SurfSkate Review Part 2: Revisiting the Oxelo Carve 540 by Decathlon... six months later

[@ndiogo]

Started surfskating 3 months ago with this board. I think it's a perfect first board. Very stable and fun to ride.

[@renauddecque2978]

Hey! Nice video! I use this board since 6-7 months! I realy like it! Big advice: grease the truck (and do it right after you get your board): in the hole where the truck pin "plugged", on the bushings,...It make the board much more versatile!!

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I heard this tip of using wax to get rid of the squeaking sound, but good to know that it makes the board ride well also. Thanks for sharing!

[@hyeonbinhong229]

whoo! was waiting for that! I actually bought that after the part.1!

[@interruptor]

This was my first surfskate and I'm still riding it. I've since got a Yow but I'm using the Decathlon as a bit of a tinkering platform. I've had the issue with the bushings as I was 83kg when starting to ride it, which is definitely not something the board was designed for. The board would turn rail to rail very quickly, slam into the end of the trucks movement and give me very little bounce back. Decathlon sells bushings and I swapped them for the harder orange ones, which made the board much better. On replacing them I found the original ones to be cracked (about a month of use) I also move the front truck to the furthest back position and swapped the wheels for Mindless Vipers 82a to help with slides. I am starting to go onto bowls and am finding that I prefer this board on them to the yow, as it's easier to keep speed, gain height and find lines, probably as a combination of faster wheels and less sharp turning trucks. The only issue I'm having now is that the spray on grip tape is wearing out on the front foot area, so my next job will be to sand it down, round the top edge of the board (I don't understand why there's no bevel) and apply proper griptape. For €89 for a complete you can't go wrong with it, and I have no qualms in hacking it.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Thanks so much for sharing! I almost wonder if there was a batch that went out with faulty bushings or something or maybe faulty trucks that cut into them? Yeah I never thought about how weird it is that the edge is just square - cost savings I suppose? Would love to see a photo of your deck once you've completed your mods!

[@interruptor]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Sure, I will. I've also had the genius idea today of drilling a couple more holes in the back and moving the front trucks forward by a full length to give me the option of a smaller wheelbase and more tail. I'm a bit concerned about the structural integrity of the tail but hey, let's see.

[@gamingbros90988]

Hi, I've ordered the 540 based on these reviews 👍 Please can you tell me what bushes you bought to help? I weigh 90kg so should probaly upgrade them!

[@bouwdevrieze7349]

@@gamingbros90988 for your weight the orange ones from decathlon good. I weigh about 75 and i bought the green ones, they work up to 80kg. Works perfect!

[@JuanTorbellino]

After a year how do you feel about it?

[@gremnutl]

Your first review was the one that convinced me to buy one and I love it. It's a really good board, and you don't even have to add the "for the price" caveat, it's just a great board to ride and cruise on. The price just makes it that much better.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

A lot of people have told me that since my first review. Hey Décathlon if you are listening, you should definitely send me one of those $500 surfboards for me to review! (This was a joke, note that all my reviews are independent and done of products I’ve purchased myself).

[@olitonottero7620]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer haha nice one

[@edhumm]

Mark, thank you for your time and commitment to sharing your experiences with us all, very much appreciated. I bought one of these boards on the back of your first video and I absolutely love it!!! Having been skating since the early seventies and now maturing into my mid late fifties I was unsure about buying a surfskate, but it is now my preferred board. Mostly I ride longboards for carving cruising and some downhill and at 6'2" and 105kg this little board has been so much fun and is just great for cruising around everywhere!!!. I did change out the bushings straight away for some sabre 96a to suit my weight and I have since swapped the wheels for some 70mm and some better bearings so it is a little more cruisey, I also changed the plastic risers for rubber, which again has smoothed out the ride. The trucks look a lot like the original carver CX trucks and are brilliant for pumping and maintaining speed. This board is so much fun and am looking forward to our skateparks opening up as we come out of lockdown. Many thanks once again :))

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Thanks so much for the kind words Ed, and I am sure that other viewers will benefit from reading about your modifications!

[@edhumm]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer the credit and inspiration is all yours, I just followed your lead :) Am currently looking at trying another board available here in Europe called the Slide slidesurfskates.com/product/ Just looking into trying to buy one... why I am not sure, as I love the Oxelo...? that's addictions for you :D)

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@@edhumm I totally get it. I got my first surfskate in April 2020 and now I have 6!

