Kids Skateboards: How Should I Choose a Beginner Board for My Child?

Is your son or daughter showing an interest in skateboarding? That is so cool! Of course now it is time to help them get rolling by choosing just the right skateboard.

Getting your kid’s first skateboard can be exciting, but also a bit confusing. Obviously you’ll want a skateboard that looks fun and cool, but also one that actually rides well and will help your child learn to skateboard as easily and safely as possible.

We’ll provide an overview of the parts of a skateboard, introducing you to the proper terms and lingo, and see if we can help you find the perfect skateboard for your child.

What are the parts of a skateboard?

A skateboard is really a collection of parts, each component having its own features and overall roll to play in the skateboard’s function and your skater’s experience.

• Skateboard Deck

This is the part the skater stands on. The bottom of the deck typically has a colorful graphic and the top is covered with a sheet of grip tape that provides traction for the skater’s feet. Decks are usually made of maple or bamboo. Bamboo decks tend to be a bit more eco friendly and can also be a bit lighter weight and stronger.

Skateboard decks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We recommend a modern shape in smaller sizes specifically for kids. Smaller board sizes include 7"x28", 7.25"x29" or even 7.4"x30" for older kids. Kids can certainly stand and push on a bigger board, but a big board is not nearly as maneuverable. Kids won’t learn correctly if they are trying to do tricks on an oversized board.

• Trucks

Skateboard Trucks are essentially the axles of the skateboard and are the metal assemblies that attach to the deck and hold the wheels. Kids skateboard trucks should be lightweight and sized correctly to match the smaller deck width of their skateboard. The rubber bushings inserted in the truck allow the skater to turn the board, kids will always benefit from softer bushings allowing for their lighter weight.

• Wheels

Skateboard Wheels should be of a high quality polyurethane and of a correct size and hardness. A 52-54mm wheel diameter is the sweet spot for wheel size. Wheel hardness is more interesting. Hard wheels are measured at a durometer of around 100a and are typically chosen for more advanced skatepark skaters. A softer hybrid wheel of around 90a tends to be ideal for kids as it allows for a smoother ride in the neighborhood, but it is still hard enough for performance at the skatepark.

Bearings are inserted into the wheels to allow them to spin. A high quality bearing typically has a neoprene shield to keep out debris. The shield can be removed for cleaning or re-lubricating the bearings. A sign of a cheap board can often be sealed steel bearings which can’t be cleaned.

• Grip Tape

Grip tape is similar to sandpaper and is applied to the top of the deck to provide traction for the skater. Most griptape is just a standard black sheet, but is also available in colors. If you see griptape in your child’s favorite color, consider going for it! You can always re-grip a board and it is much easier to find a replacement sheet of black grip than a color. You may also find options like the ability to personalize the grip tape area with your skater's name!

Picking the Right Skateboard for Your Kid

Even beginner skaters deserve a good skateboard. You can expect to spend at least $100, anything cheaper is going to be cutting a lot of corners and is unlikely to provide a good ride. That being said, be sure to pick a design and style your skater will resonate. Skateboards aren’t all skulls and daggers these days and good kids boards should offer fun and stylish designs that are both cool and age appropriate.

My name is Ranny Watson. I'm a professional Digital Marketing Expert.