Not all of us are lucky enough to live near the beach or in close proximity to the coast to regularly hit the surf.
Many of us don’t even get to see the ocean once a year, meaning surfing remains an idle fantasy.
So, how do frustrated, city-bound dwellers obsessed with surfing get in touch with their inner surfer? Or rather, how can they live their surf-bound dreams?
Many surf enthusiasts choose land-based surfing, which involves the use of a longboard to descend local hills, drainage ditches, etc.
I know this is seemingly strange, but you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work out that skateboarding and surfing are, at their primal core, cut from the same cloth.
Sure, one is about catching the waves, while the other is about cruising the streets in style. But at their fundamental level, both are about riding boards and enjoying the feeling of “sliding” on your feet.
Unfortunately, not all skateboards will provide the feel of the surf. If anything, most of them are too stiff, bite on the rail, or simply lack the flow you get on a surfboard.
This is why we recommend the best skateboard for surfing.
As their name suggests, these skateboards will replicate the feeling of surfing on land.
They let you simulate the motion and feeling of riding and carving a wave without actually needing any waves. All you need is a surfing board, the power of your feet, and a bit of open roadway, and you can cruise along just as you would on a surfboard.
But with so many surfing skates in the market, how do you pick one for your needs?
You don’t have to worry because we’ve already done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide, reviewing all the best options in the market. Additionally, we’ve included a surfing skateboard buying guide to help with the selection.
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best Skateboards for Surfing For The Money
- 4 #1 Flow Surf Skates Stub 29" - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 Slide Street Surf Skateboard - Best Cross-Training Surf Skate
- 6 #3 Razor RipStik Ripsurf - Best for Kids
- 7 #4 Jamie O’Brien Banzai - Ultimate Surf Trainer
- 8 #5 Street Surfing Shark Attack Zelfrijdend Koa - Value Option
- 9 Best Skateboards for Surfing Buying Guide
- 10 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Skateboards for Surfing For The Money
#1 Flow Surf Skates Stub 29" - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our top pick, the Flow Surf Skates Stub, is a new kid on the block.
It may not have a historical record of reliability yet, but it has bullied its way to the top, outclassing some of the accomplished skateboards.
This new-entrant is designed to emulate the feeling of ocean surfing on concrete through the tight curving and efficient pumping.
Flow Skate’s claim to fame, however, is the ultra-stability and price-quality ratio.
Features and Benefits
Deck
The deck is always a priority for me when selecting a surfing board.
See, surfing on a skateboard is demanding, and having a flimsy option means it’s going to break in no time.
Fortunately, with the Flow Surf Skate, durability is one less thing to worry about; it’s the ultimate next-gen skateboard deck that would probably survive the apocalypse.
The Flow Skate’s 7-ply Flow decks are produced with a strong quality focus. They’re durable enough to withstand the extremities of surf skating and will hold up very well to daily use.
They don’t deform easily, even after launching the nose at maximum speed against a sharp-cornered wall.
Moving on, the board has a modest deck of 29 inches. It affords a natural surfing stance for shorter users like me and feels exactly like a high-performance shortboard.
For some users, however, it feels a bit short and narrow for a natural stance. It’s not a deal breaker though, as users below 6’ will find the board comfortable. It’s also not a problem for the kids as it allows them to quickly grasp the basics of riding as they adjust the ideally-designed size.
Flow Skate also stand low on the ground, so it may be the perfect pick for beginners or occasional longboarders as it doesn’t require a lot of effort to push forward.
Trucks
I wanted a skateboard that would emulate the feeling of riding a surfboard, and everything seemed to point to the Flow Surf Skate.
Part of this was because of the Flow Surf’s Spring-loaded trucks.
The internal spring mechanism pulls the truck back into place when turning, delivering flowy carves, and snappy turns. They’re designed to make sharp turns easier, very similar to surfing.
Even better, Flow’s trucks are adjustable-something not all surf trucks have. It makes the Flow more qualified for different kinds of rider builds and levels and riding preferences.
I must admit, though, that they take so getting used to. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy the smoothest and most effortless ride ever.
Wheels
Flow Stub flaunts wheels from a high-quality urethane mix.
They’re large, and with a 69mm diameter, they pick up speed pretty fast for fast rolling and making the smooth carves.
Their wide-contact patch also makes them super-grippy for the tight surf curves.
