Kryptonics Skateboard Longboard 32 Inch Blue and Red Design

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Skateboards have come a long way since kids used to attach wheels to wooden boxes to scoot around town, and there are plenty of variations of shapes, sizes, speeds, and specialties available now. You may be wondering which is the best skateboard for kids to start the sport—and to keep it up, even after all those inevitable falls.

Choosing a good board will minimize but not eliminate the challenges of learning to skate. To come up with this list, we looked at the size and shape of the deck (the board), wheel size and hardness (durometer rating), and the general reputation of the skateboard brands among experts and those who have been skating for years.

"The main thing you need to start skating is the will to start skating," Andrew Hollohan, head coach at the Homage Skateboard Academy in Brooklyn, New York, tells Verywell Family. "You can also start on the grass or a piece of carpet, like a doormat. That will allow the skateboard to move around a little, and it's more stable for learning how to get on and off the board."

So grab your helmet and pads—and maybe your wallet too—as we walk you through this guide to the best skateboards for kids.

Good to Know

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises all skaters, regardless of their experience, to wear proper safety gear, including a well-fitted helmet, elbow guards, knee guards, and wrist guards.

Element

Pros

• Trusted brand in skateboarding

• 8-inch-wide deck for beginners

• Available from multiple retailers

Cons

• Hard wheels not meant for longer distances

This complete, classic popsicle board is made from hard maple wood and is designed to work great for beginners and youth skaters thanks to its 8-inch width, which gives beginners better control and stability, making it our best overall pick. This complete set also comes with Element brand aluminum trucks and comes completely assembled, so you don't need to worry about putting it together. The included wheels are 52 mm, a smaller size which causes a slower overall speed for kids to help them master technique before adding extra speed.

Founded in 1992, Element Skateboards quickly became one of the most recognizable and trusted skateboard brands around, and a featured spot in the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video games didn't hurt either.

Wheel size: 52 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 99A (hard) | Board size: 8 x 31.75 inches | Deck material: Maple

Beleev

Pros

• Great wheels for learning the basics

• Affordable price
  

• Double kicktails for tricks

Cons

• Some complaints of faulty bearings

Not only is this skateboard meant for beginners, but it's also designed to be a great skateboard for parks and concrete walkways once the rider has mastered the basics. Like most beginner boards, it's 8 inches wide to help give the rider better balance and control. This complete skateboard comes with aluminum trucks and 55 mm wheels for slower speeds. The harder 95A durometer-rated wheels are also ideal for learning.

The deck is made from seven layers of maple wood that can accommodate up to 220 pounds, while it is also fairly lightweight so that you or your child can carry it with them on the go. It features a colorful, eye-catching design on the deck, because even beginners want to feel a little stylish on their new board.

Wheel size: 55 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 95A (hard) | Board size: 8 x 31 inches | Deck material: Maple

Magneto

Pros

• Board specifically sized for younger kids

• Lightweight wood

• Several dynamic deck designs perfect for kids and teens

Cons

• May be too short for bigger kids

If you're looking for a skateboard that your 6-year-old can pick up and start learning with, this complete skateboard from Magneto is a great choice. Not only is Magneto a brand you'll frequently see on the skateboard scene, but this board, in particular, is designed specifically for 5- to 15-year-olds. There are four unique deck designs available: ice cream, rocket ship, video game, and classic checkerboard.

The deck is 7.75 inches wide—a great fit for smaller feet—and with the shorter length of 27.5 inches, the board is more maneuverable for kids. Featuring double-end kicktails for when your little kiddo wants to try learning to ollie, the lightweight maple structure is durable and strong enough to last a long time while also not so heavy that they'll struggle to get off the ground for jumps and tricks. The trucks are made out of aluminum and use 52 mm wheels for a slower ride to help kids learn to control the board.

Wheel size: 52 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 95A (hard) | Board size: 7.75 x 27.5 inches | Deck material: Maple

ReDo Skateboard Kids’ San Diego Palms Cruiser

Pros

• Unique, eye-catching design

• Larger, softer wheels are comfortable on longer distances

• Increased stability with longer deck

Cons

• Not the ideal choice for learning or tricks

Shorter boards are great for learning to ride and pulling off a few beginner tricks, but if your child is looking for a stable, easy way to get around town, a longer cruiser board is a better choice.

