Skateboarding has come a long way since its early days in the 1950s, and today, there’s a vast range of skateboards, each designed for a specific purpose and skating style. One of the most important factors to consider when buying a skateboard is the width of the deck. The width of your skateboard deck affects how the board handles, how comfortable it feels, and how well you can perform tricks. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right width for your skateboard?
We will help you understand skateboard deck width and explain how to select the best size for you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, knowing what to look for in deck width will help you find the right skateboard to fit your needs.
What is Skateboard Deck Width?
The deck width refers to the measurement of the board from one side to the other, across the width of the skateboard. This measurement typically ranges from 7.25 inches to 8.75 inches or more, with most skateboard decks falling within this range. Deck width is one of the most important aspects of the board’s performance, as it directly influences stability, control, and maneuverability.
While there’s no universal “perfect” deck width for everyone, the best size for you depends on several factors such as your skating style, experience level, and personal preferences.
Why Does Deck Width Matter?
The width of the deck plays a crucial role in how the skateboard feels underfoot and how it performs. Here’s how the deck width affects different aspects of skating:
- Stability: Wider decks offer more stability, which is essential for skaters who enjoy cruising or riding on ramps. A wider deck provides more surface area to stand on, helping skaters feel more balanced and secure.
- Control: Narrower decks are generally easier to control for tricks, especially when performing technical maneuvers like flips, ollies, or grinds. A smaller deck is lighter and more responsive, making it ideal for street skaters.
- Comfort: A wider deck offers more comfort, especially for skaters who have larger feet. A deck that’s too narrow for your foot size can feel cramped and less comfortable when skating.
- Trick Performance: The width of your deck can affect how easy it is to perform certain tricks. If you’re looking to focus on technical tricks, a narrower deck will make it easier to flip the board. If you’re into downhill skating or riding bowls, a wider deck will provide more stability.
Now that you understand why deck width matters, let’s break down how to choose the best size for your needs.
How to Choose the Right Deck Width for You
Choosing the right skateboard deck width involves understanding your personal skating preferences, experience level, and the type of skateboarding you plan to do. Below, we’ll walk you through various factors to consider when determining the ideal deck width for you.
1. Your Skating Style
Your skating style plays a significant role in determining the best deck width. Here’s how different styles of skateboarding relate to deck width:
- Street Skating: Street skaters tend to prefer narrower decks, typically in the range of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. Smaller decks are lighter and more responsive, which makes them perfect for technical tricks like flips, grinds, and ollies. A narrower deck is also easier to flip, which is crucial for street skateboarding.
- Cruising and Commuting: If you plan on using your skateboard to cruise around town or commute, you’ll want a wider deck for added comfort and stability. A width between 8.0 and 8.5 inches is ideal for cruising, as it gives you a more stable platform to stand on. This width will also help absorb vibrations, giving you a smoother ride on rougher terrain.
- Ramp and Bowl Skating: For skating on ramps, bowls, and half-pipes, you’ll want a wider deck to provide more stability and control. A width between 8.0 and 8.5 inches or larger will allow you to maintain balance and carve more easily on transition surfaces. Wider decks give you more surface area to push against, which is important for carving and riding bowls.
- Downhill Skating: Downhill skaters generally prefer wider boards, as they offer more control and stability at higher speeds. Deck widths of 8.25 inches and beyond are ideal for downhill skateboarding. A larger deck gives skaters a more secure footing, which is essential when bombing hills or riding at high speeds.
Read More: What Is the Best Material for Skateboard Decks? A Beginner’s Guide
2. Your Shoe Size
Your foot size plays a significant role in determining the ideal deck width for you. If you have smaller feet, a narrower deck will provide better control and make it easier to perform technical tricks. On the other hand, if you have larger feet, you’ll want a wider deck for comfort and stability.
Here’s a simple guideline based on shoe size:
- Shoe Size 5-8: If your shoe size falls within this range, you’ll typically want a deck that’s 7.5 to 8.0 inches wide. A narrower deck will allow you to perform technical tricks more easily while still providing enough space for comfortable riding.
- Shoe Size 9-11: Skaters with a shoe size between 9 and 11 generally prefer a deck width of 8.0 to 8.25 inches. This size offers a good balance of comfort, control, and maneuverability for a variety of skating styles.
- Shoe Size 12+: If you have a larger foot, you’ll likely find that a deck width of 8.25 inches or wider is more comfortable and provides better control. A wider deck gives you a more stable platform to stand on and helps prevent your feet from feeling cramped.
3. Your Experience Level
If you’re a beginner, you may want to choose a wider deck to help with stability and balance. Wider decks are more forgiving and provide a larger surface area for your feet to land on, making it easier to maintain your footing while learning the basics.
Intermediate and advanced skaters who focus on technical tricks may prefer a narrower deck to improve control and agility. A smaller deck is lighter and more responsive, which allows for easier flipping and popping.
4. Deck Material and Shape
While the width of the deck is the most important factor, it’s also essential to consider the material and shape of the deck. Most skateboard decks are made from 7-ply maple wood, but you can also find decks made from bamboo, fiberglass, or plastic, each offering different characteristics in terms of flexibility and durability.
The shape of the deck also affects how it performs. For instance, some decks have a deeper concave, which provides more control when performing tricks, while others have a shallower concave for a more comfortable ride. If you’re unsure which shape suits you, opt for a deck with a medium concave, as it offers a good balance of control and comfort for most skating styles.
7 Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Deck Width
1. What size skateboard deck should I get if I have a size 9 shoe?
If you have a size 9 shoe, a skateboard deck width between 8.0 and 8.25 inches is typically ideal. This size will give you a comfortable and stable ride while still allowing for maneuverability and control for technical tricks.
2. What is the difference between a 7.75-inch and 8.0-inch deck?
An 8.0-inch deck is slightly wider than a 7.75-inch deck. The wider deck provides more stability and comfort, making it ideal for skaters with larger feet or those who prefer more control. However, the 7.75-inch deck will be lighter and more responsive, making it a good option for technical street tricks.
3. Can I use a narrow deck for cruising?
While narrow decks are ideal for street skating and technical tricks, they may not be the best choice for cruising. For comfort and stability during long rides, a deck with a width of 8.0 inches or wider is recommended.
4. Does a wider deck make it harder to perform tricks?
A wider deck can make performing tricks like flips and ollies a bit more challenging compared to a narrower deck, as it may require more effort to flip the board. However, wider decks offer more stability and control, which is important for skaters who focus on carving, cruising, or downhill skating.
5. What is the best deck width for ramp and bowl skating?
For ramp and bowl skating, a deck width between 8.0 and 8.5 inches is ideal. This width offers stability, control, and comfort, which is necessary when riding transitions and performing tricks on ramps.
6. How do I know if a deck is too wide for me?
If the deck feels too wide for your feet or you have difficulty performing technical tricks, it may be too wide for you. If you’re not sure, try a few different sizes at your local skate shop and see which feels the most comfortable.
7. Can I change the width of my skateboard deck?
No, the width of your skateboard deck is fixed and cannot be changed. However, you can always switch to a different deck if you find that the width of your current deck doesn’t suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skateboard deck width is essential for optimizing your comfort, control, and performance on the board. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, understanding the relationship between deck width and your skating style will help you make the best choice for your needs.
Remember to consider factors such as your foot size, skating style, and experience level when selecting a deck width. With the right deck, you’ll be able to improve your skills, have more fun, and enjoy a better skating experience overall. Happy skating!
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