Many children, aged 5-7 years of age, want to start engaging in more activities independently outside as they begin elementary school. From learning to ride the ideal skateboard if they don’t already know how to, to moving up to a big-kid scooter, most kids love toys that are suitable for their age and help them stay active throughout the months.
Once they’ve mastered other kinds of activities, some adventurous 6 year olds are interested in skateboarding. For younger kids, it’s very important to pick out the best longboard for 6 year old kids in order to ensure both their safety and their ability to use the longboard
The Ideal Skateboard For Kids: A Comprehensive Guide
Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “What factors should I keep in mind when looking at the best skateboards for kids?”
There are many different elements that define longboards but there are two that are the most important when trying to decide which are the best longboards for kids. They are:
Best Skateboards For Children
An ideal skateboard size or best beginner longboard, is 7 to 8 inches in width and 27 to 30 inches in length. longboards of this size are great choices because they are quite small but not so small that your child won’t learn about longboarding.
You can also consider a slightly smaller board at 22 inches in length, sometimes known as a penny board, which is a small kind of cruiser longboard. These are also some of the best skateboards for kids because they are so easy to transport.
Another great option is a mini-cruiser. A kids mini cruiser is a smaller one that offers a beginner experience. It is considered the child’s longboard. With a mini-cruiser, you’ll be able to show kids how to handle a longboard, and it’s small enough that it will help them learn. A cruiser board is good to use when traveling around free streets and smooth surfaces. This mini longboard is good for most kids, it is considered the best skateboard for beginners who are experiencing a new longboard.
Usually, a mini-cruiser is easier to control than a regular kids longboard, and there are a lot of high-quality options. It can be pre-assembled too, so you don’t have to worry about putting it together like other skating decks, but instead, you can start right away. A mini-cruiser is oftentimes fit for smaller kids, and it is the best beginner option for a lot of kids since a mini-cruiser, lets them start longboarding.
If your child becomes an avid skater and wants to skate everywhere, then a penny board will be the best choice for them because it is so easy to take anywhere – especially the skate park.
As your child develops a passion for longboarding , the skate park becomes a thrilling playground for their newfound skills. The twists and turns, ramps, and rails offer an exhilarating experience that goes beyond the basic skills learned in the driveway. In this section, we’ll delve into the unique joys and challenges that come with navigating the skate park environment, ensuring your young skater is well-prepared for the exciting journey ahead.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the essential materials that contribute to a fantastic longboarding experience for your young enthusiast.
Material
Most longboards, regardless of the type, are made out of wood. Smaller boards made for kids are also sometimes made out of plastic decks. Either of these materials can be very rigid or softer.
Plastic boards may be ideal for kids because they are easy to care for and less prone to breaking.
When it comes to material, the ideal beginner skateboard is plastic, but if you want something that is high quality and won’t break down, maple wood longboards are good for you too. You should consider maple wood, especially Canadian maple when you’re looking for a longboard deck.
The maple wood longboards are a step up from traditional options, providing a longboard that is good board and high quality. It will wear down less, and maple wood is very strong. Maple wood is known for its durability, and Canadian maple is probably your best option. However, Canadian maple is a bit more expensive but it does make for a durable deck.
Maple wood also doesn’t have issues with abrasion either. That means maple wood is less subjected to breaks and tears, and if you’re looking for ones that will give them a high quality, almost pro experience, you might want to consider a deck made out of maple wood. Maple wood also can have great finishes on them, and it might come with grip tape that’s already included in this. Canadian maple is much more expensive, but with a maple deck made of this, you’ll get a high-quality experience, and of course, less possibility of the board flying off somewhere.
It can be hard to find these for an affordable price though. Canadian maple is usually a bit more expensive, and if you want to start longboarding but don’t have a lot of money, a maple deck might not be the right option. But, you can check with your local skate shop for a maple deck at an affordable price and see what they have to offer.
Should I Get My Child A Kit Or A Pre-Assembled One
Some parents might try to get a maple deck for their children as their first skateboard. A maple deck is highly recommended when the child knows how to skate already since usually a maple deck is not assembled before use.
Maple deck longboards are durable and high quality, so if you know that your child will be using this a lot, a maple deck skateboard might be the better option.
But, if you don’t want to buy aluminum trucks, grip tape, or even different wheels, you might want to forgo the maple deck and get something already made. But, for a lighter, more durable experience, the maple deck that isn’t pre-assembled but instead put together might be a good thing. Sometimes buying a completely assembled, complete skateboard is a good idea too.
