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. 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.  Price at time of publication: $100 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. Price at time of publication: $50 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.  Price at time of publication: $40 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. Price at time of publication: $67 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. Price at time of publication: $60 for 22 inch 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. Price at time of publication: $20 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.  Price at time of publication: $90 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. Price at time of publication: $67 Price at time of publication: $50 for 7.5" 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. Price at time of publication: $70

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. 

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. 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. 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.