[@edhumm]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer :D) :D) LOve it enjoy!!!

[@fabiogaspar3496]

Hey With The 70mm wheels on the stock risers you think there Will be wheelbite? I have to order it online and im afraid it Will not fit if i don't Change The risers too

[@mohamadfadlimdyusof1980]

I dont skate, but will buy one after watch this and previous video you made. cheers from Malaysia

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I plan on going to Malaysia sometime in the next 5 years, my wife’s family roots are in Sarawak. Looking forward to skating with you when I do!

[@asrulmunir]

Just ordered one last Sunday based on your 1st review. Still waiting for it to arrive 😁

[@translumination2002]

Thanks for your review. Just bought it today & like it alot. They've changed it & got rid of the extra holes at the front.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Interesting, I wonder if there are any other subtle changes?

[@translumination2002]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer There was the old one at the shop. Same size, same trucks. Just no extra holes. Maybe nobody changes then anyway? I loosened my trucks as per your suggestion & it became much more reactive & manuverable.

[@olitonottero7620]

​@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer I bought my board Oct 2020 (extra holes at the front). When I plant the trucks on an even surface I can slide a credit card (1mm) between the kingpin and the front trucks but I cannot slide two cards (2mm) in between. There's good clearing between the kingpin and the back trucks. I can't do any grinds yet but I'm not sure if 1mm clearing is enough for the kingpin to not catch the coping if the surface is uneven.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@@olitonottero7620 just remember that very rarely will you have a perfect entry into your grind, so if your board is tilted a fraction of a mm, there goes your credit card clearance. Sometimes I still clip it on my C5 s if I come in too nose heavy.

[@LaraTang]

Brilliant review!! I just bought one. Thank you for the informative video!

[@olitonottero7620]

thanks for sharing , i bought it after first video review - love it

[@neho_itme]

I bought it ......But I replaced his wheels to 70cm and fastest bearings so now he is like the carvers and superstar 👍👍👍[And I also painted white came out a hit]

[@mellamorodrigo9516]

Hi! Which wheels and bearings did you get? Did you change the bushings?

[@slavaz7932]

It is realy good board. I like it after two month riding at the streets and not looking for extreme. Make front truck max relax for smooth movement and power pumping. You can move a very long time up on the hill and staying feet on the board, don't need touch the ground.

[@alexisarsac]

Trop bien la bas planche

[@tittobo92]

Mine arrived yesterday, but unfortunately the new model no longer has adjustable wheelbase option :( But im fine with it by the way, still think its the right purchase thanks to your review.

[@kostyafedot551]

Kingping might be reversible. Mount it nut facing boardside, not roadside. And just like on Carvar's CX roadside bushing pops out like you have shown and hanger edge cuts it. I installed shorter bushing with additional flat washer between roadside busing and hanger. It gave same effect as getting nut loose.

[@michalmularski7833]

Hey Mark, thanks for a following up review. As I mentioned in my another comment I bought that board after seeing a part 1 and I do not regret it, but after two months of shredding this thing I am starting to outgrow it rapidly and already in a process of getting a new board, in my case YOW and smoothstar. Still I like oxelo as it get me started and I am going to keep it. I am looking forward to see what will be your next choice. Cheers

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

It is awesome that you are progressing so fast! YOW is next on my list, but just getting one shipped here to Canada costs almost as much as an Oxelo! I've been bugging local surf and skate shops to start carrying them. The other cool thing about the Oxelo (where I live anyway) is that it always attracts attention because surfskating is so rare here. I could probably sell mine at the skatepark for more than I paid.

[@michalmularski7833]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Why aren't you considering a swelltech? With your skill level you will master it very quickly. From all those riders who actually surf everyone admits that swelltech offers the closes experience to surfing, beating even smoothstar in that. It also will be the easiest board for you to get. Without saying that I managed to buy a smoothstart for my son and the moment he stepped on that board his riding transformed dramatically. After seeing that I knew that I want one for myself.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@@michalmularski7833 I've tried a swelltech, and it definitely feels the most like a board that is floating freely on water, but a few reasons stand out as to why it isn't at the top of my list. I heard so many people have issues with the springs breaking and then having to wait to get shipped new ones. I also like to tinker with my setups, and swell tech make their boards and trucks unique so they aren’t compatible with other components. And on that same note, there is the issue of durability for cost. A friend who has one has worn the wood down so fast because it bottoms out so easily, I don’t like that if that happened, I would be stuck buying a replacement direct from the supplier instead of swapping it out with another deck I have sitting around in my garage. So I would consider it if I could find a good deal on a used one, but wouldn’t consider paying full price or one just yet.

