The Carver Chrysalis CX 29.5″: A Fusion of Art and Functionality

There’s a saying that goes “Surfing is the source, skateboarding is the sibling.” The Carver Chrysalis CX surf skate embraces this relationship wholeheartedly, melding the art of surfing with the power of skateboarding (and vice versa).

Like all Carver setups, the Chrysalis is a great surf skate engineered for seasoned surfers looking for a dry-land trainer and for urban riders seeking a ride that carves and snaps a bit like a shortboard.

With its length at 29.5″, and a width of 9 3/4″, this board is deliberately short and wide, making it very agile and responsive, and allowing for super snappy turns and cutbacks similar to riding a wave.

The 15.75″ wheelbase strikes a nice balance between stability and snappiness. The large but mellow-angle kicktail offers great maneuverability when carving the streets or riding park and bowl, albeit without excessive foot lock-in getting in your way.

Likewise, the very subtly upturned and spoon concave nose lets you position your foot over the front truck for optimal leverage and responsiveness, while keeping freedom of movement for continuously adjusting your surf stance.

The Chrysalis setup speaks to its premium build. The CX truck option, a favorite among shortboard-style surfers, is known for its capability to simulate the pump and drive of surfing. The raw color of the trucks complements the board’s retro aesthetics.

Further enhancing the Chrysalis’ performance are the 69mm 78a wheels, providing high roll speed, grip, and smoothness, even on rough terrains. The built-in bearings eliminate the need for external spacers or speed rings.

As always, the signature Carver grip tape with the single stringer print logo provides solid traction and adds to the board’s visual appeal.

Like most Carver surf skates; the Chrysalis CX surf skate is a harmonious blend of art and function. It features striking artwork by Jasmin Meier, known as Harley&J, with roots in Byron Bay, Australia.

Her vision of the natural world, juxtaposed with the human form, is inspired deeply by the hues and vibes of the 60’s and 70’s psychedelic music posters.

At the center of the artwork is one of Jasmin’s signature designs: a swallowtail butterfly, a symbol of transformation and freedom, silhouetted against the interplay of the sun and moon.

The chosen color palette is an elegant throwback to the 70s, with its mellow pastels and rich undertones, giving the board both a vintage and ethereal feel.

See also: Carver surf skate comparison guide