaller decks are lighter which should allow you to use less force while doing the tricks, however there’s less space to land on. If your shoe size is higher it might be uncomfortable to ride smaller deck.

Wheelbase

It is the distance between inner mounting holes of the deck, wheelbase determines the distance between your front and back trucks. The higher wheelbase is the more stable your board will be, however, your board will have higher turning radius.

Length

Usually between 28” and 33”, length is not as important as width and wheelbase and most often won’t affect performance for new skateboarders.

Nose and Tail

Nose is a front part of the skateboard, where tail is at the back. There are slightly different, and it might be hard to tell the difference, usually the nose is slightly wider than the tail. If you’re not able to see the difference, have a look at graphics as they also indicate where the nose and tail are.

Kicktail

Kicktail is a nose or tail that is pointing upward, it’ll allow you to pop your board while doing tricks. If you’re looking to do tricks on your skateboard make sure that your board has them.

Concave

Concave is a sideways shape of your deck, there are various concave styles to fit different riding styles and personal preferences. Concave will affect how your feet are placed on a skateboard and also how much control you have while riding. Check our concave guide to see which one will fit you best.

Mounting holes

Mounting holes are holes where you mount your trucks to the deck, there are two styles of mounting holes – New School and Old School. Modern trucks are usually coming with both mounting hole layouts, however, make sure that they match before ordering them.

Hardware

It is not part of the deck, but it’s essential to mount your trucks to the deck. Depending on thickness of your deck, riser pads you use and trucks you need different length of hardware. Check the figure below to see what hardware you need.

Longboard Concave

Longboards have various concave options, concave is a sideways shape of your deck. Different concave styles will provide different feel and controllability of the board.

Radial

W-concave

Progressive

Gaspedal

Asymetric

Convex

Flat

Grip tape

Grip tape is a grainy tape that is being applied on top part of your deck. It allows you to control your board and ensures that your feet won’t be slipping on the board. Despite the style of riding grip tape is a necessity. Most of the skateboard grip tapes are pretty much the same and only slightly vary.

Grip tapes are coming in different colours and some of them might have laser cut-outs.

Grip tapes are coming in various sizes, so make sure that the grip tape you order is big enough to cover your skateboard.

Wheels

Wheels are important part of your skateboard and there are different styles, diameter and duro ratings. You should think what you are going to use your skateboard for to choose the right wheel for you. The most important factors when choosing the wheels are diameter and durometer – a standard of measuring hardness of wheels and bushings.

Most of the wheels we offer are between 52mm and 83mm, however most of the skateboarders use 50mm-60mm wheels. Bigger wheels are suitable for cruisers and longboards.

Small wheels accelerate much better than big ones, but they are slower than big ones. If you’re going to cruise a lot bigger wheels will behave much better on rough surfaces.

Durometer is a standard of measuring wheel’s hardness. There are two different durometer scales. Most of the manufacturers use A scale – which is a 100-point scale to express wheel hardness. Second scale is B scale which is less popular and is mostly used for harder wheels, B scale measures 20 points lower than A scale, so 100A wheel hardness will be equal to 80B.

Softer wheels are much better for cruising as they have more grip and behave better on rough surfaces.

Harder wheels are good for street, skate park and other smooth surfaces as they offer less grip and slide more.

Trucks

Skateboard trucks are a metal parts that you attach to bottom of your deck. That’s what hold your wheels, bearings and deck together. Trucks are responsible for turning and come in different styles depending on the riding style.

Trucks are made of multiple parts including:

• Baseplate – a part that is directly attached to your deck.
• Axle – a long metal bar that goes through the hanger, that’s what wheels are attached to.
• Hanger – a triangle shaped part that supports the axle, it is mounted in the baseplate.
• Kingpin – a bolt that holds baseplate and hanger together.
• Bushings – rings made of urethane, they are fitted around kingpin supporting the hanger. There are different durometer options for bushings where soft ones will allow you to do sharper turns.

There are two main factors when choosing trucks for your skateboard – axle width and truck profile. Choosing the right truck size for your deck is really important as it will affect performance of your board. Axle width should be as close as possible to your deck width.

Axle width	Deck width
6″-7.25″	6.5” to 7.25”
7.5″	7.25” to 8”
7.75″	7.5” to 8”
8.0″	8” to 8.5”
8.5″	8.5” to 9”
9.0”	9” to 10”
10.0”	10” wide or more

Truck profile is a height of your truck. You have to choose the right profile for your wheels. They come in three different types. It is important to choose the right profile to avoid wheel bites – situation where your wheel touches the deck while turning –  and ensure proper stability on the board.

Low profile trucks

Due to low centre of mass you will be more stable on the board, low profile trucks are designed for small wheels that don’t exceed 54 mm diameter.

Mid profile trucks

Slightly higher than low profile, is a good compromise for stability, suitable for wheels between 54mm and 57mm.

