Thinking about getting your child a skateboard but confused by all the options? It’s not easy to pick the first skateboard for a beginner. Kids’ skateboards come in many sizes, styles, and materials. Choosing correctly is vital for your young skater’s learning and safety.
Start with skateboards that are stable, durable, and fit your child’s height and shoe size. Brands like the Beleev 27-inch Complete Skateboard and the Ookkie Kids’ Learner Skateboard are top picks. They’re known for stability and easy-to-use designs, perfect for beginners.
Key Takeaways
- Finding the right beginner skateboard makes a big difference in how your child learns.
- Consider options like the Beleev 27-inch Complete Skateboard or Ookkie Kids’ Learner Skateboard.
- The skateboard’s size should match your child’s height and shoe size for better control.
- Don’t forget safety gear like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
- Aim for a skateboard under $70 for quality but steer clear of those under $43 for safety.
Understanding Your Child’s Needs
Learning to skateboard involves knowing what your child needs. Things like age, size, and their skateboarding goals are very important. It’s all about choosing kids skateboard that’s just right for them in terms of size, stability, and grip, for a safe ride.
For newbies, boards between 7.5 to 8 inches wide are best for balance. Brands like Element, Globe, and Santa Cruz are top picks for beginners. They’re known for quality and safety. Also, consider if your child wants to cruise or do tricks. Cruiser skateboards are great for starters because they’re stable.
Look for skateboards with soft wheels as they offer smoother rides. Getting one that’s fully assembled is a plus. Don’t forget safety gear like helmets and knee pads to avoid injuries. Starting on carpet or grass can also make learning safer.
Kids have a different balance because they’re still growing. So, skateboards for children aged 5-10 are shorter, about 7 inches by 28 inches, for better balance. Keep the skateboard well-maintained to make it last longer. And, morning times at the skate park are less crowded, which is safer for beginners.
| Age Group | Recommended Deck Size | Safe Practice Areas | Common Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-10 years | 7″ x 28″ | Carpeted floors, grassy areas | Element, Globe, Baker, Enjoi |
| 11-15 years | 7.5″ – 8″ | Skate parks (early morning) | Powell-Peralta, Santa Cruz |
Knowing these important points helps pick the right skateboard for your child. This ensures they start skateboarding in a fun and safe way.
Types of Skateboards Suitable for Beginners
Finding the right skateboard is key for beginners. There are different skateboards for various styles. Knowing the choices helps pick the best one for a beginner. Here are some top picks:
- Longboards: Great for cruising, longboards are stable and smooth. They’re long, between 35 to 60 inches, perfect for travel and downhill rides.
- Cruisers: These boards mix mobility with stability, being 30 to 32 inches long. Their wide decks help beginners balance, making them great for starters.
- Standard Skateboards: These are about 30 inches long, good for tricks and street skating. Their design is versatile, liked by kids learning various tricks.
- Mini Cruisers: Best for young kids, mini cruisers are 22 to 29 inches long. They’re portable and easy to handle, balancing portability and performance.
Models like the Magneto Hana Pintail Longboard and Beleev Complete Skateboard are great for beginners. They are stable and durable. A beginner’s skateboard usually costs at least $100. However, better quality models, like mini cruisers, range from $150 to $300.
Choosing a quality skateboard helps avoid disappointment with cheap boards. Look for decks with good wheels that spin well (at least 30 seconds). Make sure the board’s width fits your child’s shoe size, like 7.625″ – 8″ for a size 5 shoe. Always have your child wear protective gear, like helmets and pads, to lower the risk of injury while learning.
Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard
When picking a skateboard for your child, focus on key skateboard features for safety and fun. Deck design, wheels, and bearings are crucial for top skateboard qualities.
Start with the deck. A concave shape with grip tape helps with control and balance. Full-sized skateboards are usually 7.75″ to 8.25″ wide. Junior ones are between 7.25″ and 7.5″ wide. We suggest a width of 7.75″ or 8.0″ for beginners.
Wheels and bearings are super important too. Go for softer wheels, between 90a and 100a, for grip and smooth rides. Also, good bearings make the board roll smoothly and fast.
Don’t forget about durability. Quality materials in trucks and bearings mean your skateboard will last longer. Avoid plastic decks because they don’t hold up well. A solid mid-range skateboard is a smart choice for newbies.
| Age | Recommended Skateboard Size |
|---|---|
| 5-7 years old | 7″ wide by 28″ long |
| 8-10 years old | 7.25″ wide by 29″ long |
| 11-12 years old | 7.4″ wide by 30″ long |
Keep these skateboard features in mind for a top-notch skateboarding experience. It’s about balancing deck design, wheel quality, and durability for the right board.
