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Surf Skating – 7 Epic Reasons to Ride Big Wheel ‘Monster Truck’ setups
Surf skating opinions and views are wide and varied. Even this article is opinion-based. So we’re no different. That said, if you’ve ever been told “you can’t do that” with a surf skate, it’s time to roll over that mindset—literally. And we base this on vast experience of testing different setups and customising countless surf skates.
The world of surf skating is about freedom, personal expression, and finding your own line. At North Coast Wetsuits, we live for breaking rules and carving new paths – we’ve been this way our whole lives. (In fact, it’s one of the reasons we also started a thriving wetsuit and surfing brand, surf shop and skate shop). Nothing embodies this spirit more than surf skate monster truck setups with big wheels. Whether you’re riding Orangatang Caguama 85mm, Dad Bod 105mm (yes, really!), or OJ 75mm Thunder Juice rigs, we’re here to tell you: big wheels belong on your surf skate, and they rip at the skatepark too!
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1. Big Wheels = Big Speed
Let’s start with one of the most immediate benefits of upsizing: higher top-end surf skating speed.
Larger wheels like 85mm Caguamas, the monstrous 105mm Dad Bods, and brand new (as of July 2025) 90mm Orangatang Bees Knees offer a significant boost in speed compared to standard 60-65mm wheels. Whether you’re carving down a hill or pushing across the boardwalk, big wheels give you that satisfying glide and cruise that just feels endless.
This isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about flow, and in surf skating, flow is everything.
2. Grip and Glide for Smooth Surf Skating
Big urethane = big grip.
Wheels like the Orangatang 70mm 4President, ABEC 11 75mm Big Zigs, and OJ 75mm Thunder Juice are designed with contact patches that stick to the concrete like butter on toast. This grip lets you lean harder into your carves and generate that sweet surf-style pump without sliding out.
OJ Wheels Thunder Juice 75mm skateboard wheels
£44.95
Orangatang 4President 70mm Skateboard Wheels
£54.95
It’s perfect for riders looking for a more locked-in, flowing surf skate feel—ideal for long carves, transition surf lines, or just making your daily cruise feel more like a point break.
3. Crack? What Crack? Roll Over Everything
One of the underrated joys of big wheels is how they turn urban terrain into your personal wave.
From sidewalk cracks to pebbles to rough pavement, larger wheels roll through it all. No more getting hung up on tiny imperfections. With 70mm+ wheels, your surf skate becomes a terrain-taming monster.
This makes them especially suited for commuting, cruising, or just pushing your way to the skate park without your teeth rattling out.
4. They’re Great for Learning (and Confidence)
New to surf skating? Big wheels can help build your confidence.
The extra diameter adds stability, smoothing out twitchy movements and making your board feel more planted. Combined with setups like the Waterborne surf and rail adapters, which naturally sit higher and offer incredible manoeuvrability, you’ll feel like you’re riding a cloud with precision carving control.
This confidence boost means you’ll progress faster, especially when learning to pump, carve transitions, or flow bowls.
5. They Actually Work in the Skatepark—Seriously
You’ve probably heard this one: “Big wheels don’t belong in skateparks.” But guess what? We ride them in parks all the time—and they rip.
From bowl riding to carving tight transition lines, big wheels paired with a responsive surf truck setup (like Waterborne or similar) offer a completely unique feel. You can generate speed faster, carry momentum through your lines, and even grind with the right setup. Yes, grinding is possible—even on 85mm wheels.
Forget the haters. If it works for you, it works.
6. Perfect Pairing: Waterborne Adapters + Big Wheels
When it comes to big wheels, clearance is always a concern. That’s where Waterborne surf and rail adapters shine.
Waterborne Skateboards surf skate rail adapter (for front & rear trucks)
£88.00
These adapters lift your board just enough to allow for large wheels without wheel bite—meaning no sudden stops when you lean in hard. Combine this with their surf-style turning radius, and you’ve got a setup that not only avoids bite but enhances your carving capabilities.
Waterborne Skateboards Dream surf truck (front & rear).
£139.00
The high ride height also matches well with wide trucks and risers, giving your board a balanced, responsive feel.
7. Surf Skating Has No Rules—So Build Your Way
In the skate world, you’ll always hear voices telling you what should or shouldn’t be done.
“You can’t grind with 105mm wheels.”
“You’re not supposed to ride a surf skate in the bowl.”
“Those wheels are too big for that board.”
But surf skating isn’t about conformity—it’s about personal style, experimentation, and creativity. That’s the magic of it.
At North Coast Wetsuits, we say: do it your way. Want to slap 105mm Orangatang Dad Bods on a short surf skate cruiser? Go for it. Want to ride Big Zigs in the bowl? Hell yeah! Build the setup that inspires you to ride more.
Bonus: Recommended Big Wheel Surf Skate Setups
Here are a few of our favourite monster truck combos for surf skating:
- Orangatang Caguama (85mm) + Waterborne Surf Adapter
Fast, smooth, and super carvey—great for flatland cruising and gentle hills. - OJ Thunder Juice (75mm) + Carver CX or Waterborne Rail Adapter
A park-ready rip stick with plenty of grip and just enough clearance for grinding. - Orangatang Dad Bod (105mm) + High-Rise Deck + Waterborne Combo Kit
Absolute speed and flow machine. Take it everywhere and never look back. - Customise your own
Orangatang Dad Bod 105mm Surf Skateboard Wheels 80a / 77a
£140.00
ABEC 11 Reflex BigZigs Skateboard Wheels
£54.00
Final Thoughts: Build What You Love, Ride What You Want
Surf skating is about feeling good on your board, not about following trends or fitting into moulds.
Monster truck setups with big wheels might not be “normal,” but they open up a whole new world of possibility: more speed, more grip, more freedom, and more fun. Whether you’re a beginner seeking confidence or a seasoned rider exploring new styles, big wheels on surf skates just work.
So grab those Caguamas, slap on some Thunder Juice, and let the doubters talk. We’ll be out there carving lines they never imagined possible.
Want to Build Your Own Surf Skate Monster Truck Setup?
Check out our custom surf skate components in the North Coast Wetsuits onlline shop, and get rolling today. From wheels to decks to adapters, we’ve got everything you need to build your own rule-breaking, road-taming monster. If you need a hand building your own Monster Truck or regular surf skate give us a bell – 01208 880 839