How to Carry a Skateboard Without Holding It

Wondering how to carry a skateboard without holding it the entire way? For short distances, carrying the board under one arm may be enough. For longer walks, public transportation, school or travel, a skateboard bag or dedicated board carrier can keep your hands free and reduce the need to constantly switch hands.

The right method depends on your board size, travel distance, what else you need to carry and how quickly you want to access your skateboard. This guide compares the main options and explains what to check before choosing a skateboard carrier.

Five Ways to Carry a Skateboard

There is no single carrying method that works for every situation. A quick walk across a parking lot is different from a 30-minute commute or a trip through an airport.

1. Carry It Under One Arm

The simplest method is holding the deck horizontally under your arm. It requires no extra equipment and gives you immediate access to the board.

However, it occupies one hand and can become uncomfortable over longer distances. Grip tape may also rub against clothing, while the trucks and wheels can bump into people in crowded spaces.

Best for: short walks and quick transitions between skate spots.

2. Hold It by the Truck

Some skaters carry a board vertically by gripping one truck. This can feel more controlled than holding the middle of the deck, especially while walking through a narrow area.

The downside is that the board still occupies one hand, and the weight can become tiring. Dirty trucks or wheels may also transfer dust to your hands and clothing.

Best for: short distances when you want a compact grip.

3. Use Skateboard Straps on a Backpack

A skateboard backpack normally uses two exterior straps to hold the deck against the bag. This combines daily storage and board carrying in one product. It can be useful when you also need space for a laptop, clothing, water or school supplies.

Before walking away, check that both straps are tight and that the board cannot slide sideways. A loosely secured board may swing while you move. Also consider whether the grip tape or wheels will rub against the backpack fabric.

Best for: skaters who need a full daily backpack as well as board storage.

4. Use a Dedicated Skateboard Carrier

A dedicated skateboard carrier focuses more directly on the shape of the board. Depending on the design, it may use a lower pocket, retention straps and a shoulder or backpack-style carrying system to keep the board positioned against the body.

This style can be lighter and less bulky than a traditional backpack while still providing a pocket for smaller essentials. It is especially useful when you want your skateboard to remain visible rather than completely enclosed.

Best for: hands-free daily carrying, public transportation and skaters who want the board to remain part of their look.

5. Use a Fully Enclosed Skateboard Bag

A fully enclosed bag covers most or all of the skateboard. It can help keep wheels and grip tape away from clothing, vehicle interiors and other luggage.

Enclosed bags are often bulkier and may take longer to open. They make the most sense when protection and containment matter more than quick access.

Best for: storage, car travel and situations where you want the board covered.

How to Choose the Best Way to Carry Your Skateboard

Start with your actual routine instead of choosing a bag based only on appearance. The following questions will narrow down the right carrying method.

How Far Do You Normally Walk?

If you only carry your board for a few minutes, a hand-carry method may be enough. For longer walks, train rides or time spent inside stores and campuses, a hands-free system becomes more useful.

Do You Need a Full Backpack?

Choose a conventional skateboard backpack if you regularly carry a laptop, large water bottle, clothing and other bulky items. A lighter dedicated carrier may make more sense if you mainly need space for a phone, wallet, keys and skate tool.

What Size Is Your Board?

Measure the skateboard from nose to tail before ordering. You should also check its width and consider the position of the trucks and wheels. A stated length range does not automatically guarantee compatibility with every deck shape.

How Quickly Do You Need to Remove the Board?

A carrying system should be secure without making every stop feel like unpacking luggage. Look for a design that lets you tighten, release and reload the board without unnecessary steps.

Does Personal Style Matter?

For some skaters, a carrier is purely functional. For others, it becomes part of an outfit. If you plan to wear it often, choose a design you will still want to carry when you are away from the skatepark.

