Even though you often see older skaters, skateboarding is a fantastic activity for kids. After all, skating promotes coordination and motor skills, as well as creativity and individuality, which can have a positive impact on their development. However, there are a few things to consider when buying a child’s first skateboard – and you’ve come to the right place with your questions! As a skate shop with years of experience in the world of skateboarding, we have plenty of tips and recommendations for you. To provide kids with skateboards that are durable and fun for years to come, we only offer the best kids‘ skateboards in top quality!
- 1. Why choose skateboards for kids? What’s the difference between kids' skateboards and regular ones?
- 2. How do I find the right skateboard size for my child?
- 3. How do I choose the best skateboard for my child?
- 4. Why are top-quality brands the best choice for kids?
- 5. What kind of protective gear does my child need to get started?
- 6. What else do I need besides a skateboard for my child?
- 7. Where can I find more tips and advice about skateboards for my child?
Skating is a great hobby and a children's skateboard makes a fantastic gift. We've put together some useful tips and recommendations to help you out. This will make it easier for you to find a high-quality kids' skateboard!
A skateboard should match the person using it. With these recommendations, you'll quickly find the right size:
In principle, children can ride the same skateboards as adults. However, it’s a good idea to start with a kids‘ skateboard. The width and length of a standard skateboard, along with its heavier weight, may not be ideal for children, which can quickly take the fun out of learning. To give young beginners the best possible start and help them progress quickly, there are shorter, narrower skateboards designed specifically for kids.
With the right board under their feet, your child will have more fun, learn faster, and be less likely to lose interest in skating. A kids‘ skateboard tailored to your child’s needs makes skating both safe and enjoyable. Whether it’s for a boy or a girl doesn’t matter when choosing a skateboard – a skateboard is a skateboard and can be enjoyed equally by everyone!
When choosing the right children's skateboard, you can use your child's height and shoe size as a guide. While these factors are also important when selecting skateboards for adults, they’re especially crucial for kids. After all, it’s their first skateboard, and everything should fit perfectly!
The width of a skateboard plays a key role in providing a good feel and safe steering while riding. This width is measured at the deck, which is the wooden part of the skateboard where you stand. The right deck width can be determined based on your child’s shoe size. While there are no strict rules about which shoe size matches which deck width, it’s a helpful guideline – especially for kids who are just starting to learn how to skateboard.
In skateboarding, board widths are always measured in inches (″), with 1 inch equal to 2.54 cm. Since skateboarding originated in the USA, this unit of measurement has been widely adopted. The general rule is – the bigger the feet, the wider the board should be. For example, for a shoe size EU 35 (US 3.5, UK 3), a deck width between 7.375″ - 7.75″ is ideal. With a shoe size of EU 38, a deck width of 7.625″ - 8″ would be a good choice.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a handy list below to help you find the perfect deck width based on shoe size. This way, you can be confident you’re choosing the right kids' skateboard!
| Shoe size US | Shoe size EU | Shoe size UK | Recommended deck width |
|---|---|---|---|
| < US 1 | EU 30 | < UK 1 | 6.5″ – 7″ |
| US 1 | EU 31.5 | UK 1 | < 7″ – 7.25″ |
| US 1.5 | EU 32 | UK 1 | 7″ – 7.375″ |
| US 2 | EU 32.5 | UK 1.5 | 7.25″ – 7.5″ |
| US 3 | EU 34 | UK 2.5 | 7.375″ – 7.625″ |
| US 3.5 | EU 35 | UK 3 | 7.375″ – 7.75″ |
| US 4 | EU 36 | UK 3.5 | 7.5″ – 7.875″ |
| US 4.5 | EU 36.5 | UK 4 | 7.5″ – 7.875″ |
| US 5 | EU 37.5 | UK 4.5 | 7.625″ – 8″ |
| US 5.5 | EU 38 | UK 5 | 7.625″ – 8″ |
| US 6 | EU 38.5 | UK 5.5 | 7.75″ – 8″ |
| US 6.5 | EU 39 | UK 6 | 7.75″ – 8.125″ |
| US 7 | EU 40 | UK 6 | 7.875″ – 8.125″ |
| US 7.5 | EU 40.5 | UK 6.5 | 7.875″ – 8.25″ |
| US 8 | EU 41 | UK 7 | 8.00″ – 8.25″ |
| US 8.5 | EU 42 | UK 7.5 | 8.00″ – 8.25″ |
| US 9 | EU 42.5 | UK 8 | 8.00″ – 8.375″ |
| US 9.5 | EU 43 | UK 8.5 | 8.00″ – 8.375″ |
| US 10 | EU 44 | UK 9 | 8.125″ – 8.5″ |
| US 10.5 | EU 44.5 | UK 9.5 | 8.125″ – 8.5″ |
| US 11 | EU 45 | UK 10 | 8.25″ – 8.5″ |
| US 11.5 | EU 45.5 | UK 10.5 | 8.25″ – 8.625″ |
| US 12 | EU 46 | UK 11 | 8.375″ – 8.625″ |
| US 13 | EU 47.5 | UK 12 | 8.5″ – 8.625″ |
| US 14 | EU 48.5 | UK 13 | > 8.5″ |
The width of the deck significantly affects a skateboard’s riding performance. A children’s skateboard that is too narrow may feel unstable, offering less balance and security. On the other hand, a board that is too wide can be harder for kids to steer and control.
When choosing within the recommended width range, it’s important to consider the board’s characteristics. Narrower boards are easier to turn and flip because they require less force to perform tricks. This makes them a great choice for beginners learning the basics. However, at higher speeds, they can be harder to control due to the reduced standing surface.
