How to choose a skateboard for a child and how to learn to skateboard?

Children can have fun, stay active, and develop their confidence by skateboarding. Making the right skateboard purchase for your child can ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience. Knowing what to look for when choosing a skateboard that fits your child’s age, skill level, and size is important because there are a lot of options available.

Learning to skateboard involves more than just choosing the right board; it also takes time and repetition. As your child starts, teaching them the fundamentals—like balance and safety—will help them establish a solid foundation. You can both enjoy this process more and it can go more smoothly with a few easy steps.

This article will walk you through the important things to think about when selecting a skateboard for your child and provide helpful advice on how to get them started on a confident learning path.

Design

A traditional skateboard consists of a board (deck) with wheels and multiple layers of veneer covering it. The deck of certain contemporary models—such as longboards and cruisers—is composed of plastic.

A skateboard can be a vehicle or a tool for sportsmanship when doing tricks.

• Deck. This is the board itself – the base of the skateboard. Consists of several layers of glued maple veneer. As a rule, these are 7 or 9 layers, but for lightweight models 5 layers are used. For children"s skateboards, 6-7 layers of veneer are enough.
• Griptape – top coating of the deck. In its appearance, it is very similar to sandpaper. Thanks to this self-adhesive tape, your feet do not slip off the skateboard while moving or performing tricks.
• Suspension. Durable metal construction for connecting wheels to the board. Most often made of aluminum alloy with other metals.
• Wheels. The main criterion for choosing wheels is rigidity. It is sufficient rigidity that makes the skateboard movements smoother. If there is a special area for skateboarding, then the wheels can be soft. For a regular yard or street, it is best to choose a board with hard wheels.
• Bearings, pads, base, shock absorbers and other parts.

Types and types

Skateboards are classified into various categories based on their dimensions and patterns:

1. Longboard – a long board. Characterized by larger and softer wheels. The front part of the skateboard has a pointed look, the back part is raised.
2. Cruiser – a board with 4 wheels, which is optimal for riding in the city and on smooth roads. The wheels are usually soft or medium hard. Has a raised "tail" at the deck. This is the best option for teaching children from 5 to ride years.
3. Streetboard, snakeboard. Consists of several platforms. Used to perform trick elements.
4. Freeboard. This board has 6 wheels. Used for freestyle.
5. Flowboard. A board with 14 wheels, highly maneuverable, ideal for trick elements.
6. Mountainboard. The board is designed for riding on rough terrain. Has wheels with a diameter of about 20 cm.
7. Stowboard. Folding skateboard. Its main part is not a board, but a metal stand – a basket for the feet.

At what age should you start skateboarding?

A vast array of skateboards with different styles, dimensions, and designs are available for purchase these days. Children aged five to six are intended to use the smallest and lightest models.

It is generally accepted that kids under the age of seven or eight shouldn’t skateboard. Of course, you can put a four to five-year-old child on a skateboard, but experts generally agree that young children lack good movement coordination and stability. As a result, getting on a skateboard too soon can lead to injuries.

Classes must begin under the guidance of an adult, more experienced trainer at any age. When skating, parents should ensure that their 4- to 5-year-old children are held securely by one hand and protected from falls.

Parents should always walk in front of the skateboard because the child’s body should be tipped forward.

Which is better to choose for small children?

Mini-skates, with a maximum length of 22 inches, are an option for the youngest athletes. The skateboard needs to be strong, light, and elastic enough. Vibrant hues will work even more in your favor when selecting your preferred model.

While teaching a child to skateboard requires patience and the appropriate safety equipment, choosing a skateboard for them to use involves taking into account their age, skill level, and safety. Selecting a board that fits them well, provides stability, and is strong enough to withstand falls is crucial. To prevent injury, learning should begin with fundamental balance and control and progress gradually to simple tricks while donning knee pads, wrist guards, and a helmet.

How to choose the size of a skateboard according to age?

A standard board measures between 78 and 83 cm in length and 19 to 21.5 cm in width. These sizes, though, are intended for adults. Consequently, skateboard sizes vary based on the child’s age (note that we are discussing standard skateboard sizes, not cruisers):

• Skateboards for children whose height has not yet reached 1 meter. The dimensions of the skateboard are 27.2 – 27.6 x 6.5 – 6.75 inches (length – about 70 cm).
• Children 6 – 8 years old up to 1.4 m. Board size – 28 x 7 inches. (length – up to 71 cm.)
• Children from 9 to 12 years old up to 1.5 m. Board size – 29 x 7.3 inches (length up to 74 cm.).
• Children over 13 years old. Adult skateboard sizes are suitable.

Overview of manufacturers

The following are some of the most well-known and well-liked skateboard manufacturers:

• Alien Workshop. These are classic, durable boards with large bends. Designed for skating, not suitable for jumping elements.
• Black Label. One of the most comfortable models for beginner skateboarders. They have a stable, strong middle part of the board, but the front and back parts, due to the deep concave, can begin to break over time.
• Blind. Boards that are distinguished, first of all, by their aesthetically attractive appearance. Have a low weight.
• Santa Cruz. Comfortable, strong boards of an original design. Have a slight bend.
• Penny Board. A high-quality Australian brand that pays great attention to detail. This is the most popular option for small children.

