When people think about purchasing a skateboard, they often consider things like balance, speed, and what the board will be used for.
However, how much the skateboard can hold is also an important consideration. Learning how much the average skateboard will support can help you choose a board that’s the right size and durability for you.
How much weight can a skateboard hold?
In general, most regular skateboards, also known as popsicle stick boards, can hold between 270 and 280 pounds. A longboard can usually hold about 300 pounds, and a smaller penny board can usually support around 190 pounds.
Each board type and brand will have a slightly different weight limit, depending on a few factors.
What affects how much a skateboard can hold?
Deck Width
The deck is the piece of the skateboard you stand on, and the wider the deck is, the stronger it is. A wider deck also provides more stability, which can make it easier for larger or taller skateboards to maintain their balance.
Deck widths usually range from about 7 to 10 inches. Larger skateboarders can opt for a deck that’s at least 8.25 inches to gain more stability.
Deck width does affect how you ride the board. A wider deck can make performing tricks slightly harder, so consider what you want to use the skateboard for before deciding on any particular width.
Deck Construction
Skateboards are made from a variety of materials, and some materials are stronger than others. For example, maple wood boards are made from layers of laminated wood.
This is the most common material for a skateboard, and most skateboards have either 7 or 9 layers. The more layers, the stronger the board will be.
However, maple wood is not the strongest skateboard material, and most maple boards can only hold about 220 pounds.
Carbon fiber is also used to make boards. This is a much stronger material, and it can support more weight. However, many skateboards don’t like the feel of a carbon fiber board.
If a carbon fiber board does break, it can also splinter badly, which can be more dangerous.
A good compromise between a wood board and a carbon fiber board is a composite board. These boards are often made from layers of wood, carbon fibers, or fiberglass.
The composite materials provide strength and durability without compromising the feel or weight of the board itself.
Some smaller boards, particularly penny boards, are made of plastic. Plastic boards are relatively durable, but they’re not designed to hold up to heavy use.
They most likely can’t support the high impact of tricks, especially for larger riders.
Most regular skateboards can hold between 270 – 280 pounds.
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Trucks
The trucks are the part of the skateboard where the wheels attach. Like the board itself, trucks can be made of different materials, and each of these materials has a different strength and can therefore support a different amount of weight.
Aluminum trucks tend to be the strongest. If you’re close to a skateboard’s weight limit, it’s important to choose trucks that can add more support.
Landing
How you land can make a difference in whether the board will support you or not. If you perform a jump or trick, you should land with your weight evenly distributed over the trucks.
If you’re close to the weight limit and you land directly in the center of the board or at either end, a great deal of force is being applied to a relatively weak area of the board, which can cause the board to break.
If you consistently land poorly, your board might not break right away. Instead, you might slowly damage the board over time, gradually decreasing its structural integrity.
It’s always a good idea to check your skateboard from time to time for any cracks, weaknesses, or increased flexibility.
What happens if a rider is too heavy?
Risk of Injury
If a rider is too heavy, the skateboard can snap. Most skateboards snap in the middle. This can cause the rider to fall, which can lead to sprained ankles, bruises, or even broken bones.
The sharp edges of the board can also cause injuries.
Speed and Momentum
Larger riders pick up speed much faster than lighter riders. This can be a benefit, as it can give you greater momentum for tricks and jumps.
However, if you pick up too much speed, you might not be able to stop, which can lead to a crash. Too much speed can also mean too much air.
While this provides more time for tricks, it can also make those tricks harder to control, and a fall from a greater height can be much more dangerous.
Maneuverability
If a skateboard is carrying too much weight, it can lose some of its maneuverability. Many larger riders might find that they’re not as able to make precise turns, and this can affect how well you can perform tricks or how fast you can go if you’re using the board for commuting.
