Skateboards

What Age Can a Child Start Skateboarding?

Skateboarding is a fantastic and fun way for kids to stay active. According to UK guidelines, children can typically start skateboarding around the age of two, with close parental supervision. However, readiness can vary from child to child depending on their developmental stage, so it's important to consider their physical coordination and willingness to learn to avoid accidents and injuries. It's also recommended to start off with simpler manoeuvres and balance exercises to allow your child to get a feel for skateboarding, before gradually progressing as their confidence grows.

What Size Skateboard Is Best for My Child?

Finding the right size skateboard is crucial for your child's comfort and safety. It is recommended by UK guidelines to consider your child's age, height, and weight when selecting a skateboard. We've created this handy table outlining things to consider when choosing a children's skateboard. Ensuring the skateboard is the right fit will promote better balance and control as they learn and progress, and also help to minimise accidents and scraped knees.

Age Group	Skateboard Type	Deck Length	Deck Height
Age 3-5	Mini-Cruiser, Plastic Composite	22-27 Inches	6.5-7.5 Inches
Ages 5-8	Wider standard deck, Cruiser	28-32 Inches	7-8 Inches
Ages 8-12	Standard deck, Slimmer street deck	30-33 Inches	7.5-8 Inches
Ages 12+	Standard Deck, Decks tailored to riding style	31-33 Inches	7.75-8.25 Inches

What Types of Skateboards Are There?

When it comes to choosing which skateboard is best for your child, there are a few different options to consider. Cruiser skateboards are great for beginners, featuring a wider deck and softer wheels for a smoother ride, they are a perfect starting point to learn the basics. Wooden skateboards offer durability and flexibility, while plastic skateboards are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Mini skateboards, also known as mini cruisers or shorty skateboards, are more compact and lightweight, making them easily portable and a great choice for younger children who are starting out and still learning.

Which Skateboard Should I Buy for My Child?

For beginners, it's best to choose a skateboard that's specifically designed for kids and beginners. We would recommend looking for a complete skateboard setup that includes a sturdy deck, suitable trucks, and wheels. These setups are often more stable and easier to control, making them ideal for young riders who are just starting out. Our range of children's skateboards is perfect for beginners, offering quality and safety for your child's first skating experience.

How Do I Teach My Child How to Skateboard?

Teaching your child how to skateboard can be an exciting experience. The first lesson should be helping them get to know the skateboard and safety equipment they'll need, as well as standing on the board and getting a feel for the right stance. It may be useful for you to help them move around on the skateboard while being able to hold onto you for support. After they've got their stance sorted, they'll next need to learn how to push off and come to a stop safely. Skateboarding, very much like most things, will be a case of practice makes perfect. You may want to encourage your child to practice in a safe and controlled environment, away from traffic and obstacles, until their confidence and skills build up a little more. It is important to be patient and supportive, offering guidance and encouragement as they learn and progress. For a more detailed guide, have a look at our article about How to Teach Your Child to Skateboard.

Skateboarding Safety for Children

As a caregiver to any child, one of the main concerns around any activity is the safety of it. Keeping your child safe while skateboarding starts with the equipment. We recommend your child wears appropriate safety gear while learning and beyond, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Emphasising the importance of following safety rules, such as checking their surroundings before riding and avoiding busy roads or crowded areas, will help to minimise accidents and keep things both safe and fun. Starting off with simple manoeuvres and progressing gradually as they gain confidence will not only prioritise safety but will also ensure that your child enjoys a fun-filled skateboarding experience.

Is Skateboarding Good for Children?

Skateboarding offers a multitude of benefits for children, encompassing physical exercise, cognitive development, and social interaction. As a demanding physical activity, skateboarding is great for enhancing balance, coordination, and core strength. The use of precise balance and coordination required in skateboarding contributes to the development of spatial awareness and fine motor skills, which are crucial for every child's development. Not only is skateboarding physically beneficial to your child, it also builds upon their psychological and social skills too. By engaging in an activity where multiple attempts will often be needed before they master a new skill, the experience of overcoming these challenges and mastering new tricks instils a sense of accomplishment in your child, as well as teaching risk management and resilience.