Choosing the right skateboard can be complicated, especially considering we have different heights and shoe sizes. Learning some basic concepts, such as how long is a normal skateboard, will allow you to tell what is suitable for your skating style.
If you’re a beginner or a newbie who is just getting into skateboarding, you’ve come to the right place. As you read further, you’ll find all the necessary information you need to know about skateboard sizing. So let’s get rolling!
Table of Contents
How Long is a Skateboard?
The normal skateboards size is suitable for various skateboarding styles. Here are the average skateboard length and width:
Length: A skateboard’s length can be measured from its nose to tail. The average size is 28’’- 32’’.
Width: Skateboard decks are typically between 7.5′′ and 8.25′′ wide. The width is influenced by the skater’s foot size and riding style. Big skaters prefer a wider deck, while street skaters prefer smaller decks.
Now you might be wondering “what’s the best skateboard size for me?”
It’s all about the preferences. It all depends on your riding style. So if you’re a beginner, make sure to determine what kind of skateboarding style you will pursue. Gladly, we’re here to help you to sort out and select the right skateboard for your preference.
Pro tip: Choose a skateboard deck by width, not by
Sizing Recommendations
There are various skateboard dimensions, but like what we’ve stated earlier, it’s all about the preferences of your skateboarding style, so don’t be afraid to try new things.
But still, guidelines will provide the ideal skateboard deck size for you to have an efficient ride. Also, for parents, a skateboard size chart will help determine the next step or the next skateboard to choose for their growing child. Here, we have the different sizes that may be suitable for your height and shoe size.
Below are the sizing recommendations:
Extra Small Deck: This is recommended for skaters aged 5 years old and below, who are 3’5” tall.
- Width: 6.5 – 6.75 inches
- Length: 27.2 – 27.6 inches
Small Deck: This is recommended for skaters aged 6 to 8 years old, up to 4’4’’ in height, and shoe sizes from 4-6.
- Width: 7 inches
- Length: 28 inches
Medium Deck: This is recommended for skaters aged 9-12 years old, 4’55’’ and 5’2’’ in height, and shoe sizes from 7-8
- Width: 7.3 inches
- Length: 29 inches
Large Deck: This is recommended for skaters aged 13 years and over, over 5’33” in height, and shoe sizes from 9 and up.
- Width: 7.5+ inches
- Length: 29+ inches
Things to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard Based on Its Deck
Body Height
Consider your body type and size when selecting a skateboard according to your preference. To put it another way, if you’re of average height, you should skate on a smaller board. A full-size board is recommended for adults who are over five feet and 6 inches tall.
Although the length of skateboard of street skaters seems to be the same, the width is the noticeable difference in comparing the skateboard decks. You may like this chart, which will give you the basic sizing recommendations, based only on heights:
| Height | Recommended Deck Size (Width) |
| 5”6 and up | 8.00” to 8.50” |
| 4”6 to 5”6 | 7.75” to 8.00” |
| 4”6 and below | 7.25” to 7.75” |
Size of Shoes
The size of shoes is the key aspect for determining the appropriate deck width. An ideal fit between the foot and deck is required while turning, doing an ollie, or other complex maneuvers. An ideal fit is like the image below:
Pro tip: Consider choosing comfortable skating shoes of your choice. The sole must have an excellent grip for a better experience.
Skateboarding Style
In skateboarding, one of the first things you must do is determining the kind of skating style you want to pursue. There are several styles to choose from: street skating, skating in parks, cruising, and longboarding.
Having a thorough understanding of your preferred style can guide you in identifying the right and suitable normal skateboard size.
If you ride your board in parks, vert, and pools, your style is “transition skating.” Wide decks will suit this purpose. Such decks are also preferable by skaters because of their stability and surface area.
On the other hand, narrow boards (under 8 inches in width) will suit those who like lightweight decks, flip tricks, and street freestyling. Here, we have some skateboards dimensions (width) that are preferable for experienced skaters, grouped according to styles:
- 7.5 – 8 inches: Standard deck, primarily for adult skaters, suitable for street skating or complex tricks.
- 8.0 – 8.25 inches: Preferable for skating ramps, parks, and pools
- 8.25 inches or larger: Suitable for cruising or an old school style, vert and pools.
Conclusion
It might be confusing at the start, but as you progress, you’ll certainly know for yourself how long is a normal skateboard and which size suits your preferences, height, and skating styles. These aspects are the factors you must consider in choosing a suitable skateboard.
There may be differences between skateboards, and each of them complements different styles and, importantly, tastes. So, the best recommendation for you is to try various sizes to find something comfortable and suitable for yourself.
If you find this article interesting, would you like to share it with your friends or co-skaters? Happy skating!
I am Michael, and I have been enjoying this fun sport for seven years. And nothing is better than having a community to share our passion for those thrilling tricks. I am ready to tell you all I know about skateboarding, showing you how to choose a good board and trick to start and how the practice goes. Stay tuned!