Longboards and surfskates offer two distinct ways to experience pavement. A longboard prioritizes smooth rolling, stability and comfortable cruising, while a surfskate uses specialized truck geometry to create deeper turns and surf-inspired pumping.

At The Drop, you can shop complete longboards and surfskates from Landyachtz, YOW, Globe, Sector 9, Arbor and more. Each complete is assembled with components selected to work together, making it easier to choose a board based on how and where you want to ride.

What Is the Difference Between a Longboard and a Surfskate?

A longboard usually has a longer wheelbase, stable truck geometry and large, soft wheels. This creates a smooth ride over rough pavement and makes longboards well suited to cruising, commuting, carving and covering longer distances.

A surfskate uses a highly responsive front truck that allows the rider to generate forward movement by pumping and turning. Its tighter turning radius creates a more surf-like sensation and makes it useful for practising carving, body positioning and flowing lines.

Choose a longboard for stability and efficient cruising. Choose a surfskate for deep carving, pumping and a more active riding experience.

What Type of Longboard Should I Choose?

Different deck shapes and truck configurations produce different riding characteristics.

• Drop-through longboards sit lower to the ground, making them stable and easier to push over longer distances.
• Top-mount longboards provide direct leverage over the trucks for responsive carving and freeride control.
• Pintail longboards offer a classic surf-inspired shape for relaxed cruising and flowing turns.
• Directional cruisers combine manageable length with larger wheels for everyday transportation.
• Dancing and freestyle longboards provide additional deck space for cross-steps, manuals and creative footwork.

Beginners generally benefit from a stable platform with comfortable standing room and soft wheels. More experienced riders may prioritize flex, concave, wheelbase and truck response.

Landyachtz Longboards

Canadian brand Landyachtz builds complete boards for cruising, commuting, carving, freeride and longboard dancing. Its completes are carefully matched with purpose-built trucks and Hawgs wheels to deliver a cohesive ride.

Landyachtz is a strong choice for riders who want dependable everyday performance, from compact cruisers to longer drop-through and dancing shapes.

YOW Surfskates

**YOW—Your Own Wave—**specializes in surfskates designed to recreate the movement and flow of surfing on land. Its Meraki surfskate system provides a deep turning range and allows riders to generate speed through pumping.

YOW surfskates are particularly well suited to surfers working on technique, experienced skateboarders exploring a different turning sensation and riders who want highly responsive carving performance.

Globe, Sector 9 & Arbor Completes

Globe offers cruisers, longboards and Onshore surfskates that balance approachable performance with clean shapes and graphics. The Onshore series uses responsive trucks designed to create greater turning movement while retaining enough stability for normal pushing.

Sector 9 has decades of experience building longboards for cruising, carving, commuting and freeride. Its complete setups combine matched components intended to perform together from the first ride.

Arbor creates longboards and cruisers using carefully considered wood and bamboo constructions. Arbor’s surfskate range pairs its decks with Carver truck systems for responsive, surf-inspired turning.

Are Longboards Good for Beginners?

Longboards can be excellent for beginners because their larger decks provide more standing room and their soft wheels roll smoothly over imperfect pavement.

A beginner should look for:

• A stable deck with adequate width
• A comfortable, predictable flex
• Large, soft wheels
• A moderate truck setup
• A shape suited to cruising rather than high-speed downhill riding

Surfskates are more responsive and require greater balance. New riders can still learn on them, but should expect a steeper adjustment period than with a conventional longboard.

Buy Longboards & Surfskates in Canada

Shop complete longboards and surfskates online at The Drop with shipping across Canada.

Visit our 11,000-square-foot store in Grande Prairie, Alberta, to compare board lengths, standing platforms, truck systems and wheel setups. Our experienced team can help match the board to your ability, terrain and preferred riding style.