This category includes the specific wheels for surfskate, with sizes between 60 mm and 80 mm and hardness ratings from 77a to 83a. What makes the difference here is not only the size: grip, acceleration and the way the board reacts in carving, pumping and sliding also play a role. Choosing the right wheels determines a large part of the overall behavior of the surfskate.
A suitable set of 4 wheels helps maintain control and stability in very different kinds of use. The main criteria are usually: type of surface, skill level and turning style. In practice, longboard wheels can work well on a surfskate, but it’s worth checking diameter, hardness and profile before deciding.
Wheel choice is crucial on a surfskate. As a useful reference, the most common range is between 65 mm and 75 mm. If there’s only one key point to remember, it’s this: diameter directly affects speed, momentum and how easily you can keep your glide.
Wheels from 60 mm to 66 mm usually work best on smooth surfaces, bowls, skateparks or pumptracks. They offer a quicker response and a more compact feel underfoot. The middle ground of 70 mm is usually the most versatile format to combine carving, pumping and occasional city riding.
In sizes from 72 mm to 75 mm you gain comfort on average or slightly rough asphalt. Something to keep in mind when riding away from perfect surfaces: a larger wheel smooths out small imperfections better and holds speed more easily. Above 75 mm you may get more stability, but you should also check wheel clearance to avoid wheelbite.
In terms of hardness, surfskates usually work better with softer wheels than a traditional skateboard. In practice, a soft wheel conforms better to the ground, generates more grip and makes turns smoother. What sets one board apart from another in these conditions isn’t only the front truck: the wheel also greatly changes the feeling of support and rebound.
Surfskate wheels differ mainly in three areas: size, hardness and shape. That combination defines how the board accelerates, how much grip it has and how easily it breaks into a slide. The deciding factor changes depending on whether you’re looking for pumping, wide carving or more technical park riding.
Hardness is measured with a durometer scale. For skate and surfskate wheels the A scale is usually used, with values from roughly 77a up to 100a. The lower the number, the softer the wheel; the higher the number, the harder and more slide-prone it is.
As a practical reference, a 77a or 78a wheel offers a lot of grip and good vibration damping. It’s usually a logical choice for carving, pumping and imperfect asphalt. An 80a wheel maintains a good compromise between grip and speed, especially on smooth or medium‑quality surfaces.
Hardness ratings of 82a and 83a feel firmer and faster on very clean, uniform surfaces. Worth bearing in mind if you want to slide more easily or ride on polished concrete: as hardness increases, available grip decreases. If there’s only one key takeaway, it’s this: for most surfskates focused on surf-like feel, 78a remains the most balanced reference.
Some brands also use the less common B scale. In that equivalence, an 80b wheel corresponds roughly to a 100a on the A scale. This is useful information when comparing specs between manufacturers who use different hardness scales.
