Surfskate vs Longboard vs Cruiser: What’s the Difference? 🏄
Three Boards, Three Ways to Roll
Not all skateboards are created equal — and not all are made for the same kind of ride.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between a surfskate, longboard, and cruiser, you’re in the right place.
Each one has its own personality:
🌊 The surfskate feels like carving waves on land.
☀️ The longboard is all about smooth cruising and flow.
🏙️ The cruiser is quick, compact, and perfect for city rides or beach runs.
At Gold Coast Longboards, we make all three — designed to match your lifestyle, your vibe, and the way you love to move.
1️⃣ The Surfskate: Surf the Streets
If surfing is your religion, a surfskate is your board.
It’s designed to mimic the motion of surfing — perfect for carving, pumping, and smooth turns.
🔧 How It Works
A special truck design (like our GCLB Thruster Surf Trucks or Gravity Surf Trucks) pivots on a different axis, or even multiple pivot points, to replicate the movement and turns of surfing on a wave — allowing riders to generate speed, carve deeper, and flow with the same motion and rhythm they’d use in the ocean.
You move your shoulders and hips like surfing a wave — fluid, fast, and fun.
🌊 Why Riders Love It
- Feels just like surfing
- Builds core strength and balance
- Great for short rides, driveways, or surf training
- The closest thing to catching waves on land
2️⃣ The Longboard: Smooth, Easy Flow
The longboard is the laid-back legend of the group — made for long, stable, flowing rides. It’s ideal for new riders or anyone who just wants to roll, relax, and take in the view — but it’s also the most stable option for those a little more crazy who love to bomb hills and chase that fast, free feeling.
🛹 How It Works
With a longer deck and a wider wheelbase, longboards are incredibly stable and easy to balance.
They glide beautifully in straight lines and gentle curves — the perfect beach cruiser.
☀️ Why Riders Love It
- Easy to ride for beginners
- Great for distance or downhill cruising
- Feels smooth and steady underfoot
- Classic retro aesthetic
3️⃣ The Cruiser: Compact, Fun, and Fast
Think of cruisers as your grab-and-go skateboard. They’re smaller, lighter, and easier to carry — perfect for everyday rides around town or short commutes. They’re also the perfect beginner board for kids — to them, a cruiser feels just like what a longboard is for adults. It’s nice and stable, with big soft wheels that make rolling effortless and smooth. Those soft wheels soak up vibrations from the pavement and glide easily over cracks and small stones, making the ride far more forgiving than a traditional trick skateboard.
Cruisers are also a favourite among old-school trick skaters. The familiar size and shape feel natural underfoot, making it easy to jump back on and cruise comfortably. They’re ideal for skaters who still want to roll, carve, and feel that same sense of freedom — but without the higher risk of injury that comes from dropping into ramps or grinding rails like they used to. It’s the perfect in-between: a board that’s playful, nostalgic, and built for flow.
🚲 How It Works
Cruisers use traditional trucks and smaller decks (often with a surf-inspired tail). They’re not built for deep surf-style carves or heavy tricks, but they’re still loads of fun to carve around on, throw in a few slides, and pull some playful tricks when the mood hits.
💨 Why Riders Love It
- Easy to carry and store
- Perfect for short distances and errands
- Still smooth and stylish
- Great for beginners or kids who want a smaller board
4️⃣ Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Surfskate | Longboard | Cruiser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Surf training, carving, flow | Long rides, smooth cruising | Quick rides, portability, alternative to trick boards |
| Turning radius | Tight, surfy | Wide, relaxed | Moderate |
| Speed generation | Pumping motion |
|
Foot pushing |
| Stability | Low (Loose) | High | Moderate |
| Deck size | Medium | Long | Short |
| Best for | Surfers, carvers, thrill-seekers | Beginners, cruisers, sunset riders | City riders, students, casual skaters, Beginners |
5️⃣ How to Choose Your Ride
Ask yourself:
- Want to feel like surfing on land? → Go Surfskate.
- Want relaxed, easy cruising for long paths? → Go Longboard.
-
Want portable fun for quick rides and errands? → Go Cruiser.
If you can’t decide, try our GCLB Gravity Truck boards — the perfect hybrid that blends surfy flow with stable cruising.
6️⃣ Why Gold Coast Longboards?
Every GCLB board is crafted with care — inspired by the surf culture of the Gold Coast and the desire to create rideable art.
From our laser-cut Underwood Collection to the precision-engineered Thruster and Gravity Trucks, each design is made for riders who care about style, flow, and craftsmanship.
We don’t just make skateboards — we build tools for freedom.
Boards that make you want to drop your phone, chase the sun, and roll with your crew.
7️⃣ Final Thoughts: Find Your Flow
Whether you’re carving tight corners on a surfskate, cruising the coast on a longboard, or zipping through town on a cruiser — it all leads back to one thing: freedom.
No rules, no rush — just you, your board, and the open path ahead.
Your next ride starts here.
