FEBRUARY 2023
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The best Surfskate Trucks in 2023
HAMBURG
To help you make the best decision on what surf skateboard to buy we created a short & sweet buyers guide. It is based on our own experience and on what we hear and see in our local surf and surfskate communities.
With a short introduction to the different surfskate trucks we answer the most frequently asked questions like which surfskate is the best for beginners, bowls or the most surfing sensation.
Images and Text by Maximilian Gerdau
After having tested almost every system around we chose to feature the following nine surfskate trucks which we believe are the most common and relied on systems we see in the streets and bowls today. On top of that we introduce one more system which we think will shape the future of surfskating.
Before we start let us address one common mistake many beginners do. When choosing the first deck a lot of folks tend to decide by the brand and look. We are in love with design ourselfs and can totally understand the temptation, but when it comes to the deck you just have to buy what is right for your body size – a deck that is too short will eventually take the fun out of your new hobby. So keep in mind that deck size and wheelbase are absolutely key to developing a nice style and to become a shredder.
Also we would like to point out that every skater is a different story. Some absolute beginners are naturals and can start on a very loose system. Others will need a month or two longer and feel most comfortable with a more stable system in the beginning. The best way to find out is to check your local community or shops for a test ride on a couple of different boards.
Surfskate Decks
Size, Wheelbase & Shape
IDEAL SURFSKATE WHEELBASE
A deck with the wrong size and wheelbase feels like a bike with a sattle that is too low or high – something is not quite right. As a rule of thumb you can calculate your ideal wheelbase by taking a stance like you would on a surfboard: just spread your feet a little wider than your shoulders. The inside distance between your feet is your ideal wheelbase. Transferred to a surfskate the wheelbase is the distance between the inside holes of the front and back truck.
SURFSKATE RIDING CHARACTERISTICS
Why is the wheelbase so important? A shorter wheelbase results into a board which is more sensitive to your movements, allowing more radical maneuvers and higher acceleration while pumping. A longer wheelbase will lead to more stabilty, resulting into a longboard type of maneuverability. However while a long wheelbase might be desirable (if you want that longboard type of ride), a too short wheelbase will result into a very stiff, restricted and unstable ride.
SURFSKATE SHAPE
The shape of your deck also has an impact on what riding characteristics your board will have. A wide nose will give the front truck more leverage: that is why the same system might feel a lot more loose on a board with a wide nose compared to a board with a pointy nose. A wider board and deep concave will also offer a more stable stance in tight turns. A kicktail will allow to lift the board of the ground.
Surfskate Trucks
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
Meraki was released in 2021 as YOW’s new all-in-one system. The redesign features 15% less weight and narrower hangers that sits closer to the system’s king pin — the results are an even better flow, stability and maneuverability compared to the classic V.4 adapter. Like the old system Meraki is a great all-rounder. It can be used as a progressive surf trainer, for riding bowls or cruising around town.
PROS & CONS
Other systems might offer an even higher maneuverability, Meraki still is the perfect system to get started with, especially when you have experience in the water and want to improve your capabilities.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
The classic YOW adapter used to be the most widely used system we saw around – the reason being that this truck is a great all-rounder. Like Meraki it can be used as a progressive surf trainer, for riding bowls or cruising around town. The system design allows you to install almost any kind of skateboarding truck on it, meaning that you can convert your regular cruiser into a surfing device.
PROS & CONS
Other systems might offer an even higher maneuverability, the V.4 still is the perfect system to get started with, especially when you have experience in the water and want to improve your capabilities.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
The SwellTech system is the only truck on the market allowing the axle to rotate by 360° degrees and with a second set of feathers to pivot by 60°. It can therefore be described as a highly loose and sensitive system which brings a true surfing sensation to the streets. If you already are an advanced surfer and want to improve on that this is the surfskate truck you should go with.
PROS & CONS
While it is possible to use the SwellTech Truck for cruising or dropping into a bowl you will need to be on an advanced level to do so – this system is made for surf training in the flats but in this domain no other system can compete.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
The Smoothstar truck has a similar functionality and characteristics as the YOW adapter. The main difference is that you can adjust the sensitivity of the spring to your personal preference which helps to evolve step by step in your surfskating. Smoothstar decks also tend to be wider and have a little more concave which allows a more stable stance.
PROS & CONS
While the Smoothstar truck is a little more sensitive than the YOW system, allowing more radical maneuvers and tighter turns, we think the construction feels a little less solid and high grade. The boards also tend to rattle after a while of using them.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
The Carver C7 truck is one of the original systems around and an evergreen on the market. You can pump very well with this truck and use it to learn and improve on all surfing maneuvers. It also has an internal spring which is fully adjustable so you can slowly move from a stable cruiser type board to a loose surf trainer.
PROS & CONS
While the C7 system might feel stiffer than a YOW or Smoothstar truck it still allows to do all surfing maneuvers. Because of its adjustable spring and solid construction the C7 is the perfect system for any beginner or for advanced skaters who need a more stable and reliable truck in the bowl.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
While no surfskate system is alike the Slide surfskate truck does feel a lot like the Carver C7 truck and offers similar riding characteristics. The tension of its spring also is adjustable so you can adapt the truck to your personal preference and level. The system offers a fun ride in the flats just as in a bowl.
