Anyone who loves thrill and adventures has come across skateboarding ideas at least once in their life. Activities like this never go out of style. The truth is, it keeps on innovating and giving people like you a chance to enjoy it more.
And with the advancement of skateboards come more specifications for you to pick the best one. So, you head to the skateboard store and ask the staff, “what size longboard skateboard should I get?”.
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What Sizes Do Skateboards Come With?
The dimensions of skateboards vary from one to another. They are not proportionate and match different measurements for a single size. Hence, you should check on a per measurement basis because it will land you on the best one. Read the following skateboard details below:
Deck width
The width of your board varies based on different aspects like your age, for instance. For children aging 8y/o or younger, a 7-inch deck is enough. A skateboard as wide as 7.5″ fits people aged 9-12. Anything beyond a 7.5″ deck width would be ideal for those aging 13y/o and above.
Not only does deck width matter with age but with your shoe size as well. If your shoes measure 6″ or smaller, it’s great to have a 7-inch deck board. For people whose shoes are as big as 6-8, they can have a 7.5-inch one. Any skateboard wider than 7.5″ is good for guys having a 9″ foot size or higher.
Height is also relevant when choosing skateboard sizes. People standing 4’4 or smaller are good with a 7″ deck size. The taller ones at 4’5-5’2 can have a 7.5″ one. If you stand 5’3 or taller, choose a deck wider than 7.5″.
Note that these width measurements also apply to longboards.
Board Length
Skateboard dimensions are not uniform for a single measurement. The length of skateboards does not matter as much as the deck width. However, varying skateboard lengths may suggest different levels of comfort and ease of ride.
If you happen to distinguish these features, then you should also focus on this aspect. Skateboard lengths measure between 28″-32″, and usually, only advanced skateboard users pay much attention to that.
We get more detailed with the longboards because these impose more length compatibility. The distinguishing factor among longboard lengths lies in your style, which is as follows:
1. Freeride
This trail requires stability since you will be going through hills with some sharp turns at moderate speed. With this, you should have one with a length between 38″ and 42″. It will help you retain posture even on rough surfaces. Consider this link for your reference.
2. Downhill
Going through this trajectory can be dangerous for some intermediate and beginner skateboarders. Downhill trails usually make you run at around 40mph to 50mph. Professional skaters use a 36-inch longboard, while others use 40″ longboards for safety and stability reasons.
3. Chilling
When cruising around your campus and village streets, you get a broad length range. Anything that measures between 28″ to 46″ is good. The shorter ones help you make sharp turns and angles. Those boards at the long end are ideal for stability.
Other than the width and length measurements of your skateboard, there are some more aspects you should also consider. These may not be quantifiable but are relevant in choosing the size of your skateboards.
Symmetrical vs Directional
Directional skateboards fit well with people who cruise and take carves and downhill frequently. On the other hand, symmetrical-shaped skateboards work well with freerides and freestyle skateboarders. Knowing these, you can assess the shape you want with your longboard under 100.
Board flex
Skateboard decks can either be stiff, medium, or soft. This aspect features the capacity of your skateboard to absorb shocks and give you stability.
Style
The style of your skateboards does not necessarily refer to their shape. According to increasing stability, you can choose among top-mount, drop-through, drop deck, and twofold top.
Remember to avail yourself of the best combination of style, stability, and safety when choosing skateboard length. By this time, you should already be deciding on the kind of ride you’ll have most of the time.
Longboard Construction
The material composition of your longboard may also be relevant when choosing its length. For instance, if you want optimum stability but you are hesitant to buy a skateboard that’s too long for you, you can opt for the ones constructed well. Below are some of the best deck materials fit for you.
- Maple and Baltic Birch Wood
Most skateboard decks come with Maple and Baltic veneer sheets glued and stacked up over each other. Note that there is no specific number of veneer layers that make a perfect skateboard deck. But more layers create a stiffer and denser skateboard deck.
- Bamboo
Another material that’s also famous for skateboards is bamboo. These laminates come with fiberglass or composite wraps, producing a medium to lightweight board. Skateboards with bamboo decks have spring-like characteristics and have a soft to medium flex ability.
- Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is one of the most expensive board deck materials. It uses a combination of bamboo and foam, making a lightweight core wrapped in composite materials for a sturdier finish. This type of deck is ideal for downhill riders because of its weight and stiffness.
- Customizing a skateboard
Maybe at some point, you thought of revamping your skateboard. Included in your ideas is cutting your first-bought deck to make it look like your new one. Consider the following steps to guide you towards re-shaping your skateboards. For simplicity, let’s name your old skateboard as “A” and “B” for the new one.
- Remove both the skateboards’ trucks to have a clear vision of the decks and a seamless job.
- Wrap A’s sides with masking tape so you won’t have to leave writing marks on them. Put enough tape to cover the edge up to the surface where cutting will take place.
- Place B over A and begin tracing it. Be sure to keep B stable so A would have a perfect duplication of it.
- Start cutting the A using a jigsaw. Trim the grip tapes, or you can replace them entirely.
- Use a wood sanding machine to refine the edges of the newly cut board.
- Attach the trucks of skateboard A and do a test ride to see improvements on it.
You can do so many modifications to your skateboards. But if you feel unconfident about doing it, consider seeking advice or watching tutorials from professional skateboarders. Check this video to learn more.
Conclusion
Your imagination is the limit when trying to achieve your dream skateboard. May it be buying a new one or modifying your old boards, always prioritize what suits you. Remember to keep these things in mind to put everything into balance.
- Style
- Safety
- Stability
That way, the next time you ask, “what size longboard skateboard should I get?” you will know what to consider. How do you find this article? Leave your insights in the comments section.
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.