A beginner's guide to buying the best kid's skateboard
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Skateboarding has long been considered a niche hobby, but it is about to explode. This sport, known for adrenaline-stimulating techniques and floppy-haired children taking over draining swimming pools, became mainstream at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and its popularity has soared like never before.
If you want to help them buy their first skateboard, or if they are ready to upgrade to a more practical skateboard, here are some tips on what to look for, as well as some skateboards that we think are great.
If we do not remind you to always ensure that they have high-quality protective equipment, such as skateboard helmets, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads, we would be too negligent. After you remove safety from the list, here is how to find an excellent, highly-rated kid skateboard. All of these are equipped with trucks and wheels and can be rolled.
Polyurethane wheels are the only way out.
When buying children's skateboards, you will find that there are two types of wheels to choose from: hard wheels and soft wheels. The hard one is made of plastic, and the soft one is made of PU (polyurethane). We confirmed this to some experts, but-to be honest-anyone who has ridden a skateboard many times will tell you that soft wheels are the only way out.
Think of it this way: Soft wheels are like riding a car with high-quality tires. Plastic wheels are like driving on the rims of your car. Plastic wheels can give a discordant experience and make each operation more difficult. The soft wheels can absorb bumps on the road, make driving more stable, and can stop more smoothly and turn more easily. When buying a complete plank (planks with wheels, trucks, and decks), make sure to buy planks with PU wheels.
Of course, you can buy smaller circuit boards, but standard size circuit boards are easier to learn and have a longer lifespan.
We will tell you a secret: apart from marketing, there is basically no difference between skateboarding for children and skateboarding for adults. Most children’s skateboards are about 6 inches wide, but to be honest, it’s easier for kids to learn on a wider standard 7.5-inch skateboard. A wider board gives them greater stability and growth. We interviewed Lamar Betts of Skateside Skateside School in Los Angeles, California, and he said that he always advises kids to start with 7.5. They are easier to start using and will last longer.
Grip tape looks and feels like sandpaper.
The deck is the top of the skateboard you ride on. Most boards are either plastic or made of wood-the most common is Canadian maple. On wooden boards, you will often find "grip tape", a tape similar to sandpaper, covering the surface. That tape can help prevent your feet from slipping off. It is used on the board and is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.
Although we definitely recommend older kids to use the grip belt when learning to ride a horse, keep in mind that if you have a younger child who wants to adapt to their skateboard by riding on their butt or belly, this can be very difficult. It is uncomfortable and may even cause injury. For young children, you may want to look for a plastic deck-just make sure it is of the right texture to prevent falls.
Check out reviews on skateboard stability while shopping.
When learning to ride for the first time, children need to do some work to learn how to maintain balance on the moving board. When looking for a circuit board, be sure to search for a circuit board that has been reviewed and described as stable and robust. Shaky circuit boards will bring shaky journeys, which frustrate new learners.
If their new ride feels inappropriate, be sure to use the skating key to adjust. This might be a simple fix!
If your child takes out their skateboard and feels that the wheels are unstable, or turn too fast or too slow, please know that skateboarding is a sport from the heart and depends entirely on customization and personal feelings. All you need is to use the skating key to make some adjustments to get the right size. The skateboard key is a small wrench that may or may not be provided with your skateboard, but it is a must for adjustment. Remember that tighter turns will make the board easier to learn. Once your child feels comfortable and wants to try their skills, you can relax according to their preferences.
Flat sneakers, such as Vans, are best for learning and operation.
After you buy a skateboard, please make sure your child has the right footwear. Recommend a good pair of flat sneakers. The soles of sports shoes are usually too thick, or their heavy tread has too much grip on the board to move easily. We like Vans, this is the iconic skate shoe of choice, but any flat sneaker will do.
Here are 8 great beginner skateboarders, suitable for novice skateboarders, let them chop up knots immediately.
Quality components for less than $30 make it an excellent starter board.
It was called an "excellent starter board" by critics. This complete circuit board is equipped with high-quality components at an unbeatable price, including Canadian maple decks, alloy trucks and PU wheels.
The reviewers commented on the operability of the board, the durability of the wheels, and the smooth driving. "Compared to other skateboards, the price is so low... Surprisingly it [is]... it is a great skateboard for beginners and experienced skaters, I feel very Happy," said one of the reviewers, and another said, "I recommend 10/10, especially for novices."
Buy Beleev's complete beginner skateboard on Amazon for $26.99
This beginner board has luminous wheels.
The 8-inch deck is an excellent beginner's board with luminous PU wheels to provide a larger surface for kids who are just getting started.
Critics like this board because its wheels are of good quality and easy to operate. In fact, more than one reviewer commented that this is a community favorite, so don’t be surprised if your child’s friends want to use this board instead of their own.
Get the Gentle Monster 8-inch complete skateboard on Amazon for $27.99
These American-made plastic panels are suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
This American-made, Santa Barbara-based company produces high-quality plastic sheets suitable for all ages and abilities.
The scored plastic board makes it a comfortable entry board and will not let your child get scratched by the sandpaper grip belt. It is also equipped with large and stable PU wheels, which gives the board a better overall stability. These circuit boards are lightweight, very portable, and come with a lifetime warranty.
Buy Swell plastic skateboards starting at $87
This is a high-performance starter board.
The soft wheels, durable deck and bold design make it a high-performance starter board, and kids will find it cool to ride. This versatile skateboard has a classic shape and provides a lot of stability for beginners. Critics praised it as a skateboard that provides smooth and easy control.
As one commenter said, "Why don't you buy this skateboard... It looks and feels like an expensive designer skateboard from a company that has a huge influence in the skating industry." This excellent budget board also offers 1 year warranty, covering any defects.
Buy Cal 7 full standard skateboard on Amazon for $39.95
This core skateboard brand has a great reputation.
Enjoi is a core skateboard brand founded by professional skateboarder Rodney Mullen, and is an affordable brand recommended by industry insiders. Betts said Enjoi is a brand he recommends to students who want a premium board with outstanding features.
The smooth driving of the board will make your child feel like a professional. If your child shows a passion for this sport, but wants something more fulfilling in their game, it is also strongly recommended to use this board as an upgraded version.
Buy Enjoi complete skateboards on Amazon, starting at $74.99
Darkstar boards are known for their smooth driving and durability.
Darkstar started as a skateboarding and wheel company. Under the guidance of professional skater Chet Thomas, it has now expanded to full board. Their completion of the board of directors was well received. This is another entry-level, less than $100 board recommended by Bates. These finished objects are known for their smooth operation and durability.
Buy the Darkstar complete skateboard kit on Amazon, starting at $74.99
This Penny Board style plastic board has a 5" truck.
An interesting little plastic board, suitable for boarders with a limited budget. PU wheels combined with carbon fiber bearings can drive smoothly at incredible speeds. We also like the 5-inch truck very much. It provides better balance for beginners and mobility for children who want to improve their riding skills.
Buy Retrospec Quip on Amazon for only $29.99
If you are looking for something smaller, this is a colorful 6-inch board with illuminated wheels.
Although we think it's best to start with a larger circuit board, if you feel that you must use a smaller circuit board, this is the favorite of all the circuit boards we have found. Its illuminated wheels and cool and stylish design make it an interesting journey. The plastic deck makes it suitable for small children, while the 6-inch deck makes it smaller in size, which is very suitable for young children to carry.
Buy Merkapa 22" Complete Skateboard with illuminated wheels on Amazon for $31.99
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