Our Top Picks for Beginner Skateboards
Choosing the top beginner skateboards for kids means looking at safety and quality first. We have picked our top five based on design, features, and how they perform.
| Model | Price | Deck Dimensions | Wheel Specifications | Recommended Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz Classic Black Dot Complete Skateboard | $100 | 31.83″ x 8.25″ | 52mm, 99A | 8+ years |
| Enjoi Skateboard Complete Pilz Classic | $80 | 31.89″ x 8.25″ | 52mm, 99A | 8+ years |
| Element Skateboards Section Complete | $80 (20% off) | 31.89″ x 8″ | 52mm, 99A | 8+ years |
| Magneto Complete Skateboard for Beginners | $35 | 27.5″ x 7.75″ | 60mm, 78A | 6-8 years |
| Penny Australia Cactus Wanderlust Penny Board | $130 | 32″ x 6″ | 59mm, 83A | 6+ years |
The Beleev 27-inch Complete Skateboard and the Ookkie Kids’ Learner Skateboard are great for beginners. The Beleev is tough but won’t break the bank. It’s great for kids just starting to skate. The Ookkie helps very young riders stay stable by mixing a skateboard and scooter.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Skateboard
Choosing the right skateboard for kids is very important. It ensures they have a good and safe start in skateboarding. A quality skateboard gives your child better balance and control. This is really helpful for beginners. It also helps them feel more confident and improves their motor skills, making it easier to learn.
One key benefit of skateboarding is better balance and coordination. Choosing a skateboard that matches your child’s age, height, and skill level is important to avoid injuries. Mini skateboards are best for kids under 12. They’re made just right for smaller beginners.
Buying a quality skateboard from a reliable skate shop is also safer and performs better than cheaper ones from big stores. Skate shops sell boards with important features like good grip tape and durable trucks. These features make riding smoother and safer, keeping away the problems and injuries cheap boards can cause.
The right skateboard can also speed up your child’s learning. Quality skateboards have beginner-friendly features like wider decks for more balance. Longboards, which are 33 inches or longer, offer great stability and control, making them perfect for new skaters. Mini cruisers are great for young city skaters because they are light and easy to carry around.
Here’s a quick comparison of skateboard types to help you make an informed decision:
| Skateboard Type | Length | Recommended Age | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Skateboards | 22-27 inches | Under 12 years | Lightweight, 7-ply maple wood |
| Longboards | 33 inches or more | 10 years and older | Increased stability, ideal for beginners |
| Mini Cruisers | 22 inches | 5 years and older | Compact, ultra-lightweight |
How to Properly Maintain Your Child’s Skateboard
Keeping your child’s skateboard in good shape means doing regular skateboard maintenance. It’s crucial for beginners to learn this. By checking the skateboard often and taking care of it, you can stop accidents and expensive fixes.
- Inspect for Wear and Tear: Always look at the deck, trucks, and wheels for signs of damage. These parts are made of strong materials like maple, bamboo, or plastic. But they can get damaged. For young kids, a 7.75-inch wide deck is best for staying steady.
- Check Screws and Bolts: Make sure all screws and bolts are tight. If they’re loose, it’s not safe for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says lots of skateboard injuries happen in the first week of learning. This shows how key it is to have everything secured.
- Maintain Wheels and Bearings: Clean the wheels now and then to keep dirt from hurting performance. Good skateboard wheels (usually 52 mm to 54 mm wide) should spin well for at least 30 seconds. If bearings aren’t great, you can replace them for about $20, and it won’t take long.
- Minding Grip Tape: Looking after the grip tape is very important. If it’s worn out, replace it to keep the board stable, which helps your child control the skateboard better.
- Weight and Deck Size: Skateboards have different weight limits, from 200 to 275 pounds. Check if the skateboard suits your child. To learn more about picking the right skateboard, check out this guide. SkateXS offers quality boards for kids.
- Safe Practices: Kids younger than 5 shouldn’t skate, says the AAP. Kids 6 to 10 need to be watched closely as they learn to push and balance.
Good skateboard upkeep means checking every part of the skateboard. This makes skating better and safer for your child as they learn this exciting sport.
Engaging Your Child in Skateboarding
Getting kids into skateboarding can be fun for you and your child. It’s important to make the learning fun and positive. Choose safe areas like local skate parks with areas for beginners. This makes your child feel safe and happy while they learn.
Keeping your child interested means encouraging them to practice regularly. Celebrate every achievement, like mastering balance or a new trick. This builds their confidence and excitement for skateboarding.
Getting your child into skate events or lessons can also boost their skills and love for skateboarding. SkateXS builds skateboards perfect for beginners since 2010. Their boards help kids control and steer easier, with special wheels and trucks for smaller riders.
To keep your child motivated, let them pick their skateboard style and colors. When kids have a skateboard they love, they want to skate more. Plus, group lessons offer a chance for socializing, which can be very encouraging.
Safety is super important; make sure your child wears knee and elbow pads to avoid getting hurt. A safe, supportive experience can make skateboarding great fun for your family.
Resources for Parents and Young Skateboarders
Looking for skateboarding resources to help your child can be very helpful. Websites like Skateline and Skateboarding.com provide lots of information. They talk about gear and how to choose the best one for your young skater.
Don’t forget about local skate shops. They offer personalized advice and often host skateboarding clinics. Your child can learn a lot from experienced instructors here. Plus, talking with other skate parents can give you great tips.
Social media is full of easy-to-follow skate tutorials. Instagram and YouTube are great for this. They have videos on all sorts of skateboard tricks. Check out this detailed skateboarding guide.
Lastly, joining a parent support network is a smart move. You can share advice with parents in the same boat. This helps you better support your child’s skateboarding passion and growth.
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!