I’m a big fan of their medium softness. They’ve a 78A Duro, so they offer a smooth roll and offer shock-absorption when rolling over obstacles.
Riding Experience
The riding flow on the Flow is vastly different from the others.
My first observation is the board is extremely reactive and turny, as the slightest pressure on the rails results in the wheels turning.
It’s stable, too, thanks to the limited lean on the deck. It doesn’t dive as much as other surf skates do. Instead, it only takes a slight lean from a horizontal plane to cause a lot of wheel turn.
Added to the skate’s unusual stability, users have great confidence to hop over small obstacles when riding sidewalks.
Pros
- Stable
- Low price
- Responsive
- Durable
Cons
- Modest deck
#2 Slide Street Surf Skateboard - Best Cross-Training Surf Skate
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our second pick is the ultimate cross-training skateboard for surfing, snowboarding, and wakeboarding.
Simply put, it’s the perfect pick for anyone who likes the feeling of putting a bard on the rail and carving through a turn.
But is this pick the right one for your needs? Let’s find out.
Features and Benefits
Design
The Slide Skateboard is quite different from other surf skates.
My first observation when getting on the Slide is its great stability.
In our opinion, stability is mainly due to:
- Low truck height, bringing the board closer to the ground
- A tighter spring, which loosens the front ruck
- A constrained turning angle
A key consequence of a lowered truck height is it makes pushing the Slide effortless. Your foot doesn’t need to travel great distances to give you a push forward.
As for the limited turning angle, riders will enjoy a wheelbite-free riding experience, while the constrained torsion makes the Slide a capable pumping board. This is because it has just the right amount of turn in the front truck and a stable truck in the rear.
Overall, Slide Skateboard resembles the premium Carver, rides like a Carver, and does everything a Carver does. It just does it for less money.
Decks
Slide Street is built with quality in mind.
The 7-ply Canadian maple is tough and durable and will stand up to regular abuses. Accidental hits on curbs or obstacles do little harm to the board, and if properly taken care of, it’ll live to serve you for several seasons.
Durability aside, the deck is also shock absorbent, so the board can handle different terrains and rides as smoothly as if it was gliding across the water, just like a surfboard does.
I also find the 31″ deck quite useful when making wide turns, especially at high speeds, as it’s more stable.
Trucks
The Slide’s surf truck, built around a patented torsion surf-carve system, is purposefully designed to let you carve and pump to your heart’s content.
It’s stable enough to let riders carve and pump the board on concrete streets exactly the same way they would on a surfboard after catching a wave.
The boards lose enough to pump, making it nice for short commutes, and can carve some sharp turns with minimal effort.
Simply put, Slide Street is a skateboard that thinks it’s a surfboard, which is exactly what you want it to be.
Riding Performance
My first observation on the Slide is it’s more stable, lower riding but less turny than other surfing skateboards.
The Slide’s trucks are tighter and stiffer than the CX or C7. I don’t have a problem because I like a looser truck for a surfy feel, though other riders prefer the Slide stability while still achieving that carving experience.
Another observation is the rider’s height. Slide ride lower, which is a good thing as they’re more comfortable pushing and commuting beyond the shorter distances.
Finally, these surf skates are more capable of performing street tricks, skate riding, and pool riding, thanks to their lower center of gravity and stability.
Pros
- Ultra-stable
- Perfect for cross-training
- Reliable
Cons
- Less turny
#3 Razor RipStik Ripsurf - Best for Kids
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Razor Ripsurf looks like a miniature surfboard on wheels. Even better, it glides and carves like one!
It’s a great pick for kids, though it still qualifies as an adult board, especially the beginners.
Made by Razor, you can also count on a sturdy quality and a patented torsion technology.
Features and Benefits
Design
When I got the hang of RipSurf a year ago, I got the same feeling of surfing on concrete. It’s something completely different.
Ripsurf, from the traction pad to the way it rides, is a fantastic option for those who need to “surf” but are not anywhere close to the ocean.
Because of its lighter weight and easy manageability, it can also be a fantastic entry-level option for kids or even adults who are just starting or those who haven’t used a board before.
Deck
It’s hard to describe, but I like to ride barefoot as it makes it as close as possible to surfing.
The good news is Razor makes it easier for users like us, thanks to a traction pad that makes it feel more like an actual surfboard.
It’s made from the same material that real traction pads are made of, offering an amazing feeling under my feet, especially when pumping.
