Surfskating Blog
Abian Surfskates Review: Smoothstar Feel with Legacy Decks
Abian is a boutique surfskate company in the Basque country of Spain, actually just a few kilometers from YOW headquarters. The owners, Xaxio and Arri, remind me a lot of Draho and Eva at Soulboardiy. Xaxio is a master craftsman and they put a lot of love into all of...
Advanced Tips for Using the Waterborne Surf and Rail Adapters
I have been working a lot with the Waterborne surf and rail adapters lately. In the process, I've both gained a real appreciation for them, as well as learned a lot of little details and nuances for working with them. So in this guide, I'll share what I've learned to...
Surfskate Bowl Riding Tutorial: Tips for Mastering Frontside Turns
In surfing terms, a backside turn means your back is to the wave as you make the turn. A frontside turn means your chest is facing the wave as you make the turn. And as I’ve been learning surfskate bowl riding, I’ve had a much harder time with frontside turns than...
Four Tips for Tighter Surfskate Carving
The tighter you can carve on your surfskate the more fun you're going to have. So in this tutorial, I'll give you four quick tips for getting tighter carves on your surfskate.Watch My Surfskate Carving Tutorial on YouTubeTip #1: Start with the Proper Foot Placement...
A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading & Customizing Surfskates
If you’re a surfskate beginner, you should focus more time on learning how to ride than on upgrades and customizing. But if you’re a serious surfskater, at some point in your journey you’ll want to learn how to upgrade and customize your surfskate. Not only will it...
Introducing the Special Edition Surfskate Love Abian Belharra
I bought my first surfskate in October of 2020. Since then, I’ve been able to test pretty much everything available in the surfskate marketplace. That includes tons of stock models from all the companies as well as a lot of high-end aftermarket upgrades. I’m to a...
Introducing the Special Edition Surfskate Love “Sports Car” Soulboardiy
After testing 100+ surfskate decks over the past 2.5 years, my favorite deck maker by far is Soulboardiy. After falling in love with their Revolution Adam deck, I worked with Soulboardiy to create a special edition Surfskate Love Soulboardiy collaboration deck with...
Surfskate Love Wheels Now Available in Sweden at Icewaves
I’m thrilled to announce my newest wheel distributor, Icewaves in Stockholm, Sweden. So if you’re a surfskater in Sweden, you can now try Surfskate Love wheels without paying customs fees! Icewaves was founded by Tom Söderlund, a passionate surfskater in Sweden. Tom's...
Should You Choose the Carver C5, C7, or CX?
So you’re trying to choose your first Carver surfskate and you want to know if you should choose choose the C5, CX, or C7 surfskate truck. Whether you're a surfer a non-surfer, in this guide I’ll give you as much information as possible to help you decide. For more...
Learn Proper Surfskate Pumping Form on a Wave Bank
Watch My Surfskate Pumping Tutorial on YouTubeIf you’re a non-surfer like me, it can be hard to learn proper surfskate pumping form. We haven’t been in the water, so we don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like. One thing that makes it hard is that, when we're...
Surfskate Love Wheels Now Available in Canada at Whitetail Skateboards
I’m thrilled to announce my newest wheel distributor, Whitetail Skateboards in Quebec, Canada. So if you’re a surfskater in Canada, you can now try Surfskate Love wheels without paying customs fees! Whitetail’s founder, Sophie Samson, has a degree in fashion design,...
Waterborne Rail Adapter Bushings Guide: How to Upgrade & Customize
Watch My Waterborne Rail Adapter Bushing Guide on YouTubeThe Waterborne Rail Adapter is a device that you can attach to the rear truck of any surfskate to give it more lean. It makes your wheels hug the ground during tight carves to give you greater control. The Rail...
Hamboards Review: Are They Truly Surfskates?
Hamboards are very unique longboards designed for cross-stepping practice and stand-up paddling. Hamboards calls their boards surfskates, but I believe they’re in a category all their own. Is a Hamboards for you? Find out in this review. If you’re trying to find the...
Carver C5, YOW Legasee, and Solride Surfskate Trucks Reviewed & Compared
I get asked a lot how the new YOW Legasee surf cruisers and Solride surfskates compare to the Carver CX surfskate truck. But they compare less to the Carver CX and more to the Carver C5. I put all three of these in the same category as transition or hybrid surfskates...