Made from eight-ply maple wood, this board is also 8 inches wide and a significant 34.5 inches long. It's designed to look like a coastal-themed surfboard and features 65 mm wheels that are larger and wider than most, giving increased stability and traction. The wheels are also softer (rated 78A) for better shock absorption and managing obstacles in the rider's path.

Wheel size: 65 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 78A (soft) | Board size: 8 x 34.5 inches | Deck material: Maple

Swell Skateboards

Pros

• Light and small for portability

• Variety of deck colors and designs

• Softer wheels for comfortable rides

Cons

• Plastic deck may wear down faster than a hardwood deck

After your kids start to master the basics and can maneuver around town with confidence, they may be looking for something more lightweight and portable to take to high school or for zipping around a university campus.

These complete cruiser skateboards from Swell are 5.75 inches wide and are available in either 22-inch or 28-inch lengths. This easy-to-carry plastic deck is also slim enough to fit inside some backpacks during class or on the road.

This skateboard comes with a pair of aluminum trucks with 59 mm wheels for a little more speed and softer 83A-rated wheels for a smoother ride. On top of all of that, Swell offers a wide array of designs and colors, making it easier for your teen to find the board that perfectly matches their style.

Wheel size: 59 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 83A (medium) | Board size: 5.75 x 22 inches or 5.75 x 28 inches | Deck materials: Plastic

What Our Editors Say

"My skater husband picked out this first board for our son just before he turned 9, and it's worked out even better than I'd hoped. He's able to cruise around in the park on it, gaining confidence with every ride, and when he's tired, he can carry it home himself. Eventually, he may want a wooden deck to learn tricks like his dad, but for now, this is the perfect board for him." — Sabrina Rojas Weiss, Parenting Editor, Commerce, Verywell Family

Kryptonics

Pros

• Hard wheels good for learning and tricks
  

• Very affordable price

• Aluminum trucks better than others at this price

Cons

• Bearings too tight for more advanced skaters
  

• Small

If your child wants to learn how to skateboard, but you're not ready to invest in the sport until you know this new interest is here to stay, this Kryptonics Skateboard is a decent option that fits most budgets.

The deck's concave design and overall size, 5.75 x 22 inches, is a great starter size for children. The 3.25-inch aluminum trucks may not hold older kids above the manufacturer's 110-pound weight maximum, but combined with the nine-ply maple wood deck, this skateboard should suit young kids. This board ships complete, and it's available in several interesting designs.

The bearings and wheels are also beneficial to learners. The bearings are a little tight—which is a plus for beginners but definitely a minus for more experienced riders—and the wheels are made with very hard injected polyurethane wheels (99A rated) for extra pop and lift at the skate park or over smooth surfaces.

Wheel size: 55 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 99A (hard) | Board size: 5.75 x 22 inches | Deck material: Maple

Magneto

Pros

• Wide and long skateboard for stability

• Shock-absorbing wheels

• Classic wood look with choice of three different wheels

Cons

• Beginners may find it too heavy

If your child has mastered the basics (and pulling off impressive kickflips isn't theonlypriority anymore) and wants to switch to a board better suited for longer commutes and longer distances, this may be the perfect match. Everything about this skateboard seems designed to give off cool coastal vibes, inviting you (or your kid) to take a nice long cruise down the boardwalk. The deck measures 44 x 9 inches, making it the longest and widest skateboard on this list.

The deck is made of a hardwood maple and bamboo combo that gives it a classic look and helps make the board light and maneuverable. The wheels are larger too, at 70 mm for increased stability, with a 78A-rated softness that grips the road. When it comes to getting to where you're going quickly—and with minimal falls and bruises—these softer, wider wheels are a great choice. There is an option to choose your wheel color as well. Pick from a translucent ocean blue, a translucent fiery red, or a semi-opaque black.

Wheel size: 70 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 78A (soft) | Board size: 9 x 44 inches | Deck material: Maple and bamboo

Caroma

Pros

• Light deck makes tricks easier

• Features double kicktails

• 220-pound weight limit

Cons

• Not the best choice for longer distances
  

• Graphics printed on sticker that may come off

It's hard to pick up a skateboard and not daydream about pulling off a trick or two. But if you don't have the right skateboard, it's harder to get up off the ground. This lightweight, popsicle-shaped maple wood board is designed to be light enough to get some air and features double kicktails to help beginners practice their ollie skills. The board is delivered complete and can be used right out of the box.

