Are you a tall person who’s ever wondered if your height will hold you back from shredding on a skateboard? Well, I’ve got some good news for you—being tall doesn’t have to hinder skateboarding.
In this article, we’ll dive into how proper fit, technique, flexibility, and strength all play a role in how tall skaters can kill it on a board. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get you shredding like Tony Hawk on stilts. So, let’s get started and see if height is just a number for skateboarding!
Can you be too tall to skateboard? No, anyone can skate, and being taller doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t skateboard, but it may affect your performance and safety. Skateboard size and shape are important factors for taller skaters, so it is recommended that taller skaters use slightly longer boards, around 8.25 inches to 8.5 inches.
How does height affect skateboarding?
There must be a valid reason why people question whether tall people can skate. When you’re shorter, your center of gravity is lower, which makes riding safer because you’re less likely to fall over.
When you’re tall, it’s more difficult for your center of gravity to help you maintain your balance. This makes it more likely that you may fall off your skateboard while attempting complex tricks, navigating tight bends, or navigating rough terrain. This may lead to minor injuries like scrapes and even more serious ones like broken bones.
When you’re shorter, your center of gravity is lower, which makes riding safer because you’re less likely to fall over.
When you accept your limitations and try to overcome them, skating will be as fun for you as it is for everyone else. This means taller skaters may need to adjust their stance to compensate for their height. For example, taller skaters may need to widen their stances to maintain stability, or they may need to bend their knees more to lower their center of gravity.
Finding the right stance that works for you can take some time, but once you do, it’ll make a huge difference in your riding.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Safety tips for tall skaters
Even though tall individuals can skateboard, they are more likely to be injured than people of average stature. Some guidelines for tall skaters’ safety are provided below.
Use a larger and wider board.
Some tall skateboarders stated that using larger boards with a wider deck does the trick. The size of the deck can compensate for your higher center of gravity and the work required to propel them ahead.
Strengthening your core muscles
Strengthening your core muscles is also great. Strong core muscles will help you stabilize yourself easily, even if you have more body mass due to height. Putting in time at the gym will improve your technique, bulk up your muscles, and acclimate you to the sensation of being on the board. This is your best option if you want to skate but are still looking for the sport.
Wear protective gear
Tall skaters are more likely to fall and get injured. Protective gear and extreme caution are the best strategies to avoid harm. When you first start skating, you must protect yourself by wearing a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads.
Putting on safety gear is also not a stylish move. People are often shown executing tricks and riding skateboards without safety gear in media like movies, photos, or the streets. So it’s reasonable that you remove the gear to blend in with the cool kids.
Nevertheless, your stature isn’t the same as that of a normal person. If you don’t want to be wounded or get into accidents, you must pay more attention to safety because of your height. Getting hurt in the limbs is one thing, but you don’t want to risk brain damage. A broken arm or leg can be treated and fixed, but most brain injuries can’t be fixed.
Practice hard
Finally, it would help if you put in a lot of work practicing. Only through endless practice can a tall skateboarder overcome the disadvantage of their greater center of gravity.
The importance of proper fit
What’s the deal with board size, and how does it relate to height? Regarding height, taller skaters should use slightly longer boards, around 8.25 inches to 8.5 inches. This is because taller skaters have a higher center of gravity, so they need a bigger board to stay balanced and stable. However, I’ve seen firsthand how using the wrong size board can lead to more wipeouts and injuries.
So, if you’re a taller skater, feel free to go for a slightly larger board. It may make all the difference in your riding. But it’s not only the length of the board that matters; the width also plays a crucial role. A wider deck can give taller skaters more space to place their feet and feel more comfortable riding.
Additionally, skateboard shape also plays an important role in fit. A concave shape of the deck can give skaters more control and stability while riding. Most of the time, a steeper concave shape is better for taller skaters because it helps them lock in their feet and keep control of the board. A medium-to-high concave shape is generally recommended for taller skaters.
Pro skaters who defy the height barrier
It’s not just about height but also skill, dedication, and passion. For example, Tony Hawk stands at 6’2″ and is considered one of the greatest skateboarders ever. He’s both a pro skater and a successful businessman and philanthropist. He’s made a name for himself in the skateboarding industry and continues to inspire skaters of all ages, including those who may be taller than average.
Another example is Ryan Sheckler, who stands at 5’9″ and is known for his impressive skateboarding skills and style. He’s won numerous competitions and has even had his own reality show. He is also an example for younger skaters and encourages taller skaters to keep doing what they love, even if they think they can’t.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “TOO TALL TO SKATEBOARD?!?!” from the Al Brunelle YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about whether you can be too tall to skateboard.
Can you be too tall to skateboard?
This is a common question among taller individuals who are interested in taking up skateboarding. Of course, height can affect how you ride, but it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the sport. With proper fit and equipment and a focus on flexibility and strength, taller skaters can still excel in the sport.
How do skateboard size and shape affect performance and safety?
A skateboard’s size and shape can greatly impact performance and safety. A board that is too small or too large can make it difficult to control and maneuver, increasing the risk of injury.
What are the recommended skateboard sizes for different height ranges?
What are the recommended Skateboard sizes for different height ranges?
There is no hard and fast rule for what size board is best for a particular height range, as it can depend on factors such as riding style and personal preference. However, as a general guideline, skaters under 5’5″ may prefer a board around 7.5-8 inches wide, while skaters who are 5’5″ or taller may prefer a board around 8-8.5 inches wide.
How do flexibility and strength relate to skateboarding?
Flexibility and strength are important factors in skateboarding, as they can greatly impact one’s ability to perform tricks and maneuvers safely. Skaters who are more flexible and strong will have an easier time staying balanced and maintaining board control.
Can taller skaters still enjoy success in the sport?
Definitely! Height is not a limiting factor in skateboarding, as many professional skaters are taller than average and have found success in the sport. With proper technique, equipment, and mindset, taller skaters can excel in the sport just like anyone else.
Are there any real-world examples of taller skaters succeeding in the sport?
Yes, many taller skaters have done well in the sport despite what might seem to be a disadvantage. For example, Tony Hawk, one of the most iconic skateboarders of all time, stands at 6’2″ and has achieved worldwide fame and success in the sport.
Conclusion
Well, folks, there you have it. Height may seem like a tall task regarding skateboarding, but as we’ve seen, it’s possible to shred the gnar even if you’re on the taller side. Remember, it’s about proper fit, technique, flexibility, and strength. So go out there, grab your board, and don’t let anyone tell you you’re too tall to ride.
So, does your height affect how you learn tricks on skateboards? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and never stop shredding.
This article covered how you can be too tall to skateboard. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- Even though tall individuals can skateboard, they are more likely to be injured than people of average stature.
- There must be a valid reason why people question whether tall people can skate.
- Regarding height, taller skaters should use slightly longer boards, around 8.25 inches to 8.5 inches.
- Height can affect a skater’s performance and safety.
- Proper fit of a skateboard is crucial for performance and safety.
- Different height ranges have recommended skateboard sizes.
- Flexibility and strength are important factors in skateboarding.
- Some professional skaters are taller than average and have succeeded in the sport.
- Height should not be a barrier to pursuing a passion for skateboarding.