SwellTech Surfskate Review: Is It the Best Surf Trainer?
The SwellTech surfskate system is one of the most complex, and the only surfskate truck with a full 360-degree rotation. Although opinions on the SwellTech vary widely, many surfers claim it to be the best pure surf trainer. But is it for you? I’ll try to answer that...
SpiceSkate Okto Review
I've tested 70+ surfskates with 30 different surfskate trucks to date. Out of all of them, the SpiceSkate Okto is the most complicated. And at a price of either $489 or $519, it is by far the most expensive. But is it worth it? That’s the question I’ll try to answer...
Surfskate Tutorial for Beginners: What To Do With Your Arms
Watch My Surfskate Tutorial for Arms on YouTubeIn this surfskate tutorial for beginners, I’ll give you some pointers on what to do with your arms when surfskating. If you find this surfskate tutorial helpful, I invite you to check out my full surfskating video course...
YOW Surfskate Bushings Guide: How to Maintain, Replace, & Upgrade
Watch My YOW Surfskate Bushing Guide on YouTubeOne of the most common maintenance issues with YOW surfskates is that their bushings can deform and get damaged relatively easily. In this YOW surfskate bushings guide, I’ll give you everything you need to know to...
Carver CX Bushings Guide: How to Maintain, Upgrade, & Customize
Watch Carver CX Bushings Guide on YouTubeWatch How to Upgrade Your Carver CX Bushings with RipTide Bushings on YouTubeCarver CX Bushings Guide Quick Links How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain Carver CX Bushings How to Upgrade Your Carver CX Bushings How to...
How to Install the Waterborne Surf Adapter and Rail Adapter
Watch How to Install the Waterborne Surf Adapter on YouTubeThe Waterborne Surf Adapter is a device you can attach to the front truck of a standard skateboard or longboard to turn it into a surfskate. The Waterborne Rail Adapter attaches to your rear truck and enables...
Surfskate Pumping Tutorial for Beginners
Watch My Surfskate Pumping Tutorial on YouTubeIn this surfskate pumping tutorial I’ll teach you a few individual techniques, and then we’ll put them all together at the end. For more detailed instructions and tips, check out my surfskating video course for beginners....
Soulboardiy Surfskate Decks Review
Watch Me Review and Ride the Soulboardiy on YouTubeIn the tiny little village of Sucha nad Parnou, Slovakia, not too far from Vienna, Austria, live a master craftsman and artist, Draho and Eva Rozic. They're the owners of Soulboardiy and the makers of what I believe...
How to Generate Speed on a Surfskate
Watch How to Generate Speed on a Surfskate on YouTubeIf you're beginner surfskater struggling to learn how to pump and generate speed on a surfskate, then this surfskate tutorial will help. *Disclaimer: The techniques I teach are not necessarily proper surfing form....
How to Stop Surfskate Pivot Cup Squeaks
Watch How to Stop Surfskate Pivot Cup Squeaking on YouTubeI've tested more than 70 surfskates to date, and most of them had a pivot cup squeak right out of the box. I've made a few videos in the past teaching you how to get rid of those pivot cup squeaks by using...
Waterborne Surf Adapter FIN System Review
The Waterborne FIN system allows you to change the setting on your Waterborne Surf Adapter to either carve more tightly or pump more efficiently. Read this review to see if the Waterborne FIN system is for you. If you’re trying to find the best surfskate for you, then...
Upgrade and Customize Your Carver CX and C5 Surfskate Trucks with RipTide Bushings
Watch How to Use RipTide Carver CX/C5 Bushings on YouTubeOne of the easiest and best ways to upgrade and customize your surfskate is to swap out your stock bushings for higher-quality aftermarket surfskate bushings. High-quality, high-rebound urethane bushings feel...
How to Choose the Right Diameter and Durometer for Your Surfskate Wheels
Watch How to Choose Your Surfskate Wheels on YouTubeIf you're not sure which of the four sets of Surfskate Love surfskate wheels are best for you, then let me give you some quick guidelines. We have two different sizes: the smaller 65 millimeter and the bigger 70...
