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What size of Skateboard Is Ideal?
Choosing a particular skateboard to use is not all about the one that looks so fancy, colourful, and attractive to the eye. Certain conditions are to be considered when choosing the type of skateboard to buy, such as the experience, the style orientation, the size, height, and the weight of the rider. These conditions are considered to make skateboarding comfortable for the skateboarder and avoid accidents.
For several professional skateboarders, getting a good skateboard size is no longer all about the experience because they have that already in their coffers. They are much more concerned about the size that will enable them to execute perfect tricks and skills, improving their game in general. For beginners, size matters in terms of the comfortability of learning without much complications.
Whichever is the case, it is essential to note that getting a perfect size that suits them will help skateboarders to find their identity in the game and perfect their skills. When looking at the sizes of a skateboard, we will also examine the size of the deck, the shape of the board, and the length and width of the board for context. We shall now look at the various sizes of skateboards and who they will be most suitable for.
Size considerations for Getting a Skateboard
With respect to Shoe Size
The first consideration for skateboard size should be that of the shoe size of the rider to ensure that the individual will find balance whenever he steps on it. Anatomically men are more likely to have bigger shoe sizes than females, which puts them within the range of those that wear sizes from 6.5 to 9. For skateboarders like this, there is the recommendation of a skateboard deck of 8 to 8.5 inches.
The reason for the size is to find balance within their sole and the deck of the board. A wider deck surface will expect the individual riding to exert more pressure on the surface of the board. This will be an added task for the rider to overcome. It will give beginners the allowance to get the ropes of skateboarding and be able to stand on their own easily. For experts, it may be an impediment to achieving the level of skill they need.
Since their influence varies from one skateboarder level to the other, one must get the correct skateboard size that fits one’s shoe size to find balance without many adjustments.
With respect to Skateboarder Age
In most cases, the shoe sizes of riders may vary according to their age. This does not include individuals that have shoe sizes that are bigger than their ages. To create a standard that will fit any rider’s age, skateboards have been sub-divided into Full, Mini, Micro, and Mid skateboards.
- Micro (6.5” – 6.75” Deck width): The micro skateboards were explicitly designed to accommodate riders between the ages of 5 and below. The riders in this category were depicted to have a height of 3’4 inches or shorter than that. This implies that the skateboarders within this category are children or developing infants with shoe sizes of 1 and below. The skateboard deck width range for them should be within 6.5 to 6.75 inches.
Their skateboard design intends to find a specific deck length that will fit their height and delicate feet. This will enable them to find balance and improve their skills with time.
- Mini (7.0” Deck width): Mini skateboard range is designed for children between the ages of 6 to 8 years old with a height range of 3’5 to 4’4 inches. Their shoe sizes should be within 2 to 5, and they’re developing children with firmer standing due to growth. These skateboarders will have a recommendation for a deck width of 7.0 inches. With a firmer stand, this category of riders can perfect their skills without worrying about being shaky or falling off the deck.
- Mid (7.25 – 7.375” Deck width): This is a skateboard range designed for adolescents between the ages of 9 to 12 years who have a height of between 4’5 to 3’5 inches. Their shoe size limits have been set within 6 to 8. Adolescent skateboarders are tipped to be more assertive in perfecting their rolling and standing skills and can manage a skateboard deck width of around 7.25 and 7.375 inches.
This is a perfect size that can enable them to cruise comfortably and also be able to learn new tricks that will perfect their riding skills.
- Full (7.5 or wider Deck width): This shoe size was designed for riders with adult shoe sizes of 9+. This can range from developing adolescents to adults that are 5’3 inches or taller. They can ride a skateboard with a full deck width of 7.5 or taller. This proves that they can skateboard comfortably and at the same time be able to pull off tricks, both the simple and the complicated ones.
Choosing a skateboard based on age would not be unusual for skateboarders that are new to the game. This is a sport that has lots of risks associated with it. The required step would only mean getting the appropriate skateboard deck size that would compliment them without much stress.
With Respect to Tricks
Perfecting a skateboarding trick often comes with the type of skateboard that gives one space and time to land without causing a fall. This becomes the priority consideration for any skateboarder that wants to procure a skateboard. A rider will have to consider the following tricks when hunting to make a definite choice of skateboard sizes.
For riders that perform any of the following tricks:
- Manual
- Flip tricks
- Flat bars
- Ledges
- Other technical tricks
A skateboard with a narrower deck will be a perfect build for them because it will give them the flair to achieve tricks without worrying so much about the size and height of the skateboard. This implies more aerodynamics, more flips and spin, and better control. The skateboard sizes of 7.75 to 8.25 inches would be perfect for them. Another advantage that this would offer is that with its lighter feel, you can perform tricks faster than you would have with a heavier one. The downside is that there will be lesser space for the feet on the deck.
