What exactly is surfskating?

Surfskating is exactly what it sounds like: surfing on asphalt. Thanks to a radically designed front truck, a surfskate perfectly simulates the flow, turns, and dynamics of wave surfing on land. It's the ultimate way to train your muscle memory, sharpen your cutbacks, and simply carve beautifully when the ocean isn't cooperating.

Its roots lie in 1940s California, when surfers desperately sought an alternative for flat days. What started with stiff wheels on wooden boards has evolved into a hyper-modern, distinct sport with incredible technology under the deck by 2026.

What makes a surfskate different from a "regular" skateboard?

At first glance, a surfskate looks quite similar to a wide cruiser or an old-school fishtail skateboard. But as soon as you step on it, you immediately feel the difference. The magic lies in the technology:

• The front truck: This is where the real surf simulation is. A surfskate truck can rotate and pivot much further than a normal truck. The latest systems work with advanced internal springs or bushings, allowing you to generate speed by pumping from your hips, just like on a wave. Without pushing off!
• Stability in the back: While the front is extremely loose, the rear truck functions more like the fins of your surfboard: it keeps things tracking and provides grip during powerful turns.
• Large, soft wheels: Surfskates roll on hefty, soft wheels (often around 65-70mm). This gives you maximum grip during deep turns and ensures you roll smoothly over the cobblestones of Scheveningen or uneven asphalt.
• A higher setup: Because you make such extreme turns, the deck sits higher on its wheels. This prevents the dreaded wheelbite (when your wheel touches your deck during a turn and you stop abruptly).

Which surfskate brand suits you?

In our shop at the harbor, you'll find only the absolute top brands. Each brand has its own "feel." Here's the breakdown for 2026:

• Smoothstar: Globally acclaimed as the purest and most authentic surf simulator. Ideal for radical shortboard training and tight turns. If you truly want to improve your technique, this is your board.
• YOW (Your Own Wave): YOW is known for an extremely loose and playful flow. With their patented Meraki system, you can steer incredibly sharply. Perfect for the surfer looking for that loose, lively feeling.
• Carver: The pioneers of the modern surfskate. Their C7 and CX trucks offer a brilliant mix of flow, stability, and pumping ease. Ideal if you want to make long, flowing carves on wide boulevards.
• Slide Surfskates: Our absolute go-to brand for beginners. The trucks are a bit more stable, allowing you, as a starting surfskater, to find your balance faster and confidently learn to pump.

Choosing the right length

A surfskate should match your height, weight, and your normal surf stance. If you stand too wide, it will feel clumsy. If you stand too narrow, you'll be unstable. Use this size chart as a solid guideline:

Three quick exercises to get started right away

Just got your first board? Then start with these three classic moves to get the feel for it:

1. The Wiggle Start: Place both feet on the board and try to move forward without putting your foot on the ground. Use your hips and shoulders, as if you're dancing. This is the ultimate way to master "pumping."
2. The Surf Stance Switch: Roll at a relaxed pace and smoothly switch from your normal stance to switch (e.g., from regular to goofy). This forces you to keep your center of gravity perfectly in the middle.
3. The Driveway Snap: Find a gentle slope. Ride slowly uphill, turn your shoulders in at the highest dead center, and aggressively throw the nose of the board back down. Your first asphalt cutback is a fact!

Ready to ride?

Are you stoked? Feel free to visit our Hart Beach Surfshop in Scheveningen. We always have test boards ready for you, so you can feel the difference between a YOW, Carver, or Smoothstar yourself. Do you really want to get off to a flying start? Then book a surfskate lesson at our surf school, and we'll hit the boulevard together!