Skateboarding is also great for the little ones. It's real fun, improves balance and creativity and, during sessions in the skate park, even develops social skills. As with many other sports, the suitable and age-appropriate equipment is also important for skateboarding, as kids learn to skate faster with the ideal setup. We will guide you to the right skateboard equipment for your children.
What size and features for kids skateboards?
For kids up to the age of 5 we recommend skateboards with soft tops, which are made of cork or foam and therefore more skin-friendly than classic grip tapes.
At first glance, skateboards for children hardly look very different from skateboards for teenagers and adults. The small but very significant differences lie mainly in the width and length of the deck and the composition of the top, which is usually made of softer materials. Many children's skateboards are also equipped with softer bushings in the trucks, which allows for easier steering behaviour. Here we show you what is important when buying a skateboard for children.
Features
The ideal deck width for kids skateboards
An approximate deck width of 7" to 7.5" is a proper guideline for classic skateboards for children under the age of ten if their shoe size is between EU 23 and 34. However, some teenage and adult skaters also prefer board widths under 8" to land certain tricks better.
Micro decks with a width of 6" to 7" are ideal for very small kids under the age of five.
Deck lengths for kids skateboards
An approximate deck length of 26" to 30" is suitable for children under the age of ten.
Micro decks with a length of approximately 23" to 26" (58 - 66 cm) are ideal for very small kids under the age of five.
Deck shape and concave
Children's skateboards for the skate park have the same shape as skateboards for adults. However, the concave on kids skateboards should be a maximum of medium. Decks with a high concave are only recommended for experienced skaters and certain tricks.
Child-friendly tops and griptapes
Skateboards for teenagers and adults are equipped with griptapes on the top that have a rough texture, similar to sandpaper. Skateboards designed for children often have tops made of cork or rubber. These materials give kids a good grip, but prevent them from abrasions to the skin.
Here we'll show you how to stick a griptape to your skateboard.
Soft wheels for more grip
Softer wheels provide more grip on tarmac or concrete and are ideal for uneven surfaces.
The degree of hardness is usually indicated on the Durometer A scale, which ranges from 1A (very soft) to 100A (very hard). Some brands refer to the B scale, which is more precise for very hard skateboard wheels. A hardness of 80B corresponds to 100A.
Skateboard trucks for kids
The height of the skateboard trucks should be medium or low for children and beginners, which offers more stability due to the lower standing height. Low trucks require smaller wheels (50 to 53 mm) to avoid wheelbites and thus risky situations. Hard bushings (e.g. 96A) lead to a fast reaction of the trucks, soft bushings (e.g. 81A) are a little more compliant in steering behaviour.
In skateboarding jargon, bushings refer to the rubber steering components, of which there are two mounted on each truck: one above the truck's hanger and one below it. Just like the trucks, also the bushings can also be replaced individually on any skateboard.
Which skateboards are best for children?
Besides classic skateboards, which are mostly used for tricks in the skate park, there are also longboards, cruisers and surfskates. These three board types are particularly suitable for convenient mobility and relaxed - or dynamic - moves on tarmac paths. For all those who like to assemble skateboards themselves, Blue Tomato has all the components and tools.
Styles
Skateboard Completes for kids
Classic skateboards are mainly used for tricks and skated in skate parks on ramps, rails, etc. The ideal deck width is important when choosing the right skateboard for kids. For children with shoe sizes from EU 23 to 34, we recommend deck widths between 7" and 7.5". Teenagers and adults with shoe sizes from EU 35 to 38 can skate on deck widths between 7.5" and 8.0". At a certain level, the deck size is also a matter of taste and preferred tricks.
Find out even more in our detailed Skateboard Buyer's Guide.
Complete skateboards are fully assembled and all components match perfectly. This makes them particularly suitable for starting out in skateboarding.
Boards for riding, cruising and surfskating
Longboards, cruisers, and surfskates are awesome for learning and improving balance and board feel.
- Longboards: Perfect for beginners due to low standover height and stable trucks
- Cruisers: Compact size and ideal for mobility on short distances or for dynamic cruising
- Surfskates: Surf-like feeling, recommended for advanced riders, great for tight slides
All boards come in different sizes and designs. Find out even more in our detailed Longboard Buyer's Guide.
Kids aged 6-8 can start with the smaller versions and adult support.
Assemble skateboards yourself
For all those who like to tinker with boards themselves, we have all skate components, assembly kits and tools. To build your child's customised skateboard, you are free to choose every component according to your needs. Check out our tutorial video and step-by-step-guide on how to assemble a skateboard and which parts you need.
Does my child need any protection for skateboarding?
Our tip: Compare the individual protector's measurements in the size chart with your child's body dimensions to select the right size.
Besides skateboards that match the shoe size, age and skill level of the kids, the little ones also need the right protective equipment when skating. This is particularly important during the first exercises and for very young children. Skate protectors are available for the head, wrists, elbows and knees.
Kids helmets for skateboarding
A proper skate helmet is essential, when kids make their first experiences on a skateboard. Good helmets for kids are equipped with a comfortable and high-impact absorbing foam liner combined with a robust polycarbonate or ABS shell. Most skate helmets are also customisable in size and fit and offer with features such as ventilation or padded liners.
Find more information in our detailed Helmet Buyer's Guide.