The deck is on the small side, bringing down the skateboard's overall weight. The included wheels are also chosen with skate park ramps and better ollie control in mind. The wheels are 55 mm and hard (rated 95A), giving the rider a more controlled ride along slicker surfaces like ramps and half-pipes.

Wheel size: 54 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 95A (hard) | Board size: 7.9 x 31.1 inches | Deck material: Maple

Amazon

Pros

• For transportation and tricks

• Relatively high 220-pound weight limit

• Choose between two deck widths

Cons

• Complaints about quality of bearings

Trying to decide between either a skateboard for tricks or a skateboard for transportation? This skateboard from Retrospec allows you to do both, as it's designed for the street and the skate park. You can choose between a 7.5-inch or 8-inch wide deck, so you can adjust for your child's skill level and height. There are 11 attractive deck designs, many of which show off the attractive Canadian maple wood deck underneath. The 52 mm wheels are great for getting around, and the 95A-rated wheels ride well in that not-too-hard/not-too-soft kind of way, meaning you can take a long ride and pull off a trick or two.

Wheel size: 52 mm | Wheel durometer rating: 95A (hard) | Board size: 7.5/8 x 31 inches | Deck materials: Maple

Primitive Skate

Pros

• Many customizable options

• Designs featuring pop culture characters

• Sturdy bamboo-maple wood combo

Cons

• Overwhelming for beginners unaccustomed to building their own boards

A complete skateboard is a great choice for beginners worried about building their own boards, but there are benefits to learning how a skateboard is constructed and to being able to customize your board to your exact preferences.

Primitive Skate, founded by X Games champion Paul Rodriguez Jr., offers complete boards as well as individual decks, wheels, grip tape, and apparel. The decks feature artistic designs for almost any vibe, as well as pop culture icons including Wolverine, Sailor Moon, and All Might and Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia.

Each deck is made from maple, bamboo, or a combination of the two, and decks can run approximately 6 to 8 inches wide and about 31 to 32 inches in length, depending on the style and shape you choose. You can also special order your wheel size (between 50 mm and 54 mm) and custom grip tape to get the look just right.

Wheel size: 50–54 mm | Wheel durometer rating: Varies | Board size: 8.5 x 32 inches (plus other options) | Deck materials: Maple/bamboo

Final Verdict

We chose the Element Youth Skateboard as our best overall pick because of its brand reputation, a deck size ideal for learners, and 52 mm wheels for a generally slower and more manageable speed. But if your child is a bit more experienced or is looking for a quick way to get around school, consider a more long-distance board like the Magneto 44-Inch Kicktail Cruiser, a longboard designed for comfort with larger, softer wheels for increased shock absorption and traction.

How We Selected the Best Skateboards for Kids

When building our list of the best skateboards for kids, we considered the needs of different age groups and their levels of mastery to select skateboards that matched their needs. We talked to experts about what key specs were most helpful for learning, including deck width, wheel size and type, and deck materials. We considered different deck styles, grip tapes, and trucks and how they changed the user's experience. Finally, we wanted to include skateboards at various price points so that there are options for all the budding skaters out there.

What to Look for in a Skateboard for Kids

A skateboard consists of four major components: the deck (the board part of the skateboard), wheels, bearings, and trucks. Within each of these components, you will find a wide variety of sizes, materials, and densities that can all impact the rider's experience in different ways. When shopping for a new skateboard, here are some things to consider.

Deck Size

Deck size is a big consideration when shopping for a child's skateboard, especially the width. If the deck is too thin, beginners might not feel as stable. If it is too wide, a beginner might have difficulty finding the right foot placement, or they may feel uncomfortable turning or maneuvering.

"We start our 6-years-olds on 7.5- or 7.75-inch boards," says Andrew Hollohan, head coach at the Homage Skateboard Academy in Brooklyn, New York. "Seven-and-a-half-inch boards are smaller and are easier for the kids to control, but they can become too small for the kids very quickly. Not only are 7.5-inch decks skinnier, they are also a bit shorter."

Skinnier decks are available, but the smaller width isn't always the best choice for beginners still mastering foot placement and control.

Deck Materials

What the deck is made of can be almost as important as the deck size when it comes to learning how to skateboard. Most skateboard decks are made out of wood (primarily maple), bamboo, or hard plastic. These materials can impact the deck's strength, ease of lift-off for tricks, and overall weight. A heavy maple wood deck will give new users a better sense of balance but might be too cumbersome to carry around compared to a lightweight plastic deck.

