How to Choose the Right Size Skateboard

Skateboarding is an extreme sport -- it can be extremely exciting and extremely dangerous. Skateboarders need to take many precautions to stay safe. The first precaution is selecting a skateboard that is the right size for the rider. Taking a few extra steps to choose a skateboard of the right size will keep you safe and make you a better skateboarder.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide what kind of skateboard riding you'll do. The three main types of skateboarding are vert, also known as ramp skating; street skating; and all-around skating, which is a combination of the two.

    • 2

      Measure your height in inches with a tape measure.

    • 3

      Go to a sporting goods store and try out skateboards in the size range for your height. Refer to a skateboard sizing chart (see Resources) to help you determine what size skateboard you should be considering.

    • 4

      Put the skateboard on the ground and stand on it. Make sure the deck is the right width for your style of skateboarding. Wide decks tend to be used for vert/ramp skating, narrower decks for street skating. The skateboard you buy should be one with which you're completely comfortable.