How to Size a Skateboard.
Many people come to Salty Peaks and ask the following questions, so in order to save everyone a little time I compiled a list for you.
1. What are the best skateboards for beginners?
2. Can you help me learn how to size a skateboard?
3. What are skateboard sizes?
4. What is the size of a skateboard?
In fact the list goes on. A lot of factors come into play when figuring out the best skateboard for your needs. If you drop by our Salt Lake City skate shop we will be happy to custom fit you for a skateboard or longboard, but I realize a lot of you are reading this online and don’t have that option. So let me lay the basics out for you.
Skateboard Deck Size – Width
Skate decks come in a variety of sizes from 7” wide to over 10” wide. Let me start this article by saying that there are no rules to the size of deck you prefer. It is really your personal preference and it might help to stand on a few friends’ skateboards to see if you can figure out what size you prefer. That being said the ideal skate deck size can be dependent on a few factors…namely your foot size and your method of skateboarding. If you have larger feet, size 12 or above, you will probably be more comfortable on a 7.75” or larger board. I wear a size 13 and am comfortable on an 8”-10” deck. The other factor is style of skating. Skateboarders who prefer street skating usually ride a deck with a smaller width which enables them to do better tricks, and skaters who ride pool, vert, or transitions usually prefer a wider deck in order to better their chances on landing on it.
Skateboard Deck Size – Length
Skateboard deck length is primarily dependent again on your riding style. Most skateboard decks range from 28”-33” in length. The shorter decks are reserved for young skaters and are sometimes referred to as “twigs.” Other than that, skate deck length will not affect you unless you want to try longboarding.
Skateboard Wheelbase
Skateboard wheelbase is the measurement between the trucks. This measurement usually falls between 13”-15” and most beginner skateboarders don’t need to worry about this. More advanced skaters might develop a preference as they progress.
Skateboard Nose and Tail
The skateboard nose and tail aren’t measured individually, but there’s an easy way to tell which is which. The skateboard nose is a little bit wider and doesn’t have as sharp of an angle as the tail. The reason for this is a wider nose gives you a better chance of flipping and guiding the skateboard to where you want it to go.
Skateboard Size Chart
Micro Skateboard Deck width: 6.5″ – 6.75” with an average deck length of 27.2” – 27.6”
Micro decks are the best skateboards for beginners who are under 6 years old, less than 3’5” tall who wear a size 3 shoe or less.
Mini Skateboard Deck width: 7.0″ with an average deck length of 28”
Mini decks are the best skateboards for beginners who are 6-8 years old, between 3’5” and 4’4” tall who wear size 4-6 shoes.
Mid-size Skateboard Deck width: 7.3”+ with an average deck length of 29”
For skaters 9 to 12 years old between 4’5” and 5’2” tall who wear size 7-8 shoes.
Skateboard Decks 7.5”+ with an average deck length: 29”+
This is a good skateboard for all skaters over age 13, taller than 5’3” with a shoe size of 9 and up. Once again, this is where personal preference will come into play, so use this and all of our skateboard sizing as a general rule.
7.5″ to 8″ – Standard deck size for most riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks with a shoe size of 11 or less.
8.0″ to 8..75″ – Average skate deck size for skateboarding pools, drainage ditches or vert
9″ and larger – Best for skateboarding vert, pools, cruising and kicking it old school
We hope this helps you limit your search on a new skateboard. Salty Peaks Skateboard Shop has hundreds of new skateboards and skate decks in stock and ready to ship. If you need additional help on how to size a skateboard please give us a call toll free at 1-877-937-4733 and we will be happy to help. Salty Peaks can help you build a skateboard with the best skateboard wheels, best skateboard trucks, and best skateboard bearings money can buy. We are your local skate shop.