[@michalmularski7833]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer That is a great first hand info. Thank you! I personally do not think good enough to go for swelltech at that moment, but it is definitely on my list. As I mentioned I am already sold on smoothstar after trying my sons board, but I am managed to buy YOW few weeks ago (unfortunately my yow is stuck in Europe because of covid restrictions so I am not sure when I get it at the end), If you go for a YOW, register on their waiting list for a board that you want and they will let you know when it is available. After that you literally have 15 minutes to buy it, after that it is sold out. It took me several attempts to succeed.

[@larocdokarnap3227]

I saw two guys tonight pumping their way along the road, so i asked them about the boards and they gave me a moment to try it out. Stepping on the board felt a bit iffy, but the pumping felt really natural. They said they paid 300 for their boards, but i see a nice board from Oxelo for only a 100 bucks, so i probably gonna order one when i get my paycheck. They said they were surfers so it makes sense they looked for something more pro and pricey, but i think i'll go for something more basic since i mostly skate short distances across town. I only skate horizontal, no tricks, i'm too old for that shit. But i really like the idea of making sharp turns since i skate alot of sidewalks with stuff and people all over the place that require some evasive action, and sometimes the situation forces me to stop because i can't make the turn to keep on going.

[@kamilnikoniuk2494]

Dzięki zioooooom !

[@surftraveller9827]

Have you tried filing down the areas that get in the way for an increased lean and range of motion? It seems like a relatively quick and simple fix.

[@sergeysosnovski162]

Agree with the author 100 %. Oxelo Carve 540 is a great surfskate for beginners. For pumping and cruising I feel no difference with Yow Arica.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I definitely feel smoother pumping and more lean on the YOW but the Oxelo offers a decent compromise when you consider that it is a third of the price.

[@sopaz]

This video has been very helpful thanks! I just picked up one of these used and really cheap, but possibly with a few issues... It rides great as a longboard, but it had the kingpin wrenched really tight, which I'm guessing might have damaged the bushings. It also has the top truck risers removed (the flat ones - but I do have them) - have you experimented with changing riser height, and should I add them back in? Cheers!

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I haven't experimented but I did like to keep mine loose enough to get occasional wheelbase, so I'd prefer with the risers.

[@sopaz]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer thanks - I loosened the kingpin as you suggested in the video and it now works great, and no wheel bite with one riser in. Bushings are very squeaky but hopefully not damaged...

[@stageiiwappie950]

is it true the newer models have updated trucks (still carver style but better)

[@stevelewis9206]

Hello just grabbed the board after your review and luvin it , on loosening the kingpins do you loosen just the front thanks

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Start with the front but if you see a lot of threads past the nut try the rear also

[@katet7313]

Thank you! Could you also give some shoes recommendations? :)

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I've been using these Vans Pro Slip-ons since around September and they are holding together very well despite lots of use. Durability seems good and they have comfortable cushioning, good grip and board feel. www.vans.ca/en-ca/shoes-c00081/skate-slip-on-pvn0a5fcay28

[@PandaSniezna]

Thanx for the review! How does this board work as a cruiser, for transport? How does it behave on an uneven road, cracks etc? Does it absorb shocks effectively?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

It seems fine to me, but I have never spent a lot of time riding plain cruisers or longboards to be able to compare. I grew up skating street and then more recently discovered surfskating. You can pump it without pushing but that is more work (better workout), however it is high off the ground so harder to push compared to a drop through longboard or cruiser. The deck is fairly stiff so I think it might not be as smooth a ride as a longboard or cruiser.

