How to Know Your Skateboard Deck Size

Though no one receives the official credit for inventing the sport of skateboarding, it was created in the 1950s in California by surfers who were looking to challenge themselves on the pavement. Skateboards have come a long way from when they were merely wooden crates nailed attached to roller skating blades. Today, skateboards come in an array of shapes and sizes. It is important to know the deck size of your skateboard. Shorter, thinner decks are recommended for younger, smaller riders, while larger decks are recommended for adults. A simple measurement will tell you what you are riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Skateboard
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

  1. Deck Width

    • 1

      Place the tape measure on one edge near the center of your board.

    • 2

      Extend the tape measure to the opposite edge of the skateboard.

    • 3

      Read the result in inches. There are different widths associated with skateboards. The average deck width is 7.5 to 8.25 inches.

    Deck Length

    • 4

      Extend the measuring tape from one end of the skateboard to the other. This measurement is slightly different because the nose and the tail of the skateboard deck are curved.

    • 5

      Press on each end of the measuring tape and get the tape as close to flush with the nose and tail of the deck as possible.

    • 6

      Read the measuring tape. An average deck is 28 to 32 inches long. Combine the figures from Section 1 to determine the size of your deck, for example, 8 inches by 30.