If you’re new to skateboarding or have a larger build, you might wonder about weight limits. It’s a common concern, and while there isn’t a strict, universally enforced limit, the quality and construction of your board significantly affect its capacity. Understanding these factors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Generally, a well-constructed skateboard deck, typically made of maple wood, can support around 220 lbs. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll automatically break a board if you exceed this weight. The 220 lbs mark serves as a guideline, not a hard limit. The way you distribute your weight and land tricks plays a more critical role. Similarly, durable skateboard trucks often have suggested weight limits around 250 lbs, acting more as a safety margin than a definitive barrier.
9 inch heavy rider skateboard setup
How Weight Affects Skateboarding
Weight does impact your skateboarding experience. Heavier skaters generate more momentum, particularly going downhill. While this can be an advantage for speed, it also means a higher risk of more severe injuries in case of falls or accidents. Lighter skaters, on the other hand, accelerate faster initially, but might not achieve the same momentum.
Professional skateboarder Danny Way, at approximately 180 lbs, demonstrates the advantage of momentum. His weight played a crucial part in achieving his Guinness World Record for the longest skateboard ramp jump. However, a viral video of a 330 lb skateboarder performing tricks highlights the fact that weight isn’t the sole determinant of what’s possible on a skateboard. Proper technique, foot placement, and knee bending can compensate for greater weight, although the risk of injury remains higher, especially when attempting jumps or grinds. Even professional skaters often snap boards; it’s all about how the weight is distributed across the deck.
Skateboard Size and Weight Considerations
Choosing the right size board is essential, and the width of the deck is particularly important for heavier riders. Here’s a general guide:
| Size | Micro | Mini | Small | Mid-Size | Full Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Width | 6.5”-6.75” | 7” | 7.3” | 7.5”-7.6” | 7.7”-10” |
| Age | 5 & under | 8 & under | 9-12 | 13 & over | Adult |
| Avg. Weight | 45 lbs | 59 lbs & under | 63-89 lbs | 102-152 lbs | 195 lbs |
| Height | 3’4” | 3’5”-4’4” | 4’5”-5’2” | 5’3”-5’6” | 5’7” & over |
Skateboard decks are designed with concave shapes for enhanced technical tricks. Flat boards and longboards, which prioritize stability and transportation, often have less concavity and tapered ends.
The Importance of Deck Width for Stability
Wider skateboard decks, generally 8.25 inches and up, offer greater stability and support, making them a better choice for heavier skaters. The 8-inch Derek Lam board, made of 7-ply Canadian maple, used by the 330lb skateboarder in the aforementioned video, is a perfect example. Although a wider deck might make certain tricks a bit more challenging, it significantly improves balance and weight distribution. Most standard skateboards are around 32 inches in length or less, while longer boards usually fall into the longboard category. Taller skaters might opt for a longer deck for added comfort, but personal preference is also a key consideration.
Arbor Oso Artist bottom view
Skateboard Deck Construction Materials
The materials used in a skateboard’s construction determine its strength and durability.
Maple Wood
Laminated maple wood is the most common material for skateboard decks. Typically constructed from 7 or 9 plies, these boards can reliably hold around 220 lbs when well-made. However, manufacturers don’t always list specific weight limits. Many beginner and youth boards are made of maple, like the Kryptonics Recruit (31” x 7.5”, 110 lbs limit) and smaller Playwheels cruisers. Reputable brands, such as Powell-Peralta, Birdhouse, Zero, Element, and Plan B, also use maple for their full-sized boards. The Powell-Peralta Flight deck incorporates a thin layer of carbon fiber for added resilience.
Carbon Fiber and Other Composites
Carbon fiber decks, like the Revdeck, are known for their strength and lightweight nature. However, they have a tendency to splinter badly when broken and might not have the same feel as traditional wooden decks. The Lithe Slate 3 Deck uses a composite of light woods, Canadian maple, and carbon fiber for exceptional durability. Other composite constructions might include fiberglass, birch, poppy wood and epoxy resin, or a combination of maple and bamboo.
Plastic Boards
Penny boards are constructed from vinyl plastic and are typically used for transportation and cruising. While relatively strong, they are not designed for performing tricks. Penny Skateboards doesn’t list official weight limits, but they are generally assumed to be around 220 lbs. KaZAM Balance Bikes, for example, lists a 180 lbs weight limit for its plastic youth skateboards.
The Role of Skateboard Trucks
The trucks are another crucial component for heavier riders. Most durable trucks are made of 356.0 T6 aluminum and have a maximum recommended weight limit of approximately 250 lbs. When landing tricks, the trucks absorb the bulk of the impact, which is why it’s important to consider the weight rating. Exceeding these recommended limits can significantly increase the risk of truck failure.
Skateboard weight and limit
If you weigh over 250 lbs, you may want to consider harder bushings for more stability. This will greatly affect your ride and help ensure your trucks perform as they should.
Understanding Injury Risks in Skateboarding
Even though snapping a board is not uncommon for any skateboarder, it is more likely if you’re heavier or land poorly. For heavier individuals, a sprained ankle from a fall can easily turn into a serious injury. Common skateboarding injuries also include plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Protective gear like pads and proper shoe support can help minimize the risks but won’t eliminate them completely. If you’re concerned about your weight while skateboarding, it may be helpful to read articles about skateboards for heavy riders for specific product recommendations.
bowl skateboarding protective gear
Skateboarding is a great way to exercise and stay healthy, and it requires coordination and involves a certain degree of risk. That’s part of its appeal to many.
Longboards as an Alternative
If your primary goal is transportation, a longboard is a more suitable choice. Longboards are typically designed for stability and comfort, with a narrower profile at each end, higher trucks, and longer wheelbases for a smoother ride. Although they are not designed for tricks, longboards, like skateboards, are made from various materials, including maple, plastic, carbon fiber, and bamboo. Companies like Aluminati create cruiser boards from recycled aluminum, while others offer plastic cruisers, like the 32-inch Penny Board. Longboards range from 32 to 42 inches, and smaller versions, called “cruisers,” are also available. Electric skateboards and motorized longboards come with weight limits ranging from 200 to 330 lbs, depending on the model.
Final Thoughts on Skateboard Weight Limits
While there is no official weight limit for skateboarding, it’s important to acknowledge that exceeding the recommended weight limits can increase the likelihood of injury. Wearing quality protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet is always advised, especially when you’re beginning. Even when performing basic tricks, a misplaced foot can result in serious injuries. Focus on mastering the basics before attempting more advanced maneuvers. If you’re primarily looking to use a board for transport, highly durable longboards and electric skateboards with higher weight limits are excellent options.
Ruben Vee
