How to Size a Skateboard in 2024|BUYING GUIDE & SIZE CHART
There are different skateboard deck sizes because some skaters prefer a smaller board for tight spaces and easier maneuverability, while others prefer a larger best skateboard brand for stability and more control when skating at high speeds. Street skating, for example, is done on smaller boards because the tricks are more technical and require more agility. Vert skating, on the other hand, is done on bigger boards like on the Tony Hawk skateboard brands because the tricks are more powerful and require more stability. Ultimately, what size skateboard and deck size should you get is determined by the type of skating that you want to do and your own body posture.
Also read: How Tight Should Electric Skateboard Trucks Be?
Here’s a general guide to help you choose the right size skateboard:
Skateboard Deck Sizes (Practical Guide)
Skateboard Length Chart
Skateboard Sizes Chart
Skateboard Width Chart
Skateboard Deck Sizes
1- Skateboard width: 7.25″: Approximate best length: 29.50″
2- Skateboard width: 7.50”: Approximate best length: 31.12″
3- Skateboard width: 7.75″: Approximate best length: 31.12″
4- Skateboard width: 8.00″: Approximate best length: 31.38″
5- Skateboard width: 8.25″ and wider: Approximate best length: 32.00″
1-Micro Board: 7.5″ or Under
Microboards are usually meant for people who want to do technical sliding and use their boards purely as transportation. They’re also good for doing many skateboarding tricks around pools/waves/shallows because they have a lower center of gravity. If you ride narrow hangers, then you might also need a micro-sized deck just so that you can fit your trucks properly.
These best skateboard decks for pop are surprisingly good for commuting, but they have a lower level of durability compared to other decks because it’s harder for you to stand on them properly without hurting yourself if you don’t have wide feet. They’re still good for doing tricks at the park and learning flat ground, slalom, and dancing.
2-Boards Ranging from 7.5″ – 8.25″
This is the standard-sized deck like the Nomad skateboard deck that most skaters usually use, and it’s good for almost everything besides doing tricks in shallow waters or at the pool (because there isn’t enough clearance on these decks). They’re usually wide enough to give you room to stand on them without hurting your feet, but they’re also not so wide that your feet will be insecure and keep sliding off the board (which causes suffering sometimes).
These are preferably the best skateboard decks that can handle most high-speed maneuvers and slides without having too much flex. They’re also great for learning flat-ground tricks because you’ll have enough room to do them properly. Moreover, you can easily take Supreme skateboard decks to the park once you’re good enough to ride pretty much everywhere.
3- Boards Ranging 8.5″ – 9.25″
These boards are really popular nowadays because they can do everything above but they also have enough room for your feet so that you don’t feel insecure when doing tricks at the park or standing on them to ride around. They can also handle high-speed maneuvers without having too much flex because the decks are wide enough.
These boards work well for a lot of people, but they might not be as good as other longboard sizes if you have to ride up or down steep hills. You can still do it with these decks, but it’ll take longer and you’ll have to push more often. Also, these boards are usually harder to find since they’re the most popular size right now.
4- Boards With 9″ and Under:
These are usually meant for riding around town or doing small slides because the smaller surface area makes it harder to skate fast, but your feet won’t feel insecure when trying tricks at all. Also, your feet won’t be sliding off the deck often since you can fit more than 1 foot on it. Jart skateboards are usually good for doing tricks and carving because they don’t have a lot of flex, but they might not do well in downhill riding because they’re too small to stand on comfortably. You also need to push these decks a lot harder when going uphill.
The main thing to remember when choosing a board length is that it’s better for your feet if the board is just long enough so that your feet don’t slide off, but if you want speed then look at the best skateboards for rough roads instead because they’re usually faster than Cosmo longboards even though they have the same deck length. Also, if you’re going downhill then choose a board with a longer length because it’ll give you more space to stand on and it’ll be easier to stabilize yourself.
5-Boards Ranging from 9.25″ – 10″
These decks are great if you live near a large hill or if you want a board that you can perform tricks with easily because it’s big enough so that your feet won’t feel insecure, and the deck itself has enough durability to take impacts from landing tricks. These boards can handle high-speed maneuvers like a 9.25″ board but they’re also more stable because they have a larger surface area.
Decks are pretty popular nowadays for downhill riding because you get to stand on them very securely and it’s easy to find a deck of this size among high-quality boards. You can even use them as transportation if you want because they still have the same level of maneuverability and speed as smaller decks, but it’s easier to maintain balance on these since your feet won’t be sliding off the deck often.
6-Boards Ranging 10″ and Above:
These are usually meant for downhill boards and they’re really good because the larger surface area makes it easier to skate faster and adds extra stability.
They’re also great for cruising since their usually long length makes carving possible, but if you want a deck that’s specially built for cruising then look at Degree 33 longboard review. The one issue with these decks is that they’re usually less maneuverable compared to smaller boards, but you can still do high-speed maneuvers on them if you find the right deck.
The decks like Element and Mini-logo are great for beginners because your feet won’t feel insecure when trying tricks at the park or riding around, and they have enough stability to not be rolled by air time (besides the fact that you’ll already be at a high speed before taking off).
You can also use these decks for cruising or carving because they’re the right length and the deck itself is flexible enough to make it easy to maintain your balance. Having a wide board is usually better for beginners because your feet will feel more secure on flat surfaces, but a wide board might not be good if you plan on going downhill since it has a greater tendency to roll from air time.
A wider deck will offer more stable footing, while a narrower deck will be lighter and more agile. Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect skateboard size is to experiment with different boards until you find one that feels comfortable and suits your skating style. With so many different sizes and shapes available, there’s sure to be a skateboard out there that’s perfect for you.
Conclusion:
If you’re a beginner, then go for a deck that’s 7.5″ or 8.0″ like the DGK skateboard deck because it’ll be easier to balance on and your feet won’t feel insecure when trying tricks. If you want to go downhill, then choose a deck that’s 10″ or above because it’ll be more stable and easier to skate fast on.
If you want to cruise or carve, then go for a deck that’s between 9″ and 11″ because it’ll be the perfect length and have enough flex for easy maneuverability. Remember, the most important thing is finding a board that’s just long enough so that your feet don’t slide off, so choose the deck length that best suits your needs.
FAQs
How to choose deck size skateboard?
When choosing a board, consider your shoe size and how it correlates with the width of the deck. If you wear men’s size 6.5 to 9, start out with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches.
How much does a deck weigh?
A 10’x10′ deck is 100 square feet, 950 lbs divided by 100 square feet gives us a weight of 9.5 lbs per square foot. With that in mind, a 150-square-foot deck would weigh roughly 1,425 lbs. Note: The above example assumes the lumber type is southern yellow pine (SYP).
How do I know what width skateboard to buy?
7.50″ to 8.00″: Medium deck width for teen or adult riders skating street terrain or doing more technical tricks. 8.00″ to 8.50″: Ideal for various street and transition terrain. Parks, pools, rails, stairs. 8.50″ and up: Wider decks are great for transition skating, bigger street tricks, pools, or just cruising.