Additionally, the nice dotted grip is a nice addition, which helps with grip. It’s not too aggressive either, and I think it’s a nice alternative to having a real grip tape.
As for the deck specifications, it’s a bit short and narrow for a natural stance. However, it’s not a problem for the kids as it allows them to quickly grasp the basics of riding as they adjust the ideally-designed size.
It helps build their confidence that could have turned into a disappointment had they tried riding a bigger board.
Wheels & Trucks
Razor Ripsurf comes with 66mm diameter urethane wheels.
Its predecessor, the RipStick Classic, had 76mm wheels, so it’s quite a significant change going down a whole 10mm.
While they may not be the best wheels for riding on the patchy and rough terrains, their size makes them more qualified for performing tricks or gifting the board to a younger kid.
Riding Performance
Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, you’ll love the feeling of this board surfing under your feet.
First, it’s a stable option, perfect for carving out deep turns.
I love how it allows your body movement to flow easily and naturally.
Many users can also agree the board is adept at making sharp, snappy turns to generate speeds for tricks and tight maneuvering.
I’m a big fan of the upturned nose that strengthens the board and offers the rider more control.
Finally, you can practice different tricks, including banks, jumps, and board slides with relative ease on the board.
Pros
- Ideal for kids
- Easy to use
- Stable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Narrow deck
#4 Jamie O’Brien Banzai - Ultimate Surf Trainer
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Fourth on our list of the best skateboards for surfing is a product from one of the pioneers in the skating industry; Swelltech.
Swelltech surf skates are specifically designed for surfers and provide one of the closest experiences to wave surfing in the market.
And today, we’ll review Swelltech’s flagship model, the Swelltech Jamie O’Brien.
This 36-inch performance board rides more like a shortboard surfboard than a regular longboard.
It has everything you would need to experience a successful surfing experience.
Features and Benefits
Design
There’re numerous elements to love about the board’s design, but our favorite one is the rockered nose and roomy tail.
The design facilitates radical snapbacks and will let you make the tight slide turns with relative ease when surfing.
Another observation on the board’s deck is a fine-coarse grip tape useful for comfy barefoot riding.
The board’s design also promotes comfortable carving, pumping, and sliding, even for riders with no skateboarding experience.
Many riders agree the feeling of riding this board is very similar to surfing.
Deck
Swelltech’s long and wide foot deck offers a generous platform to rest your feet while performing tricks, and more importantly, makes it effortless to surf-pump and deep surf-carve.
The deck’s construction, particularly the 7.7″-wide squash, makes the board extremely responsive and pumpable, thus generating more speed.
Their distinct characteristic forces riders to take a natural surfing position and motion for carving effectively up and down driveways.
Truck System
Swelltech’s surfing experience is largely derived from the spring-based front truck system.
The free motion allows riders to accelerate the board by shifting their weight from rail to rail.
Even better, they’ve thicker external and internal springs, so riders can put more pressure on their feet and manage the hard carves while maintaining more stability and smoother pumping.
Wheels
The large soft 70mm wheels help with better laying out carves, and they cut into the bottom deck to prevent any wheel bite.
I can use the board on the rougher pavements, thanks to the soft durometer (78 A) that absorbs shock and creates maximum traction in deep carves.
The wheels aren’t as speedy as I would have hoped, but they add on the surfskate’s stability and grip. This makes the board more useful for carving harder, even on patchy driveways.
Pros
- Reliable
- No wheel bite
- Ideal for use in rough environments
Cons
- Not responsive
#5 Street Surfing Shark Attack Zelfrijdend Koa - Value Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our final pick, the Shark Attack Koa, is a budget-friendly option that has a lot in store for surfers.
Sure, it may not be as feature-packed as some of our premium options, but it has everything you need for your surfing.
Even better, it’s within reach of most users.
But is it the right fit for your needs?
Features and Benefits
Design
Shark Attack is a self-propelling longboard offering great experiences for both longboarding fans and aspiring surfers alike.
The board’s design helps increase speed while allowing your body to achieve a natural stance for pumping and practicing surf maneuvers.
It is available in a trendy-looking black color with a wood finish on top. I know aesthetics don’t count when selecting a board, but if you need something that will boost your confidence from the word go, you can’t go wrong with this option.
Overall, the board’s design has all the qualities you could want in a skateboard and only at a fraction of the price of some of our picks.