OVNI Surfskate Review (Orion, Sirius, and Andromeda Surfskate Trucks)
OVNI is a surfskate brand from Brazil that offers three different surf training surfskate trucks for surfers. They claim that OVNI surfskates are "absolutely revolutionary" and "light years ahead." But are those claims true? Find out in this OVNI surfskate review. If...
Surfskate Love Wheels Now Available in Singapore at 418 Skate Shop
418 Skate Shop in Singapore was founded by long-time skate friends Gary and Barry in December 2012. Their mission is to: "...spread the stoke of skateboarding and provide a space where skaters can hang out, learn about new products, make friends, and be immersed in...
How to Upgrade and Replace Your Waterborne Surf Adapter Bushing
You can replace your Waterborne Surf Adapter bushing with a RipTide bushing to get more range of motion and rebound. Learn how to do it in this Waterborne Surf Adapter replacement tutorial.Watch How to Replace Your Waterborne Surf Adapter Bushing on YouTubeOne of the...
Surfskate Love Wheels Now Available in Germany at Youth Lagoon
Youth Lagoon in Hamburg, Germany is the newest Surfskate Love wheels distributor. Youth Lagoon is proud to be a company that puts its people and our planet above profits.
WoodDetail Surfskate Review
Z-Flex Skateboards partnered with Waterborne to make surfskates using a Waterborne surf adapter on front. Find out if Z-Flex surfskates are worth it in this review.
Z-Flex Surfskate with Waterborne Surf Adapter Review
Z-Flex Skateboards partnered with Waterborne to make surfskates using a Waterborne surf adapter on front. Find out if Z-Flex surfskates are worth it in this review.
Surfskate Love Wheels Now Available in France at Outside Skate Shop
Outside Skate Shop in Le Tholonet, France is the newest Surfskate Love wheels distributor. Outside is one of the largest skate shops in Europe and the number one surfskate store in France.
Wheel Bearings Guide for Surfskating
In addition to testing all the stock wheel bearings from all the top surfskate companies, I have been testing 22 sets of aftermarket bearings since January of 2022. In this wheel bearings guide for surfskating I will share what I have learned to help you answer the...
Aquilo Surfskate Review
Aquilo is one of the newest surfskate brands out of Thailand. The Aquilo surfskate truck uses two compression springs to create a very smooth and fluid surfskate feel.
Curfboard Surfskate Review
The Curfboard is one of the most unique surfskate truck designs. Instead of using bushings or springs, it uses dual swiveling hinges. This makes for an extremely loose, fluid feel. Read this review to see if the Curfboard is right for you.
The Vision and Mission of Surfskate Love
My vision and mission with Surfskate Love are to make surfskating more accessible to beginners, in order to grow surfskating as big as possible.
Smoothstar Thruster D Review: Is it Truly a “Game Changer”?
Smoothstar is one of the most popular surfskate companies, and the Smoothstar Thruster surfskate truck is consistently ranked as one of the best surf trainers. Read this Smoothstar surfskate review to see if a Smoothstar surfskate is for you.
Waterborne Surf Adapter and Rail Adapter Review
The Waterborne surf adapter and rail adapter allow you to turn any skateboard or longboard into a surfskate. Read this review to see if the Waterborne surf adapter and rail adapter are right for you.
SpiceSkate Surfskates Review & Buyer’s Guide
SpiceSkate is one of the newest surfskate brands. They offer 3 different surfskate trucks (SpicePilot, SpicePilot TypeX, and Okto) and 9 models. Read this review to see if a SpiceSkate surfskate is best for you.
Carver Skateboards Review & Buyer’s Guide
Carver skateboards is the original surfskate brand, founded by Neil Stratton and Greg Falk in 1996. Read this Carver skateboards review to see if a Carver skateboard is right for you.
The Best Surfskates on Amazon — and the Amazon Surfskates to Avoid
Just starting out in surfskating and looking for the best surfskate for beginners? Use this guide to choose your beginner surfskate.