[@110ski]

I bought it because your first review thinking that I'm not reaching your level any time soon since I started from zero and it's been quite an experience. Pumping was easy to learn. Now I'm starting to learn slides and snaps but my front bushing cracked 😭. I weight about 90kg and I think it might be the cause. Not sure if this board is meant for heavy weights. I'm thinking of switching to something more robust. Any suggestion?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

So I had a student get one of these boards and they had the cracked bushing issue - It was a defect in the installation process that caused it. Whoever assembled the board tightened the front kingpin nut so much that the washer was cutting into the rubber of the top bushing. Not sure if you skated yours right from the store without loosening it, but that was the issue for her, and she was not heavy. Sorry to hear that was the case though, you could replace the bushing, but if you are progressing to the more intermediate and advanced moves, it could be worth upgrading. My current favourite all-around board is my YOW Medina Camo which is great for carving in the street and ripping in the park. For more skateboard style tricks, I love my Carver C5 board which carves sort of similar to the Oxelo, but which is a more robust truck that grinds well without the kingpin issue.

[@110ski]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer You're right, I didn't loose it so that might have been the cause. Anyway, I replaced the bushings and everything is fine again, I'll check that YOW board. Thanks a lot for your videos.

[@jc3t]

One question I have is if you have found surfskating to improve your technique surfing short board? Primarily with maneuvers like your bottom turns and cutbacks

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

That is a great question! But since I started SurfSkating in the pandemic and have only had the opportunity to riversurf or surf mushy Great Lakes waves on a longboard since then, I couldn't give you a proper evidence-based answer! That said, the body movements are so similar that I am absolutely convinced that it will help - You get so little time to practice those movements when surfing an ocean wave, or when you catch a great wave you might not want to waste it by trying something that might make you fall and choose to ride down the line instead. All the practice you get SurfSkating WILL translate - That is why the pros use them for cross training. I am just counting down the days until I can put it into practice (I've already cancelled 2 surf trips this past year).

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Update - Spring freshet brought some shortboardable river surf waves and I definitely found that the surfskate movements translated to the surfboard. Surfing is more dynamic, so a water wave, whether river or ocean, will never be a static perfectly shaped bowl, but, once you compensate and adjust to that, the muscle memory of your body movements does kick in.

[@jc3t]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Wow, thank you for the follow up. It's cool to hear that the surf training has been working! I've been using the waterborne for a few months now and have been enjoying the feeling on land that it gives, I hope the motions are similar enough that I notice some carryover in water.

[@windsurfingfan6840]

It doesn’t appear on Decathlon’s Canadian website anymore. I wonder if it’s discontinued?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

That may be the case! It had a good run. Maybe they are developing something new?

[@ShotbySmilla]

Do you guys also have that little sound from your board while pumping?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

All of my surfskates make some noise when pumping - apparently there is a hack to put a bit of wax or soap shavings in where the cone bushing is, but I have just gotten used to the noises and couldn't be bothered. Working from home for the last year with kids doing virtual school has really improved my tolerance for annoying sounds.

[@malindirugbyfootballclub1180]

Any leads on how to get the parts? Nut washer and bushing?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Hey, there has been a lot of discussion on the "surfskate" Facebook group in the past. If you check there I am sure there was a thread about this in the past. I have been fortunate to have one that hasn't needed replacing.

[@matssspielwiese9695]

Thanks for the review! Anybody knows if it´s possible to change the wheels with ones for a longboard?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Yeah definitely but if you go too big you may have to add more riser pads to prevent wheelbite

[@colinsmith9534]

Love all your videos! I have the oxleo... and now considering another board. I tend to ride on the flat. Working on the tricks from one of your other vids. I've been toying with a 33" carver cx... but what would you recommend? I want surf training but like the snappyness of the oxleo. What would you buy? A yow?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

YOW is my favourite all-around board right now, something versatile that can work in all environments. Carver CX are great for skatepark tricks but I find they are not as fun on flat, they would probably feel similar to the oxelo but a bit smoother. If getting a second board, I think you should try something with a swing-arm rather than bushing based so you can have something different feeling and maybe more fluid.

