You will notice on our website, when you are going to buy a skateboard we have lot’s of models, shapes and lots of sizes. The first thing you’ll notice when browsing our website is that there are tons of different sized skateboards. So how do you know what size skateboard to buy? What size skateboard is good for street skating? What size skateboard is good for a beginner? Sizing is always in the eye of the rider, some people like to go bigger, some smaller. You can buy skateboards as deck only and then build it yourself or for the first time or novice rider sometimes buying a complete is the easy way to go. Shop Skateboards HERE
How to choose a skateboard deck size?
The skateboard deck is the actual board itself, the wood platform you are standing on. When you buy a deck you need to add the trucks, wheels, bearings etc...build it yourself. A complete skateboard is a skateboard that is built and ready to ride right off the wall. Skateboards vary in size but most are between 7″-11″, and are made of usually either eight or seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on your riding style and of course your brand and graphic preference. there are a few things to consider...
Width – The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5″- 8.25″. Width is influenced by the size of the rider, foot size and the type of riding you may be doing. Bigger riders and those skating ramps and vert ramps typically prefer a wider deck. Street skaters usually choose a smaller deck. Choose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length.
Length – The length of the skateboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Average board length is 28″- 32″.
Wheelbase – The wheelbase is the distance from one pair of inner mounting holes to the other inner pair. The average wheelbase is 13″-15”.
Nose and Tail – The nose and tail of a skateboard can be hard to tell apart, but most decks provide you with graphics to distinguish the two apart. Also, most skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail. Tip: You can buy mounting harware that is colored to help tell fron from back apart.
Mounting Holes – Mounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.
Ply – When looking at the side of the skateboard deck, thin layers of maple veneer are visible. Layering the wood in a cross-grain pattern creates a stronger board than a single solid piece of wood. The typical skateboard is seven-ply.
Different brands have tendency to have certain size and shape characteristics, you will find a brand that work’s for you.
What size skateboard should I get?
From small to big when sizing up a board these are just general guidelines. We always tend to go a bit bigger for kids to account for growth, you want some life out of it. Below is a general guideline...
Micro Deck width: 6.5″ – 6.75” – Deck length: 27.2” – 27.6” – For skaters 5 years or younger, under 3’5” tall who wear a size 3 shoe or smaller
Mini Deck width: 7.0″ – Deck length: 28” – For skaters 6 to 8 years old between 3’5” and 4’4” tall who wear size 4-6 shoes
Mid-size Deck width: 7.3” – Deck length: 29” – For skaters 9 to 12 years old between 4’5” and 5’2” tall who wear size 7-8 shoes
Decks 7.5” or larger Deck width: 7.5″+ – Deck length: 29”+ – For all skaters over age 13, taller than 5’3” with a shoe size of 9 and up.However, individual skating style will determine deck size for these decks:
7.5″ to 8″ – Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks
8.0″ to 8.25″ – Skating pools, ramps and parks
8.25″ and larger – Vert, pools, cruising and just going old school
What is the best skateboard size for beginners?
We get asked this question here a lot and to be honest the best skateboard size for you is the skateboard that you feel most comfortable on. Skateboarding is all about personal preference and the right size for you might not be the right size for your friend (even if you are the same size). Finding the right skateboard size can be a bit daunting especially in the beginning but we recommend not to over think it and use the above size chart to guide you on your first skateboard purchase. This guide works for 99.9% of skaters.
How to choose skateboard wheels size?
New to skating? - Choose wheels 51-52mm in size. This is a versatile size and good for skating anything. 52mm is the most popular skateboard wheel size
Park / Transition - Consider sizing up in wheels, and getting specific park wheels.
Street - Consider sizing down in wheels. It will make it easier to flip the deck with the lighter weight.