Use This YOW Surfskate Size Chart to Choose the Right YOW Model for You
There are 34 YOW surfskate models, ranging from 29″ to 41″ in length and 16.5″ to 27″ in wheelbase. This YOW surfskate size chart will save you time, money, and hassle and help you choose the right YOW surfskate model for you.
Surfskate vs. Skateboard: Which is Better?
When comparing surfskates to skateboards, it’s not which is better. It’s just about the feel you’re looking for—and you might love both! Let’s analyze the difference between surfskates and skateboards to see if surfskating is for you.
Surfskate Wheels Guide: What are You Looking For in a Surfskate Wheel?
Surfskate wheels make a huge difference in your ride. If you want to upgrade your surfskate wheels, how can you know what to look for? Read this surfskate wheels guide to find out.
The Best Surfskate Cruisers from the Top Surfskate Brands
Looking for a good surfskate cruiser? Here are the best cruiser surfskates from the top surfskate brands, including Carver, YOW, Smoothstar, SwellTech, Slide, Waterborne, Curfboard, and SpiceSkate.
Surfskate Beginner Basics: Tuning Up Your Surfskate & Staying Safe
If you’re a surfskate beginner, learn from my mistakes and experience. Use these tips for surfskate beginners to keep your board running smooth and your bones in one piece.
Choose the Best Surfskate for You in 4 Simple Steps
In a crowded surfskate market, finding the best surfskate for you is difficult. These 4 steps make it easy to choose the best surfskate and save you time, money, and hassle.
The Best Surfskate Drills from Top Surf Trainers
Looking for surfskate drills to improve your surfing technique? Here are the best surfskate drills from the top trainers in one place to make it easy for you.
Surfskate Tutorials Video Course for Beginners: “Surfskating for Non-Surfers”
Looking for surfskate tutorials to learn how to surfskate? Get hours of live surfskate tutorials in my video course, “Surfskating for Non-Surfers.”
Smoothstar Surfskate Review and Buyer’s Guide
Smoothstar is one of the most popular surfskate companies, and the Smoothstar Thruster surfskate truck is consistently ranked as one of the best surf trainers. Read this Smoothstar surfskate review to see if a Smoothstar surfskate is for you.
5 Surfskate Tips for Staying Safe
Although surfskating can be among the safest board sports, it always comes with inherent risk. Use these five surfskate tips to stay safe on your surfskate.
How to Adjust Slide V3 and Flow Surfskate Trucks
Slide and Flow surfskate trucks are different versions of the same basic design. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to adjust both the Slide V3 and Flow surfskate trucks to suit your preference.
YOW Surfskate Review and Buyer’s Guide
YOW is one of the most popular surfskate companies, and the YOW Meraki surfskate truck is among the highest-performing, most universal surfskate trucks. Read this YOW surfskate review to see if a YOW surfskate is for you.
Surfskate Bowl Riding Tutorial: How to Compress & Extend Through Transitions
Want to learn surfskate bowl riding? It starts with learning how to compress and extend through transitions. This surfskate bowl riding tutorial will teach you how.
How to Maintain YOW Meraki Surfskate Trucks and Stop Squeaks, Clicks, and Rattles
The YOW Meraki is one of the best, most versatile surfskate trucks on the market. However, it can be a bit complicated to maintain. Learn how to take apart and fix your YOW Meraki without breaking it.
Why Does Proper Surfskate Technique Matter?
You can pump and carve a lot of ways on surfskate trucks, even if it’s not pure surfskate technique based on surfing form. So why is it important to hone your surfskate technique?
10 Surfskate Maneuvers Every Surfskater Should Know
There are certain surfskate maneuvers every surfskater should be familiar with. Here are 10 surfskate maneuvers to help you progress as a surfskater.
The Best Surfskate Tutorials in One Place
Looking for surfskate tutorials to learn how to surfskate? I’ve collected the best surfskate tutorials on YouTube to make it easy for you.
Learn Surfskate Bowl Riding with These 10 Tips
Surfskate bowl riding is one of the most fun things you can do on a surfskate, and is a great way to practice surfing. Here are my top 10 tips for learning how to surfskate in bowls.
Surfskate Buyer’s Guide: The Best Surfskates in 2023
With dozens of surfskates on the market, what’s the best surfskate for you? My 2023 surfskate buyer’s guide saves you time, money, and hassle by helping you choose the best surfskate.