[@colinsmith9534]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Thanks I will have a look at the c7 or meraki... yow seems better value thanks for taking the time to reply. :-)

[@SamApocalypse]

I was looking for a board that is more an hybrid between a longboard and surfskate, that can give the possibility to have fun carving but also cover more speed and distances if I want to cruise around the city. Do you think this is a good board or should I get just a longboard?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

In my opinion, yes, but I will admit to being biased in never really enjoying standard longboards (without surfskate trucks) all that much. This one might not be as smooth on rough ground, but you can pump it uphill rather than having to stop and pick up a clunky longboard. It also pumps fast, so you can get speed but it will be more of a workout than just pushing a longboard. If you have an actual Décathlon store near you you can try it in the store and see how it feels (if they have them in stock). The other option would be to go with a longboard and then add waterborne adapters, but that makes for a super heavy board.

[@SamApocalypse]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer oh thanks for your reply! I do have lots of Decathlon around me but they just sell the board online so I cannot try it before. I was thinking about removing risers (in order to make pushing easier) and swapping the 65mm wheels for some 70mm. Maybe this would make it more versatile and easier for long distance

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@@SamApocalypse I like the upgraded wheels idea, but worry that combining that with removing the risers could result in wheelbite

[@tobiasg67]

Great review! Are you loosening the rear truck as much as the front truck?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Yes I am! maybe a touch tighter

[@MindaugasLegoDiablo3]

How are the trucks feeling, do they look like they are gonna break while riding rough ? Also, did you get pressure cracks near the mounting holes ?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Trucks feel very robust to me. I just checked and I can see some faint little hairline cracks on the top side of the deck by the mounting holes, but I am not concerned for a couple reasons: 1) It is only on the top ply, you can see down into the unused holes and there is no depth to the crack. All my other skateboards might have these same cracks but you wouldn't know because of the grip tape. 2) A lot of my other regular skateboards have visible pressure cracks by the trucks on the bottom sides from high drops or landing big Ollie's etc. There is nothing visible on the bottom ply of the Oxelo surfskate deck.

[@fabiogaspar3496]

Hey man Started browsing for a cheap Cruiser, ended falling in love for this carve thanks to you :D just bought it and lovin it! Just One question, you loose both of King pins or just The front One? And you unscrew until is really loose ir a bit tight? Tnk you very much

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Front one is key, a lot of times the store employees tighten it all the way down thinking it should be like a regular skateboard. I like the front one loosened to the point that no threads are showing. The rear one is a matter of personal preference. Play around with it and find what feels best. 🤙🏽

[@fabiogaspar3496]

Thanks man :D

[@davegladstone4151]

👍👍

[@roadsmaycross]

Is worth starting with this board then spending more money on a better one or should I save up and get a yow or a carver from the beginning? I have a 26 x 9 cruiser and I would like something a bit bigger to have fun in parking lots and that I also could use for commuting. I tried changing the bushings and loosening the kingpin but it is not as pumpable as I would like to.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Almost everyone I know who has tried surfskating has gotten hooked. Many of them started on this board but upgraded after a few months. So at this point, I would be more inclined to say save up if you can. This is a really good value board, but if you think surfskating is going to be something you spend a lot of time doing, then the extra investment is worth it.

[@roadsmaycross]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Thank you for your answer, I gave thought and research to this subject for quite a while and I decided to wait a bit more and get something premium from the beginning. One aspect that I am not 100% sure about is what would suit me better, smoothness speaking, between CX, C7 or YOW Meraki. But until the raise of new opportunities regarding the purchase of a board, I'll keep experimenting with my old cruiser.

[@jeshr9684]

I can't find one for sale online in the USA. Do you have a link for their website?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I do, but it looks like maybe none in stock right now. It is www.decathlon.com/

[@chrisjanzen3421]

Great videos Mark - love the content! It's inspiring to read through the comments and notice that I'm not the only 40+ yr old that is interested in getting into this sport. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the 540 bird, but am suffering from a bit of paralysis by analysis (lots of brands, and components!) In your opinion, what would be the next board up from the Oxelo in terms of value but also rider level? I'm in Canada, but know someone visiting the states soon that can bring something back. Carver Triton keeps coming up, but not sure if a board with the c7 would be better to grow into. I've also found a Slide Quad surfskate. Thanks again!

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Hey Chris, in my opinion, this board is a great option to dip your toes in the game if you aren't sure. But my experience so far has been that very few people who try surfskating decide to stop. And they eventually in that case you will want an upgrade. Carvers sell quite cheaply in the US, like $250 USD, and that would probably be the next level up. I've never tried slide but hopefully soon. If you can afford it, my opinion, given that most of the beginners I know upgraded within their first year, is to spend a bit more if you think this sport is something you'll stick with.

