The Surf Skate Science Shop Deck combines skateboard craftsmanship, performance, art, and science in one purpose-built deck.
Manufactured by legendary skateboard designer Paul Schmitt through PS Stix and Create-A-Skate, these decks were selected with skater height, stance, wheelbase, balance, and board control in mind. Each deck also features original artwork by Henry Jones, one of our favorite artists in skateboarding.
Built by “Professor” Paul Schmitt
Paul Schmitt is widely known throughout skateboarding as “Professor Schmitt” because of his deep understanding of skateboard construction, engineering, materials, geometry, and performance.
After years of designing and manufacturing skateboards, Schmitt opened his own development shop,
PS Stix, in 1987. He became known for advancing modern skateboard shapes, including innovations involving concave and the upturned nose. Over the decades, PS Stix has manufactured millions of premium skateboard decks for professional skaters and some of the most recognized brands in skateboarding.
Paul’s Create-A-Skate program brings that same expertise into education, helping young people understand the math, science, engineering, art, and craftsmanship involved in building a skateboard.
Why Wheelbase Matters
A skateboard’s wheelbase is measured between the inside mounting holes for the front and rear trucks. It affects how the board turns, responds, balances, and feels beneath the rider.
A shorter wheelbase generally creates a quicker, more responsive board with a tighter turning radius. A longer wheelbase provides a wider stance, a larger turning radius, and increased stability—especially for taller skaters or riders with longer legs.
Paul Schmitt teaches that wheelbase should relate to a skater’s height and natural stance. A board that is proportioned to the rider can help place their feet and center of gravity in a more comfortable position, making it easier to balance, turn, generate pop, control the board, and build confidence.
Paul Schmitt’s General Wheelbase Guide
• 12-inch wheelbase: skaters approximately 4 feet tall and under
• 12.5-inch wheelbase: skaters approximately 4 feet to 4 feet 5 inches
• 13-inch wheelbase: skaters approximately 4 feet 5 inches to 4 feet 10 inches
• 13.5-inch wheelbase: skaters approximately 4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 2 inches
• 14-inch wheelbase: skaters approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 8 inches
• 14.5-inch wheelbase: skaters approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 1 inch
• 15-inch wheelbase and longer: often suited to taller riders or skaters seeking a wider, more stable stance
This chart is a starting point rather than a strict rule. Skating style, experience, leg length, terrain, truck selection, deck width, and personal preference can also affect the best setup.
Product Features
- Background colors varies.
- Professionally manufactured by PS Stix and Paul “Professor” Schmitt
- Designed with rider height, stance and wheelbase in mind
- Quality skateboard construction for performance and durability
- Original skateboard artwork by Henry Jones
- Suitable for building a complete skateboard or displaying as art
- Designed for street, skatepark and all-around riding
- Supports Surf Skate Science youth education and community programs
Whether this is your first skateboard, your next daily rider, or a deck for your collection, the Surf Skate Science Shop Deck was created to help skaters find a setup that fits their body, supports their progression, and reflects the creativity at the heart of skateboarding.
Buy the Deck only. Or, grab a complete with Essentials trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware and grip tape. Please review the selected deck size and wheelbase before ordering.
