Surf skate knowledge, Knowledge, Surf skate, Waterborne Skateboards
Surf Skating Power: 7 Excellent Reasons to Ride an Electric Surf Skate
Surf skating electrically (with throttle power), or eSurf skating, is carving a new path—literally—for riders who love the flowing, pump-driven style of traditional surf skating, but want an added boost.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned concrete surfer, an electric surf skate can elevate your experience, sharpen your technique, and open up new terrain. Here are seven compelling reasons to jump on the throttle-powered wave.
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Carver CX + C2 6.5″ surf skate trucks (pair)
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1. Less Pumping Fatigue, Same Flow-Style Manoeuvrability
Traditional surf skating relies heavily on leg-driven pumping for propulsion, mimicking the fluid movement of surfing. While rewarding, this can be tiring, especially on long commutes or steep inclines.
Electric surf skates solve this with built-in throttle power. You still enjoy the dynamic, side-to-side carving that defines surf skating, but without the constant demand on your legs. This makes longer sessions more sustainable, especially for riders who want to cruise further without losing the essence of surf-style flow.
2. A Powerful Tool to Learn Pumping Technique
Believe it or not, an electric surf skate can actually help you master your pumping technique. By allowing you to maintain a consistent speed, eSkates eliminate the stop-start rhythm that beginners often struggle with. You can focus purely on body movement, weight distribution, and board feel.
Start by keeping the throttle light and concentrating on initiating pumps with your shoulders and hips. Once confident, reduce throttle use and transition back to manual pumping. It’s a perfect learning curve.
3. Skate Parks & Transition Riding Doable As Well!
Electric surf skating isn’t limited to flat terrain. It shines in skate parks and transition features too.
With gentle throttle control (the key part!):
- Riders can approach ramps and transitions with ease.
- It’s easier to reach the coping or bowl lip without excessive setup speed.
- The board maintains flow, allowing smoother lines in bowls and halfpipe.
For transition-focused riders, electric surf skates offer a unique way to experiment with new lines while still maintaining that signature surf carve.
4. Retrofitting Options: Waterborne Adapters, Carver Trucks & Custom Setups
If you already own an electric skateboard, you don’t need to start from scratch. Many riders retrofit their setups with Waterborne Surf Skate Adapters or Carver CX/C7 trucks to transform standard eSkates into fully functional electric surf skates.
Key retrofit tips:
- Waterborne Adapters: Add front-end surf-like pivoting for sharper carving.
- Carver Trucks: Offer a responsive, loose feel ideal for powered surf skating.
- Use Risers: Some setups need risers to avoid wheel bite and improve carving angles.
While these modifications open up new performance layers, they can require trial and error. Dialling in your preferred geometry might take time, but the end result is worth it.
5. Wheels & Components: Performance vs Practicality
Tuning your electric surf skate goes beyond trucks and adapters. Wheels, in particular, play a huge role in carving, grip, and ride quality.
OJ Wheels Super Juice 60mm skateboard wheels
Arbor Daniel MacDonald Summit 71mm skateboard wheels
Considerations when changing wheels:
- Larger, softer wheels provide a smoother ride and more grip—great for carving.
- Harder wheels slide more easily but may compromise the surf skate feel.
- Motor compatibility: Some eSkate drive systems (like belt-driven motors) make wheel swapping easier. Others, especially hub motor systems, may require specific wheel cores or adapters.
Component upgrades can boost performance, but some setups make tinkering harder. Research before buying, especially if you plan to personalise your eSurf skate.
Orangatang Kegel 80mm Surf Skateboard Wheels 77a/80a/83a
Orangatang Caguama 85mm Surf Skateboard Wheels 77a/80a/83a
6. eSurf Skate Racing: A Growing Scene in the UK
In the US, eSurf skate racing is becoming a niche but growing sport, with timed slalom races and surf-style carving competitions. The UK is now seeing increased interest, especially in community-led events and pop-up contests at skate parks.
Carver Skateboards Roundhouse Wheels – 65mm Slicks – Green Glo (83A)
Carver Skateboards Roundhouse Wheels – 70mm Mag – Indigo (78A)
These races generally focus on:
- Carving ability over pure speed.
- Navigating pump tracks and obstacles.
- Showcasing throttle control and flow.
This emerging scene adds a competitive layer to eSurf skating, providing an outlet for those looking to push their skills in a community setting.
7. Throttle Your Way Uphill
One of the most liberating aspects of electric surf skating is the ability to tackle uphills without sacrificing your flow.
Instead of breaking rhythm to walk or push up hills:
- Use throttle assistance to ascend smoothly.
- Continue carving while climbing.
- Connect downhill and uphill lines into seamless rides.
This feature expands your terrain options dramatically. Hilly cities and undulating trails become part of your playground.
Affordability: Budget Boards vs Premium Builds
Electric surf skates vary widely in price. Fortunately, you don’t need a top-tier board to get started.
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Many entry-level electric skateboards offer enough power and space for retrofitting surf skate trucks or adapters.
- Affordable brands still provide decent battery life and control systems suitable for carving.
Premium Boards:
- Offer smoother acceleration, better battery life, and superior construction.
- However, riders may hesitate to tinker with high-cost setups due to fear of voiding warranties or damaging components.
A budget board can be a great platform for experimentation. Once you’re confident in your preferred setup, investing in a higher-end build makes sense.
Bonus: One-Wheel eSkating – A Different Ride with Surf DNA
While not a true surf skate, one-wheel electric boards offer a unique ride with some overlap in feel. The side-to-side balancing, flowy control, and ability to carve make them attractive to surf skate enthusiasts looking for something fresh.
They’re:
- Easier on the knees due to single-wheel suspension.
- Capable on mixed terrain.
- Great for off-road carving.
While not a substitute for an electric surf skate, they complement the surf skating lifestyle for riders who enjoy variety.
Final Thoughts: Power Meets Flow
Electric surf skating is more than just adding a motor—it’s about expanding possibilities without losing the soul of surf-style riding. Whether you’re cruising longer distances, learning to pump more efficiently, or flying through skate parks with a boost to reach the coping, an electric surf skate opens doors.
Key Benefits Recap:
- Reduced fatigue, more ride time.
- Helps dial in pumping technique.
- Perfect for skate parks and bowls.
- Easy retrofitting with Waterborne or Carver systems.
- Component flexibility for personalised setups.
- Access to eSurf skate racing.
- Uphill riding made effortless.
As the eSkate world evolves, electric surf skating is becoming a key player in the future of urban and recreational riding. With more affordable and customizable boards entering the market, there’s never been a better time to ride the electric wave.
Looking to upgrade or start your electric surf skate journey? Browse our range of surf skate adapters, trucks, and complete boards at SurfSkateboard.shop.