Starting to skateboard is exciting but can also feel a little scary. Many new skaters wonder if mini skateboards are a good starting point. These skateboards are quite a bit smaller and narrower than regular ones. This makes them easier to control, perfect for kids and beginners. They are also light, making them easy to carry around and offering better control and stability. This guide aims to offer tips for new skaters, focusing on the benefits of mini skateboards.
Key Takeaways
- Mini skateboards are more manageable due to their smaller size and lighter weight.
- Increased control and stability make them ideal for beginners.
- Portability and convenience are significant benefits of mini skateboards.
- Skateboarding fosters community and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.
- Wearing protective gear is crucial for safety, especially for beginners.
What Are Mini Skateboards?
Mini skateboards are liked for their small size and easy handling. They range from 22 to 28 inches long, making them shorter and easier to manage than regular skateboards. This makes them ideal for young skaters or newbies. They are also about 7.25 inches wide, offering good stability and easy carrying.
Mini cruiser skateboards come in cool designs and colors. They are often made from tough plastic for a longer life and less upkeep. Compared to longboards and street decks, they are easier to carry and maneuver. This makes them great for quick trips and sharp turns.
For kids starting out, mini skateboards are perfect due to their smaller size. They fit children aged 6 to 8 well. Made from strong materials like 7-ply hot pressed maple, they are durable but still light.
Mini skateboards differ from others because they have somewhat hard wheels, generally 90A to 99A, and top-notch bearings like ABEC-7 or ABEC-9. This setup offers a smooth ride. Their decks also have a medium concave shape, helping beginners with simple tricks.
The cool designs of these skateboards draw in young skaters and help brands stand out. With skateboarding getting popular again, partly due to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, mini skateboards are becoming a favorite among young people.
Advantages of Mini Skateboards
Starting in the skateboarding world is exciting but can feel overwhelming. Mini skateboards stand out because they are easy to carry. Their small size, about 23 inches long and 6 inches wide, makes them perfect for young or new skaters.
These skateboards have big, soft wheels, about 51 millimeters wide. The wheels make riding smoother on different terrains, helping beginners. It’s easier to ride over bumpy sidewalks or cracked roads.
They have smaller decks, which is great for learning balance and coordination. It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult, starting on a mini skateboard helps master basic skills. Even pro skaters like Wes Kramer and TJ Rodgers praise these boards for their balance between size and performance.
Mini skateboards, or mini cruisers, are not just lighter but easier to control, especially for kids, due to their 7.0 to 7.5 inches width. They’re perfect for beginners, offering a lighter option than full-size boards. Plus, they’re affordable, around $100, making them very popular in skate shops.
These skateboards are great for city living and short travels. You can easily tuck them in a backpack or a locker. Mini skateboards let you enjoy skating without worrying about transporting or storing a big board.
Disadvantages of Mini Skateboards
Mini skateboards, like the popular Penny Board, have their downsides due to their size. Their small size means they’re not very stable. This stability issue is because about 20% of a Penny Board’s area isn’t useful for control or standing comfortably. This makes it hard for beginners to do tricks or stay balanced at fast speeds.
A guide for buying skateboards often mentions mini skateboards are cheaper than the better mini longboards and cruisers, usually costing under $100. Yet, their small wheelbase makes them uncomfortable for people who are tall or heavy. Since the Penny Board is only 22 inches long, bigger riders find it hard to use, leading to less stability and “speed wobble” when going downhill.
For those wanting to master advanced skateboarding techniques and tricks, mini skateboards might not be the best choice. They may discover that larger skateboards are better for learning and allow for easier *challenge* *overcoming*. Full-sized skateboards have a wider and more stable platform, which helps with controlling the board and makes riding more comfortable.
| Skateboard | Weight Limit | Price | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roller Derby Deluxe Skateboard | up to 220 lbs | $39.99 | 30.75” x 7.5” | Cheapest skateboard for beginners |
| Krown Rookie Complete Skateboard | up to 200 lbs | $44.95 | 31” x 7.5” | Most affordable skateboard for beginners |
| KPC PRO Skateboard | up to 200 lbs | $49.95 | 32” x 7.75” | Best starter skateboard for beginners |
| MINORITY Maple Skateboard | up to 220 lbs | $69.98 | 32” x 8” | Most versatile skateboard for beginners |
Ideal Age Range for Beginners
Choosing the right skateboard for kids, especially ages 6 to 12, is crucial. Mini skateboards are often the best pick. They’re lighter and smaller, making them easier for young kids to handle than full-sized boards.
Getting into skateboarding at the right age improves the learning curve. Kids under 10 years old or shorter than 5 feet should go for junior-size skateboards. These boards are about 7.25 to 7.5 inches wide and 29 inches long. This size fits their smaller stature well.
