Selecting the perfect skateboard for your child can be daunting, given the many choices available. But fret not! Dive into our comprehensive guide on choosing a children’s skateboard, ensuring safety, fun, and a foundation for a lifelong passion. We’ve got you covered whether you’re just starting or leveling up.
What is a skateboard?
A skateboard is a flat board, typically made of plywood, with four wheels attached to its underside. It’s used for skateboarding, a sport and recreational activity where riders “skate” or roll on flat surfaces or perform tricks by jumping into the air and maneuvering the board in various ways.
Skateboards come in different shapes and sizes, suitable for various types of skateboarding, such as street, park, or downhill. The board itself consists of several parts:
- Deck: The flat wooden surface on which the skateboarder stands. It has a grippy surface (usually grip tape) to prevent slipping.
- Trucks: metal fixtures attached to the bottom of the deck that hold the wheels. They play a crucial role in maneuvering the skateboard.
- Wheels: Made of urethane, these enable the board to roll smoothly. Different wheel sizes and hardness levels are chosen depending on the type of skateboarding.
- Bearings: Located inside the wheels, these small, round components help the wheels spin smoothly and efficiently.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Why is it important to choose the right skateboard for your child?
Choosing the right skateboard for your child is essential for several reasons:
- Safety: A skateboard that is too big or small or not designed for beginners can make it difficult for a child to control, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Skill development: Just as selecting the correct size shoes or bicycle for your child is crucial, the right skateboard can aid in properly developing skateboarding skills. A board suited to their size and skill level will be easier for them to maneuver, encouraging better technique and faster learning.
- Confidence building: A child who feels comfortable with their skateboard is likelier to feel confident trying new things and pushing their limits. A skateboard appropriate for their size and skill level can give them the assurance they need to practice and improve.
- Enjoyment: Skateboarding should be fun! The right skateboard will cater to your child’s needs, making the experience enjoyable and motivating them to spend more time practicing and playing.
- Durability and value: High-quality skateboards designed for children’s specific needs will likely last longer and offer better value for money in the long run. A well-chosen skateboard can withstand the wear and tear of learning and growing in the sport.
- Avoiding frustration: Using a board unsuitable for them can lead to unnecessary struggles and frustrations for a child, potentially causing them to lose interest in the sport. The right skateboard can make their learning curve smoother and more enjoyable.
How to choose a children’s skateboard
Journeying through the jungle of juvenile skateboards might seem daunting, but remember, you’ve got this! Follow our guide to ensure your kid’s newfound shred sled is solid and pretty much perfect.
Understand your child’s ability and needs
First, consider your child’s skill level, height, and age. A smaller deck can provide more control for new skaters, especially those under five. There’s a simple test to see if a board is a solid choice for your child—if they can comfortably touch the bolts at the front and back while standing on the deck, you’re off to a good start!
For kids that know their way around a board, sizes between 7.0″ and 8.0″ widths and 27″ to 31″ lengths are usually legit—looking for more information? Our trusty kid skateboard size chart can definitely help you out.
Avoid toy skateboards at all costs.
Beware of the toy skateboards. As tempting as they may be with their colorful designs and lower prices, they’re essentially rolling deathtraps. For safety and performance, decide on a complete skateboard setup from your local skate shop or a reputable online retailer.
Be mindful of component compatibility.
Next up, understand the importance of component compatibility. The deck, trucks, and wheels should all be a match made in skateboard heaven. An inappropriately assembled skateboard can lead to poor performance and potential accidents.
A common rule of thumb is to ensure the trucks match the deck’s width, and the wheels should fit the trucks securely while maintaining enough clearance to avoid any unwanted wheel contact while steering.
Opt for a replaceable set-up.
And finally, think long-term and opt for a skateboard setup that allows for part replacement. As your child progresses, they must upgrade parts for improved performance or replace worn-out components. The possibility of replacing parts also opens up the chance for your child to truly customize their board over time. Now that’s a rad deal!
There you have it—your roadmap to buying the perfect skateboard for your child! Having undertaken those sketchy shopping streets, you’re now well-prepared to navigate the skateboard.
