Parents' guide to buying a skateboard for kids

By the time your child turns 12 or 15 years old, there is no question that they would insist on outdoor play often. These could include bicycling to skating. Of course, bicycles are always parents preferred choice of outdoor activity; however, kids do get attracted to skateboards.

They would want you to buy the professionals' skates concerning both the size and grade. But what about the skateboards for the kids? What guidelines should parents follow when it comes to choosing the suitable model for kids skates?

Size of the skateboard and price

At the basic level, there is no significant difference between skateboard for kids and adults. If your kid can stand with their legs widespread and touch the bolt in front and at the back of the skateboard, they should be fine. However, those who are about five years old might find difficulty reaching the bolt. So, young kids can consider adult-sized skateboards. Kid-sized skateboards are also doable as they provide more room for pushing the board.

A wider deck means it needs the child to move their feet more towards the outside. As a result, they can hit the side of the deck while pushing. Once they learn to steer the skateboard, they understand the board is more responsive. On broad and bigger boards, children compensate by bending their knees more and keep their centre of gravity low.

Now, when buying a skateboard for your child, make sure to not go for the cheaper ones as they might be unsafe. Although the authentic and good skateboard price might be too high, they last for a lifetime and keep your kids away from any possible dangers. Lookup for anything between 7" and 8" wide and length of 27" to 31".

Age for starting skateboarding

Generally, kids under five should not skateboard. Make sure to supervise them and stay close, even if they are teens. Most professional doctors recommend not to let kids skateboard under five years old. However, when it comes to 12 to 15-year-olds, the best way to teach them is to do it yourself. This way, kids skates become a happy outdoor activity. If you plan to get one too and are new to it, consider cruiser skateboards.

Complete skateboard or assemble them?

You can assemble the skateboard yourself and buy the parts affordably from different places or get the entire set to save time. Also, if you purchase the parts and decide to assemble them, it could lead to disappointment if they are not appropriate. For example, trucks need to match the width of the skateboard deck, and the wheels should fit the trucks.

If the wheels are too big, they meet the deck while steering, making your child fall. It affects the hardness of the wheel too. Harder wheels are better on flat smooth surfaces like concrete skate parks, while the softer ones are ideal for the streets.