Deck
Shark’s deck is durable and works well for those who haven’t used a skateboard before, too.
It takes on a beating like a champ and saves from the minor scratches; it doesn’t compromise its integrity even after getting abused.
The board is a fantastic option for those who can’t get near the ocean to practice surfing.
Riding Performance
Using the Shark Attack is a delight, more so for beginners.
First, it comes fully assembled on arrival, so you don’t have to go through the inconvenience of reading the manual to tell you what goes where.
Beginners may find it a bit challenging to get used to the motions of controlling the board, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to look back.
The board is stable, and while it can still be used as a regular skateboard, it emulates the motions of riding a surfboard on waves.
Pros
- Stable
- Reliable
- Encourages surfing and pumping
- Aesthetic
Cons
- Challenging to learn
Best Skateboards for Surfing Buying Guide
In the guide below, we shall look at everything you need to know about selecting the best surf skate.
But first, let’s look at the difference between skateboards and surf skates.
Skateboard vs. SurfSkates- What’s the Difference?
At first glance, typical carving boards or longboards look vastly similar to surf skateboards.
And while it’s true any of them will help improve your skating abilities, surf skates are specifically designed with surfers in mind.
How so?
Surfing Skate trucks are looser than standard boards, and they emulate the wide carving motion on a wave.
This way, they have a much larger range of longboards and can turn into an arc when leaned on.
Surfaskates, with their flexible and spring-based truck system, can turn on a dime. Users will make the short, snappy turns without the need to lift the board off the ground.
They’re also less stable, allowing you to fine-tune your balancing skills.
Most surfboards also have a wider tail, letting users control the board with their back foot.
In contrast, regular skates are designed for jumping and grinding. Longboards, in particular, are built for wide turns and speed.
Critical Features to Consider When Selecting a Skateboard for Surfing
Here are some of the features to consider when selecting a skateboard for surfing;
Truck Type
The truck system refers to a set of components that connect the deck to the wheel. It consists of the hanger, baseplate, kingpin, etc.
The type of truck you choose will determine the level of safety and board’s comfort.
You can choose a spring-based truck or a bushings-bearing truck.
While both are almost similar in terms of functionality, the spring-based options are a bit more responsive.
Remember that trucks with a greater height have lower stability but offer more “pumpability” and vice versa.
We would recommend beginners choose a surfboard that isn’t too loose because it can be challenging to ride.
Length and Wheelbase
The size of the rider determines the length and the wheelbase.
For instance, bigger riders would prefer a fuller board, while smaller riders prefer a smaller board.
Surfboards with a shorter wheelbase also allow users to make tighter turns, but they’re unstable compared to their larger counterparts.
On the other hand, surf skates with longer decks and wheelbases offer wider turns and greater stability at high speeds.
When selecting a board, the rule of thumb is users under 5’10” are suited with 33″ and under the deck.
Larger riders may want to opt for a surf skate of 34” and above.
Of course, once you learn the tricks of surf skating, you can use just about any board-regardless of size.
Deck Shape
Surfskates come in different shapes.
Some surf skates mimic shortboards, the typical fish-shaped boards, while others come with a wide nose to mimic a classic longboard.
We recommend longboard surfers opt for surf skates with a large deck, where they can cross-step and nose ride to your heart’s content.
However, if you’re after the sharp turn, I would suggest you go for the squat fish-shaped with a wide tail to help you master quick cutbacks.
Either way, the deck shape is a personal preference, and you should only go for the shape that makes you feel comfortable.
Turn vs. Tilt
The turn-on surfing skate refers to the amount of rotation the wheels offer.
On the other hand, tilt is the degree to which your board leans towards the ground while turning.
Deciding your board’s turn to tilt is mostly dependent on how you make your turns.
For instance, we recommend beginners start with a 50:50 board and then explore their style.
Wheels
Wheels are also necessary when selecting a skateboard for surfing.
For instance, harder wheels are easier to slide, while softer wheels offer a better grip on the road.
Generally, most surfskaters prefer softer wheels.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Our winner is the Flow Surf Skates Stub 29″.
We feel it deserves the top spot because of its reliability, ease of use, and performance.
Its design, particularly the deck, is oriented towards a surfing motion, and it has everything you need to help you experience a surfing experience.
The board is reliable too, and can also double as a regular commute board, ideal for different terrains and patchy driveways.