Wider boards provide more space to stand, offering better stability and control – especially when riding at higher speeds. The trade-off is that tricks like flips, which require the board to spin, demand more effort.
Another important factor that can make it easier for children to start skateboarding is the right deck length. A board that is too short offers less stability, while a board that is too long can be harder for children to handle and steer.
Skateboard decks for kids typically range from 27″ to 29.75″ (68.58 to 75.56 cm) in length. For example, if your child is between 130 – 140 cm tall, a deck length of < 28″ is ideal. Similar to deck width, the taller your child is, the longer the skateboard should be. For a child around 150 cm tall, the ideal deck length is between 30.5″ – 31.5″.
A shorter board is naturally lighter and easier to maneuver, which is important since your child likely doesn’t yet have the leg strength of an experienced skater. A shorter skateboard will help improve overall handling, making it easier to perform actions like ollies (jumping with the skateboard).
Take a look at the table below to find the ideal deck length based on your child’s height. This will help you determine the best kids‘ skateboard for your child. If your child is already taller, be sure to check out our selection of skateboard decks and complete skateboards in other sizes.
| Body height | Recommended deck length |
|---|---|
| < 130 cm | <28″ |
| < 140 cm | 28″ – 30.5″ |
| < 150 cm | 30.5″ – 31.5″ |
| 150 – 175 cm | 31.5″ – 31.875″ |
| 160 – 185 cm | 31.75″ – 32.00″ |
| 170 – 195 cm | 31.875″ – 32.25″ |
| 180 – 210 cm | 32″ – 32.5″ |
| > 190 cm | > 32.5″ |
You can find more detailed information on how wide and long your skateboard should be in our Skateboard Wiki.
To the best of our knowledge, you’re never too young to start skating! That’s why, in addition to a wide variety of skateboards for kids, there are options for the tiniest skaters. These ultra-small boards feature cork instead of the usual griptape, making it easier for little ones to practice early. With cork griptape, even toddlers can explore skateboarding in a fun and easy way – they can sit or kneel on the board without any issues. The softer griptape material is gentle on your child’s clothes and skin, allowing them to get comfortable with their future favorite toy in a relaxed, playful way.
If you can’t find the perfect ready-made skateboard for your child, you can easily build one yourself! Our skateboard configurator lets you design a custom kids’ skateboard in just a few simple steps. Pick out the deck, wheels, and trucks for a board that’s perfectly suited to your child!
In the configurator, just enter your child’s body and shoe size, and you’ll be guided to the ideal skateboard setup with matching deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. Only sizes and products that fit together will be shown, ensuring a seamless experience. Your child can even get creative with their design, and in no time, you’ll have a board that’s perfectly tailored to their needs. This way, you can ensure their first skateboard is the right fit and help them start their skateboarding journey smoothly.
If a traditional skateboard isn’t what you’re after, skatedeluxe also offers a wide range of cruisers and longboards. These are less suited for tricks or skate parks but are perfect for laid-back cruising or ‘tarmac surfing’ on smooth roads.
While supermarkets or general sports stores may offer visually appealing kids' boards at a low price, the quality is often lacking. We believe it’s crucial that children start with the right skateboard, so they can enjoy skating from the very beginning and for as long as possible. Just like with any other sport, the best quality in skateboarding can only be found in dedicated skate shops.
Complete boards from non-specialized stores often suffer from poor craftsmanship and a shorter lifespan. Critical details, like how the trucks steer or the quality of the griptape, are frequently overlooked. Boards from genuine skateboard brands are built to last longer, thanks to better construction and higher-quality components.
At skatedeluxe, you’ll find only children’s skateboards and complete boards from well-known skateboard brands that are recognized for their top-notch craftsmanship. Of course, this also applies to our in-house brand, skatedeluxe. In our skatedeluxe brand shop, you’ll find a wide selection of premium decks, kids' skateboards, complete boards, wheels, and trendy streetwear.
No master has ever fallen from the sky – though, in this case, the keyword is "fall." To ensure your child enjoys skating for years to come, remember: Safety first! While experienced skateboarders may not always wear protective gear in their videos, it’s a must-have for kids.
Especially beginners, who are still getting the hang of balancing on their boards, should always wear a helmet. Wrist, elbow, and knee protectors are also highly recommended. At the skatedeluxe skate shop, you'll find helmets, pads, and complete protection sets for children, ensuring a safe start to their skateboarding journey.
Along with the skateboard and proper protective gear, a skate tool is a must-have. It allows you to tighten all the nuts and bolts on the board. Whether you’re replacing parts, adjusting the steering, or assembling the entire skateboard, a skate tool has everything you need.
Don’t forget about skate shoes for kids! Skate shoes are characterised by the fact that they can withstand the abrasion from the grip tape for longer compared to regular shoes and are better stitched in the important areas. The soles of skate shoes have sufficient cushioning and generally offer a lot of stability on the board. You can also find skate skate apparel for kids in the skatedeluxe skate shop.
Of course, the most important thing is having fun. With a little patience and persistence, a great start is within reach! And if you’re already getting comfortable on your board, check out some helpful trick tips on our skatedeluxe blog.
Hungry for more? In our skateboard wiki you'll find even more information and details about the individual components of a skateboard, instructions for assembling a skateboard and much more.
If you need further help, please contact our customer service team! They will be happy to answer your questions or give you personal advice and recommendations. You are guaranteed to find the right children's skateboard with them.
Whether for lessons or workshops: We have the right range of high-quality skateboards and everything you need for your course. You can find all the information you need on our skateboards for schools & workshops page.