Skateboarding, a sport celebrated for its creativity and individuality, often sparks debates about the influence of physical attributes on performance. Among these discussions, the question “What Can I Compare Like Height To Shoe Size” arises, hinting at a broader curiosity about body proportions and their potential impact on various activities. While the query might seem unconventional, it subtly touches upon the age-old question in skateboarding: does size matter?
To delve into this, we consulted with Dr. Kyle Brown, a physical therapist renowned for his work with elite skateboarders. We aimed to uncover whether physical dimensions, such as height and implicitly shoe size as related to overall body size, play a significant role in a skater’s journey.
Q&A: Body Size and Skateboarding Performance
Is there truth to the idea that skateboarding presents more challenges for bigger individuals?
Dr. Brown acknowledges that size does indeed introduce specific challenges. “For taller, larger skaters, the dynamics of falling, impact absorption, and balance—especially in maneuvers like manuals—become notably more demanding,” he explains. He illustrates this point by suggesting a hypothetical scenario: when predicting the future “Skater of the Year” between two equally skilled 18-year-olds, one at 6’3″ and the other at 5’7″, he would lean towards the shorter skater.
However, Dr. Brown is quick to clarify that height is not an insurmountable barrier. He points to the impressive number of skaters over 6 feet who have earned the prestigious “Skater of the Year” title over the past three decades. He attributes this phenomenon to style, suggesting that “taller skaters often possess an aesthetic appeal that resonates within skateboarding culture.” Legends like Brian Anderson and Andrew Reynolds exemplify this, showcasing how taller skaters can achieve iconic status.
Do smaller body types offer any inherent advantages in skateboarding?
Dr. Brown shares an intriguing observation from video premieres: professional skaters often appear shorter in person than they do in videos. He jokingly credits the VX camera lens for adding perceived height. This perception versus reality highlights the nuanced relationship between body size and skateboarding.
While refraining from declaring an “optimal” height, Dr. Brown outlines potential benefits for shorter, lighter skaters:
- Falling: Drawing upon the adage “the bigger they are, the harder they fall,” he emphasizes the increased risk of injury for taller skaters upon impact. He champions the “tuck and roll” technique as an ideal falling method, particularly from significant heights, noting its easier execution for shorter, more flexible skaters.
- Impact Absorption: Longer limbs in taller skaters translate to greater stress on the body when absorbing impact, especially landing from heights. Dr. Brown stresses the importance of a deep squat landing to mitigate injury risk, from overuse issues to severe knee injuries. Taller skaters require greater strength to effectively absorb these impacts.
- Balance: Balance, crucial for manuals, slides, and grinds, is arguably more readily achieved by shorter skaters. A lower center of gravity provides enhanced stability. Dr. Brown contrasts the ease with which a skater with Daewon Song’s physique might execute a rotational trick into a manual compared to someone with Brian Anderson’s build, highlighting the potential balance challenges for taller, lankier skaters.
Could you elaborate on the “tuck and roll” falling technique?
Dr. Brown describes the “tuck and roll” as a crucial method for minimizing impact across various skateboarding styles, especially when tackling larger obstacles. The goal is to distribute the force of a fall, protecting ankles, knees, hips, and back. He contrasts a stiff-legged landing with a “tuck and roll,” where curling into a ball upon landing significantly reduces joint stress.
While acknowledging the reactionary nature of skateboarding, making “tuck and roll” training challenging, Dr. Brown notes that taller body types may find it harder to achieve an effective tuck and roll position, diminishing its protective benefits.
Have you observed any consistent body types among successful skaters?
Dr. Brown acknowledges the complexity of this question, citing numerous factors beyond body type that influence a skater’s success and injury resilience: fitness level, skating style, training frequency, nutrition, sleep, and mental health.
However, when focusing on skaters who push boundaries with large airs and drops, Dr. Brown posits a slight advantage for shorter skaters in terms of injury prevention and career longevity. He suggests taller skaters might need to prioritize strength and flexibility training or adapt their skating style to mitigate size-related challenges. He celebrates skateboarding’s inclusivity, emphasizing that diverse paths to success exist within the sport.
Who is the tallest skater you’ve treated, and what size-related injuries did they experience?
Dr. Brown recounts treating a 6’4″, 280 lbs skater with knee, hip, and Achilles tendon issues. Recovery required months of dedicated effort, focusing on strength and plyometric training to enhance the skater’s body’s resilience to skateboarding’s demands. Gradual re-integration into skating was crucial to prevent re-injury.
What physical and anatomical elements most influence pop? Is it similar to basketball, where height naturally aids jumping ability?
Dr. Brown identifies explosive power as key for the initial spring in a pop, acknowledging the advantage taller, naturally athletic individuals might possess. However, he emphasizes the critical “tucking” aspect of pop – drawing knees towards the chest to maximize height. This requires both strength and flexibility.
He contrasts a tall basketball player’s vertical jump with Kenny Reed’s skateboarding pop. While Reed might not dunk easily, his exceptional “tuck” allows him to achieve remarkable pop heights on a skateboard, demonstrating that technique can compensate for natural height advantages.
Does size impact the speed of pop and trick execution? Are shorter skaters inherently quicker-footed?
Dr. Brown offers a nuanced “maybe” and “it depends” answer. Quickness isn’t size-exclusive; tall and short skaters can both possess quick feet, each offering situational advantages. He uses video examples to illustrate: a taller, quick skater might excel in rapid ollies up and over obstacles, while a shorter, quick-footed skater might shine in fast, technical ground tricks.
What weight and muscle distribution are most beneficial for skateboarding?
“Strong and light – that’s the ideal combination,” Dr. Brown states, specifying strong legs and core as particularly vital. He reiterates that skateboarding welcomes all body types, allowing individuals to excel by leveraging their unique physical attributes. However, he underscores the importance of strength and lightness as advantageous for overall skateboarding performance.
Which professional athletes share similar builds and physiques with pro skaters?
Dr. Brown initially jokingly suggests golfers, referencing past eras when golfers, like early skaters, disregarded physical conditioning. However, acknowledging the increasing athleticism in both sports, he retracts this comparison. He finds direct comparisons challenging due to skateboarding’s uniqueness but ultimately suggests soccer players as having builds and physiques that might translate well to skateboarding.
In Conclusion
While skateboarding may present some heightened physical demands for taller individuals, particularly concerning impact and balance, size is far from a definitive barrier to success. As Dr. Brown emphasizes, skateboarding’s beauty lies in its adaptability. Skaters of all shapes and sizes can thrive by honing their skills, maximizing their strengths, and creatively working within their physical parameters. The focus should shift from comparing height to shoe size or fixating on an “ideal” body type, to celebrating the diversity of physiques and styles that enrich the skateboarding world. Ultimately, dedication, smart training, and a deep love for skateboarding outweigh any perceived size disadvantages.