Kids over 10 years old or taller than 5 feet should consider full-size skateboards. These are wider, between 7.5 to 8.5 inches, and about 32 inches long. Picking beginner-friendly skateboards is key for safely mastering basics. A good fit in a board means easier control and less risk.
It’s essential for kids under 10 to skate under an adult’s watch. Boards that fit well along with proper safety gear help avoid injuries. For more advice on choosing skateboards for beginners, check this guide from Element Brand. It’s full of useful info tailored to your child’s needs.
Recommended Mini Skateboard Brands
When looking for a mini skateboard, picking a reliable brand is key. Top skateboard brands such as Penny, Magneto, and Globe are known for their quality skateboards for beginners. They offer a variety of models that are both durable and stylish, perfect for new skateboarders.
Penny skateboards are popular for their bright designs and strong build. Magneto is another great choice, known for some of the best mini cruisers available. They provide a smooth ride and are built to last. Lastly, Globe skateboards are famous for their innovative designs and high performance, making them ideal for beginners.
| Brand | Model | Price | Skill Level | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Team | Oval Classic | $146 | 9.0 | 80 |
| GLOBE | Blazer Cruiser | $195 | 6.0 | 72 |
| CCS | Blooming Streets Complete | $85 | 9.0 | 76 |
| WhiteFang | Double Kick | $40 | 6.0 | 50 |
| Arbor | Pilsner Cruiser | – | 7.0 | 78 |
| Meketec | Little Cruiser | $44 | – | 48 |
| Magneto | Mini Cruiser | $80 | – | 45 |
| Retrospec | Quip 22.5″ Classic | $45 | – | 45 |
| PHOEROS | Complete | $40 | – | 35 |
Price is a big factor when choosing a skateboard. You can find beginner-friendly skateboards priced from $25 to $139. More expensive boards, like the Globe Blazer Cruiser at $195, offer better performance. But a skateboard under $70 can still be a good start without costing too much.
Picking a well-known brand can ensure both fun and safety for beginners. With the right knowledge and choice, you’ll quickly start enjoying skateboarding.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mini Skateboard
Choosing the right mini skateboard is key for beginners. It involves looking at size, material, and what you’ll use it for. Check out this skateboard buying guide to help pick one.
Deck size must fit the rider’s height, weight, and how they stand. For little ones (2-5 years), go for mini boards from 7.0 to 7.5 inches in width. For kids 6-8, mid boards around 7.25 to 7.35 inches work well. These sizes help with stability and ease of movement.
Material quality is vital. Look for skateboards with polyurethane wheels, rated 90a to 100a, for smooth rides and long life. Choose aluminum or titanium trucks for durability. Avoid plastic decks—they’re not as good as plywood ones.
Pick a design that looks good to you. Whether it’s bright colors or a cool logo, a board that looks great will make you want to skate more.
Think about what skating you want to do. A wider deck, about 8.0 inches, is best for cruising. Slimmer decks are better for tricks and skate parks. Knowing what you like helps in choosing the best skateboard.
Steer clear of cheap skateboards. They often use poor materials that don’t last. Mid-range skateboards give better quality and value. Good skateboards start at about £30, according to beginner skateboard selection tips.
With these tips and a good skateboard buying guide, you can make a wise choice. This ensures a fun and safe start in skateboarding for beginners.
Maintenance and Safety Tips for Beginners
Learning to maintain your mini skateboard is key for newcomers. It’s important to check and tighten your skateboard’s trucks and wheels often. This step helps avoid accidents caused by parts that have become loose. It’s also crucial to keep your skateboard clean to prevent dirt from slowing you down. If your skateboard deck gets wet, it might start to sound different or feel soggy. This can mean the glue and structure inside are damaged. Always change out rusted bearings quickly. New bearings cost between $15 to $30 and can greatly better your skateboarding.
It’s also vital to know about skateboarding safety as a beginner. Start with good safety gear like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. This gear can protect you from many common skateboarding injuries. Most injuries happen to skaters doing tricks, not beginners. So, practice in smooth, safe spots before trying harder places. Skateboarding can improve things like balance and heart health. It also makes you feel good by lowering stress and anxiety.
Properly storing your skateboard is another important tip. Keep it in a place that’s cool and dry to avoid damage from moisture and heat. Bad storage can make your skateboard warp, which messes with how it performs and makes it less safe. If you want to get better at skateboarding fast, consider private lessons. Certified instructors, like those from GOSKATE, offer personalized help. This can speed up your learning. By following these tips on maintenance and safety, you’ll skate better and more safely.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!