How to choose surfskate wheels

In brief: Surfskate wheels are chosen according to four criteria: hardness (Shore A), diameter, lip shape and contact patch. Soft, wide wheels prioritize grip and comfort; harder wheels or wheels with rounded lips make sliding easier. The right choice depends mainly on your terrain and your riding style.

Wheels directly affect comfort, grip, acceleration and the ability to initiate a slide. Carver, inventor of the surfskate in 1996, develops its wheels for different riding styles: surf training, cruising, dynamic carving or technical sliding.

Durometer: which Shore A rating for surfskate?

Wheel durometer is measured on the Shore A scale: the lower the number, the softer the urethane.

Durometer	Behavior	Recommended uses
75A – 80A	Soft, comfortable, grippy	Cruising, carving, uneven ground, beginners
81A – 84A	Balance between grip and glisse	Versatile riding, intermediate riders
85A and above	Firm, easier breakaway	Technical slides, smooth surfaces, advanced riders

Soft or hard wheels?

The soft wheels absorb vibrations and uneven ground more effectively. Their grip helps maintain control through turns and suits cruising, carving and surf training.

The harder wheels transmit more of the ground’s imperfections but make breakaway easier during slides. They are better suited to experienced riders seeking more technical glisse.

Key point: Durometer should not be considered alone. Two wheels with the same rating can behave differently depending on width, contact patch and lip shape.

Diameter: what wheel size for surfskate?

Diameter, measured in millimeters, mainly affects acceleration, speed retention and clearance between the wheels and deck.

Diameter	Behavior	Recommended uses
60 – 64 mm	Fast acceleration, lively handling, low deck	Street, park, small boards, lighter riders
65 – 70 mm	Balance of responsiveness, comfort and speed	Carving, cruising, versatile riding
Over 70 mm	Good speed retention and obstacle clearance	Long rides, uneven surfaces

The small wheels are light and responsive. They accelerate quickly and lower the center of gravity, but absorb uneven ground less effectively and retain less speed.

The large wheels clear small obstacles more easily and retain more of the speed gained. Their diameter nevertheless increases the risk of wheelbite.

Key point: Between 65 and 70 mm, you get a particularly versatile balance of acceleration, comfort and speed retention.

Lip shape: square or rounded?

The lip is the wheel’s outer edge and directly affects its behavior in turns.

Square lips (Squarelip)

They provide more contact patch and increase grip in deep turns.

Best for: carving, pumping, surf training and maximum grip.

Rounded lips (Roundlip)

They make breakaway easier and create a more gradual transition from grip to slide.

Best for: slides, freeride, skatepark and a looser glisse.

Contact patch: why does it matter?

The contact patch is the part of the wheel actually touching the ground.

A wide contact patch increases grip and stability. A narrower contact patch makes it easier to initiate glisse.

This factor must be assessed alongside durometer and lip shape: their combination determines how the wheel actually behaves.

Which wheels suit each riding style?

Riding style	Recommended setup
Cruising / riding	Soft wheels, medium to large diameter, good grip
Surf training / carving	Soft wheels, generous contact patch, square lips
Dynamic carving	65–70 mm, balance of grip and responsiveness
Bowl / skatepark	60–65 mm, compact and responsive wheels
Slides / technical glisse	Firmer urethane, rounded lips, contact patch suited to glisse

These guidelines are indicative: final behavior always depends on the complete setup and surface.

What is wheelbite and how can you avoid it?

Wheelbite occurs when a wheel contacts the underside of the deck during a turn. This sudden lock-up can cause a fall.

The risk increases with:

large-diameter wheels;
very loose or highly mobile trucks;
a deck with little clearance;
deep turns.

To reduce it, check diameter compatibility with your deck and trucks. Depending on the setup, risers can increase clearance between the wheels and deck. Truck adjustment also matters.

Key point: There is no universal diameter above which risers become mandatory. It depends on the deck, trucks and their adjustment.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing wheels only by their appearance or color.
Installing a large diameter without checking clearance with the deck.
Using very hard wheels on uneven ground without controlling glisse.
Attempting slides before mastering braking and line control.
Changing wheels without considering the overall balance of the setup: trucks, bushings and risers.

Frequently asked questions about surfskate wheels

Are harder wheels faster?

Not necessarily. Speed also depends on diameter, bearings, surface and riding style. Harder urethane mainly changes the feel and generally makes it easier to initiate glisse.

Can you change only the wheels on a Carver surfskate?

Yes, provided their diameter and width are compatible with the deck and trucks. The new setup must not cause wheelbite or upset the board’s overall behavior.

Which wheels are suitable for Carver surfskate?

Carver offers wheels developed for its trucks systems, C7, CX and C5, with clearance suited to its decks. They address different surfskate riding styles and the feel sought in surf training.