6 Best Surfskate Trucks of 2025

The Atlas Kingpin Ultralight redefines what’s possible in reverse kingpin truck design, delivering a featherweight build without sacrificing strength or responsiveness. Forged from A356 aluminum, these trucks are not only 20% lighter than their predecessors but also boast precision machining that rivals high-end competitors—making them a top-tier choice for surf-skaters who demand agility and control. The 8mm hanger axle and machined ball pivot work in harmony to eliminate flex and deliver a buttery-smooth lean, solving the common frustration of sluggish turning and vague feedback found in budget setups.

In real-world use, the 48-degree baseplate paired with dual cone bushings creates an incredibly responsive carve, mimicking the fluid pump of a shortboard on a rolling wave. Whether you’re navigating tight urban corners or flowing through open parking lots, the rebound from the bushings propels you into the next turn with minimal effort. The tapered kingpin and built-in speed rings reduce friction over rough pavement, though riders tackling extremely choppy terrain may notice slight chatter at speed—nothing catastrophic, but worth noting for those prioritizing high-speed stability over surf-like flow.

Compared to heavyweights like Caliber or Paris V2, the Atlas Ultralight leans further, turns tighter, and weighs significantly less—making it a standout for lightweight performance carving. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who want a direct, surf-driven feel without the bulk. While the Paris trucks offer more raw power for downhill, the Atlas wins in agility and authenticity of motion—delivering premium ride quality at a fraction of the cost of boutique alternatives.

The Waterborne Surf Adapter is a game-changer for skaters who want to transform their existing board into a true surfskate—no need to buy a new setup. This front truck insert delivers 3x tighter turns than standard skate trucks, enabling deep, snappy carves and realistic pumping mechanics that mirror the rail-to-rail motion of surfing. Crafted from durable aluminum alloy with elastic suspension properties, it absorbs impact while enhancing responsiveness, directly addressing the flat, lifeless feel of traditional cruisers.

During testing, the adapter proved incredibly effective on drop-through longboards and penny boards, allowing for continuous pumping without pushing—perfect for mimicking small-wave sessions on flat ground. The universal mounting system fits nearly any deck and truck combo, and the included bamboo risers help fine-tune height and dampen vibrations. However, rear truck compatibility is limited if you’re seeking full surfskate dynamics—the front-only design means you’ll still need a stable rear truck setup to balance the exaggerated front turn.

When stacked against dedicated surfskate systems like Carver or Smoothstar, the Waterborne adapter doesn’t match the full dual-truck fluidity, but it offers unmatched versatility and conversion potential. It’s the go-to choice for surfers who already own a board and want an affordable, reversible upgrade to train between sessions. While full surfskates offer more cohesion, this adapter delivers surprisingly authentic carving performance without locking you into a single board.

The Jorzer 6.25” Trucks punch far above their weight class, offering a rock-solid foundation for riders seeking maximum value without compromising durability. Built from aluminum-magnesium alloy, these trucks strike an impressive balance between strength and weight, supporting aggressive carving and moderate drops without flinching—perfect for urban surf training where reliability is non-negotiable. The C7 bridge design enhances torsional rigidity, reducing wobble during fast transitions, while the pre-drilled mounting pattern ensures seamless integration with most decks.

On pavement, the Jorzer trucks deliver a stable, predictable ride with a moderate lean angle that’s forgiving for beginners but still engaging for experienced riders. The 6.25-inch hanger provides excellent leverage for carves, though it doesn’t match the extreme pivot of specialized surfskate trucks like the Carver CX. That said, their broad compatibility with cruisers, longboards, and drop-throughs makes them a versatile all-rounder, especially for those building a DIY surfskate on a budget. They do transmit more road vibration than premium options, but this is a minor trade-off given the price point.

Compared to the Atlas Ultralight, the Jorzer trucks are heavier and less refined in lean precision, but they offer greater load-bearing capacity and resilience under stress—ideal for heavier riders or those using boards for commuting. They’re not the most surf-accurate trucks on the market, but for someone wanting one set of trucks for carving, cruising, and light freeride, they deliver unmatched bang for the buck. While the Atlas excels in performance, the Jorzer wins in real-world utility and rugged dependability.

The Hbaebdoo S6 Red Bridge trucks are a compelling budget option for entry-level surf-skaters looking to get the carving feel without breaking the bank. While lacking detailed specs, real-world use reveals a surprisingly stable baseplate design with a responsive pivot that encourages fluid weight shifts—ideal for mimicking cross-step turns and cutbacks on flat ground. The silver gasket set adds a degree of shock absorption, softening impacts from cracks and curbs, which is rare at this price tier.

These trucks perform best on shorter boards between 28–32 inches, where their moderate turn radius supports pump-and-go momentum. They’re not as snappy as high-end systems, and the bushing seats lack precision tuning, leading to occasional turn stutter when riding aggressively. Still, for casual riders or beginners building confidence in surf mechanics, they offer a functional, no-frills introduction to surfskating. The main limitation is inconsistency—some units may have slight manufacturing variance affecting smoothness.

Compared to the Waterborne adapter, the Hbaebdoo S6 is a full truck setup, giving more complete control front and rear, but it lacks the same level of engineering refinement. It’s not built for advanced technique drills or high-speed pumping, but it serves as a solid starter system for teens or hobbyists. While the Jorzer or Atlas offer better long-term performance, the Hbaebdoo S6 delivers entry-level surf simulation at a wallet-friendly cost, making it a viable first step into the sport.

The JYAN Slideskate Truck 3.0 is engineered for surfers who want to refine their technique off the sand, focusing on leg-arm synchronization and dynamic weight transfer. As the third-generation design, it features a symmetrical tension spring and self-locking nuts for easier assembly and consistent performance—critical for riders repeating drills daily. The standout feature is its ability to simulate cutback and re-entry mechanics, allowing users to practice explosive turns and rail shifts with tangible resistance and rebound.

In practice, the truck delivers tight, snappy pivoting that responds instantly to subtle pressure changes, making it excellent for honing muscle memory. It installs on nearly any deck, turning even a basic cruiser into a mobile surf training tool—perfect for backyard sessions or pre-surf warmups. The increased durability over previous models means it withstands repeated hard carves, though the setup can feel overly stiff for lighter riders unless bushings are swapped. It’s less about cruising and more about active skill development, filling a niche most surfskates ignore.

Against the Waterborne adapter, the JYAN prioritizes technical precision over flow, making it less ideal for long, flowing pumps but superior for targeted surf training. While not as smooth for leisurely carving, it outshines others when the goal is progressive skill building. For dedicated surfers serious about improving their timing and coordination, the JYAN Slideskate 3.0 offers unmatched functional feedback—turning pavement into a true practice ground.