As an average-sized person, I’ve often wondered if my height and build put me at a disadvantage in various activities. While I’ve always felt like taller individuals have an edge in most areas, skateboarding seems to be a different story. With a lower center of gravity and a semi-athletic build, I feel less prone to serious injury while skating. But what about taller or heavier skaters? Are they at a disadvantage? To get some answers, I spoke with Dr. Kyle Brown, a physical therapist who works with top-tier skateboarders. He offered some interesting insights into the role physical size plays in how we skate.
The Impact of Size on Skateboarding: A Q&A with Dr. Kyle Brown
Is it true that skateboarding is more challenging for bigger individuals?
According to Dr. Brown, there’s some validity to this claim. Taller, larger skaters may face challenges with falling, absorbing impact, and maintaining balance, particularly when doing manuals. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it can make things slightly more difficult. He mentioned, hypothetically, that if he had to predict which of two 18-year-old skaters, one 6’3″ and the other 5’7″, would become Skater of the Year, he’d likely choose the shorter one. However, despite the physical challenges, many successful skaters are over 6 feet tall, possibly due to their unique style being more aesthetically pleasing to watch. Skaters like Brian Anderson and Andrew Reynolds are great examples.
A skateboarder using stilts, highlighting the challenges of size in skateboarding
Are smaller body types more advantageous in skateboarding?
Dr. Brown noted how frequently he’s surprised by how short many pro skaters are in person. This is due to the distortion of camera lenses, which often makes skaters seem taller than they are. While there isn’t an “optimal” height for skating, smaller, lighter skaters may have a few advantages:
- Falling: Taller skaters have harder falls, which could lead to injury. Shorter skaters with good flexibility find the “tuck and roll” technique easier to perform.
- Absorbing impact: Longer limbs mean more stress when absorbing impact, especially when jumping off bigger obstacles. Proper landing with a deep squat is key, but it requires more strength for taller skaters. Landing stiff-legged can lead to injuries.
- Balance: Maintaining balance for manuals or long slides is generally easier for shorter skaters due to their center of gravity. Taller skaters, especially when doing 180s into manuals, may have to work harder for this. Consider Daewon Song versus Brian Anderson; the Daewon-type frame is more naturally suited to rotational tricks into manuals.
A black and white photo showcasing a classic VX1000 camera, often used in skate videos
What is the “tuck and roll” falling technique?
The “tuck and roll” is a technique to minimize the impact on your body when falling, especially useful when skating big obstacles. It involves landing and curling into a ball, distributing the impact rather than landing stiff-legged. While it’s hard to train for, it’s beneficial for injury prevention. However, it’s usually more difficult for taller body types to achieve a successful “tuck and roll”.
Do successful skaters share any consistent body types?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single body type as there are many factors that contribute to a skater’s success and longevity, such as their strength, fitness, type of skating, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. However, Dr. Brown speculates that, for skaters who tackle larger obstacles, shorter skaters might have a slight advantage regarding injury and longevity. Taller skaters may need to prioritize strength and flexibility, and potentially adapt their skating style.
A skateboarder from a low angle, emphasizing their height and the challenge of maintaining balance
Who is the tallest skater you’ve worked with, and what were their issues?
The tallest skater Dr. Brown has worked with was 6’4”, 280 lbs. He had knee, hip, and Achilles tendon issues. He got back on the board after several months of focused strength training, plyometrics, and a gradual return to skating.
What affects pop the most?
While explosive power for the initial spring is essential (potentially giving taller athletes an advantage), the “tucking” aspect of bringing your knees to your chest also plays a crucial role. This combination of strength and flexibility determines the height you can achieve. Kenny Reed, for instance, might not be a great basketball player, but he can pop very high because he excels at the “tuck”.
A skateboarder with a tall board, highlighting how board size can impact performance
Does size influence the quickness to pop and land tricks?
The answer to this is not straightforward. Both tall and short skaters can be quick, with advantages depending on the situation. Tall skaters might be better at ollieing up to something and jumping to something tall, whereas shorter, quicker skaters might have an edge in fast-paced, technical scenarios.
What weight and muscle distribution are best for skaters?
Dr. Brown recommends strong legs and a strong core, saying that “strong and light” is the ideal combination for a skater. He emphasizes that there is no perfect body type and that skateboarding is great because anyone can become proficient with the body they have.
What athletes are similar to pro skaters?
Dr. Brown joked about golfers, as they used to be similar to skaters by not taking care of their bodies. Ultimately, he chose soccer players, who tend to have builds and physiques that translate well to skateboarding.
Conclusion
While size can play a role in skateboarding, it’s not the sole determinant of success. Shorter skaters might have a slight edge in some areas, such as falling and balance, but taller skaters can adapt and excel by focusing on strength, flexibility, and their unique style. Ultimately, skateboarding is a sport where individuals of all shapes and sizes can find their own way to succeed.
Interview by: Alexis Castro
Illustrations by: Wilson Lucas
Check out Old Friends by Dr. Kyle Brown and Walker Ryan
