We researched the best skateboards, cruisers, and longboards on the market for every age and skill level, noting the size and wheels of each. Our favorite pick for kids just starting out is the Alien Workshop Abduction Black Complete Skateboard. The medium-concave deck is ideal for gaining balance and control for first-time riders. Here are the best skateboards on the market. This pick comes fully assembled and ready to ride right out of the box, which is always a plus. The 5.0 Ruckus Trucks provide for quick and stable turns, which is pivotal for beginner skateboarders. It offers more control of the board as kids begin to master their skills. The sleek black and teal design is unisex and stylish enough to hang on your bedroom or garage walls when not in use. While definitely expensive, this pick is a wise investment for kids serious about learning to skate on a high-quality board. Dimensions: 7.5 x 31.625 x 14.25 inches | Wheelbase: 31.635 inches | Material: 7-ply Canadian hard rock maple | Recommended Age: 9 to 12 years old | Recommended Height: 53 to 62 inches Price at time of publish: $40 Dimensions: 31 x 8 inches | Wheelbase: N/A | Material: Canadian Maple | Recommended Age: 8 years and up | Recommended Height: N/A Price at time of publish: $102 Dimensions: 331.63 x 8 inches | Wheelbase: 14 inches | Material: Resin-7 Hard Rock Maple | Recommended Age: 13 years and up | Recommended Height: 63 inches and up Price at time of publish: $170 Dimensions: 26 x 7.25 inches | Wheelbase: 13.75 inches | Material: Resin-7 Hard Rock Maple | Recommended Age: 9 to 12 years old | Recommended Height: 3 to 62 inches Price at time of publish: $66 Dimensions: 41 x 9 inches | Wheelbase: N/A | Material: 8-ply Natural Maple | Recommended Age: N/A | Recommended Height: N/A “You can get a high-end, complete skateboard for $100 to $200, and it’s the same quality skateboard they use in the Olympics,’” Kevin Banahan, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of SKATEYOGI, tells The Spruce. If you are just starting out, Banahan suggests buying a complete, standard board. After a year or so, you’ll likely figure out how you want to use your board, which will help you determine what type of board to get, what size, and what kind of wheels you’ll need.
Size
While smaller boards are necessary for kids, that doesn’t mean beginners should always choose a small board. For starters, your height factors into your ability to balance on the board. Shorter riders will likely require a more narrow board. Additionally, your needs will also determine the size. Wider boards may be more comfortable if you’re going long distances, while slimmer boards can be better for tricks since they’re easier to maneuver.
Wheels
While you can change the wheels on almost any skateboard (and should when they begin to wear out), you’ll want to make sure you are picking a board with wheels that are compatible with what you want to do with your board. Larger, softer wheels are better for long-distance riding, while tricks and fast turns require firmer, smaller wheels to stay maneuverable.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this article, Leah Rocketto, a writer with years of covering parenting content with a focus on kids’ toys, performed hours of research on products and consulted Kevin Banahan and Nadji Kirby. Banahan, a skateboarder with 20 years of experience, is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of SKATEYOGI, a skateboard shop in New York City that offers lessons. Kirby, who is the Senior Program Manager for Domestic Road Safety at Safe Kids Worldwide, manages the pedestrian, bike, and rail safety programs to ensure everyone is protected on the road. “The most important piece of safety gear is a properly-fitted helmet,” she says. “But you should also consider purchasing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.” Prior to shopping, measure the circumference of your head, ideally an inch above the eyebrow. This will ensure you purchase a helmet that will stay in place if you try to move it from side to side. From there, check inside the helmet for a Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) sticker. This means the helmet meets the CPSC standard and ensures that it will provide a high level of protection in case of any impact.
