If you’ve ever dreamed of carving pavement like you're gliding down a wave, a surfskate might just be your perfect ride. Whether you're a landlocked surfer looking to stay sharp between sessions or a beginner craving a surf-inspired way to cruise the streets, this guide has you covered.

In this ultimate surfskate buying guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know; from what a surfskate actually is and how it compares to a longboard, to choosing the right surfskate size for your style and ability. We’ll also explore the key differences between top brands like Carver and YOW, so you can decide which surfskate setup suits you best.

In this blog we will cover:

1. What is a surfskate?
2. What's the difference between Surfskates and Longboards?
3. Is surfskating good for beginners?
4. Which Surfskate size is right for me?
5. Surfskate brand breakdown.

While both surfskates and longboards fall under the broader category of cruiser skateboards, they’re designed with different purposes and riding styles in mind. The main difference comes down to how they turn and flow.

Surfskates are built to mimic the feeling of surfing on land. They use a unique front truck system that allows for deep carving, tight turns, and a pumping motion that generates speed without pushing. This makes surfskates perfect for surf training, carving, and flow-style riding on flat ground or gentle hills.

Longboards, on the other hand, are more versatile and come in various styles, including cruising, freeriding, downhill, and long-distance pushing. They usually have a more stable truck setup (often with reverse kingpin trucks), making them ideal for commuting, hill bombing, or dancing, depending on the setup. While longboards can carve, they don’t offer the same dynamic, surf-like motion that surfskates are known for.

Key Differences:

• Trucks: Surfskates feature specialised surf-style trucks (like Carver C7 or YOW Meraki), while longboards typically use reverse kingpin trucks.
• Turning Radius: Surfskates turn much sharper and allow for greater agility.
• Riding Style: Surfskates are designed for flow, carving, and pumping; longboards are designed for speed, stability, and smooth cruising.
• Purposes: Surfskates are ideal for surfers looking to train on land, while longboards cater to a broader range of riders—from beginners to downhill racers.

Surfskates can be excellent for beginners eager to enter the world of board sports. These versatile boards offer a unique riding experience that combines elements of surfing and skateboarding. For novices, surfskates provide a gentle learning curve, helping to develop balance, coordination, and core strength. Many brands offer beginner-friendly models with stable truck systems, making it easier to learn the fundamental motions of pumping and carving.

Beginners will appreciate the slower speeds and tighter turning radius of surfskates compared to traditional longboards, allowing for better control and confidence-building. As skills improve, surfskates can grow with the rider, offering challenges and thrills for all levels. Whether you're a surf enthusiast looking to train on land or a skateboard newcomer seeking a fun way to cruise, surfskates provide an accessible entry point into an exciting and growing sport.

Mini Length Surfskates (25.5” – 29”)

Best for: Quick turns, tight spaces, and surf training in small areas.

Feel: Snappy, loose, and super responsive.

Mini surfskates are ideal for riders who want that fast, ultra-responsive feel underfoot. These boards are easier to pump and carve in tighter spaces; think driveways, flat car parks, and small banks. A mini surfskate replicates the feel of a mini surfboard and is perfect for practicing tight cutbacks and sharp turns. Shorter boards in this range are looser, while the longer mini models offer slightly more stability.

Short Length Surfskates (30” – 33”)

Best for: Everyday surfskating, pushing around town, and versatile carving.

Feel: Balanced, easy to pump, and great for cutbacks.

Short-length surfskates offer a perfect blend of manoeuvrability and pushability. They’re great for daily use, whether you're surf skating small inclines, pumping through parks, or mimicking shortboard surfing. Subtle changes in board length slightly affect performance, so shape and riding style also play a big part in choosing the right short board.

When it comes to surfskates, Carver and YOW are two of the most popular and trusted brands on the market. Both are designed to bring the feeling of surfing to the streets, but they offer different experiences depending on your riding style and goals.