How to Select the Right Skateboard Size
Skateboarding is a great way to stay active and have fun. There are many different types of skateboards, so picking the right one with the right size can be difficult. This article will go through all the different factors that you need to consider when picking out a skateboard.
The size of a skateboard is determined by the size of its deck. This is the surface that you stand on while riding it. The length, width, and shape of a deck also affect how a skateboard performs.
There are multiple reasons to get a skateboard. In order to buy the right size skateboard, it's important to know what size of deck you need. Skateboards come in sizes ranging from 7 inches to over 40 inches long and 4 inches to over 10 inches wide.
The most common sizes are 7-8-inch decks for younger riders or those just starting out, 9-10-inch decks for average riders, and 10-11-inch decks for those who want more speed or are more experienced.
If you don't know the size of deck you need, you could use a skateboard sizing chart to determine your size as shown below.
As you can see from the above, choosing the right size of your skateboard is largely a personal preference, there are 3 important factors to consider when selecting the right board size:
- Riding Style & Terrain
- Body Height & Weight
- Shoe Size
Riding Style & Terrain
There are different kinds of riding styles for skateboarding, including transition skating, which is when you skate vert, parks, or pools. Then there’s street skating, which involves doing flip tricks and skating freestyle. For transition skating, you need a wider surface area under your feet for stability, which means a slightly wider skate deck is important. However, for street skating, you may want a narrower board. Board width is only one part of the entire equation. Below is a list of skateboard sizes and who they’re meant for that can narrow things down for you:
- (Micro) 6.5†to 6.75â€: Best for kids 5 and under.
- (Mini/Small) 7.00" to 7.50": Narrow decks are better for youths 8 to 12 years old.
- (Mid Size) 7.50" to 8.00": A medium deck width is best for teens age 13 and older or adult riders who street skate or skate on street terrain.
- (Full Size) 8.00" to 8.50": A slightly wider deck is ideal for both street and transition terrains, including the street, parks, pools, rails, and stairs.
- (Full Size) 8.50" and up: Wider decks are awesome for transition skating, granting the skater more security for bigger street tricks, pools, or just cruising.
Body Height & Weight
When considering “what size skateboard deck should I get?â€, you also have to factor in your weight and height, as you have to choose a skateboard that suits your body type. The basic concept is that the taller you are, the wider the board you’ll need. While most street skateboards are the same length, the main difference is their width. Less than an inch of a difference in width can make all the difference when you’re skateboarding.
Here’s a list of heights to skateboard sizes that you should consider:
- 4ft 6in or shorter: 7.25†to 7.75†board size
- 4ft 6in to 5ft 6 in: 7.75†to 8.00†board size
- 5ft 6 inch or taller: 8.00†to 8.50â€
Another thing you should consider when picking out a skateboard is your weight. Being a heavier skater has its pros and cons. For example, while you may have more momentum going downhill, you’re also more likely to sustain a more severe injury if you fall (you know, the bigger you are, the harder you fall sort of thing.)
Here’s a list of skateboard sizes by weight that can help:
- (Micro) 6.5†to 6.75â€: 45lbs and under
- (Mini/Small) 7.00" to 7.50": 46 lbs to 59 lbs
- (Mid Size) 7.50" to 8.00": 60 lbs to 101 lbs
- (Full Size) 8.00" to 8.50": 102 lbs to 152 lbs
- (Full Size) 8.50" and up: 153 lbs and over
Shoe Size
An important detail that many skaters, especially beginners, tend to neglect is their shoe size. If your feet are too long or too short for the deck width of your skateboard, it can make for a not-so-fun experience.
Doing technical tricks and simply maneuvering your board to turn properly requires a good foot-to-board ratio. This is also why “skate shoes†are a thing. Selecting a deck that works with your shoe size is important to staying safe and properly learning how to skateboard.
Conclusion
Just as we have explained in this post, the first factor to consider is your riding style and the terrain in which you will be skateboarding. If you want to do more tricks with your board then a smaller deck size would be better because it will make the board lighter and easier for tricks
Next is your height and weight. If you are not tall enough, then the board might be too big for you and it will be hard for you to control it.
Finally, we looked at your shoe size. If your feet are too small, then there might not be enough room for them on the board, which can make it difficult for you to balance yourself on it.
