What to know about buying a child's first skateboard
Buying Your Child's First Skateboard: A Parent’s Guide for 2024
Thinking about buying your child their first skateboard?
You’re in the right place! At Venom, we know that choosing a skateboard can feel like stepping into a whole new world.
With so many options out there, finding the right board for your child can feel a little daunting. This guide is here to help you understand what to look for, so you can make a confident decision for your young skater.
Step 1: What Type of Skateboarding Will They Be Doing?
To start, think about where your child will be using their skateboard and what they want to do with it. Skateboards come in a few different styles based on the type of skating they’re made for:
- Learning Tricks at Skateparks: If your child is excited about learning tricks, like ollies and kickflips, or practising at the local skatepark, they’ll want a classic skateboard that’s built for easy manoeuvrability and durability.
- Starting Young: If your child is quite young and just learning the basics, it’s best to go with a lightweight board that offers stability and balance, helping them build confidence as they learn.
- Over 10 years old: If they’re over 10 years old or taller than 5 feet, they’ll likely be more comfortable on a full-sized board, which has a wider deck that provides more room for their feet.
This guide will focus mostly on boards suited for street and skatepark use, as they’re often the most versatile for kids who want to develop their skills and try new things.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Type of Skateboard
Your child’s first skateboard is a special purchase, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how much they enjoy and stick with skateboarding. We know that parents want quality without breaking the bank, so here’s a quick look at the most popular beginner options:
Complete Skateboards
For most young skaters, a complete skateboard is the best choice for a first board. These come fully assembled, which means you don’t have to worry about selecting individual parts. Just pick a design they love in the right size, and it’s ready to roll! Complete skateboards are budget-friendly and an easy way to get started without the hassle of assembly.
Skateboard Builder Kits
If your child has a specific board design in mind, builder kits are a great option that allows a little more customisation. With these kits, you get all the parts needed but in an unassembled form, so they can add their personal touch without needing advanced knowledge. It’s also a fun way for kids to learn about the parts of their board, and putting it together can give them a sense of ownership and pride.
Step 3: Avoiding Low-Quality Boards
It can be tempting to pick up a skateboard from a toy store or order a cheap one online, but many of these boards are made with low-quality materials that won’t hold up to regular use. Here are a few things to look out for when shopping:
- Plastic Decks: Choose a plywood deck instead, which is more durable and has a shape better suited to learning tricks.
- Plastic Trucks: Trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the board; look for sturdy metal alloy trucks that allow for smooth turning and control.
- Poor Quality Wheels: Wheels made from hard plastic or super-soft rubber don’t offer the same performance. Instead, look for wheels made from polyurethane, ideally with a durometer rating between 90a and 100a. These provide a good balance of grip and durability.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Size Skateboard
Sizing can make a big difference for beginners, especially for young skaters who need a board that feels stable and manageable. Skateboards vary by width, and getting the right size will help your child feel more in control as they learn. Here are some basic guidelines:
- Junior-Sized Skateboards: If your child is under 10 years old or shorter than 5 feet, a junior-sized skateboard with a narrower width (typically between 7.0" and 7.75") will be easier for them to manoeuvre and control.
- Full-Sized Skateboards: If they’re over 10 years old or taller than 5 feet, they’ll likely be more comfortable on a full-sized board, which has a wider deck that provides more room for their feet.
For young beginners, starting with a board width of 7.0 - 7.25" is usually ideal, giving them the balance and control they need to practise safely.
Helping Your Child Begin Their Skateboarding Journey
Buying your child’s first skateboard is the start of an exciting new hobby! With the right board, your young skater will be set to learn, grow, and have fun. Take a look at our selection of beginner-friendly boards, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
We’re here to help you find the best skateboard for your child’s needs. Let’s get rolling!