How to Secure a Skateboard in a Dedicated Carrier

Always follow the instructions for the specific carrier you own. A typical setup follows these steps:

1. Measure the board. Confirm that its length and width fall within the carrier’s stated range.
2. Open the retention straps. Make sure nothing is twisted or caught underneath them.
3. Position the board. Place the designated end into the lower retaining pocket or support area.
4. Center the deck. The board should sit straight rather than leaning to one side.
5. Tighten each strap. Secure the board firmly without forcing the buckles or fabric.
6. Perform a movement check. Lift the carrier and gently move it from side to side. Retighten it if the board slides or swings.

Remove the carrier before skating unless the product is specifically designed and tested to be worn while riding. When you do ride, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a properly fitted skateboard helmet and other protective equipment such as wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads. You can review the CPSC skateboarding safety guidance for additional recommendations.

CarryColor Base vs. Pro: Which Size Should You Choose?

CarryColor skateboard bags are available in two versions. The correct choice depends primarily on board length and how much adjustability you need.

The Base version is lighter and intended for boards around 80 cm / 31.5 in. The Pro version provides a wider carrying strap, an adjustable length and a removable top cover. These carriers are not intended for longboards, so measure your skateboard before ordering.

You can compare both versions and all available designs in the CarryColor skateboard bag collection.

Choose a Skateboard Bag That Matches Your Style

A functional carrying system does not have to look like generic sports equipment. CarryColor currently offers four visual directions:

• Winding Maze uses a cleaner black-and-silver layout with geometric metal details and wing accents.
• Rose of Death combines black fabric with red roses, skeletal artwork and darker romantic details.
• Road Cowboy brings together western-inspired patches, turquoise details and metal accents.
• Rock State uses punk, racing and rock-inspired graphics for a louder streetwear look.

The best design is the one that fits both your board and the way you already dress. Function determines whether you will use the carrier; style determines whether you will want to keep wearing it.

Can You Take a Skateboard on a Plane?

The Transportation Security Administration lists skateboards as permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage in the United States. However, TSA also tells travelers to check the airline’s size and weight restrictions. Airline policies can be stricter, so confirm the rules for your exact flight before arriving at the airport.

See the current TSA “What Can I Bring?” list. For air travel, remember that an open daily carrier does not provide the same protection as a padded or fully enclosed travel case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you attach a skateboard to a regular backpack?

You can sometimes place a skateboard through existing backpack straps, but a regular backpack may not hold it securely. The board can slide, swing or rub against the fabric. For regular hands-free carrying, use straps or a carrier specifically designed for the size and weight of a skateboard.

What is the easiest way to carry a skateboard?

For a very short distance, carrying the board under one arm is usually the simplest option. For longer walks or public transportation, a skateboard backpack or dedicated carrier is generally more convenient because it keeps your hands available for a phone, ticket, drink or other belongings.

Should the wheels face inward or outward?

Follow the orientation shown by the carrier manufacturer. The correct position depends on how its straps and retaining pockets are designed. Make sure the trucks do not press uncomfortably into your body and that grip tape does not repeatedly abrade the bag or your clothing.

Will a skateboard carrier fit a longboard?

Not automatically. Longboards differ significantly in length, width, truck position and wheel size. CarryColor Base and Pro skateboard bags are not designed for longboards. Always compare the full dimensions of your board with the carrier specifications before purchasing.

What should I keep in a skateboard bag?

Useful everyday items include a phone, wallet, keys and a compact skate tool. Carry only what fits comfortably inside the designated storage pocket. Avoid loose objects that could fall out, and do not overload a pocket beyond the capacity of its zipper, seams or attachment points.

Final Thoughts

The best way to carry a skateboard depends on where you are going and how long you will be carrying it. Hand carrying works for quick transitions, a full skateboard backpack offers more storage, and a dedicated skateboard carrier provides a lighter hands-free option for daily movement.

Measure your board, think about your real commute and choose a carrying system that stays secure without slowing you down. When function and personal style both matter, explore the CarryColor skateboard bag collection and compare Base and Pro before ordering.