Protectors for elbows, wrists and knees
You can choose from complete sets of skate protectors as well as separate components. High-quality skate protectors are equipped with shock-absorbing properties and high material resistance. Well-featured protectors offer an ergonomic fit and customisable velcro fasteners or stretch materials for a comfortable fit.
Are there specific shoes for skateboarding?
Just as for hiking or running, you also need the right shoes for skateboarding. As trainers or sneakers do not provide the same grip and comfort as skate shoes, our product experts have selected the best skate shoes for kids – take a look around and contact our Customer Service if you have any questions, or drop by a Blue Tomato shop near you with your kids!
Shoes for Kids
The right skate shoes for kids
A secure footing on the deck depends to a large extent on the condition of the shoe sole. With their rubber soles and skate-friendly profiles, skate shoes provide the ideal basis for good grip on the skateboard. The outer materials are very robust and have extra strong seams.
Skate shoes are also specially equipped on the inside: padded tongues, extra cushioning or reinforced ollie zones are, amongst other details, typical features of skate shoes.
How do I assemble a skateboard?
In addition to complete skateboards that are ready to ride, you can also buy all skateboard components separately and assemble your own personal skateboard. We are of course happy to assemble your skateboard for you in one of our Blue Tomato shops. However, many skateboarders prefer to build their skateboards themselves. Here we show you which parts you need and how easy it is to assemble a skateboard.
Discover even more tips and tricks in our comprehensive Skateboard Buyer's Guide.
components and assembly
These parts you need for your skateboard
- 1 x skateboard deck
- 1x griptape
- 2 x skateboard trucks
- 4 x skateboard wheels
- 8 x skateboard bearings incl. 4 x spacers
- 8 x skateboard screws
- 1 x skate tool
How to assemble a skateboard correctly
- Place the deck in front of you with the bottom side facing up.
- Place the trucks on the holes of the deck. Optional: If you want to raise your trucks, you can place riser pads between the deck and the trucks.
- Make sure that the king pins are facing inwards.
- Thread the screws through the holes in the deck and trucks and tighten them.
- Put the skate bearings in the rollers. You always need two bearings and one spacer per wheel.
- Now slide the rollers onto the axle pin and tighten the nuts. Make sure that the wheels can still turn easily.
- Check everything again: Are the trucks tight? Wheels secured? Wheels turn well?
- Now quickly put on your skate shoes and head out to the skate park :)
- Have fun skating!
Frequently asked questions about skateboards for kids
At what age can my child start skateboarding?
Children aged 3 to 5 can start with a mini skateboard – it is important to have a stable setup and full protective gear (helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards). At the beginning, the focus should be on having fun.
What size should a kids' skateboard be?
Choosing the right skateboard depends on the child's height, shoe size and ability. For small children:
- Deck width: 6"–7.25"
- Length: 23"–30"
A board that is too large can make skating difficult, while one that is too small will quickly become unstable.
Should I buy a complete board or build one myself?
A complete board is ideal for beginners, as it is ready to use right away and all components are compatible with each other. If you already have some skateboarding experience and enjoy working with your hands, you can also build your own custom skateboard. Pay particular attention to choosing the right trucks and wheels.
What is better for children: skateboard, cruiser, longboard or surf skate?
That depends on the intended use. Comparing the different types can help you make the right choice:
- Skateboard: Ideal for tricks and skate parks
- Cruiser: Perfect for short distances in the city and spontaneous rides
- Longboard: Great for longer rides and carving
- Surfskate: For a surf-like riding experience – more for sporty and older kids
What protective gear does my child need for skateboarding?
First and foremost, a skate helmet and wrist guards – ideally also knee and elbow pads. It is important to choose the right size (compare size charts!) and a good fit that won't slip.
Does my child need special skate shoes?
Yes, definitely. Skate shoes offer better grip and more protection. They allow for a more stable stance on the board, are more robust and provide better protection against injuries. Most skate shoes have non-slip soles, reinforcements in the toe and ollie area and padded tongues.
As a parent, how can I support my child in learning to skate?
- Start playfully
- Be patient when learning
- Put safety before performance
- Visit skate parks together
- Fun comes first
How much does a good skateboard for children cost?
A good complete skateboard for children usually costs between £60 and £120. Investing in a high-quality skateboard has the advantage of offering better material quality and greater safety. The cost of protective gear and shoes is additional – but safety and quality are worth it.
How do I teach my child to skateboard?
Start playfully: build up balance, practise rolling and braking, and encourage fun on the board. Tricks come later!
You can find detailed tips in our blog post How to start skateboarding with kids
What tricks can children learn?
Once they have mastered the basics, they can move on to their first turns and wheelies, and later on to ollies, flips and more. You can find detailed tips in our blog post How to learn skateboarding - tips & tricks for beginners
Steps
Start playfully
The best way to start the adventure of skateboarding is through play. It is important that the kids don't try to master tricks straight away, but simply roll on the board at first. This feeling for balance and speed is the basis for skateboarding. Here we show you how to learn skateboarding with your kids step by step:
Tipps and Tricks
As soon as the kids can safely stand and ride a skateboard, the time is ready for their first skateboard tricks – and there are plenty of them. Here we show you how the little ones can become great skaters: