How heavy is too heavy for a skateboard?

I started skateboarding a bit on my old days (i'm 23) and I bought (allegedly) a 6 layer, canadian maple board.

The thing is, the board lasted me 2 weeks. I was pushing and lost my balance and went backwards. In the middle of what could be called the scariest manual ever I tried to regain control of the board by pushing my weight onto my forward foot and the board snapped at the bolts.

the board snapped at the middle of the 4 back bolts (sorry, I got angry and threw away the board before taking a picture :( ).

Now the thing is, I weight 100 kg and my height is 1.9 mts (220 pounds @ 6 feet 2.8 inches if my math is correct). What kind of board should I have bought for it to survive? Should I try to lose some weight before trying again? Did I got scammed and my board was not 6 layers?

Sorry for the barrage of noob questions.

The official maximum weight limit for skateboarding is 272.3 lbs (123.5 kg) with regard to thrust, speed, and ease of maneuver. That being said, the maximum weight limit for longboards is 300 lbs (136 kg), and electric skateboards top out around 330 lbs (149.7 kg).

There are a few things that will play a factor in how much your skateboard can hold, including the type of wood that the board is made of, the quality of wheels, and whether or not you’re performing tricks. 

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how much weight your specific skateboard can handle. Let’s get into it.

Weight Limits Of Different Types Of Skateboards

When considering the weight limit of a skateboard, the weight of the person is not the only factor. We must also consider the size of the deck and the type of wood. Luckily most pro decks are made from either bamboo or maple which are both flexible and can hold a lot of weight. 

The table below can help you as a guide to determine the weight limits of your skateboards:

So, as you can probably gather from the table, in addition to the right parts, there are different ratios of size and weight. Of course, the boards are made of various materials. The same applies to trucks or wheels.

Skateboard wheels are an integral component of the board. Any experienced skater will purchase them separately as they know the diameter and durometer (hardness scale) that works best with their style of skateboarding. I have another article on the size and hardness of skateboard wheels, in case you’d like to learn more.

Of course, wheels have their own weight limitations. Especially, when we consider tricks. A heavier person is more likely to end up with flat spots on their wheels. However, better quality wheels should be able to remedy this.

Skateboard wheels will be able to hold more than the deck itself, however, the actual number is unknown. Still, we know that good quality wheels will be able to hold over 280 lbs.

Why Does Your Weight Matter When Skateboarding?

The weight of a skateboarder does matter when skateboarding. Weight plays a vital role in riding and landing on the board. If you haven’t noticed, a lot of (if not most) skaters are skinny. That doesn’t mean that heavier guys can’t skateboard. Heck, even some pros are a little on the heavier side.

The truth is that your weight will affect how you perform and land various flip tricks. It also affects the speed of the board on slopes and declines. Now, heavier skaters will roll down hills at higher speeds. This isn’t a major concern but it can lead to more falls and injuries if you’re not safe.

Another factor is that when heavier people perform tricks, they land harder on the board. This is not a big issue but it can lead to more snapped decks. The good news is that if you want to lose weight, skateboarding will definitely help. If you ride regularly and practice a lot, you’ll most definitely shed a bit of weight. Considering all of these factors, you should have some regard for your weight and how much weight your skateboard can hold. Take into account the material it is made from and how soft or hard the wheels are.

The Importance of Deck Width

The width of skateboards usually ranges from 7 inches to 10 inches. The shorter and lighter that a skater is, the smaller board they’ll want. Whereas, the taller and heavier a skater is, the larger they should go.

The deck width is such an important factor in choosing a board because it provides better stability and support.

Heavier skaters typically ride boards that are 8.25 to 8.6 inches to help distribute their weight. There is one con to having a wider deck though, it can make doing tricks much harder.

Does Weight Matter In Skateboarding?

There are many skateboards on the market that are of good quality and will match up to all of your expectations. You do, however, need to shop around. Make sure that you’re purchasing from trusted brands so that you know they’re safe and reliable, and more importantly, handle the weight of adults.

Many boards purchased from box stores are made from low-grade woods, sometimes even plywood. I can’t stress how important it is for you to purchase a skateboard from a reputable company.

If you’re not sure which companies to look at, check out this article on the best skateboard deck brands.