Slide Surfskate Review: The Budget Street Cruiser Surfskate for Beginners
Slide surfskates are popular in Europe and are just now starting to gain traction in the U.S. Is a Slide surfskate a good option for you?
Surfskate Downhill Safely with These 5 Tips
Surfskate trucks open up a whole new world of possibility for skaters because you can surfskate downhill safely and never lose control. Here are five tips for surfskating downhill.
How to Surfskate for Beginners: 3 Tips to Start Surfskate Pumping
Surfskate pumping requires a lot of coordinated body movements. Simplify the process and learn how to surfskate for beginners using these three surfskate tips.
Shark Wheels Review: Are They Good for Surfskating?
Shark Wheels are heavily hyped in longboarding and skateboarding. But are Shark Wheels good for surfskating? Find out in this Shark Wheels review for surfskating.
What are the Best Surfskates for Bowl Riding?
Looking for a good surfskate for bowl riding? Here are the best surfskates for bowl riding from Carver, YOW, Smoothstar, Slide, and SpiceSkate.
How to Adjust the Carver C7 Surfskate Truck
The Carver C7 is the first surfskate truck ever invented. Here’s how to adjust the Carver C7 surfskate truck for your personal preferences.
Loaded Carver Bolsa Surfskate Review: Is It Better Than a Carver Surfskate?
The Loaded Carver Bolsa surfskate is a collaboration between Loaded, which makes longboards and Orangatang wheels, and Carver, the original Surfskate brand. Is the Loaded Carver Bolsa better than a Carver complete model, and is it the right surfskate for you?
Learn to Surfskate Much Faster with This Simple Tip for Surfskate Beginners
If you’re a surfskate beginner trying to learn how to surfskate, this one simple tip will help you learn to surfskate faster than anything. Learn to surfskate with surfskate tutorials from Surfskate Love.
What is the Proper Surfskate Foot Position?
Proper surfskate pumping starts with proper surfskate foot position. Read this surfskate tutorial to learn how to get your surfskate foot position right.
10 Cheap Surfskates to Avoid
Quality surfskates can cost anywhere from $270 all the way up to $519 US. So it's tempting to save money and buy a cheap surfskate instead. But are "cheap surfskates" really worth it, or are they just a waste of money? Since October of 2020, I've tested more than 80...
How Many Surfskate Trucks and Surfskate Companies are There?
The first surfskate truck, the Carver C7, was invented in 1996. Now there are at least 20 original surfskate trucks and 52 companies selling some version of a surfskate.
What are the Best Budget Surfskates?
The best surfskates can cost you anywhere from $270 to $429 US. But are there any good budget surfskates that work well without costing you so much? Since October 2020, I've tested more than 80 surfskates from around the world. This includes 37 different surfskate...
Flow Surfskates Review: Are They Worth It?
Flow surfskates are one of the cheapest surfskate brands on the market. But is it worth it to buy a Flow surfskate, or should you save your money?
Tips for Surfskate Beginners: 3 Things to Do Before Riding Your Surfskate
If you’re a surfskate beginner, it’s important to learn surfskate maintenance and to start developing a relationship with your surfskate. Use these 3 quick tips to start that process as a surfskate beginner.
What are the Best Surfskates? (Top 10 Surfskate Trucks Reviewed & Compared)
What are the best surfskates, and what’s the best surf skateboard for you? After testing 30 surfskate truck systems, I believe these are the 10 best surfskate trucks.
Carver Surfskates: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
Founded in 1996 in Venice Beach, California, Carver is the original surfskate brand. But is a Carver surfskate right for you, and how can you pick the right Carver surfskate for you?
Landyachtz Surfskate Review (Butter Lines 31″ Surfskate)
Landyachtz is a popular brand that has been producing longboards and skateboards for two decades. They recently entered the surfskate market with two surfskates. But are they any good?
What are the Best Surfskate Wheels?
There are many aspects of surfskate wheels to consider, including diameter, durometer, contact patch, surface, edge, core placement, and urethane thickness. Read this article to discover the best surfskate wheels.
What is a Surfskate Adapter & How Do You Use One?
