Surfskate Review: Whitetail Skateboards Feral Cat

I've been spending a lot of time riding the newest deck shape from Whitetail Skateboards over the past 3 months - Find out my thoughts on this deck for surfskating, the pros and cons, and who it is suited for. Although this isn't a board that immediately spoke to me, the things it has helped me accomplish have definitely earned it a long term spot in my quiver of boards that I keep ready to go by the front door.
To learn more about the thought and concept of the deck design from the shaper herself, check out Sophie's builder presentation: • Shaper's Presentation:...
#surfskate #review #whitetail

[@whitetailskateboards]

I take no pleasure in proving someone wrong, but I am so stoked I did with this shape! 😎 Everything you've accomplished on this board is priceless in the eyes of your sponsor. Thanks for the honest review about my FeralCat Park Surfer Mark!

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

Just started watching this but i got to try the white tail you gave to Work For Avocados and absolutely loved it. We just did a collaboration video and it was definitely talked about.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

That is awesome! Whaleshark is still my favourite all around shape, but if I want to get more tech, I am reaching for the Feral Cat!

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer i don't think I will ever get to the point of doing tricks on my surfskate. I have a hard enough time with standard trucks 🤣

[@wingnut381]

Please Educate. Have you only been using Surfskate decks? Was wondering If you wanted to do skate and transition tricks did you ever try putting your Surfskate trucks on an old school reissue or an Alva style pool deck. These kind of boards have the 14.5-16.5” wheel base you’re after and lots of them are wide at the feet positions and taper in the middle. If so how do these boards compare to the Feral Cat??

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Yep, before Whitetail I did my best with Powell Peralta, Alva, Darkroom, in the 14.5 to 15.5 range and some worked okay. Solride didn’t exist back then and I didn’t love them with the CX or C5 but I made them work. My guess is some would offer similar rides and if budget is an issue then likely provide decent substitutes. Whitetail is an upscale product for sure, made in Canada with Canadian maple and 100% surfskater owned and operated. I understand it might be out of budget for some people compared to mass produced boards made in Mexico or Asia from bigger brands. But I know those boards wouldn’t be standing still after my 1000+ treflip off a kicker attempts! Whitetail products are nearly indestructible! I’ve landed tail heavy down 6 stairs, sent them off mountain tops, heavy popped boardslides… can barely crack the bottom ply.

[@Quickrex]

Can see you didn't try out the Oj's Nomades😢 why?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Dude there are thousands of wheels out there... I'm only one man operating an unprofitable KZbin channel. Tell me why they are your faves?

[@Quickrex]

@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Yes KZbin is dumb. I can see you like the dragons 🐉 I have a pair in the traditional V shape 58mm, haven't tried the bones. My problem with them. okay, on ruff stuff, but on concrete skatepark, you feel that you can't keep up with, say, a 99a or higher, so a couple a year ago I saw this review from both Oj's and others. Very mucho low-key promoting. So I bought a pair of Nomads 57mm 95a and later the teamrider 61mm 95a. I tried everything over the years, soft hard and in-between. The Oj's have absolutely nailed it. But they launched the 95a formula for traditional skating as a daily driver, not for hybrid skating. I think they have this golden ✨️ zone not too hard, not too soft, for skatepark and bowl riding, I feel very secure on them don't slide unless you push them, and they feel absolutely buttery for hybrid truck say C5, CX and work with surfskate trucks aswell. They have a feel like no other wheels I tried, and they slipped under the radar for most people, but I'm happy that they didn't failed my radar.

[@kapture520]

Have you tried Ace AF1 trucks on it? What size trucks would you recommend?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

I have! Using them on it mostly now for the winter. I think I have the 177s. They are maybe a touch wide but I don't mind.

[@kapture520]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer Awesome! On the fence about pulling the trigger since the deck is quite pricey. Really appreciate your review.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@kapture520 They are not cheap in price, but here is the thing. Whitetail boards are not pricey because they are inflated to try to make them seem artificially cool like Supreme products or something like that. They cost more because the owner has meticulous standards and values. She doesn't cut corners in quality, she will sooner sacrifice her own profits to ensure that everyone involved in the production earns a fair wage, and she insists on high environmental standards to protect the habitat that produces the Canadian maple behind the boards. This is a company that is cool because it is run by a female skater who is authentic and full of integrity. When you look at what you are supporting, you are buying more than an amazing deck if you do decide to go this route. Just my two cents!

[@kapture520]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer I totally agree. Sophie is awesome. I have chatted with Sophie and actually have a whitetail street deck and the whale shark :) I started out with surfskates then got into street skating, and now I'm trying to learn more transition stuff. I feel like the fetal cat will help me feel more stable on ramps and with wider trucks, more confident on coping.

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

@kapture520 So rad that you are already a Whitetailer and get it! I'm seeing a ton of people on that same path right now! Started on surfskates and now expanding their boundaries. Ace trucks are great if you are coming from that background, they won't feel as stiff as others. I've been testing Avenue trucks recently and think they could fill a similar niche. Review should be coming soon.

[@tauntPEANUTBUTTER]

Would it work well with a CX truck?

[@MarktheLandlockedSurfer]

Sorry I missed this comment! My teammate uses hers with CX trucks on the stock wheelbase. It works great in tight spaces. You could also use the optional remora add-on to extend the wheelbase and it would make a nice more carvy version of the Feral Cat.

[@tauntPEANUTBUTTER]

@@MarktheLandlockedSurfer no worries, thanks for replying me! Gotcha, will try it out.

[@goofyfootgreg]

Not a fan of cats, either, but my wife came with three 😂

[@timmckenney9012]

I love cats...

[@whitetailskateboards]

Me too !