Looking for the best skateboard for kids for your child? If you're like most parents, you're not sure what to look for.

We can help! At SkateXS, all we do is build the best skateboards for kids.

Let’s take a look at your choices and options. Hopefully, we can help you choose the best kids skateboard for your child.

Skateboard Sizes for Kids 

Most high-quality skateboards are designed in sizes for teens and adults. A smaller skater can certainly stand on and even ride these bigger boards. But they have to exagerate their stance and learn an incorrect riding style in order to adapt.  

A slightly smaller board will allow a younger skater to control and maneuver their board correctly and more easily. They can learn good habits off the bat and not have to unlearn bad habits later on.

The smaller width of a properly-sized kids board allows smaller feet to benefit from the contoured shape of the deck. A shorter length allows for proper foot placement. It also allows the front foot to correctly engage with the kick of the board for everything from kick turns to ollies to more advanced tricks.

The best skateboard for kids should be sized according to this chart:

If your child is especially tall for their age or is in between sizes we usually just recommend bumping up to the next size.

• Skateboard for 5-Year-Old: 7" wide by 28" long
• Skateboard for 6-Year-Old: 7" wide by 28" long
• Skateboard for 7-Year-Old: 7" wide by 28" long
• Skateboard for 8-Year-Old: 7.25" wide by 29" long
• Skateboard for 9-Year-Old: 7.25" wide by 29" long
• Skateboard for 10-Year-Old: 7.25" wide by 29" long
• Skateboard for 11-Year Old: 7.4" wide by 30" long
• Skateboard for 12-Year-Old: 7.4" wide by 30" long

The Best Skateboards for Kids Don't Compromise Quality

SkateXS exists because we believe that all kids willing to try skateboarding should have a real, high quality skateboard to start with.

There are plenty of crappy $50 boards. We'd like to see new skaters having a safer and more progressive learning experience skateboarding.

That can only happen with a skateshop quality board in the correct size for the skater. The best skateboards for kids have:

• A modern contoured deck made of maple or bamboo to provide the right strength for stability and flexibility for tricks. 
• Performance bearings and high-quality wheels with appropriate softer wheel options for beginners.
• Lightweight trucks with softer bushings for easier turning. 

At SkateXS, we offer all our boards in 3 different configurations for younger skaters. All 3 are based on the same high-performance bamboo decks. 

• Beginner Skateboards - By far our most popular series of skateboards for kids. The beginner uses all SkateXS-branded components. This allows us to create an incredible board at a very accessible price. The beginner features slightly softer (90a Durometer) SkateXS wheels. These provide a smoother ride on neighborhood surfaces like streets and driveways. They also perform well at the skatepark. (For skaters who mostly skate on onsider our Cloud Wheel Upgrade for skaters who will mostly skate on very rough surfaces).  
• Advanced Skateboards - These are designed for the skater who will be at the skatepark more often than streets. They come with the same name brand components teens and adults use, like Thunder Trucks and Bones Wheels. (For skaters looking for an extra boost in maneverability, consider our Bones Bushings Upgrade).
• Pro Skateboards - The pro is a contest-ready skateboard designed with Spitfire Wheels, Bones Bushings, Bones Bearings and Thunder Trucks. This is a great board for all levels of skaters but will perform best at a skatepark. This is the best skateboard for kids you can buy.

Customize & Personalize Your Best Skateboard for Kids

It's important that your child loves their skateboard. At SkateXS we’ve developed a unique collection of different skateboard graphics to appeal to the different tastes of our skaters.

Our selection of griptape color and wheel color further allow you to customize the feel of that board.

We even have the option to put your skater’s name on the top of the board.

We've found that the more a skater resonates with their skateboard, the more often they will practice.

Skateboarding Safety Gear for Kids

Obviously, kids should always wear a helmet. In most cases, an existing certified bike or scooter helmet should do the trick. Just take a look and make sure you can see how the front, back and sides of the helmet would protect your child in case of a fall.

If you decide they need a new helmet, SkateXS recommends the Triple 8 brand of Dual Certified Helmets which are explicitly made for Skateboarding, Bicycling and other roller sports.

The new Certified Sweatsaver Helmet from Triple 8 is our current favorite as it is the best combination of safety and comfort we’ve seen to date and features washable Sweatsaver liners.

We also recommend pads for the knees, elbows and wrists. Wristguards in particular are often overlooked and they shouldn’t be. Wristguards probably prevent more serious injury than any other component.

Eventually, skaters can learn to fall without reaching out with their hands. Until then we definitely encourage a full pad set. We recommend the Triple 8 Saver Series 3 pack as that is a single package that contains the Knee, Elbow and Wrist protection all together. 

Summary     

Are you ready to support your children’s interest in skateboarding? Then give them a high-quality, properly-sized skateboard in a design and style that will resonate with your child. The best skateboard for kids gives them the best chance of success.

Consider a board with slightly softer wheels like the 90a durometer used on the SkateXS beginner. This means they can ride smoothly in the neighborhood while also having skatepark performance.

The beginner best skateboard for kids can even be upgraded over time with components like Spitfire wheels, Thunder trucks, Bones Bearings and Bushings.

Proper protective gear and supervision can significantly mitigate most safety concerns.

Reach out directly to SkateXS via email (contact@skatexs.com) or phone (760) 814-1713 with any questions!