Finding the perfect skateboard deck size is key for nailing flip tricks with ease. It matters whether you’re a beginner or aiming to get better. This flip tricks skateboard guide will help you pick the optimal skateboard size. It looks at deck width, length, and how you skate. A well-picked board not only raises your confidence but also gives you a smooth, easy ride.
The right board size improves your balance and coordination. This is really important for doing flip tricks well. Consider your shoe size and height to find your perfect deck size. If you need more help choosing, this expert guide has more details.
Key Takeaways
- Deck widths between 7.75 and 8.5 inches are preferred for street skateboarding and flip tricks.
- Skateboard length ranges from 28 to 33 inches for most street decks.
- Micro boards (6.5–6.75 inches) are suitable for young skaters under age 6.
- Narrow decks are ideal for younger or smaller skaters.
- Personal preference and skating style are key factors in choosing the right skateboard size.
- Wider decks (8.25 inches and over) are more stable and better for transition skating.
- Experimenting with different sizes can help fine-tune your choice as your style evolves.
Understanding Flip Tricks and Board Size \
The size and shape of your skateboard greatly affect how well you perform flip tricks. A skateboard’s maneuverability, key for flip tricks, depends on its deck size and shape.
To pick the right skateboard size, you need to know how its dimensions match your height and shoe size. For younger or smaller riders, a narrower deck makes control easier. Meanwhile, medium-width decks suit street skating and various flip tricks well. And decks wider than 8.25 inches are stable, great for pool or ramp skating.
How wide your skateboard is matters a lot. Micro boards are 6.5 to 6.75 inches wide, perfect for kids under 6. A width between 7.75 and 8.5 inches is best for street skateboarding, as it offers a good mix of control and stability.
The skateboard’s length also plays a role in flip tricks. Most street skateboards are 28 to 33 inches long. Your height and foot size should guide you in choosing a deck width, with bigger riders possibly preferring an 8.0 to 8.25-inch deck and smaller riders a 7.375 to 8.0-inch deck.
In essence, knowing how the size of your skateboard impacts flips helps pick the best size for you. Choosing the right deck size paves the way for top performance in your skateboard flips.
Ideal Board Width for Flip Tricks** \
Choosing the perfect skateboard width for flip tricks is crucial. For top flip tricks, skateboards narrower than 8 inches work best.
- 7.00″ to 7.50″: Perfect for young riders.
- 7.50″ to 8.00″: Good for teenagers and adults on street terrain or for technical tricks.
- 8.00″ to 8.50″: Great for all-round street and transition areas like parks and rails.
- 8.50″ and up: Best for big street tricks, transitions, and cruising.
Remember, even a small change in board width, like 0.25 inches, can greatly change how a skateboard feels. This is due to the board’s shape and its concave.
| Width | Length | Wheel Base |
|---|---|---|
| 7.25″ | 29.50″ | 12.50″ |
| 7.50″ | 31.12″ | 14.00″ |
| 7.75″ | 31.12″ | 14.00″ |
| 8.00″ | 31.38″ | 14.00″ |
| 8.25″ | 32.00″ | 14.38″ |
For street skating and tricks, a width between 7.75 and 8.5 inches is best. This size gives you a good mix of control and stability for precise tricks. Boards over 8.25 inches are often picked for ramps and pool skating.
It’s important to choose a skateboard for tricks that suits your skate style and body size. Younger skaters do well with shorter decks. However, the length of the deck doesn’t impact performance as much as the width does.
- 7.00 – 7.375 inches for skaters under 6 years old and 3’5″ or shorter.
- 7.375 – 8.0 inches for ages 6 to 12 and heights between 3’5″ to 5’2″.
- 8.0 – 8.25 inches for those 13 and up and over 5’3″ tall.
- 8.0+ inches for adults taller than 5’3″ with US men’s shoe sizes of 9.5+ and women’s sizes of 11+.
Choose wisely, as a too-wide board makes control harder, and a too-narrow one can mess with your balance. The perfect skateboard width feels right under your feet while doing flip tricks.
Board Length and Its Impact on Flip Tricks \
The length of a skateboard hugely affects how well you do flip tricks. While many focus on the board’s width, its length also shapes your skating style. Street skateboards vary in length from 28 inches to 33 inches, which suits both new and pro skaters.
For beginners, a short board can be easier to handle, helping you learn basic tricks faster. More experienced riders might like longer boards for better stability, especially for complex tricks. Experts believe that choosing the correct board size is key to nailing flip tricks. Select the right skateboard size for the best performance.
Here is a comparative table showing different skateboard length recommendations:
| Experience Level | Recommended Skateboard Length |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 28 – 30 inches |
| Intermediate | 30 – 32 inches |
| Advanced | 31 – 33 inches |
Choosing the right skateboard length matters for your tricks. Short boards are great for tight turns and quick flips, perfect for street skating. Longer boards, however, provide stability for ramp and transition skating. Keep these professional skateboarding tips in mind when picking your board’s length.
