What is a surfskate?
A surfskate is a skateboard that brings the movements and feel of surfing to asphalt. Its highly mobile front truck allows deep turns, carving and speed generation through body movement.
It can be used to train surfing technique, practise carving, get around or ride a bowl. Choosing a surfskate mainly depends on your riding, level, deck size and truck system.
Explore the Carver surfskate collection
How does a surfskate work?
The main difference between a surfskate and a traditional skateboard is the front truck. Its geometry provides a wider turning range and follows the rider’s weight shifts.
By coordinating your legs, hips and shoulders, you can perform a movement called pumpingThis technique maintains or generates speed without continuously pushing with your foot.
The The term carving
Carver: a story born on a day without waves
Carver’s story began at Venice Beach in 1996. With no waves in the ocean, Neil Carver and Greg Falk took their skateboards to the hills of Venice and Santa Monica to recreate the feel of surfing.
Traditional skateboards could turn, but they could not carve, pump or shift weight like a surfboard. They began developing their own prototypes in a garage behind Neil’s house.
After many tests, they developed a dual-axis mechanism with more lateral movement. This system gave rise to the C7, Carver’s original truck. The brand then developed the CX, which is more direct and versatile, followed by the C5, which is lower and closer to the feel of a traditional skateboard.
Why ride a surfskate?
A surfskate helps train several surfing movements: flexion, extension, upper-body rotation, weight transfer and line setting. It allows you to keep practising when surfing conditions are not available.
It can also be used to:
- link curves and practise carving;
- cruise and cover short distances;
- train balance and coordination;
- generate speed through bowl turns;
- develop a more technical skatepark practice.
How do you choose a surfskate?
Define your riding
For surf training and flowing turns, choose a surfskate with a wide range of movement. For varied riding, choose a versatile and sufficiently stable setup. For street and tricks, a lower system closer to a skateboard is generally more suitable.
Choose the right board size
For most beginners, Carver recommends a board measuring 30 to 33 inches fitted with CX trucks. This range is a versatile starting point that should be adapted to body shape, shoe size and desired feel.
As a general guide:
- 28 to 30 inches livelier boards for tight turns;
- 30 to 33 inches a balance of flow, stability and manoeuvrability;
- over 33 inches more stability and longer turns.
Length alone does not determine how a board rides.
Consider the wheelbase
The wheelbase The wheelbase is the distance between the truck mounting points on the deck. It strongly affects liveliness, stability and turning range.
A short wheelbase generally supports quick changes of direction. A longer wheelbase creates more space between the feet and produces wider lines.
How do you choose a surfskate board?
Choose your truck system
Carver offers three systems with distinct ride characteristics:
| Truck | Feel | Uses and riders |
|---|---|---|
| C7 | Flowing, wide and very close to surfing | Surf training, carving and a wide range of lateral movement |
| CX | Direct, responsive and versatile | Beginners and experienced riders, cruising, carving and bowl riding |
| C5 | Low, light and close to skateboarding | Street, skatepark and technical riding, mainly for riders who are already comfortable |
The C7 uses a dual-axis mechanism with a moving arm and compression spring. The CX has a more direct setup and is the most versatile system in the range. The C5 has a lower profile for a feel closer to a skateboard.
No system is best in every situation: the right choice depends on your riding and the feel you want.
C7, CX or C5: which Carver truck should you choose?
Getting started with surfskate
Start on a flat, smooth and clear surface. First learn to push, turn and foot-brake before trying to generate a lot of speed with pumping.
Wear a helmet and suitable protection. Only ride slopes, bowls or busy areas once you can control your line and braking.
Learn more
Choosing your board
Length, wheelbase, width and body shape: the factors that affect stability, comfort and manoeuvrability.
How do you choose a surfskate board?
Choosing your trucks
Compare the feel and uses of the Carver C7, CX and C5 systems.
C7, CX or C5: which Carver truck should you choose?
Choosing your wheels
Wheel diameter, durometer and shape affect comfort, grip, speed and slide.
How to choose surfskate wheels
Frequently asked questions
Can you start surfskating without knowing how to surf?
Yes. You do not need to surf or skateboard. You can learn progressively on a flat surface by working on stance, pushing, turning and braking.
Do you need to push with your foot?
You can push with your foot to start or cross a difficult section. Once moving, pumping maintains or increases speed through coordinated body movement.
What surfskate size should you choose to start?
A 30 to 33 inch board is generally a versatile starting point. Wheelbase, body shape, shoe size and riding style also matter.
What is the difference between C7 and CX?
The C7 provides wider movement and a flowing feel through its dual-axis mechanism. The CX is more direct, responsive and versatile. It suits carving, cruising and bowl riding.
