Looking for a skateboard for my beginner child (8 yrs old)
August 4, 2020 1:03 PM Subscribe
Hi - my son keeps expressing interest in learning how to skateboard. I thought I could get him individual lessons this summer but that's not in the cards with covid. Nevertheless I am considering buying him a skateboard so he can slowly start to learn on his own.
The place where I was going to get him lessons has this guidance:
Due to our rigorous safety standards and instructional content, skaters will not be allowed to skate with the low-cost boards and pads typically found at toy stores or other large general merchandise retailers. Many skaters come with skate boards that are unsafe and prevent them from learning how to turn.
That sounds fine, but I don't know where to go for a high-quality, safe board. And preliminary searches shows there are different lengths, widths, etc. Can anyone here give specific recommendations? For reference, my child is just about to turn 8, he is almost 50" tall, and is very slim-build. In case that's relevant.
I have no idea what to look for or where so I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!
The place where I was going to get him lessons has this guidance:
Due to our rigorous safety standards and instructional content, skaters will not be allowed to skate with the low-cost boards and pads typically found at toy stores or other large general merchandise retailers. Many skaters come with skate boards that are unsafe and prevent them from learning how to turn.
That sounds fine, but I don't know where to go for a high-quality, safe board. And preliminary searches shows there are different lengths, widths, etc. Can anyone here give specific recommendations? For reference, my child is just about to turn 8, he is almost 50" tall, and is very slim-build. In case that's relevant.
I have no idea what to look for or where so I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!
Yeah, the people giving lessons have somewhat of a point - the off-brand "toy" boards that are sold at places like Walmart etc are janky and slightly more dangerous.
I would go to a website like Skate Warehouse and just build a setup using blank/shop brand deck and wheels, and throw on the cheapest trucks and bearings available, which will still be 100x better than the boards found at big box retail stores. Here's an example of a totally sufficient setup that I threw together in 2 minutes - I would absolutely be fine with a kid starting out with this. Some of the brands like Bones Reds are even regarded as some of the most popular and best value bearings, for instance. Yes the blank wheels and blank deck sort of takes the fun out of the cool and creative graphics but all of that can come later if they really like skateboarding and want to stick with it. Then you start getting into buying them this or that set of wheels or trucks that they really want for their birthday next year - if they are happy and stuck with skateboarding.
You can also go to a skate shop as recommended above. Just tell them, "level with me, what's the cheapest option available for my 8 year-old, I don't want to get a crappy board from Target but I don't need anything fancy." Ask if they have a shop deck or blanks. They'll immediately realize that you know what you're looking for and will probably hook you up with the cheapest setup they can build, which again, will be totalllllly fine for a beginner. It will likely run $90-115.
Don't obsess too much over length and width starting out that young, the nuances are tiny at that point when you're that new to it. I guess a 7.75 deck should be fine (and 7.75 trucks to match) as the wider the board the more disproportionate it might be for a little kid's feet. You may want bigger and "softer" wheels, which makes it a little easier to glide on rough pavement and cracks, but they also tend to be a little heavier and more difficult if your son wants to start learning tricks, and I'm of the opinion that learning tricks - even tiny little basic tricks - is really important to keeping someone "interested" in skateboarding long-term. 60mm is going to "big wheels" territory; 52 or 54mm should be just fine.
Also I am assuming that he wants a street deck and not a longboard, which are a completely different universe. I don't really recommend longboards to anyone starting out; they are fine, but way less versatile if you're still trying to figure out whether you even like skating or not and want to learn to do tricks. Feel free to message me if any other questions!
posted by windbox at 1:55 PM on August 4, 2020 [4 favorites]
I would go to a website like Skate Warehouse and just build a setup using blank/shop brand deck and wheels, and throw on the cheapest trucks and bearings available, which will still be 100x better than the boards found at big box retail stores. Here's an example of a totally sufficient setup that I threw together in 2 minutes - I would absolutely be fine with a kid starting out with this. Some of the brands like Bones Reds are even regarded as some of the most popular and best value bearings, for instance. Yes the blank wheels and blank deck sort of takes the fun out of the cool and creative graphics but all of that can come later if they really like skateboarding and want to stick with it. Then you start getting into buying them this or that set of wheels or trucks that they really want for their birthday next year - if they are happy and stuck with skateboarding.
You can also go to a skate shop as recommended above. Just tell them, "level with me, what's the cheapest option available for my 8 year-old, I don't want to get a crappy board from Target but I don't need anything fancy." Ask if they have a shop deck or blanks. They'll immediately realize that you know what you're looking for and will probably hook you up with the cheapest setup they can build, which again, will be totalllllly fine for a beginner. It will likely run $90-115.
Don't obsess too much over length and width starting out that young, the nuances are tiny at that point when you're that new to it. I guess a 7.75 deck should be fine (and 7.75 trucks to match) as the wider the board the more disproportionate it might be for a little kid's feet. You may want bigger and "softer" wheels, which makes it a little easier to glide on rough pavement and cracks, but they also tend to be a little heavier and more difficult if your son wants to start learning tricks, and I'm of the opinion that learning tricks - even tiny little basic tricks - is really important to keeping someone "interested" in skateboarding long-term. 60mm is going to "big wheels" territory; 52 or 54mm should be just fine.
Also I am assuming that he wants a street deck and not a longboard, which are a completely different universe. I don't really recommend longboards to anyone starting out; they are fine, but way less versatile if you're still trying to figure out whether you even like skating or not and want to learn to do tricks. Feel free to message me if any other questions!
posted by windbox at 1:55 PM on August 4, 2020 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for the info so far! The place with the guidance, UC Berkeley Cal Rec, isn't answering phones and so far haven't responded to email.
Thanks, windbox, for such a detailed answer. I'm really out of my depth here and have only ever fallen on my ass when I've so much as stood near a skateboard. The in-depth explanation is really helpful.
I'll check around and see if any actual local shops are open. I kind of assumed no but things are confusing.
posted by JenMarie at 2:46 PM on August 4, 2020
Thanks, windbox, for such a detailed answer. I'm really out of my depth here and have only ever fallen on my ass when I've so much as stood near a skateboard. The in-depth explanation is really helpful.
I'll check around and see if any actual local shops are open. I kind of assumed no but things are confusing.
posted by JenMarie at 2:46 PM on August 4, 2020
Response by poster: Also thank you for that link, furnace.heart, to picking out the correct size skateboard. Very helpful!
posted by JenMarie at 2:50 PM on August 4, 2020
posted by JenMarie at 2:50 PM on August 4, 2020
Best answer: You can also connect with these guys - SkateXS. Their boards are made from bamboo so they are very light for youngsters starting out. We've had 2 of these. The build quality is very good and are a decent company and good people.
posted by Ashwagandha at 4:02 PM on August 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Ashwagandha at 4:02 PM on August 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for the input everyone, and thank you especially Ashwagandha. I ended up ordering from the company you mentioned, got a personalized pirate themed board, they shipped it in two days, and we got it yesterday. It’s really nice looking. My son loves it so much. Thanks again!
posted by JenMarie at 3:06 PM on August 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by JenMarie at 3:06 PM on August 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Local skate shops are usually staffed by nice kids, and based on your location you're probably going to have several to choose from.
But, honestly, with good pads my kid learned to skateboard on a board that was in a free-pile-post-garage-sale. It didn't have any cracks or anything, it was just worn. I replaced the wheels with new ones, and it works great. Asking friends that skate if they have an old deck around can get you something pretty nice (maybe ugly, but utilitarian).
posted by furnace.heart at 1:37 PM on August 4, 2020 [1 favorite]