Are you looking for the best skateboard for beginners? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will share our top picks for beginner skateboards, with a focus on helping your child choose their first skateboard.
Skateboarding has become a very popular sport over the years and the inclusion of skateboarding at the summer Olympics in 2021 only heightened its appeal to the younger generation. The sport combines elements from surfing, BMX riding, rollerblading, and other sports. It is also a great way for kids to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors.
There are several types of skateboards, ranging from cruiser boards to longboards and everything in between. Each type has its pros and cons. For example, cruiser boards are easier to ride and maneuver around obstacles, whereas longboards offer greater stability and speed.
Traditional “popsicle”-shape skateboards, on the other hand, are ideal for your little boarders who want to pull their moves on the ramps or skate parks.
Cruisers are generally more comfortable because they have softer wheels that absorb shock better than hard trucks. On the other hand, longboards are usually made with thicker decks so they can handle heavier loads.
The first step to learning how to skateboard is getting your balance correct, so you will want to find a skateboard that helps you do exactly that.
Before diving deep into this guide, you will want to check out our guide to kids’ skateboard sizes. Once you know what size they are ready for it will make buying their beginner skateboard so much easier.
If you’re not sure what all the skateboarding jargon means from wheels to decks, jump down to the buying guide at the end where we describe each feature to look for in a beginner’s skateboard in detail.
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Let’s get to it!
Arcade Pro Standard Skateboard
Whilst it might have ‘pro’ in the name, this skateboard is actually pretty good for beginners, and it does not break the bank either. These things make it a perfect skateboard to invest in as your first one without compromising on quality.
The skateboard was designed to take you through your skateboarding journey. Whilst you might feel like a beginner, the board has been created, so you do not feel like one. This means that you can take it with you for years to come.
Having taken it to the skate park, nobody had any idea it was a skateboard designed for a newcomer.
It can hold up to 220 pounds, with a 7.75 by 31.25-inch deck. This means it can take up to a size 12 shoe! The Flexi 7-ply maple wood of the deck is durable enough to last and not scuff as you practice tricks.
It has ABEC-7 bearings that include 54 mm injected PU wheels which add grip as well as smooth speed. The trucks are made out of T6 aluminum with carbon steel axles for extra support.
The designs are a little ‘cutesy’, which may put some people off – think cats and ducks. They do stand out and are still cool to take to the local skate park. Also, whilst it says it is suitable for boys and girls, they are also aimed at novice adults too. This might explain the cute style of artwork.
Pros
- Durable – made from 7-ply maple wood with injected PU wheels
- Beginner-friendly – has been designed for the beginner in mind
- Budget-friendly – not too expensive for the beginner to invest in
Cons
- Design – can be a little ‘cutesy’ rather than cool
South Bay Co-Premium Beginner ‘The Charger’ Skateboard
Another beginner skateboard, and again, you cannot tell it has been specifically designed for beginners in mind. A little more pricey than the Arcade Pro and a wider board, the South Bay Charger skateboard has a subtle design that will suit everyone’s tastes.
The premium heavy deck is made from 7-layers of maple wood. It also includes 5.25-inch INDE trucks along with 52 mm by 32 mm SHR-102A wheels which have ABEC-7 chromium steel bearings. This helps the skateboard glide effortlessly along.
The wheels feel stable and allow for doing tricks with ease, such as ollies. It has a classic look and does not stand out too much when taking it out in public.
The skateboard includes a clear grip tape deck instead of the standard black. This means the design flows from underneath the deck and over the top, showcasing the wood and giving it an overall natural aesthetic.
Some may even say the design is a little too simplistic and may want something with a bit more color.
Pros
- Premium material – durable maple wood with chromium steel bearings
- Clear grip tape – to allow the design and wood to be at the forefront
- Mid-scale price – good for those on a budget but also those who want something premium
Cons
- Simplistic design – if you want bright colors and patterns, this skateboard is not for you
This item is also available to buy at South Bay Co
Muevelo Beginner Cruiser Skateboard
Whilst not a skateboard per se, it is still a type of skateboard. A cruiser can be great for beginners because it allows for better control of speed, and ease of moving around corners.
The 100% maple wood deck is durable enough to take around with you. At 27 inches long and 7.5 inches wide, it is smaller than a standard skateboard, but this will make it easier to carry around – also because it only weighs 5 pounds.
The wheels look really interesting due to every one of them being a different color. It has real appeal for the younger rider. They are made from polyurethane which is strong to use out on sidewalks, ensuring it will last for a long time.
The built-in super shock absorber and high-speed ABEC-7 bearings make it great for use on bumpy surfaces too. In fact, it felt really smooth and glided well along sidewalk cracks.
This cruiser is suitable for children and makes a fantastic first skateboard option. However, the cruiser is not the best option if you want to do tricks. It has been made for use on the sidewalk rather than as a board to grind a rail.
