Do you have to be skinny to skateboard? [Pros & Cons]

Skateboarding is one of the coolest activities out there, and you don’t have to be skinny to do it. Everyone has a different build, and there are plenty of different styles when it comes to skateboarding.

In fact, many skaters with “stockier” builds find their weight gives them an advantage when grinding rails or pulling off technical tricks.

All that really matters is your level of commitment and passion for the activity; if you’re willing to put in the time and energy, then being skinny shouldn’t hold you back from becoming a skilled skateboarder.

Above all, In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting started with skateboarding, regardless of your build. Just remember that practice makes perfect. So don’t be discouraged and keep grinding away.

Do you have to be skinny to skateboard?

Definitely not! Skateboarding often has a preconceived notion that the skaters need to be slim and fit in order to pull off tricks like an ollie or grind.

However, there’s been an increasing number of “big guys” who have been hitting the mean streets and showcasing what they got as skaters.

As long as you have passion and commitment, no matter your size, it is possible to learn skateboarding basics like pushing and turning.

Picking the right deck can also be a key factor when it comes to skateboarding; a wider board can help provide stability for bigger guys and those with slower reflexes.

If you challenge yourself and practice regularly, you will eventually master skateboarding regardless of your size or body type.

Does weight matter in skateboarding?

Skateboarding is a sport that requires strength, agility, balance, and coordination. But does weight play a role? Skaters come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be difficult to determine if being heavier or lighter has an impact on your performance. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of skateboarding with different weights.

Advantages of Being Heavier 

Being heavier can have its advantages when it comes to skateboarding.

Many skaters find that their heavier frame gives them more stability on their board, allowing for easier maneuvering.

This increased stability helps skaters land tricks with greater ease because they will not be thrown off balance as easily.

Likewise, being heavier gives skaters more momentum, which means they do not need to work as hard to achieve the same speeds as lighter skaters.

Advantages of Being Lighter 

While some skaters might feel limited by their weight when skateboarding, being lighter has some distinct advantages too.

Lighter skaters are less likely to tire out quickly because they do not have to work as hard to get the same speed as heavier skaters do.

In addition, lighter skaters often have an easier time landing tricks because they can move more quickly and thus adjust themselves mid-trick much faster than someone who is heavier.

Besides, simply put, lighter skaters are less likely to experience injury due to their lower center of gravity and smaller body mass when attempting bigger tricks or jumps on their boards.

Is there a minimum weight to skateboard?

It is difficult to amount a minimum weight for skateboarding since no industry standard exists. Skateboard sizes and shapes are designed according to different riding styles, which can make it harder to determine the most suitable size and weight of the board for each rider.

Normally, lighter boards like mini cruisers are ideal for children while heavier longboards are better suited to taller adults or riders looking for stability.

However, these boards can also be configured with heavier or lighter setups such as hardware configuration, deck length, and wheels allowing individuals the freedom to customize their skateboard according to their individual preferences and needs.

Ultimately, determining an ideal weight for skateboarding comes down more to personal preference than a hard-and-fast rule.

Will skateboarding get me in shape?

Skateboarding can definitely help you get in shape but the results you see may vary. Skateboarding is great for strengthening your core muscles since you’re constantly shifting body weight and centering on balance while riding.

As well, almost every movement in skateboarding works for multiple muscle groups at once and can give various parts of your body such as calves, thighs, glutes, chest, arms, shoulders, and even abs a good workout.

Moreover, since skateboarding is an outdoor activity that often has to be done over long distances, it’s also a great way to build up your endurance and improve cardiovascular health.

All in all, depending on how intently you decide to focus on skateboarding as part of your fitness regimen, the shape of your body could potentially be improved significantly.

Does weight Affect skateboard speed?

There is a notion among skateboarders that weight does affect the speed of skateboards, but whether that idea holds true is not so straightforward.

Weight can affect some components of a skateboard, such as the material used for the deck and the size of the wheels, which both influence its speed. Heavier riders tend to prefer boards with thicker decks and larger wheels, while skaters who are lighter in weight may opt for boards with smaller wheels and thinner decks.

On top of that, heavier riders place greater strain on their board than lighter riders, which can cause excessive wear and tear more quickly. This ultimately affects the board’s speed due to parts being worn down to a level where it does not meet the characteristics that were intended from its design.

While it may be true that weight has an effect on skateboard speed in some cases, there are also other factors like rider experience and terrain that should be taken into consideration as well.

Does being skinny make you a better skateboarder?

Skateboarding, like any physical activity, relies on certain anatomy and muscle groups to be able to properly execute tricks. The answer to whether or not being skinny makes one a better skateboarder is not as straightforward as it seems.

While having a lower body weight does allow for aerial tricks to be performed with more ease and may increase the speed for tricks such as ollies, this comes with its downsides too. Being too skinny can leave your joints and bones vulnerable when landing from big jumps or drops, causing an increased risk of injury.

Consequently, there are plenty of successful skateboarders with all different body shapes that prove that you don’t need to be stick-thin in order to excel at skateboarding.

Training strength and cardiovascular health through proper nutrition and exercise are far more important than simply focusing on how thin you are compared to others.

Eventually, the idea that being skinny has a direct correlation towards success in skateboarding is not accurate; although extreme cases can benefit from certain issues related to weight, being healthy overall should always take precedence over trying to “look the part” because it will ultimately make you a better skater well into the future.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, no – it is not necessary to be skinny in order to enjoy skateboarding.

In reality, anyone can display the core skills of skateboarding with the right attitude and training no matter what shape or size they may be.

Skateboarding requires a certain degree of physical strength in terms of balance and maneuverability, but these muscles can be developed through practice no matter how toned someone’s body might be.

Skateboard parks have become much more inviting for people of all sizes as well due to newer equipment designs and smoother landings.

There is no greater feeling than taking on challenges regardless of size or weight and proving that no challenge is too big or small when you approach it with a strong will.