PROS & CONS
Compared to all other systems the Slide surfskate truck is the most affordabel one on the market. Since the quality equals most other systems, this truck has a great price-performance. If you are new to surfskating and unsure whether you will stick with it, Slide is the best option for you to give it a first try.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
The Waterborne adapter is one of the younger systems around with a similar construction to Meraki but using an internal bushing instead of a spring. The adapter is very durable and in combination with the Waterborne rail adapter allows more lean and tighter turns than the Carver C7. It is a great surf trainer, also for beginners and also a very good system to be used for bowl riding.
PROS & CONS
Besides the Black Bamboo street and surfskate decks Waterborne is also offering a range of unconventional carbon fiber decks — these decks have gotten very mixed reviews in our community and we recommend to try them out before making a purchase.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
After having skated almost every surfskate truck on the market up and down we decided to offer the 2Hex Surfskate Pump Truck with our own surfskate completes. With an adjustable spring, soft cone bushings and optimized rotational angles on the front truck the 2Hex Pump Truck combines some of the best features from the Carver C7 and YOW Meraki systems at a very reasonable price.
PROS & CONS
Similar to the trucks from Slide the 2Hex Pump Truck is a great system for beginners and anybody new to surfskating who wants to quickly progress from absolute beginner to an intermediate level without blowing the budget.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
Peter Hamborg started to build his first trucks in the 90s. With the help of two friends he created the HST: the only true rail-to-rail surf trainer. Despite the bigger size, height and width, Hamboards allow super deep carves with 30° board lean and very smooth rebounds.
PROS & CONS
The HST is used as the front and also as the back truck, resulting into a highly sensitive board, lots of lean and a very different maneuverability compared to other surfskates: Hamboards are the perfect longboard surf trainer and in this domaine absolutely unchallanged. Other systems however are able to simulate a short board ride much better than the HST.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
The Carver CX truck is a system that does not have a spring – the axle soleley rotates around a set of bushings. While you can pump with this truck and do maneuvers just like on a surf board it feels even more stable than Carver’s C7 truck and a little restictive compared to all systems that use a spring.
PROS & CONS
The Carver CX is perfect for absolute beginners who have never stood on any board at all. If you already are a good surfer or doing other board sports this truck might soon lack to be a challenge for you. However it is a perfect fit for pool skaters who look for maximum stability doing airs or other tricks.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
INFO
In recent years we have seen a lot of riders incorporating more traditional skateboard tricks into their style. The lower, narrower and lighter Carver C5 truck still allows carving but with an extra pop you can now do higher Ollies and blend in other classic tricks of the early skateboard days.
PROS & CONS
With surfskating rising in popularity we feel more traditional skateboarders start being curious about systems that combine the best of both worlds. While the C5 truck is not a surf trainer it is a new generation of surfskate truck, allowing to blend tricks and flow into a completely new skate style.
Surfskate Parts
When it comes to wheels, bearings and bushings the opinions diverge. Most skaters do have a very personal preference depending on style, where they skate and what setup they got used to over the years. However there still are a few things you should pay attention to as these parts do make quite a big difference.
INFO
There are a lot of options around when it comes to the wheels and many brands are promising a wide range of characteristics and abilities. In our experience most of the tricks and maneuvers are possible with any type of wheel if you only give it enough time. Usually surfskate wheels should not be larger than 70mm in diameter to avoid wheelbites. Other rules of thumb are: small and hard wheels accelerate faster and are best for bowls, large and soft wheels offer more grip and are best for training turns without unwanted slides. On rough surfaces a wide, large and soft wheel will keep you safe and allow running over small cracks. Rounded edges slide out easily, sharp edges offer extra grip.
BRANDS WE CAN RECOMMEND
Carver, Orangatang, Arbor, Blood Orange & Youth Lagoon
INFO
Bushings are by far the most underrated part of a surfskate. Especially when using a system that cannot be adjusted via tightening the spring (like the YOW adapter) you can still do a lot of fine-tuning with the bushings. A softer cone-shaped bushing will lead to more sensibility, harder and barrel-shaped bushings can give that extra bit of stability you might need with a "nervous" system in the bowl. Some riders prefer of a mix of soft bushings on the front truck for extra maneuverability and hard bushings on the back truck for more stabilty while pumping.
BRANDS WE CAN RECOMMEND
Riptide, Bones, Independent & Carver
INFO
All skate bearings do have the same size and fit into any wheel. They either have six or seven balls inside which are made of steel or ceramics. A 6-ball bearing will offer more speed and durability. Also ceramic balls are more durable and attract less dust and dirt. The quality and smooth running of a standard skate bearing is often indicated on the ABEC scale. High rated bearings have a better quality and are more expensive. When it comes to the bearings don't be too thrifty or you will get yourself a product that wears out quickly and soon needs to be replaced again.
BRANDS WE CAN RECOMMEND
Carver, YOW, Hamboards, Youth Lagoon
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