Soft Wheels, Bearings, And Trucks
Getting the right wheels, including hard wheels, offers a high-speed experience, and the right trucks and speed bearings are important too. Choosing the right wheels is crucial for a high-speed longboarding experience, and selecting the appropriate trucks and speed bearings is equally important. Some parents prefer speed bearings to enhance skateboard control for kids, while others opt for polyurethane wheels (PU wheels) for a balance of speed and control. Softer wheels are suitable for both mini longboards and full-sized ones, especially for younger children who are just starting out. The wheel bearings are important as well, and while speed is important, getting the right wheel bearings is an integral part of the fun board.
Parents who choose to get longboards for their kids should be aware of the importance of wheel bearings for safety.
So, what are wheel bearings? Well, they’re the parts that hold the wheels together, and you need wheel bearings to control the speed and stability of the skateboard. With customizable longboards, you can choose different wheel bearings to tailor your experience.
Usually, the best type of wheel bearings for the job is the Abec 7 bearings. Why are these wheel bearings used? It’s because the Abec 7 bearings offer better tolerance and precision that comes with it. With Abec 7 bearings, you’re getting a much tighter tolerance, and for parents looking to get one that’s easier to control, the Abec 7 bearings might be the best wheels bearings option to look into.
The wheels bearings hold your wheels, and with the Abec 7 bearings, you’re getting less resistance when you roll fast, making it ideal for more experienced riders. Children who know a bit about longboarding might want to consider the Abec 7 bearings because these wheel bearings will offer more movement based on the push. So if they like to go down long, straight pathways, the Abec 7 bearings might be good for a lot of children, and you should consider the wheels bearings that do the job.
Most of the time, these wheel bearings have steel races and wheels bearings made of ceramic and titanium, to offer a high-quality experience for a child who wants to skateboard.
Let’s talk about the trucks. You want aluminum trucks for your skateboard and even a skateboard for kids that is high quality and uses aluminum trucks over other types.
Aluminum trucks are super common in longboards, and aluminum trucks are usually what they’re made out of, providing a sturdy option for those who admire Tony Hawk’s skills. That’s because, aluminum is incredibly common, and you can get aluminum trucks that are both cheaper and high quality. Aluminum trucks are very strong, so if you want a skateboard for kids that will last, you get this.
Aluminum trucks do come in different grades, and some of them are forged too. Aluminum trucks that are forged tend to be more precise, and the components and finish tend to be of higher quality.
Aluminum trucks are built to last, and if they’re forged aluminum trucks, they will do the job and then some over time. There have been different kids tried and tested, but aluminum trucks are the way to go if you’re looking for options.
So if you’re getting the trucks, get aluminum trucks, and make sure everything is tightened and connected perfectly before longboarding too.
Don’t Forget The Ideal Grip Tape
Grip tape is, of course, the tape that is on top of the board to help you plant your feet on it, ensuring a perfect fit, cool and a smoother ride. You need grip tape to maneuver better, and without grip tape, it’s a bit hard.
Some boards already come with grip tape, but for complete kits, you’ll need to add the grip tape yourself.
Best Skateboards For Children
Here’s our round-up of the best longboards for kids.
Enjoi Repeater Multi FP 7.625 Skateboard Complete: This is the best skateboard on the list that are serious about learning to skateboard and continuing to do so in the future. Its size and quality make it so, but those features also make it one of the more expensive choices on the list.
Flybar 22-Inch Plastic Mini Cruiser Skateboard: This penny-board-sized choice is the ideal choice for younger children. Between the bright colors, smaller size, and plastic material, it’s fun and easy to take care of.
Playwheels 28” Spider-Man Complete Skateboard: If your child is a lover of characters and looking for a larger board, this is the ideal skateboard for them. It’s also on the lower end of the price spectrum, so it can also be a great choice for those who aren’t sure how interested they are in longboarding but would like to give it a try.
Skatro mini cruiser skateboard: the Skatro mini cruiser comes with 22-inch wheels and is the top choice if you want a high-quality experience. It comes with soft wheels which will help with grip, and is the skateboard ideal for a lot of children who are learning. It offers a simple, smooth ride that at the end of the day, can’t compare.
Rimable Complete 22-inch longboard: This is another pre-assembled board with a deck size that’s perfect for children to learn how to ride. It is a high-quality deck but it is a heavy-duty cruising skateboard, so it might not have the smooth ride you’re used to. However, the Rimable Complete does offer a high-quality skateboard for kids, and with the grip tape included on it, it certainly offers a fun experience.