Pros
- Great for beginners – stable, better control and easier to move around corners
- Durable – deck is made from maple wood
- Colorful – is fun and stands out with its colorful wheels
- Built-in shock absorber – perfect for using on the sidewalk
Cons
- Smaller than an average skateboard – but it does make it easier to carry
- Best for cruising – if you want to do tricks in the skatepark, this board will disappoint
PHNHOLUN Standard Beginner Skateboard
A budget-friendly skateboard that has great quality can be difficult to find, but we think we have done it. The PHNHOLUN skateboard is beginner-friendly without compromising on quality.
With 8-layers of maple wood, it has a strong deck that can hold up to 220 pounds worth of weight. The size is 31 by 8 inches, making it a good standard length and width for any skateboarding newbie over around 5’3″ tall.
It has a built-in anti-shock system to allow for a smooth ride and PU wheels alongside ABEC-11 precision bearings and PU bushings to provide much better balance control. It did exactly what it said, making sure you could do a quick ollie and smoothly turn a corner.
Whilst it is on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, it certainly met our expectations as a good skateboard for beginners. There are undoubtedly better boards out there that will cost you more money. However, overall, this is a fantastic beginner skateboard for a budget price.
Pros
- Strong and durable – the deck is built with 8-layers of maple wood
- Great standard size – at 31 by 8 inches, holding up to 220 pounds of weight, it is a good size for any skateboarding beginner
- Anti-shock system built-in – comfortable to use on the sidewalk
Cons
- Budget skateboard – great board for the price, though if you are willing to pay more, then do so
Apollo Longboard Skateboard
Another skateboard that’s a little different your average skateboard, but this time instead of a cruiser, it is a longboard (we go into more depth about the difference between longboards and cruisers over here).
As you might have guessed, it is longer than a skateboard at 39 inches in length and 8.75 inches in width. It provides extra flexibility whilst you are out cruising.
The Apollo longboard’s deck is made with 3-layers of bamboo to provide extra flexibility. There is also fiberglass added for even more flexibility, as well as stability.
Alongside the decking is aircraft aluminum trucks that are both lightweight and durable, making it a perfect option for when you are out on the sidewalk. Also, the chrome steel bearings help to make the ride completely stable.
The 51 mm HR83A wheels are medium-hard and provide super grip to avoid the longboard sliding everywhere. They allow you to easily maneuver along the streets with ease.
Whilst the longboard is great for beginners, some people may find it a little too big, especially if you are small in size. Also, if you want to do tricks, stick with a standard skateboard. Just like with the cruiser, this has been designed to take you around rather than to do tricks with.
Pros
- Bamboo and fiberglass – provides extra flexibility as well as something different to maple wood
- Great for cruising – will take you from A to B
- Attractive design – with many more to choose from
Cons
- Size – it may be a bit too big for most younger kids to find comfortable, its more suited to older teens
- Not for tricks – stick with a standard skateboard if that is what you want it for
Beginner Skateboard Buyer’s Guide
Skateboards are a great way to get fit and help you go from A to B without using a car or a bicycle. So now that you know what some of the best beginner skateboards are, here is a quick buyer’s guide to help you decipher the key areas when you are looking to buy a skateboard.
Skateboard Size
When you first look at buying your child a skateboard, we’re guessing size isn’t the first thing on their mind, but it is the most important.
Usually, a standard skateboard has a length of around 31″-32″ inches and a deck width of around 8 inches. At first, this is a good size for practically anybody. Look a little deeper though and you’ll see kids skateboard size needs differ.
If you are shopping for a skateboard for an under 12, we highly recommend you dive into our kids skateboard sizing guide FIRST before deciding on the right size of beginner skateboard.
Over time, if your child really enjoys skateboarding, you might want to start to think about investing in a skateboard that matches their ability. This means buying a board that feels comfortable to use for their size and something that allows them to perform the tasks they want it to.
You could also think about either moving onto a small cruiser or a longboard – whatever suits you best!
Skateboard Deck Material
Once you’ve established the deck size, the material of the skateboard deck is the next thing you should take note of. If it is plastic, then move along (unless its specially a small cruiser such as a penny board you’re in the market for)
For a street skateboard, what you are looking for is maple wood or bamboo – basically something strong, sturdy and durable that will be able to take the hard knocks.
A deck usually has several layers of the material, depending on what it is. This just shows how strong it is. So with maple wood, you might see the skateboard has around 7 layers.
Bamboo may cost less, but that does not mean it is not as good as maple wood – it is!
Skateboard Wheels
You are interested primarily in the skateboard’s wheel size and hardness (though yes, color may play into your final decision!)
Skateboard wheels material
Avoid really hard plastic or ultra-soft rubber for a beginner’s skateboard. The best wheels are made from PU (Polyurethane). This material will give the skateboard better grip and durability.
You likely come across a “durometer” rating describing skateboard wheels This ranks wheels on a sliding scale out of 100 – with 100A being the hardest.
Generally speaking, harder wheels are faster and better for smooth surfaces like skate parks. Softer wheels are slower and have more grip, they’re better for street skating and rougher terrain.