Watch the following video, which uses the Penny Board as an example, to learn how to avoid falling for scammers’ bait and how to avoid purchasing a fake:

Tips for choosing

The following factors should be considered when selecting a skateboard for your child:

1. Deck width. Can vary from 4.7 to 10.62 inches. The narrower the board, the more maneuverable it is, the wider it is, the more stable. Beginners should choose models with a small width. During the training process, you can choose the model that is optimally suitable in width.
2. Deck length. In principle, the length does not affect the speed and quality of skiing. The standard size is considered to be 31 inches (78.7 cm), but for very young athletes the length of the board can be shorter.
3. It is best to buy a skateboard made not of plastic, but of maple veneer. Plastic models are much cheaper, but less elastic and durable compared to wooden ones.
4. Concave. Beginner skateboarders are best off buying flat boards, there is no point in choosing skateboards with a deep concave (bend). Such boards are suitable for more experienced athletes.
5. The surface of the board should be smooth and have no cracks, chips or dents. Wood can deform over time, so it is best to buy a skateboard that was made recently.

What to consider when choosing for beginner children?

A novice athlete’s skateboard should not be chosen based solely on aesthetic appeal or unique design.

The skateboard needs to be constructed from high-quality materials, have the most straightforward and practical shape, and be the right size based on the child’s age and growth.

Although you can build your own skateboard by buying the parts individually, it is recommended that a young child just starting out buy a pre-assembled board. It is best to stick with brands that come from reputable, established manufacturers. Although they will cost more than their plastic equivalents, there will be strong assurances regarding their dependability, quality, and child safety.

How to learn to skate?

One kind of extreme sport is skateboarding. It entails using a skateboard to perform tricks that range in difficulty. Skating comes in a variety of styles.

The most well-liked ones are:

1. Flatland. Skating and performing tricks on a flat surface.
2. Street. Street skating using all kinds of stairs, railings, ceilings, etc. .
3. Freestyle. A style characterized by performing tricks and jumps in one plane.
4. Vert. A style with performing trick elements on a ramp.
5. Park. Performing particularly complex and spectacular elements on the ramp.

Selecting a push-off leg should be the first skill you learn. You can push off, move, and stop once you’ve mastered the proper position. Take your time; the process should not be rushed.

To learn how to master the five fundamental skateboarding skills, watch the video.

What tricks can you do?

The most skilled skateboarders can typically perform the trick portion of the sport. But there are also some fairly easy feints that even a novice athlete can pick up quickly.

• Ollie (jump with a skateboard). One foot is placed on the back bend of the board (tail), and the second – in the middle or a little further. Then click the foot standing on the tail on the ground, and stretch the other leg along the board, as if stretching it. The legs should be slightly bent. Of course, the jump will not work the first time. In The main thing in skateboarding is constant training. See the next video for more details.

• Nollie. Similar to ollie with the only difference that the movement starts with the foot that is in front. It makes a click, and the other foot "pulls" the skateboard up.
• Manual. A very simple element. Its essence is as follows: the athlete, pressing on the tail, lifts the front part of the skateboard and tries to stay on the weight, balancing and helping himself with his hands.

You can watch the video below to learn this element more quickly.

• Ollie with a turn. Similar to the ollie element, only during its execution you need to try to turn in place together with the board. The element begins in the same way as ollie, only after clicking on the ground, you need to twist the skateboard with the other foot, turning in the same direction and yourself. You can help with your hands.

See the next video to learn why novices might not be able to ollie.

• Kickflip. The most difficult of the presented elements. It is based on the same ollie, only during its execution you need to try to spin the skate horizontally. The exercise is performed in motion. First, you need to do an ollie exercise, and when the front leg reaches the bend of the board, you need to sharply twist it. After the rotation, the board stops with both feet.

Prior to performing this element, watch the following video.

Aspect	Details
Age of the child	Choose a skateboard based on the child"s age. For young kids (5-7), a smaller, lightweight board is ideal. Older children can handle a standard size board.
Board size	Look for boards that match the child"s height and shoe size. A board width of 7-8 inches is common for most kids.
Safety gear	Always buy a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads for protection. Safety should come first when learning to skateboard.
Learning process	Start on a smooth, flat surface. Teach your child balance and how to push off slowly. Practice makes perfect, so go step by step.
Type of skateboard	For beginners, a regular skateboard is great. Once they gain skills, you can consider a longboard or a trick board based on their interest.
Wheels and trucks	Choose soft wheels for smooth rides and stable trucks for better control. Smaller wheels are good for tricks, larger wheels for cruising.
Parental support	Encourage your child with patience. Help them stay motivated and enjoy the learning experience. Be sure to supervise their practice, especially in the beginning.

A child’s skateboard should be selected with safety, size, and skill level in mind. To help them develop confidence, make sure the board has the proper grip and stability for their age and experience.

Practice and patience are essential for learning. Before attempting tricks, encourage your child to start out slowly and concentrate on balance and control. For advancement, a safe space is essential, such as a skate park or smooth surface.

Above all, help your child enjoy themselves while remaining safe. They will love the process of picking up this thrilling skill if they have the right skateboard and an optimistic outlook.

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