High profile trucks

The highest trucks, will be a less stable, but will allow you to fit bigger wheels that are sized 57mm and more. Often used in cruisers or longboards.

Bearings

Metal, round cylinders that are fit inside wheels and slide on axle. All skateboard bearings come in a standard size – 22mm outer diameter, 8mm internal hole diameter and 7mm height.

Skateboard bearings allow your wheels to spin freely. They come in different ABEC ratings. ABEC rating is an industrial standard that specifies manufacturing tolerances of internal parts of bearings. ABEC rating does not consider important factors like load handling, materials or lubrication; thus, ABEC rating is not accurate way of measuring performance. ABEC rating ranges from ABEC 1 to ABEC 11, where ABEC 1 should be the least precise and ABEC 11 the most. Sometimes ABEC 9 bearings manufactured by one company can be slower than ABEC 3 bearings manufactured by another company due to factors mentioned above.

What is the difference between Suftskates & Longboards?

The surfskate offers a completely new and different way of riding compared to traditional longboards! The mouvements on the surfskates are very similar to surfing and therefore very different from longboard and skateboarding.With the Surfskate trucks there are many more possible movements. By shifting the weight – from toe to the heel – speed can be built up on the board – called pumping. This technique just like surfing allow you to generate speed without having to put your feet down to push. This will be very difficult to do with a conventional skateboard or longboard trucks. The Surfskate trucks are much more manoeuvrable than Longboard trucks and allow very tight turn and carve which are simply not possible with Longboard trucks.

Popular Surfskate Systems Explained

1. Carver C7 and CX

• C7: Dual-axis front truck for deep carves and a flowing surf-style ride.
• CX: Reverse kingpin truck that’s lighter and snappier for aggressive turns and pumping.
• Feel: Smooth and stable. Great for surf training and street cruising.
• Best For: Beginners to advanced surfers.

2. YOW (Your Own Wave)

• System: Meraki system with adjustable tension spring.
• Feel: Very loose, snappy, surf-like. Pumps fast and turns ultra-tight.
• Best For: Advanced riders and surf training junkies.

3. Smoothstar

• System: Thruster system with internal spring and rotation arm.
• Feel: Super responsive and closest to the feeling of surfing.
• Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers.
• Popular With: Pro surfers like Filipe Toledo.

4. Waterborne Adapter

• System: Add-on front adapter you attach to a regular skateboard.
• Feel: Carvy and customizable.
• Best For: DIY riders or upgrading a board you already own.

5. Slide Surfskate

• System: Spring-loaded front truck.
• Feel: Stable and beginner-friendly with a fun carving motion.
• Best For: Cruising, mellow training, and beginners.

6. Hamboards HST Trucks

• System: Patented HST carving trucks.
• Feel: Wide turns, huge lean. Feels like longboard surfing.
• Best For: Longboard surfers and riders who want flowy rides.

7. Curfboard

• System: No springs or bushings. Unique free-motion front truck.
• Feel: Smooth, surfy ride with maximum freedom.
• Best For: Riders wanting something different and ultra-responsive.

8. SwellTech

• System: Full-motion truck offering 360° rotation.
• Feel: Extremely loose and surf-like.
• Best For: Advanced surf training.

9. SpiceSkate (TypeX)

• System: Similar to YOW with strong rebound and deep carve ability.
• Feel: Aggressive and responsive.
• Best For: Surf training and radical carves.

10. FIN System (Waterborne upgrade)

• System: Modular surfskate upgrade with stability-focused rear truck.
• Feel: Carves while staying grounded.
• Best For: Riders seeking enhanced surf simulation.

SURFSKATE TRUCK SYSTEM COMPARISON

Carver vs Smoothstar

• Turning Radius: Smoothstar has a much tighter radius than Carver, due to the spring-loaded thruster system. It mimics surfing turns more accurately.
• Stability: Carver CX offers more stability, especially for street riding or casual carving. C7 is slightly looser but still more stable than Smoothstar.
• Feel: Smoothstar feels like a surfboard under your feet—very responsive and reactive. Carver is flowy, but a bit more forgiving for beginners.
• Maintenance: Carver trucks are simpler to maintain. Smoothstar’s internal spring mechanism needs more care.
• Best Use:
  • Carver: All-around surfskate, cruising, and pumping.
  • Smoothstar: Pure surf training, tight maneuvers, and progression.

YOW vs Smoothstar

• Feel: YOW has more of a “snappy pop” feel with a strong rebound. Smoothstar is more flowing.
• Adjustability: YOW’s spring tension can be adjusted. Smoothstar is more fixed.
• Ease of Use: Smoothstar can be twitchy for new riders; YOW feels more intuitive for some.

YOW vs Carver

• Loose vs Stable: YOW is looser, good for advanced surf simulation. Carver is more stable, better for general cruising.
• Pumping Power: YOW pumps harder and faster; Carver is smoother and consistent.