A surfskate adapter is a device you can mount onto any skateboard or longboard deck that allows you to mimic surfing on land. Read this article to learn more about surfskate adapters.
Penny High-Line Surfskate Review (with Waterborne Surf Adapter)
Since 1983, Penny has been creating unique skateboards with plastic and fiberglass decks. Now they’ve partnered with Waterborne to create the Penny surfskate with Waterborne surf adapter. But is it good? Watch My Penny Surfskate Review on YouTube Penny was smart. To enter the surfskate market, instead of creating their own surfskate truck like everybody else is doing, they just teamed up with Waterborne, slapped a Waterborne surf adapter on their own custom-built deck, and they got a surfskate.
What is a Surf Skateboard, and is Surf Skateboarding for You?
The first surf skateboards, or surfskates, were invented in 1996. 25 years later, they are still relatively unknown. Read this to find out if you may want to get a surf skateboard for yourself.
Start Surfskate Pumping Quickly with this 4-Word Technique
Are you a beginner struggling to get your surfskate pumping? Try this four-word technique to start surfskate pumping easily within minutes.
Decathlon Carve 540 Surfskate Review
At just $129 US, the Decathlon Oxelo Longboard Bird Carve 540 surfskate is the cheapest complete surfskate on the market. But is it worth it? Get the answer in this Decathlon Carve 540 surfskate review.
Surfskate Pumping Tutorial: 5 Simple Steps to Start Surfskate Pumping
Are you a beginner wanting to learn surfskate pumping? Use this surfskate pumping tutorial to get started.
Who Makes the Best Surfskate Decks? (Survey Results)
What are the best surfskate decks on the market? What attributes make a good surfskate deck? Find out in this survey and surfskate video review.
INFOGRAPHIC: 13 Surfskate Trucks Compared on 7 Variables
With so many surfskate trucks on the market, how can you know which one is right for you? This infographic ranks 13 surfkate trucks to help you choose the right surfskate for you.
Longboard vs. Surfskate: 3 Reasons to Switch to Surfskating
What’s the difference between longboarding and surfskating? Watch this video to see a longboard versus a surfskate.
Which Carver Surfskate is Right for You?
Ready to buy a Carver surfskate but stuck on choosing a model? Use this guide to choose the right Carver surfskate for you.
The Top Surfskate Brands You Should Know
Trying to choose a surfskate? Start by knowing these top surfskate brands. These are the most popular surfskate brands in the world.
5 Tips for Surfskating Like a Pro
Want to surfskate like a pro? Boost your surfskating progression with these surfskating tips from Surfskate Love.
What are the Best Surfskates for Beginners?
Just starting out in surfskating and looking for the best surfskate for beginners? Use this guide to choose your beginner surfskate.
How to Choose the Best Surfskate for You
Choosing the best surfskate for you depends on your budget, height, weight, skill level, and riding style. Surfskate Love helps you choose the best surfskate for you.
Is Surfskating Just for Surf Training?
Professional surfers around the world use surfskating for surf training. But surfskating is not only for surf training–its for everyone who loves the feel and flow of surfing on land!
How to Ride a Surfskate
To learn how to ride a surfskate, you have to think differently than conventional skating. Riding a surfskate feels more like surfing than skating. It’s all in the shoulders and hips!
5 Reasons Why You Should Learn Surfskating
Surfskating is one of the fastest-growing board sports for a reason. Here are 5 reasons why you should learn surfskating.
What are the Differences Between Surfskating, Skateboarding, and Longboarding?
Skateboards are for tricks. Longboards are for cruising, downhill racing, or freeriding. Surfskates are for surfing the street.
How Do Surfskate Trucks Work?
A surfskate gives you the feel of surfing the street. The surfing feel is created by special surfskate trucks. Surfskate trucks have a wider range of motion for quicker, tighter turns.
What is a Surfskate?
A surfskate is a skateboard that uses a specially-designed front truck, which gives you the feel of surfing on land. Surfskates are used by surfers for surf training, as well as non-surfers for just cruising the street.
Choose YOUR Surfskate Now with the FREE Surfskate Selector App
Answer 8 quick questions to reveal the PERFECT surfskate for YOU and your riding style!