Finding the right surf skate wheels can drastically change your riding experience. After countless hours of testing and comparing,
I’m here to share my top picks for the best surfskate wheels on the market in 2025.
This guide will help you choose the perfect wheels for your skill level and riding style.
62mm Waterborne – The Best Surfskate Wheels
These 62mm Waterborne Surfskate wheels are a revelation for any surfer looking to translate their stroke to the asphalt. From the moment I rolled out, I felt an immediate connection to the ocean.
- Durometer: The slightly softer durometer provides a fantastic balance of grip and slide. It’s grippy enough for confident carves and transitions, but still allows for smooth, controlled slides when you want to get loose.
- Contact Patch: The contact patch feels just right – wide enough for stability, but narrow enough to encourage effortless turns. I found myself easily linking together flowing lines, mimicking the feeling of surfing a point break.
- Lip Profile: The subtle lip profile encourages smooth, predictable slides. It’s not overly aggressive, making it easy to find your sweet spot and dial in your slides.
- Core Placement: The core placement feels perfectly centered, providing a consistent and predictable roll. I experienced minimal wobble, allowing me to focus on my surfing flow and not worry about wheel chatter.
Pros:
- Surfing Feel: The softer durometer and specific design elements (contact patch, lip profile, core placement) are intended to mimic the feeling of surfing, making them ideal for surfers transitioning to the pavement.
- Smooth Slides: The balance of grip and slide allows for controlled and enjoyable slides, adding a dynamic element to your surfskating experience.
- Flowing Carves: The wheels encourage smooth and flowing carves, making it easier to link together turns and transitions.
- Stability: The wider contact patch provides good stability, giving you confidence to push your limits.
Cons:
- Wear and Tear: Softer wheels generally wear down faster than harder wheels, especially on rough surfaces.
- May Not Be Ideal for Aggressive Skating: If you prioritize high speeds and aggressive tricks, harder wheels might be a better choice.
- Price: High-quality surfskate wheels, including Waterborne, can be more expensive than standard skateboard wheels.
In Summary:
The 62mm Waterborne Surfskate Wheels are excellent for surfers who want to translate their ocean experience to the pavement. They offer a smooth, flowing ride with a focus on surfing-inspired maneuvers. However, their softer durometer may result in faster wear and tear, and they might not be the best choice for aggressive skaters.
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Powell Peralta Rat Bones – The Best surfskate wheels for bowl riding
Powell Peralta Rat Bones are legendary skateboard wheels that have stood the test of time. Originally released in the 1980s, they’ve seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among cruisers and those seeking a classic, old-school vibe.
Key Features:
- Classic Design: The iconic “rat bone” shape is instantly recognizable and adds a touch of vintage style to any setup.
- Smooth Ride: The 90A durometer offers a balance of grip and slide, making them suitable for a variety of surfaces.
- Versatile Performance: While primarily known for cruising, Rat Bones can also handle light park skating and street tricks.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality urethane, they can withstand the wear and tear of regular riding.
Pros:
- Nostalgic Appeal: For skaters who grew up in the 80s or appreciate classic skateboard culture, Rat Bones offer a genuine piece of history.
- Smooth and Predictable: The consistent roll and predictable slide make them easy to control, even for beginners.
- Comfortable Ride: The slightly softer durometer provides a comfortable ride on rougher surfaces.
- Wide Range of Colors: Available in a variety of classic and modern colors, allowing for customization.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for High-Speed Skating: The 90A durometer may not be ideal for high-speed skating or aggressive riding.
- May Wear Down Faster Than Harder Wheels: Softer wheels tend to wear down faster than harder ones, especially on rough surfaces.
- Limited Trick Potential: While capable of basic tricks, they may not be the best choice for advanced technical skating.
Overall:
Powell Peralta Rat Bones are excellent wheels for cruisers, beginners, and those who appreciate classic skateboard aesthetics. They offer a smooth, comfortable ride and a touch of nostalgia. While they may not be the best choice for high-speed skating or aggressive tricks, they excel in their intended role as a versatile and stylish cruising wheel.
Cloud Ride – Best Budget surfskate wheels
Cloud Ride’s Cloud Ride! wheels have carved a unique niche in the skateboarding world with their focus on smooth rides and vibration dampening. These aren’t your typical hard urethane wheels; they’re designed to provide a softer, more comfortable experience, especially on rougher terrain.
Key Benefits:
- Superior Vibration Dampening: The unique urethane formula absorbs shocks and vibrations effectively, reducing fatigue and discomfort, especially on rough roads or uneven surfaces.
- Smooth Ride: The softer compound provides a smoother, more forgiving ride compared to harder wheels, making it easier to maintain balance and control.
- Increased Stability: The larger contact patch of the wheels enhances stability, particularly at higher speeds.
- Durability: Despite the softer compound, Cloud Ride wheels are surprisingly durable and can withstand regular wear and tear.
- Variety of Sizes and Durometers: Cloud Ride offers a range of wheel sizes and durometers to suit different riding styles and preferences.
Pros:
- Unmatched Comfort: The vibration dampening is truly exceptional, making long rides more enjoyable.
- Improved Control: The smooth ride and increased stability enhance control and maneuverability.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of riding styles, from cruising to downhill.
- Unique Aesthetic: The distinctive shape and color options make these wheels stand out from the crowd.
Cons:
- Reduced Speed: The softer compound can slightly affect top speed compared to harder wheels.
