Skateboarding is often seen as a sport for the slim and agile. But, can overweight people skate too? It’s time to change the views that have limited inclusive skateboarding. Andy Duran, who weighs more than 300 pounds, shows skateboarding is for everyone. He skated fine in high school at 250 pounds. Duran created Chub Rollz, a club that makes skating inclusive.
Chub Rollz started in January 2021 and has changed many views. It offers a safe place for plus-size skaters. With 20 skaters joining meetings every month and global online chats, the club fights for everyone’s right to skate. They had their first face-to-face session in March 2021. This shows people’s desire for real interactions. The club grows by welcoming everyone, telling overweight skate fans to ride without fear.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboarding is a sport that should be accessible to people of all sizes.
- Andy Duran founded Chub Rollz to promote inclusive skateboarding and provide a safe space for plus-size skaters.
- There is a significant interest in inclusive skateboarding; Chub Rollz attracts both in-person and virtual participants from the U.S. and beyond.
- Many skateboards have weight limitations below 300 pounds, but this shouldn’t deter overweight skateboarders.
- Inclusive skateboarding communities like Chub Rollz challenge stereotypes and promote physical activity among overweight individuals.
Understanding Skateboarding and Weight Limits
Knowing about skateboard weight limits is key, especially for those who weigh more. Standard skateboards can hold 200 to 250 pounds. If you’re heavier than this, the board might break and lead to accidents.
Heavier riders need strong skateboards. Brands like Sector 9, Landyachtz, and Santa Cruz have gear for those over the usual weight limit. Longboards can carry up to 330 pounds, making them a safer option for heavier skaters.
Shortboards and cruisers are for those under 200 pounds. But there are skateboards made for people over 300 pounds. Electric skateboards can also support up to 330 pounds, bringing extra fun for heavier riders.
The deck’s material and design impact how much weight a skateboard can hold. Regular decks are for riders up to 220 pounds. Grip tape and bearings play a small part but are still important for the skateboard to work well.
If you’re a heavier skater, it’s important to pick the right board. Skateboards from Sector 9 and Landyachtz are built for extra support. They also make skating smoother. When you know about weight limits, you can skate safely and confidently, no matter your weight.
Benefits of Skateboarding for Overweight Individuals
Skateboarding is not just fun; it helps overweight people get healthier. Including skateboarding in your life boosts heart health, important for losing weight and staying fit.
When you skateboard, your heart works harder, and blood flows better. This makes your heart stronger. Studies show skateboarding lowers heart disease risk by working out many muscles, including your legs, core, and arms. It’s like doing a full-body workout, making you stronger and more enduring.
Skateboarding also increases your flexibility and coordination. It’s good for your mind and body, making you more aware of your surroundings. And, you can burn up to 800 calories an hour! It helps you lose weight, stay agile, and keeps your bones strong.
It’s not all about the body, though. Skateboarding lifts your mood and relieves stress. Learning new tricks builds confidence. This makes you feel good and helps keep you active.
Skateboarding is great for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. It’s a fun way to work out, burn calories, and lose weight. For more info, check out this resource.
- Improved cardiovascular health by elevating heart rate.
- Enhanced muscle strength, especially in the legs and core.
- Increased flexibility and coordination.
- Effective calorie burning, aiding weight loss.
- Boosted bone density, reducing osteoporosis risk.
- Better reflexes and reaction time.
- Significant mental health benefits like stress relief and improved mood.
- High versatility and inclusion for all fitness levels.
Skateboarding leads to a healthier lifestyle. It’s a fun way to get fit, whether you want to lose weight or just be healthier. Skateboarding offers a complete and fun way to get there.
Tips for Overweight Beginners to Start Skateboarding
Starting to skateboard can be a great journey, even for those who are overweight. By picking the right gear, anyone can dive into this thrilling sport. Let’s go over some tips for heavier beginner skateboarders:
Choose the Right Skateboard: It’s essential to get a strong skateboard if you’re a heavier beginner. Looking into a detailed skateboard buying guide is wise. You’ll want a deck that’s at least 8.5 inches wide. Boards like the Powell Peralta Flight Deck and Dwindle Impact are famous for holding up well.
