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When it comes to choosing the right skateboard, size matters. The width of your skateboard that is. Width can have a big impact on how comfortable you are riding and how well you can perform tricks. A board that is too wide can make it difficult to perform fast flip tricks, while a narrow deck can make turning and carving more difficult. So what is the right skateboard size for you? Let's find out!
[Here are the 6 best beginner skateboards for adults.]
Does it matter what size skateboard I get?
It definitely matters what size skateboard you get. And by 'skateboard deck size', we are referring to the width.
A smaller width board is better for doing tricks, while a larger-width board is better for cruising around. Whatever size you choose, make sure the deck (the part you stand on) is big enough for your feet - you don't want your toes hanging over the edge.
To answer the question of what the best skateboard size is, the absolute easiest way is to look at your shoe size and the style of skating you'll be doing...
Choosing your Skateboard size - Skateboard Size Chart:
Use the chart above to gauge what skateboard deck size might be best suited to you.
If you have smaller feet and wear kid's sizes from 4 to 6, start out with a deck width of 7 to 7.5 inches. If you wear adult shoes size 8 to 12, pick skate decks that are between 7.75" and 8.25" (8" is often a great middle ground starting point if you are unsure). From adult shoe size 12 onwards it basically just comes down to personal preference and what you will be skating.
In the chart above we have clustered these into ride styles to make things easier. If you are transition skating we would recommend 8.25" as a good starting point. For vert ramps, we'd recommend looking in the same range as the pool/cruiser section in the chart above.
General Tips for choosing the right size skateboard
In general, skaters who like to do flip tricks and more technical tricks, usually prefer boards on the narrower side of the spectrum (7.75 – 8.25 inches). This is due to the boards being lighter in weight and spinning (rotating) quicker.
Those who skate big bowls, hand rails, or like to jump down large gaps and stairs are more comfortable with a wider board (8.25 – 9.0 inches). Wider decks are more comfortable and stable than those with a smaller width, and therefore are also great for cruising and transportation. These wider decks, however, are heavier and spin slower when performing tricks.
Smaller kids will want a smaller deck when starting out, something between 7.0" to 7.5".
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to try out different sizes to find out what works best for you. If you have a local skate shop it might be worthwhile heading down and physically getting a feel for the boards. There’s no exact science about deck size – only personal preference.
[These are the best skater shoes for women.]
But what about skateboard deck length?
Generally skateboards are around 31-32" in length. This varies slighlty depending on the width, brand or shape of the board. In reality though it dosen't really matter unless you are an advanced, technical skater. Even then, its more about wheel base than overall board length.
What size skateboard do I need for my height?
As we mentioned above, the best way is to go by shoe size. With this in mind, usually the smaller the shoe, the smaller your height and vice versa.
[Need some new high top skate shoes?]
How do I pick a new skateboard?
Now you have nailed the size width you need, you'll want to think about if you need wheels and trucks too. We are assuming that is a YES as you are on this page. This fully set up board would be called a 'complete skateboard'. We made a whole article on how to pick the best beginner skateboards, but for a quick reference here's our top 3 picks:
-
💰
Best Value
Stoked Ride Shop Complete 
- Why it's rad: Hand built in CA. Dragon BUILT Bearings are a premium bearing and the tool + wax are a rad bonus to round out this great deal.
- Buy at Stoked Buy at Amazon
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👍🏼
Old+New
Santa Cruz Classic Dot 
- Why it's rad: Santa Cruz is a classic company with a heritage that goes back nearly to skateboarding's inception.
- Buy at Stoked Buy at Amazon
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🤙🏼
Staff Pick
Tony Hawk -
- Why it's rad: We remember playing with this board in Tony Hawk Pro Skater. While the components could be better, the deck is classic.
- Buy at Stoked Buy at Amazon
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
As we mentioned above, it ultimately depends on your riding style and preferences. Some skaters prefer smaller boards for increased maneuverability and faster flip tricks, while others find that larger boards provide more stability and better grind clearance. That said, an 8 inch size board is usually a good place to start.
When it comes to skateboards, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much a good skateboard should cost. The price of a skateboard depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the materials used, the brand name, and the features included.
Some skateboards may be made with cheaper materials in order to keep costs down, while others may use higher-quality materials for better performance. Similarly, some brands are more expensive than others due to their reputation or popularity. And finally, some skateboards come with more features than others, which can also affect the price.
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $200 for a good skateboard. However, if you are looking for the very best quality or are interested in a specific brand or feature, you may end up paying more. We would whole-heartedly recommend avoiding spending less than $70 on your complete.
In our experience there are no boards under $70 that are worthwhile. They offer very cheap components and usually they are made of cheaper wood like birch, that lacks pop and generally sucks the life out of the whole experience of skateboarding. Being the professionals we are, we are proud to offer the Stoked Ride Shop Blank Complete, fully built with quality components in our Southern California Warehouse. Each complete comes with a skate tool, skate wax and stickers to get you started, all for under $90.
Assuming you are talking about an 8.25" skateboard deck, this is likely a pretty good size for beginners. Ultimately, you should refer back to our size chart (above) to learn more.
[What are the lightest skateboard trucks?]
The size of your skateboard wheels does matter, as do soft v hard wheels. Not only does this affect your ability to perform certain tricks, but it also affects your speed and stability. Here's a breakdown of how wheel size can impact your skating experience:
- Smaller wheels (50-54mm) are great for street skating and performing technical tricks. They're also lighter, which makes them easier to maneuver. However, they aren't ideal for high speeds or long distances.
- Medium wheels (55-59mm) are the most versatile option. They're fast enough for skate parks and ramps, but still small enough for tricks.
- Large wheels (60mm+) are perfect for cruising and going fast. They make it easier to roll over cracks and small obstacles.
No matter what size wheels you choose, make sure they're compatible with your skateboard deck and trucks. We made this guide on street skateboard wheels to get your started.
When it comes to skateboards, there are two main types: narrow and wide. Each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here's a closer look at the two types of skateboards so you can decide which is right for you.
Narrow Skateboards
Narrow skateboards are typically around 7-8 inches wide. They're great for street skaters and performing tricks because they're more maneuverable than wider boards. Narrow boards are also lighter, making them easier to carry around with you.
However, narrow boards can be less stable than wider boards, so they may not be the best choice for cruising around town or going down hills.
Wide Skateboards
Wide skateboards are typically 8-10 inches wide. They're great for cruising around town or skating bowls because they're more stable and comfortable. Wide boards are also easier to balance on than narrower boards.
However, wide boards can be more difficult to maneuver than narrower boards. They're also heavier, making them more difficult to carry around with you.
We talked earlier about skateboard lenght not really being a factor you need to pay attention to unless you are an advanced, technical skater. that said, this only applies to shortboard style skating (park, street, vert, etc) and not longboard style skating. Longboarding is a different beast, with a whole new set of rules. Learn more about longboards in our longboard deck ultimate guide.
[Find out why your skateboard is slow.]
Most Maple Decks can comfortably take around 200lbs riders. Heavier riders will perhaps need to opt for a fibreglass reinforced deck, like the Powell Peralta Flight Series as these as very hard to break.
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