- Wear and Tear: While durable, the softer urethane may wear down faster than harder wheels, especially on rough surfaces.
- Price: Cloud Ride wheels are generally more expensive than standard urethane wheels.
Overall:
Cloud Ride Cloud Ride! wheels are a fantastic option for skateboarders seeking a smoother, more comfortable ride. While they may not be the fastest wheels on the market, their vibration-dampening capabilities and enhanced stability make them a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize comfort and control.
Surfskate Love wheels
Surfskate Love wheels are a relatively new entrant in the surfskate wheel market, but they’ve quickly gained a loyal following due to their unique design and performance. These wheels are specifically engineered for surfskating, offering a distinct blend of grip and slide that enhances the surfing experience on land.
Key Benefits
- Optimized for Surfskating: The 65mm diameter and 81a durometer are specifically designed for surfskating, providing a balance of speed, grip, and slide.
- Smooth and Predictable Slides: The urethane formula offers a smooth transition between grip and slide, allowing for controlled and predictable slides.
- Excellent Grip: The wheels provide excellent grip for carving and pumping, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality Flothane™ urethane and offset core position ensure durability and longevity.
- Narrow Contact Patch: The slightly narrower contact patch compared to other wheels increases agility and maneuverability.
Pros
- Exceptional Performance: The wheels deliver an exceptional surfskating experience, providing a smooth and responsive ride.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of riding styles, from cruising to aggressive park riding.
- High-Quality Materials: The use of high-quality materials ensures durability and longevity.
- Unique Design: The offset core position and beveled lips contribute to the unique performance characteristics of the wheels.
Cons
- Price: Surfskate Love wheels are slightly more expensive than some other surfskate wheels.
- Availability: The wheels may not be as widely available as some other brands.
Overall Impression
Surfskate Love wheels are a high-quality option for anyone looking to enhance their surfskating experience. They offer a unique blend of grip and slide, making them suitable for a wide range of riding styles. While they are slightly more expensive than some other options, their exceptional performance and durability make them a worthwhile investment.
69mm Carver Roundhouse
The 69mm Carver Roundhouse Concave Wheels are another popular choice for surfskate enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of grip and speed. These wheels are designed to enhance the surf-like experience on a Carver skateboard, providing a smooth and responsive ride.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional Grip: The concave design of these wheels creates an hourglass-shaped contact patch, increasing surface area and grip, especially during tight turns and aggressive maneuvers.
- Smooth Roll Speed: Despite the increased grip, these wheels maintain a consistent roll speed, allowing for effortless cruising and pumping.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality urethane used in these wheels ensures durability and longevity, even with frequent use on various surfaces.
- Comfortable Ride: The 78a durometer provides a comfortable ride, absorbing vibrations and bumps effectively.
- Versatile Performance: These wheels are suitable for a wide range of riding styles, from cruising and carving to more technical maneuvers.
Pros:
- Excellent grip for confident carving and turning
- Smooth and consistent roll speed
- Durable construction
- Comfortable ride quality
- Versatile performance
Cons:
- May not be ideal for high-speed riding or aggressive sliding
- May wear down faster than some harder durometer wheels
Overall:
The 69mm Carver Roundhouse Concave Wheels are a great choice for riders who prioritize grip and a smooth, responsive ride. Their unique design and high-quality construction make them a popular choice among surfskate enthusiasts. However, riders who prefer high-speed riding or aggressive sliding may want to consider other options.
Comparison table
| Feature | 62mm Waterborne Surfskate Wheels | Powell Peralta Rat Bones | Cloud Ride Wheels | Surfskate Love Wheels | 69mm Carver Roundhouse Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 62mm | 60mm | 65mm, 69mm, 73mm | 65mm | 69mm |
| Durometer | Softer (likely ~78a-81a) | 85a, 90a | 77a, 78a, 80a, 83a, 86a | 81a | 78a |
| Contact Patch | Balanced for stability and flow | 35mm | 35mm, 51mm, 65.5mm | 30mm | Not specified |
| Core Placement | Centered for consistent roll | Offset | Centerset, Offset | Offset | Not specified |
| Lip Profile | Subtle for smooth slides | Round | Round, Square | Rounded outer, squared inner | Concave |
| Key Benefits | Mimics surfing feel, flowing carves, smooth slides | Nostalgic design, versatile, smooth ride | Superior vibration dampening, stability | Optimized for surfskating, responsive | Exceptional grip, smooth speed, comfort |
| Best For | Surf-inspired carving and transitions | Cruising, light park skating | Long rides, rough surfaces | Surfskating, both beginners and advanced | Surfskating, carving, and cruising |
| Durability | Softer durometer wears faster on rough surfaces | Durable urethane | Durable despite softness | High-quality urethane ensures longevity | Durable |
| Price | Higher-end | Moderate | Budget-friendly | Slightly expensive | Moderate |
| Not Ideal For | Aggressive tricks, high speeds | High-speed skating, advanced tricks | High-speed skating, aggressive slides | Widely available setups | High-speed riding, aggressive sliding |
| Unique Features | Ocean-like carving feel | Iconic “Rat Bone” vintage design | Exceptional vibration dampening | High-quality Flothane™ urethane | Concave shape for unmatched grip |
| Overall Use Case | Ideal for surfers transitioning to pavement | Perfect for nostalgia and versatile use | Comfortable, smooth rides on rough roads | Enhanced surfskating performance | Confident carving and technical maneuvers |