[@chrisjanzen3421]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Awesome! Any specific Carver model? The idea of smooth ccruising/carving on flat land appeals to me should I go with c7 trucks vs CX? After watching some of surfskate love videos, I'm wondering if I should just go with the Yow Pukas. This is the issue with me being a bit of a hobby geek - things escalate quickly, haha.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@@chrisjanzen3421 YOW boards are pricier, but in my opinion still the best all around boards for everything from flat ground to long distance pumping to skatepark riding. Your height and stance width will be the biggest factor in choosing the right model.

[@rsw987654321]

Great video! Hey I noticed both you and your wife wearing something on your back foot that looks like it might support your ankle. Is that the case? The reason I ask is because I just recently strained my Achilles tendon and I don't want to damage it again.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Yeah, between skateboarding and soccer I have sprained/broken ankles so many times that I tend to wear them preventatively for the inevitable ankle roll that will happen at some point. Really worthwhile investment!

[@jerriez_fpv]

Which wheels you recommend for this board

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I think it really depends on what you are looking for and what kind of terrain you will be riding in. What do you need? Slides? Skatepark and bowls? Street cruising?

[@sarasegador8998]

6th liked! Thanks so much for the video!

[@kyawthaung2375]

Can I ride it on the concrete road?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Yes

[@afnanfauzi1890]

hello may i know what type of action cam are you using here. thanks

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Almost all shot on a GoPro Hero 8 black from my recollection, a few shots from a mirrorless Sony.

[@fog.hedgehog]

can I put 97mm wheels on it?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

probably not unless adding extra risers

[@adollaburst7687]

Nice video! On a scale of 10 out of 10, how is this compared to Smoothstar/YOW/Carver or etc. that has a higher price? Planning to buy for surf training (bottom turns/cutbacks on flat ground) without breaking a bank. Pleas help, thanks man!🤙

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Even loosened all the way, the Oxelo isn't as loose and surfy as my more expensive gear, but if your intention is mainly as a surf training tool on flat ground, I think it can do the trick. The flat deck profile is more similar to a surfboard deck than the boards with lots of concave and kick, so it might be more accurate when translating to surf. If you were interested into progressing into more skateboard / skatepark style tricks, that is where you'll find the Oxelo could hold you back. So if you think you might get to the point of wanting to ride it at the skatepark, it might be worth saving up for a board that can do it all, but otherwise I would say the Oxelo is about 70% as good as my favourite Carver, so if you want something right away at a lower cost then it could be the right call.

[@mellamorodrigo9516]

Hi! Just wanted to say that your reviews helped me to pull the trigger on this board, and I was not disappointed! Could you offer some guidance on bearings, bushings and wheels that would suit this board? My main use will be to train first (I'm a beginner) so that I can skate bowls. For bearings, I am considering Zealous. Do you have experience with these or Bones Reds? Will the standard bushing setup (barrel and cone) be good for surfskate and bowls? I am considering the Orangatang knuckles, but could be persuaded to try the Venoms. I haven't looked at wheels, but would be interested to know which duro and size I should use for bowls. Thank you!!

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Hey, glad to hear you are enjoying it so far! I think when you are starting out as a beginner, you don’t need to jump into mods right away. Better to figure out your riding style first. The stock wheels have great grip so climbing up high on the bowl walls is easy. If you think you’d be interested in getting into doing slides, that is when you’d want to get a harder wheel, probably in the 81-87 duro range. I’ve heard good things from a lot of people about Orangutan Fat free 86As. Just got some new Bones rough riders wheels but don’t have them installed yet. If you think you want to do carve grinds on the coping, then you would want to stick in the 59-65mm size range so you don’t hang up when trying to come out of the grind. The longboard community swear by Zealous bearings, as a street skater I have always trusted Reds. I’ve never in my life changed the bushing from the stock ones so no advice for you there! Maybe something I should consider looking into though.

[@TheScrumpee]

Is this a surfskate or cruiser?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

It is a surfskate - Some snobby types don’t consider Carver CX trucks surfskate trucks but in my opinion, if you can pump it without pushing and carve it like a surfboard, it is! The oxelo’s are based off that design.