It’s a common misconception that height can be a barrier to enjoying skateboarding or longboarding. Aspiring riders frequently ask in online forums, “Am I too tall to longboard?” or “Is longboarding harder for tall people?” Individuals over 6 feet often worry about whether their height will hinder their ability to ride. This article addresses these concerns, explaining how height interacts with longboarding and providing tips for tall riders.
Height and Longboarding: Understanding the Dynamics
Tall and short person on skateboard
Longboarding, like skateboarding, is deeply rooted in physics. It might seem like riders are defying gravity, but in reality, they are using it to their advantage. There are no official height or weight restrictions for longboarding; success depends on practice, dedication, and, yes, a few falls along the way.
How Physics Plays a Role in Longboarding
Longboarders use gravity and momentum to perform tricks and maneuvers. Take, for instance, an ollie, which is a fundamental trick for both skateboarding and longboarding. An ollie involves the rider and board becoming airborne together. The rider seemingly stays connected to the board, even while several feet in the air, because of the interplay of forces. The rider’s weight, gravity’s pull on the board, and the ground’s push combine to create a balanced system where the board rolls with the rider.
The Impact of Center of Gravity
A key factor in longboarding is the rider’s center of gravity, which is the point where gravity acts on an object. Think of balancing a pencil; it needs to be balanced at its center. For a person, the center of gravity is typically around the belly button, but it varies with height. Shorter individuals have a lower center of gravity, while taller individuals have a higher one. Many longboarding maneuvers involve adjustments to the center of gravity, such as bending the knees to lower it during an ollie. Tall longboarders need to adjust for their higher center of gravity, which can be improved with the proper equipment and practice.
Height and the Risk of Injuries
While height doesn’t make longboarding inherently harder, it can increase the risk of injuries. Studies suggest that taller people might have slower reaction times and, when they fall, have a longer distance to fall, which increases the potential for severe injuries. Therefore, wearing proper safety equipment, such as helmets, and choosing the correct board size is crucial for tall riders.
Selecting the Right Longboard for Your Height
Choosing the right longboard can make a significant difference. Tall riders can’t simply use any board; they need to consider the deck size relative to their height and, to some extent, their shoe size. Here’s a quick guide:
- Mini Decks: Best for riders 4’6” or shorter.
- Mid-sized Decks: Suited for riders between 4’6” and 5’6”.
- Full-sized Decks: Generally, adults over 5’6″ should choose a deck between 8.0″ and 9″ wide. Taller individuals will want to lean towards the larger end of this range, or even wider, for maximum stability.
While shoe size isn’t as crucial, it’s important that the deck isn’t too narrow. It’s best to visit a local skate shop to try out different boards to find one that feels comfortable. For taller riders, wider and longer boards are generally recommended to match their height.
Notable Tall Longboarders
You might be surprised to see how many successful longboarders are on the taller side. Here are a few:
Ron Whaley
Ron Whaley
Ron Whaley is currently the tallest professional skateboarder, standing at an impressive 6’6”. He has been in the industry since the 1990s, and while he’s now more focused on designing skateboards for Santa Cruz, he still showcases his tricks on social media. Whaley has even joked that his height was a novelty that helped him turn pro. His success proves that height is not a limitation in longboarding.
Tony Hawk
Even those who aren’t familiar with skateboarding have likely heard of Tony Hawk. At 6’3”, Hawk’s height was never a disadvantage. He started skating at nine, secured his first sponsorship at twelve, and has won over 70 competitions. Hawk even holds the record for the first ever 900 trick performed on a skateboard. Despite retiring from competition, Hawk continues to skate and is a successful businessman with a billion-dollar video game franchise.
Andrew Reynolds
Andrew Reynolds, nicknamed “The Boss,” is a commanding figure in the skateboarding world at 6’2”. After high school, Reynolds joined Tony Hawk’s Birdhouse company and was named Thrasher magazine’s Skater of the Year in 1998. He later founded his own company, Baker Skateboards, which features a talented roster of riders.
Final Thoughts
Longboarding is a fantastic way to stay active and is very socially inclusive. It’s for everyone, irrespective of height or size. If your height has been a concern, now is the time to put it to the test. Be sure to pick the right board for your size to minimize the risk of injury. Don’t let height hold you back – longboarding awaits!