For skateboard riders that skate on
- Big bowls
- Handrails
- Staircases
- Large gaps on terrains
A much more expansive skateboard deck is required, and that will mean getting a skateboard within the range of 8.25 to 9.0 inches in deck width. This will give them more speed and the ability to move through irregular surfaces without falling off or experiencing fall-offs. The advantage is that you will be more stable standing on them than you would have with one of lesser size.
Skateboards that will be used for transportation should be within the 9.0 inches category to cruise at great speed and accelerate on road surfaces. In general, it is essential to note that narrower skateboards will find it very easy to perfect tricks such as ollies without much effort. The wider ones can do the same, but it will take extra practice and effort for any rider to achieve that.
With Respect to Experience
The amateurs in the skateboard game are always advised to get skateboards that are within their age range. It will be perfect for children that are trying out skateboarding for the very first time. For riders that are 10 years and under, they can learn with a Junior-sized skateboard, giving them the allowance to perfect their stability pose according to how their legs fit in with their deck.
Older skateboarders can freestyle with a full-sized skateboard that is wider than 7.7 inches. These standard types will allow more foot space for control and stability with a great feel that any rider can rely on to improve their game. It also has more room for error and fewer chances of an accident occurring at any point during a ride. Expert riders will find these to be handy for their game.
Considerations for Skateboard Types
Apart from looking at the sizes of skateboards, riders should also mind the type of skateboard that will suit their game before entering the market to get one. We will look at the different types of skateboards and which category of riders they will be suitable for.
Standard Skateboards
A standard skateboard will be at the top of recommendations made for any rider that is relatively new to the game. It is built with wheels that are hard and shaped like popsicle sticks. The designs for standard skateboards consider the various places that their riders will like to learn and perfect their game, such as parks, street surfaces and other hard surface areas.
This skateboard group is designed to withstand the impact of falls and accidents from the people who ride them. This is done to ensure that serious injury does not happen to the rider on such occasions. Their wheels are built to absorbs shocks from falls when their riders perform their tricks and flips.
Cruiser Skateboards
For skateboarders that like travelling in style with their skateboard, this is the category of skateboard that you should be taking a look at. They have the exact design specifications of the standard skateboard, but they have different shapes, unlike the standard skateboard. Their skateboard wheels are built to be softer to encourage rapid acceleration with faster rolling on harsh surfaces.
People that ride on these kinds of skateboards can travel long distances with the ability to navigate through any surface while maintaining good speed.
Longboards
Are you looking for a wide board suitable for anybody to learn and improve their game? One shouldn’t look further than the longboard. They are perfect skateboards that are built for easy and unhinged cruising at outstanding speeds. Longboards also have more expansive deck surfaces to enable their riders to gain proper balance while learning to work on their skills. You can use this type of skateboard to travel through urban roads and down steep hills.
Longboard wheels are soft, just like the cruisers, but they have a thicker deck built to sustain balance for their riders. They are perfect for beginners or riders hoping to start again after a long time of not skating.
Old school Skateboards
These are skateboards that are designed with kicktails and a flat nose. When designed to be asymmetrical, they possess a broad nose. They are designed to be suitable for skateboard games at skating pools and ramps. Experts will love the feel and the terrific tricks that can be performed using this category of skateboard.
Which skateboard should be bought between a Custom and a Prebuilt Skateboard?
Choosing between a custom made skateboard, and a prebuilt skateboard should come from the level of expertise that a particular rider possesses. For beginners in the game, a pre-built skateboard will make an excellent choice as it has already been designed with characteristics that will help perfect their game. It’s also very affordable than the custom-made ones.
Custom made skateboard types are for riders that are experts in the game. This means that their parts were handpicked by their riders to suit their skill type, trick styles and other features they want to add to their game. However, they are very much expensive than the pre-built types due to the unique selections that are made for them. Expert skaters don’t just buy their equipment. They build them themselves.
Conclusion
Selecting a skateboard that will suit one’s game is a very tough task that any rider will have to undertake for themselves. Riders can only decide after considering the various components of their game that they will love to produce. This will go a very long way in impacting their development as skateboarders. The length, width and feel of the deck will be vital in influencing the part of the game any rider wishes to work on.
Whatever the case, riders should not shy away from making a resolute decision for the type of skateboard that will match their game perfectly and allow them deliver quality trick outputs.