Additional tips when choosing a child’s skateboard
Need a few more pointers to land an ace skateboard for your little ripper? Check these out:
- Visit a local skate shop and seek advice from experts.
- If buying online, consider getting a complete skateboard setup, but make sure it’s from a reputable brand.
- Watch some online videos of your child’s favorite skateboarders – you’ll glean much inspiration from there.
- For kids under 5, consider starting with a balance board before moving on to a skateboard.
The newbie dad-learner’s perspective
Remember when I decided to help my son discover skateboarding? I could breeze through the process – buy a board, slap on some grip tape, and we’re off to the local park. Boy, was I wrong.
Choosing a skateboard was complex – many sizes, types, and prices! I definitely felt a lot like a poser navigating those early days, trying to figure out trucks and wheel sizes while explaining why we couldn’t just get the skateboard with his favorite cartoon character on it.
It may have been a steep learning curve, but it was worth it. Now, my son and I share a new hobby, one where we are continuously learning and growing together. Getting a skateboard and learning to ride was probably my best decision this year. I enjoy skating with my son, and I’ll definitely say you’re never too old to learn skateboarding yourself!
“Navigating the colorful labyrinth of kids skateboards can leave even the chilliest cook feeling fried. To help you through, we’ve nailed down some simple dos and don’ts when it comes to selecting an epic shred stick for your little ripper.”
Now that we’ve dropped the knowledge on picking the perfect skateboard, it’s time to hand down some age-specific data. This table showcases the ideal skateboard sizes for children of different ages and heights. Never underestimate the impact of choosing the right size deck for your child’s skateboarding journey. It can make a world of difference in their progress and confidence!
| Age | Kid Height | Skateboard Width |
|---|---|---|
| 5 or under | 3’4 or under | 6.5″ to 7.0″ |
| 6 to 8 | 3’5 to 4’4 | 7.0″ to 8.0″ |
| 9-12 | 4’5 to 5’2 | 7.5″ to 8.0″ |
| 13 and over | 5’3 or over | 8.0″+ |
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Choosing the perfect skateboard for your little shredder can trigger a barrage of questions. Let’s drop some more knowledge bombs in addressing frequently asked questions regarding choosing a skateboard for children.
Can skateboard wheels be replaced?
Indeed! One of the reasons for opting for a proper skateboard instead of a cheap one is the ability to replace worn-out or outdated parts. Switching out your skateboard wheels can be a breeze whether you need smoother wheels for street skating or harder ones for tricks.
Can my child lose weight through skateboarding?
Totally! Skateboarding is a fantastic way to burn calories, maintain cardiovascular health, and improve overall fitness. It’s an excellent active hobby that can help maintain a healthy lifestyle while providing much fun – talk about a win-win!
Can my child learn skateboarding in a day?
While your little one may be able to learn the basics in a day, mastering skateboarding definitely takes time and practice, just like any sport. The actual timeline will vary for each child depending on their aptitude, previous experience with balance-centric activities, and how much they practice consistently.
How do I choose the right skateboard wheels?
The best wheels for your child’s skateboard depend largely on the type of skating they’ll be doing. Larger, softer wheels provide a smoother ride and are ideal for cruising, while smaller, harder wheels are great for performing tricks. The right pair can really step up your grom’s game!
Final thoughts
The right skateboard can ignite a lifelong passion. With guidance, patience, a bit of research, and a solid understanding of what to look for, I promise you’ll be able to find the perfect shredding vehicle for your awesome rugrat. Now, I’m curious. What’s your biggest challenge when choosing a skateboard for your child? Let me know in the comment section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and look at my full blog for more tips and tricks on choosing a children’s skateboard. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
This article covered how to choose a skateboard for your child. Here are some key takeaways:
- Understanding your child’s ability and needs is the first step to choosing the right skateboard
- Avoid toy skateboards, as they lack proper safety and performance capabilities.
- Be mindful of component compatibility to ensure safe and effective skateboarding.
- Opt for skateboard setups, allowing component replacement as your child grows and progresses in their skateboarding journey.
- Your child’s age and height are crucial in determining the appropriate skateboard size.