Best Skateboard For Children In Their 6th Year
With proper supervision and protective equipment, longboards can be safe for 6 year old. Parental supervision, as well as helmets, knee pads, wrist guards, and elbow pads, can make for a safe and fun skating experience for children as young as 6 year old. This extra protection can help your child minimize the bruises they get from falling into rough surfaces in skate parks.
Best Skateboard For Children (FAQs)
What’s The Best Year For Kids To Ride Their Best?
Are Skateboards Best For Kids?
If you are going to let your 6 year old ride, you should get a skateboard for kids that are made for them, along with aluminum trucks. While you might be hesitant about a high-speed skateboard for kids, once they start getting used to riding and learning how to control a board, you can get them a skateboard for children that’s a better fit.
How Do I Choose The Ideal Skateboard?
Choosing the perfect board for your child means picking out the right skateboards for kids with the key specs in mind because those made with children in mind tend to be easier to take care of and the right size for little learners. Their first board is memorable so make sure that it is a good quality board where they can learn beginner technical tricks in the local skatepark near your house. Children longboards produced by Santa Cruz longboards (Santa Cruz Complete) or the Skatexs Complete Skateboard are good choices.
Is 7.75 Ideal Size For Children?
7.75 inches in width and 27 inches to 30 inches in length is the size of the ideal children’s skateboard.
What Is Ideal Skateboard For My 6 yo?
A skateboard with ply maple, between 7 and 8 inches in width and 27 and 30 inches in length would be a good-sized starting riding that a 6 year old or 7 yr old could grow into. A 27-inch board is sometimes known as a nickel board.
You can also consider a “penny” board, which is a smaller cruiser skateboard. These kinds of boards tend to be around 22 inches in length. These boards are sometimes the top choices for 6 year old children because of their manageable size.
Should I Let My Kids Skateboard For Both Sport And Fun?
Deciding whether or not to allow your child to skateboard is a personal decision that each parent will have to make. That said, we recommend sitting down with your child to find out why they want to skateboard and taking out a set of reasonable rules that your child agrees to follow.
This way, you as a parent can help to dictate how and when your child longboards, but your child will feel heard and understood, thus making it more likely that they will follow the rules you lay out for them.
It is also a good idea to research the ideal kid’s longboards beforehand as well as the appropriate protective gear for your child, that way you can ensure that they are set up for a safe riding experience.
How Do You Make Skateboard Safer For Children?
Although longboarding can be a dangerous activity, there are many steps parents can take to make it as safe as possible for their children.
First, it is very important that parents sit down with their children and lay out some ground rules around a child’s longboarding habits. Will your child be allowed to skateboard unsupervised or must a parent be present? Can they skateboard in the street or do they need to stay on the sidewalk?
Having a set of reasonable rules that your child understands and trusts is a great way to lay the foundation for a safer skating experience. Getting them one that fits their body also helps. If you don’t get them a skateboard for children, but instead something that’s for larger bodies, it does put them at risk of getting hurt, so make sure you get a skateboard that is right for their body size.
Parents should also invest in proper protective equipment with quality parts for their little skaters. This doesn’t just include a helmet, but also elbow and knee pads to help keep them safe during the little spills that are bound to happen longboarding.
It is also a good idea to encourage young skaters to stay away from ramps or areas with many other people doing similar activities. Additionally, you should ensure that you have chosen a good kid’s longboard to ensure they are using the right size longboard.
What Are Some Children’s Good Beginner Options?
As we’ve mentioned in this article, different companies like Santa Cruz and Skatexs have many options. Children starting to take an interest need the perfect first affordable board to jumpstart their experience. Remember the many points we’ve said in the article, such as considering the right wheels, trucks, materials, sizes, and preferences.
Can Children As Young As Six Use Penny Boards?
Yes, there are many children of this age that have been known to successfully maneuver a penny board. Basically, it depends upon the child’s skill. It will always help them to have parental supervision as they discover and practice, though! To ensure that they are always safe.
How To Teach My Child To Board?
Taking your child to the local skatepark is a good start – but go there when there aren’t many people. There they will be exposed to the different skate tools that are available. Early in the morning is a good time. If there aren’t any local options, you can choose safe and quiet spaces like an empty parking lot. Letting them practice and understand how to properly push, turn, slow down, and stop, is the ideal first step.
How To Measure A Skateboard For A Child?
As mentioned earlier, boards between 7 and 7.75 inches are the top choices for children who want to learn tricks. The standard size is 8 inches wide, which is the top choice for teenagers.
Is Skateboard Best For A Kid?
Best Skateboards For Children
What Age Is Considered Appropriate So Children Can Start Learning And Engaging In Longboarding Activities?
Last Updated on May 6, 2023 by Mary Cimeni
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