Waterborne vs Carver

• DIY vs Complete: Waterborne is a mod kit, while Carver boards are designed from the ground up. Carver offers better overall integration.
• Customizability: Waterborne is more customizable for those who like to tinker.

SwellTech vs Everyone Else

• Extreme Lean: SwellTech has almost no resistance, giving it the loosest, most surf-like feel.
• Hard to Master: Beginners might find it too unstable at first.
• Best For: Dedicated surfers looking for a direct ocean-to-street training feel.

Slide vs SpiceSkate

• Slide: Softer, mellower carves. Great for beginners.
• SpiceSkate: More aggressive turning and rebound. Great for surf training.

Which Surfskate deck is the best for me?

What Really Determines Surfskate Size?Most people focus on deck length, but the wheelbase—the distance between the trucks—is what actually defines how your board rides.

Why Wheelbase Matters More Than Length  A shorter wheelbase (14 to 16 inches) gives you snappy, tight turns, ideal for surf training and technical street riding. A medium wheelbase (16 to 18 inches) offers a balanced feel for all-around riding, bowls, and cruising. A longer wheelbase (18 inches and up) provides more stability, making it better for speed, flowy carves, and pump tracks.Real-World ExamplesThe Carver Omni is 32 inches long with a 15.6 inch wheelbase, making it great for tight turns and surf simulation. The Carver Black Tip is also 32 inches but has a 17.5 inch wheelbase, which is better for cruising and bowls. The YOW Pyzel Ghost is 33.5 inches with a 20 inch wheelbase, optimized for pump tracks and speed. Even the small Carver RNF, at just 29.5 inches, has a 16 inch wheelbase, making it surprisingly stable.

Key TakeawayTwo boards of the same length can ride completely differently based on their wheelbase.How to Choose the Right Wheelbase for YouYour height and weight matter less than your stance and riding style. Surfers and snowboarders usually prefer a wider stance and a wheelbase of 17 inches or more, which handles power better. Skateboarders often like a narrower stance and a 15 to 17 inch wheelbase. Kids and beginners should start with 14 to 16 inches for easier turning.Foot Placement Matters TooYour front foot should be just behind the front truck, which is the pivot point. Your back foot can go in different places: on the tail for more leverage, between the rear wheels for better control, or over the rear truck for stability at speed.Pro TipIf possible, test different boards before buying. Many shops offer demos.

Best Surfskate Setups for Every Riding Style

Cruising Around Town

Choose a deck that’s 30 to 33 inches with mild concave and a kicktail. A wheelbase of 17 to 19 inches offers stability while still being carvy. Carver CX or Slide trucks work well, and 65 to 70 millimeter wheels with a soft 78A to 83A durometer roll smoothly over pavement.

Skatepark and Bowls

A shorter deck, 28 to 32 inches, with a wheelbase of 14 to 17 inches, is snappy for tight transitions. YOW Meraki or Smoothstar trucks provide rebound, and 58 to 63 millimeter wheels with a harder 85A to 90A durometer are better for slides.

Surf Training

A 30 to 32 inch deck with a 15 to 17 inch wheelbase mimics a surfboard’s loose feel. Swelltech or Waterborne trucks are ultra-responsive, and 60 to 65 millimeter wheels with an 80A to 85A durometer offer grip but can still slide.

Pump Tracks

A longer deck, 32 to 34 inches, with an 18 to 20 inch wheelbase, maintains speed better. Carver CX trucks with a rear RKP truck for stability work well, and 65 to 70 millimeter wheels with a soft 78A to 83A durometer grip the track.

Kids (Ages 6 to 12)

A lightweight 28 to 30 inch deck with a 14 to 16 inch wheelbase is easier to turn. Carver C5 trucks are low and stable, and 55 to 60 millimeter wheels with a soft 78A to 83A durometer are safer for beginners.

Advanced Tips for Fine-Tuning Your Setup

Truck Adjustments

For a looser feel, use softer bushings (85A) or a Waterborne adapter. For more stability, try harder bushings (93A and up) or a wedged riser.

Wheel Upgrades

Big, soft wheels (70 millimeter, 78A) are great for cruising. Small, hard wheels (58 millimeter, 90A) are better for park riding.

Deck Flex

Stiff decks are better for power transfer and speed. Flexy decks feel more surfy and are good for carving and casual riding.

Final Recommendations

For cruising, try the Carver Black Tip or YOW Arica. For skateparks, the YOW Snappers or Smoothstar 77 are excellent. Surf training is best on a Swelltech Hybrid or Waterborne setup. Pump track riders should look at the Carver Triton CX or Hamboard Larry. For kids, the Carver Greenroom or YOW Pukas Dark are great choices.

Still Unsure?

Beginners should start with a Carver CX for stability. Surf simulation fans will prefer YOW or Swelltech for a loose feel. If you love speed and pump tracks, go for a longer wheelbase of 18 inches or more.

Want the Best Surfskate for You?

Consider your riding spots, style, and experience, then match the wheelbase and trucks to your needs.