Deck Material and Its Importance \
The type of material you pick for your skateboard deck plays a big role in how long it will last and how well it performs. People often choose maple wood, bamboo, or carbon fiber for their decks. Each has its perks. Maple wood decks are strong and can take a lot of impacts without breaking.
If you’re into street skating and doing technical tricks, bamboo decks are a smart choice because they’re light and bendy. Carbon fiber decks are the strongest. They’re perfect for advanced skateboarding because they’re both super strong and light. Knowing about these materials helps you pick the best deck for your skateboarding style.
Let’s look at the sizes and materials of deck from different brands:
| Brand | Model | Dimensions (Width x Length) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker | 8.25″ x 31.875″ | Maple Wood | |
| Powell Peralta | 9.13″ x 32.8″ | Maple Wood | |
| Jacuzzi Unlimited | 8.5″ x 32.3″ | Bamboo | |
| Creature Skateboards | 8.6″ x 32.11″ | Maple Wood | |
| April | 8.0″ x 31.91″ | Carbon Fiber |
When picking a skateboard deck, think about how the material affects its weight, bendiness, and strength. A good skateboard deck doesn’t just last through many tricks. It also helps you skate better by giving you more control and smoothness. Think about these things carefully when you choose.
Tail and Nose Shapes for Optimal Performance \
The shape of a skateboard’s nose and tail is super important. It makes doing tricks and skateboarding well easier. A good skateboard tail design makes ollies and flip tricks simpler. The right skateboard nose shape boosts your control and performance.
Different tail shapes have different perks. A square tail provides a big surface area, great for stable landings. On the flip side, a rounded tail gives a smooth pop, perfect for enhancing skateboarding tricks.
There are also different nose shapes, and they affect how the skateboard moves. A pointed nose is sleek and quick, great for fast, technical tricks. But, a blunt nose is tops for nose slides and works well in manual tricks.
When picking a skateboard, think about how the skateboard nose shape and skateboard tail design fit your skate style. The right shapes can really help you improve your tricks and skate better.
Skill Level Considerations for Board Size \
Finding the right skateboard size depends on how skilled you are. If you’re new, you’ll want a stable, wider deck. But if you’re advanced, a narrower board is best for cool tricks.
Street decks vary from 7.5 to 8.5 inches wide. For vert and bowl skating, they range from 8.5 to 9 inches. Small riders might like street decks between 7.5 to 8 inches. Larger riders often go for 8 to 8.5 inches. In vert and bowl skating, smaller folks might pick decks from 8.5 to 9 inches. And, larger riders find 9 to 10 inches better.
Choosing a board also means thinking about what you’ll use it for. Beginners usually get wheels from 50mm to 54mm for a mix of stability and speed. Smaller wheels, from 48mm to 53mm, work well for street skating. They’re easy to move around with. Large wheels, from 54mm to 60mm, are great for cruising and park skating because they’re smooth.
Don’t forget to consider your weight and height:
| Height | Recommended Board Size |
|---|---|
| 4ft 6in or shorter | 7.25” – 7.75” |
| 4ft 6in to 5ft 6in | 7.75” – 8.00” |
| 5ft 6in or taller | 8.00” – 8.50” |
| Weight | Recommended Board Size |
|---|---|
| 45 lbs and under | 6.5” – 6.75” (Micro) |
| 46 lbs to 59 lbs | 7.00″ – 7.50″ (Mini/Small) |
| 60 lbs to 101 lbs | 7.50″ – 8.00″ (Mid Size) |
| 102 lbs to 152 lbs | 8.00″ – 8.50″ (Full Size) |
| 153 lbs and over | 8.50″ and up (Full Size) |
Considering your skill level and size helps pick the right board. This ensures you have fun and make good progress, whether you’re a beginner or advanced skater. The right size board makes a big difference.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Skateboard \
Finding the right skateboard means looking beyond size. It involves considering your skating style and where you’ll skate—like on streets, ramps, parks, or just cruising. Each place requires different board features for the best performance and comfort.
Start by thinking about your skating level and age. Younger or beginner skaters do well with smaller boards for more control. As you improve or grow, a larger deck might be better for tricks due to more stability and space. For kids under six, a deck width of 7.0-7.375 inches works well. Ages six to twelve should look for boards 7.375-8.0 inches wide. Adults often choose boards 8.0 to 8.5 inches wide for better stability.
The material and shape of the skateboard are key too. Decks are usually made from seven to nine layers of maple plywood. Seven-ply decks offer flexibility for tricks, while eight or nine-ply decks are stronger for ramps and bigger riders. The classic popsicle shape is great for street and park skating, and cruiser shapes are ideal for smooth, easy rides.
Consider wheel hardness and size as well. Hard wheels work best on smooth skatepark surfaces, and softer wheels are good for rougher ground, helpful for cruising or travel. When selecting a skateboard, aim for trusted brands like Baker, Santa Cruz, and Zero. They ensure your board is a lasting investment, providing quality and durability. This way, your skateboard can last from months to years with the right care, enhancing your skating journey.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!