"Plastic decks are lighter in weight, which makes the board more easily portable. They also come in a wider variety of color options, so the board can better suit the rider's style," says Ely Khakshouri, the founder and CEO of Retrospec, a company specializing in bikes, skateboards, and safety gear. "Hardwood decks are generally more durable than plastic; [they are] wider and more versatile. Since they're made from a sturdier material, beginner riders may feel more comfortable and stable on a board with a hardwood deck."

It's also important to check the board's weight limit. A more budget-friendly, lightweight board might seem like a perfect fit for your child, but if they exceed the recommended maximums, you might risk the board breaking or not being able to support them properly.

Wheel Size and Hardness

"There are two measurements used for measuring wheels," says Hollohan. "There is durometer (how hard the wheels are) and diameter (how big the wheels are). Hard wheels are used for tricks, and soft wheels are used for cruising around and commuting."

The durometer scale on most skateboard wheels goes from 78A (softest) to 101A (hardest), with some technical boards using 83B–84B. For beginners, Hollohan suggests choosing hard wheels (98A and up) because they are better for learning the basics.

Skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimeters, and the size of the wheel has a direct effect on the board's speed. Wheel sizes generally range from about 50 mm to 70 mm. Smaller wheels are more lightweight, slow your overall speed, and are ideal for smooth surfaces like ramps and concrete. Larger wheels are wider and offer a higher speed and better traction.

Complete vs. Separate

The term "complete" means a board that comes pre-assembled—or, in some cases, arrives disassembled, but the package contains all of the components that you will need. "Separate" means parts and components are sold separately to assemble on your own. One of these ways isn't necessarily better than the other. It depends on how you plan to use the board and your comfort level with picking out and assembling the board yourself.

"Pre-built boards have a few positives and negatives," says Hollohan. "On the plus side, they are usually a bit cheaper. But on the downside, your customization options are limited. If you pick out all the parts, you will get better quality parts and more customization options but will pay a little more for it."

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how you want the board assembled. As your child's skateboard knowledge and skills improve, you will have a better idea of what parts they'll want on a custom board. You can even customize the wheel color, trucks, grip tape, and the responsiveness of the bearings. So, if there is a custom deck or a unique design that catches your eye, the separate route is a good way to go.

But, if you want to just try out a skateboard to see whether you or your kid enjoys it (or you want a nice pop of excitement when your kid unwraps a complete skateboard at their birthday party), then buying a complete board eliminates a lot of the guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What skateboard should kids start with?

  The best skateboard for beginners is one that gives your kid more stability while they learn to balance, with smaller wheels so that they can better control their speed while in motion.

  Wood decks are also recommended because they are heavier and provide better stability when maneuvering and turning. "You should always start with a wooden deck," says Hollohan. "A properly sized wooden board with metal trucks is your best option for a first skateboard."

  "I'd say durability is one of the most important things to look for in a first skateboard or longboard since they'll want a board that can handle their learning curves," says Khakshouri.

• What is the best size skateboard for kids?

  When choosing the best skateboard size for your kid, their height and weight are bigger factors to consider than their age. Kids who are taller and weigh more will need a board that can support their weight and is wide enough to accommodate their shoe size. "[A] generally safe bet for both kids and teens is to go with a board that's between 7 and 8 inches wide," Khakshouri says. "For children under 6 years old or 4 feet tall, a smaller board may be necessary."

  For a 6-year-old, if their feet hang over the edge too much or they feel too unstable on the board, consider a wider deck. While they are learning, smaller wheels, around 52 mm, will help them keep the board more under control and not zooming off of the pavement into the grass.

  But when in doubt, ask an expert at a skate shop or skateboarding school. "We have a shop at our academy, and whenever someone comes in to buy a board, we always make sure they get the right stuff so they can have the best first-time experience," Hollohan says.

Why Trust Verywell Family

As an experienced health writer and father of a rambunctious toddler, Steven Rowe knows how to evaluate a product and tell the difference between marketing claims and real facts so that you can find the best products that actually work and make your day better. He has experience covering family health topics and choosing the best toys, equipment, and gear that he'd use around his own home and give to his own kid.

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Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-skateboard-for-kids-5271963

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