Skateboard wheel size
Wheel diameter will vary by skateboard purpose – what sort of skateboard, what you want your skateboard to do, and terrain. As a general guide:
50 to 53 mm – Small wheels give a stable ride on flat surfaces, they’re best for small children’s boards that shouldn’t be going too fast.
54 to 59 mm – Average-sized wheels for beginners and slightly older children, this size will give you a good mix between speed and acceleration.
60 mm+ – Larger wheels are designed to be faster and recommended only once your child has experience in riding, you’ll normally only find wheels this large on longboards.
Wheelbase and Trucks
You also want the trucks (the part under the board that holds the axis) to be made out of metal and not plastic. Keep your eye on small details like these if you want a skateboard that allows for better balance and strength. You do not want it to fall apart within your child’s first month of using it!
Skateboard Price
Whilst you might be mistaken to think that the more expensive the skateboard is the better it will be, you could not be further from the truth.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options for skateboards. These should not be ignored when you are a beginner. An expensive skateboard might seem like the best choice, but it actually might be better to start off with something less expensive.
We certainly started on an inexpensive cruiser with our kids. It quickly became apparent they couldn’t do tricks in the skate park and lacked the stability to ride them, so we soon after had to invest in street skateboards.
The reality is until your kid gets going on 4 wheels, it will be hard to know what they like best. We’d suggest, if possible, they borrow someone’s board or rent a board from a skate park before purchasing their own. See which part of skateboarding they like best and purchase something appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Avoid When Buying A Skateboard?
There are several signs that point towards a bad quality skateboard. One of those things to avoid is plastic decks. What you should be looking for is something like plywood or maple wood. It has a better shape and is a lot more durable.
Never buy a skateboard with really soft rubber wheels or hard plastic-based wheels. Polyurethane wheels are much better. These help with balance, grip, and also durability.
Metal alloy trucks are much better than plastic-based trucks. Ones that do not turn or lean should be avoided as well. When the skateboard has metal alloy trucks, you want to make sure that they also have polyurethane brushes that allow the skateboard to turn.
What Should You Look For When Buying A Skateboard For The First Time?
There is something exciting about buying your child’s first skateboard, and it is also something that they will remember in the years to come. They will want a board that they can treasure for years, not simply throw in the trash heap after a few failed attempts to get going.
The skateboard should, of course, be of high quality, but it still does not have to break the bank and empty your wallet. So long as it has a good build is not full of hard plastic, you’re on the right track.
Should I Buy A Particular Size Skateboard?
You will not be surprised to know that skateboards come in many, many different sizes. Like everything else, you will want to buy a skateboard that suits your child’s build. It is a little like a bike; you would not ride a bike that is too big or small.
When looking at the kids skateboard sizes, it is predominantly about the width of the skateboard. Generally, the most common board sizes are around 7.75 inches and 8.25 inches, with the board itself being around 31 to 32″ inches long.
Junior skateboards are different again. If you’re shopping for skateboards for your under 12’s, greater care needs to be taken to find the right size to fit their height and foot size so that they will get a comfortable and stable ride.
As your child grows – not only in height but in experience and getting to know what they like about their board and what sort of skater they want to be – you will undoubtedly need to change and update accordingly.
For example, if they want to do tricks such as an ollie, then you might want a thinner and lighter skateboard to accommodate their tricks.
How To Start Skateboarding As A Beginner?
Skateboarding is a sport that requires a lot of practice to master. You need to be able to skate backward as well as forwards. To do this, you must learn how to turn around quickly while keeping your balance.
To begin with though, jump over to our guide on how to get started standing on a skateboard, and how to stop on a skateboard. Once your beginner skater has mastered these two moves, everything else starts to fall into place.
Skaters usually use ramps to improve their skills. Some people prefer to go down hills instead of up them. When learning how to skate, try to avoid going too fast. Your body should feel comfortable when you are skating.
Beginners can start with bigger boards and then move up to smaller ones for specialized purposes as they get better. Longboards are more stable than short boards because they have wider wheels and a longer wheelbase. Micro decks are narrower, shorter, and also have smaller widths. Slides are narrow but wide enough to stand on.
When you’re learning how to do tricks, it’s better to start with a narrower board. Once you learn how to do tricks, you can move up to a bigger board.
Skateboards are also a great way to get around town. You can use them as transportation or fun entertainment. Skateboarding is an activity that requires you to be creative and think fast. Skaters need to know how to control their board while also being able to perform tricks.
How Do You Look After Your Skateboard
Remember it doesn’t start and end with the skateboard purchase. Depending on how much of a workout your child’s skateboard gets, it will need regular maintenance.
The most important is keeping your skateboard clean. This can involve regularly removing the grip tape and any stickers and applying rubbing alcohol with an old rag.
If you are not familiar with how your board’s bearings work, you may need the assistance of a specialized skateboard shop for more complex maintenance issues.
Jump back over here for all our kids skateboard buying guides and advice
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