Understanding Board Dimensions and Durability: If you’re heavier, you’ll need a tougher board:
| Material | Deck Layers | Price Range | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powell Peralta Flight Deck | 7 Layers | $180 – $200 | Up to 8 times longer lifespan |
| Dwindle Impact | 8 Layers | $90 – $190 | High |
| Lithe Slate 3 | Varied Layers | $200 | High |
Choose the Right Protective Gear: Keeping safe is top priority. Make sure to get fitting helmets, pads, and gloves. Triple Eight has top-notch gear for bigger riders.
Selecting Bushings and Trucks: For a smooth ride, pick the right bushings. Here’s what to consider:
- Up to 175 lbs: 87a flexy to 90a stiff
- Up to 200 lbs: 90a flexy to 93a stiff
- Up to 225 lbs: 93a flexy to 95a stiff
- Up to 250 lbs: 95a flexy to 97a stiff
- Up to 275 lbs: 97a flexy to 100a stiff
Bones Hardcore bushings are recommended for their long-lasting quality. The trucks should match your board size, typically 139mm to 159mm for bigger decks.
Basic Techniques: Begin with fundamental skills like balancing, pushing, and turning. Start practicing on flat, smooth areas. Key to success is to keep at it and be consistent.
Following these tips will set you off confidently on your skateboarding adventure. Always prioritize safety by wearing your gear. For more help, check out a skateboard buying guide or chat with skilled skateboarders nearby.
Safety Considerations for Overweight Skateboarders
Overweight skateboarders must focus on skateboarding safetyprotective gear like helmets and pads is crucial. This gear helps avoid serious injuries while skateboarding.
Choosing a suitable skateboard is vital for heavier riders. They should get a wider deck, which is better for balance. Powell-Peralta flight decks are great because they’re very strong. They also recommend 54mm wheels for more stability and hard bushings for better control.
Here’s a simple guide for overweight skateboarders on what to choose:
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Deck Width | 8.5 inches or more |
| Wheel Size | 54mm |
| Bushings | Hard |
| Trucks | Independent 159 |
Heavier riders should check their skateboards every few months. The pressure they put on it means parts wear out faster. Brands like Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz make durable skateboards.
It’s important to skate at your own speed. Stay away from busy streets and packed places. Most skating accidents happen there. By keeping these tips in mind, you can skate safely and have fun.
Finding Supportive Communities and Resources
For overweight people, finding the right skateboarding communities can make a big difference. Groups like Chub Rollz are key in creating a welcoming and accepting space. They fight against negativity and stereotypes, offering a place where everyone is welcome to learn and enjoy skateboarding.
Joining these skateboarding clubs brings many good things. You get physical and mental health benefits. A study from Johns Hopkins University showed kids who skate or bike often are less likely to be overweight as adults.
Skate parks also do good for the places they’re in. For example, in Long Beach, after they built a skate park, violent crime dropped by 29.3%. And all crimes decreased by 22.8%. This shows that skateboarding places are not just fun. They also help make communities safer.
Being in skateboarding clubs helps you make friends, get better at skating, and join a big group that values everyone. It’s about sharing a healthy and happy way of life.
Inspirational Stories from Overweight Skateboarders
Steve Osborne is known as Black Ninja in the skateboarding world. Despite being overweight, he’s been a key figure for more than 15 years. He started in 2011 with his first YouTube video. Soon, he caught the eye of many and now has over 250,000 followers. His story shows us how dedication and love for something can help us overcome obstacles.
Black Ninja has not only found fame but also earned well from skateboarding. At his best, he made about $9,000 a month from YouTube. Nowadays, he earns about $400 a month. His content has grown to focus more on his skateboarding passion. He has moved away from early humor to create videos that many can enjoy.
One of his most popular videos shows Andy Schrock’s son dancing. It has been viewed 3 to 4 million times. Black Ninja’s commitment to skateboarding highlights its welcoming nature. He has had incredible experiences, from breaking tables on Twitch streams to riding for big brands like Zoo York. His story encourages us to never stop trying and to always push our limits.
These stories show that anyone can skateboard, no matter their size. Skateboarding can improve balance, coordination, and fitness. By telling tales like Black Ninja’s, we want to motivate you. Grab a skateboard, follow your passion, and face challenges without worrying about your body shape.
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!