Best Skateboards for Beginners (The Complete Guide)
The best skateboards for beginners depends mostly on your height and age. You can also take a look at your foot size to determine which size skateboard to get.
Remember, this is your first skateboard. You can always try getting smaller or larger skateboard decks to suit your needs. The most important thing to consider when purchasing your first skateboard is the quality.
The best skateboards for beginners are the very same as the best skateboards for pros. You want to make sure that you get a skateboard that is comfortable, reliable, and suits your needs. First, you need to know which skateboard brands to trust, what size to get, and which trucks will match the size of your skateboard.
Skateboard Size Chart
One of the most difficult things to do when you begin skateboarding is determining what sizes to start with. It can be overwhelming in the beginning even though it shouldn’t be. The best thing to do when you start skateboarding is to find a deck size that works for you and then adjust as you see fit.
- If you are having a hard time flipping the board, try a smaller skateboard next time
- If you are having a hard time landing on your skateboard, get a larger deck next time
What Size Skateboard Should I Get for My Age?
- 5 or younger = micro skateboard (6.5″ to 6.75″ in width)
- 6 to 8 years old = mini skateboard (7.0″ in width)
- 9 to 12 years old = mid-size skateboard (7.25″ to 7.375″ in width)
- 13 years or older = full-size skateboard (7.5″ or wider)
What Size Skateboard Should I Get for My Height?
- 3’4″ (102cm) or shorter = micro skateboard (6.5″ to 6.75″ in width)
- 3’5″ to 4’4″ (102cm to 130cm) = mini skateboard (7.0″ in width)
- 4’5″ to 5’2″ (130cm to 160cm) = mid-size skateboard (7.25″ to 7.375″ in width)
- 5’3″ (160cm) or taller = full-size skateboard (7.5″ or wider)
What Size Skateboard Should I Get for My Shoe Size?
- Kid’s shoe size 1 or smaller = micro skateboard (6.5″ to 6.75″ in width)
- Kid’s shoe size 2 to 5 = mini skateboard (7.0″ in width)
- Adult shoe size 6 to 8 = mid-size skateboard (7.25″ to 7.375″ in width)
- Adult shoe size 8.5 or larger = full-size skateboard (7.5″ or wider)
Best Size Skateboard for Beginners
The best skateboard deck size for children is usually a deck between 7.0 and 7.75. However, if you’re a teen or an adult, you may want to opt for a larger skateboard. I’d suggest anything from a 7.75 to 8.25 size deck for teens and adults that are just starting to skateboard.
As stated above, smaller decks are easy to flip but more difficult to land on. Whereas larger decks are easier to land on but can be harder to flip.
It may not seem that important but the size of a skateboard deck is extremely important when trying to learn new tricks.
Best Skateboards for Beginners
Best beginner skateboards for kids:
- 22″ Penny board
- 27″ Penny board
- 7.25 complete skateboard
Best beginner skateboards for adults:
- 7.75 Blind Matte OG Logo complete skateboard
- 8.0 Enjoi Helvetica Neue complete skateboard
- 8.25 Almost Fall Off complete skateboard
Best Beginner Skateboards for Kids
The best beginner skateboard for kids depends on their age and height. If you’re shopping for a child under the age of 8 or 9, you should get a Penny board. Once a child learns how to skateboard on a Penny board, learning the basics on a regular skateboard will be easy.
Children 9 years and older can start riding regular skateboards.
22″ Penny Board
Penny Australia is the most trusted company when it comes to penny boards, hence the name. The 22″ Penny board may look small. However, even college and university students use these skateboards as a mode of transportation around campus.
They’re small, lightweight, and extremely durable. The deck is made from high-grade plastic with a waffle pattern on the top for grip.
The beautiful thing about Penny boards is that they can’t be outgrown. They’re also a fantastic way to learn how to balance on a regular skateboard. Penny boards (specifically the 22″) are the perfect skateboard to get young children that want to learn how to skateboard.
There are plenty of other companies that make similar products for much cheaper such as Retrospec and Cal7. Take a look at the top-selling 22″ Penny boards on Amazon.
27″ Penny Board
The 27″ penny boards are another fantastic option for beginners. They’re 5 inches longer but much wider than the 22″ boards. The width makes these more stable and easier to learn how to balance. However, they’re more suitable for children that are slightly older.
These penny boards will never be grown out of and never seem to go out of style. Plus, they come in plenty of funky designs and colors.
27″ penny boards are the most popular penny boards and they’re probably the ones that you’ve seen the most. Take a look at the best deals for 27″ penny boards on Amazon.
7.25 Complete Skateboards from Thank You Supply
As stated above, skateboards that have a width of 7.25 are the perfect size for children between the ages of 9 and 12. These skateboards are perfect for learning how to balance, ride, and learn your first tricks.
Thank You Supply is an incredible online retailer for skateboards that only sell the best of the best. You can find skateboards from plenty of the most trusted skateboard brands like Almost, enjoi, Blind, and Darkstar.
That being said, kids will eventually grow out of a deck with 7.25 as the width. However, they’ll be able to learn all the bases and be prepared for a full-size skateboard once they’re tall enough. Take a look at the best-selling 7.25 complete skateboards on Thank You Supply.
Best Beginner Skateboards for Adults
Adults need skateboards that are slightly larger and wider. The ideal sizes to start with are typically 7.75, 8.0, and 8.25 in width respectively.
7.75 Blind Matte OG Logo Complete Skateboard
The 7.75 Blind Matte OG Logo is a perfect complete skateboard for adults that want to learn how to skateboard. Obviously, being a 7.75, this skateboard is more ideal for adults that are a bit shorter. A 7.75 is a great size to start with because they’re easier to flip when you start learning flip tricks like kickflips and heelflips.
The Blind Matte OG complete comes fully equipped with a 7-ply birch deck, carbon steel bearings, 52mm Blind wheels, steel trucks, and even a skateboard backpack. Another bonus to this skateboard is that it has a 30-day manufacturer’s warranty.
Take a closer look at the Blind Matte OG Logo complete skateboard at Thank You Supply.
8.0 Enjoi Helvetica Neue Complete Skateboard
A skateboard with a width of 8.0 inches is the best starting point for adults. If you’re having issues flipping the board, try a slightly smaller size for your next deck. Or if you want more room to land your tricks on, go for a bigger skateboard next.
The 8.0 Enjoi Helvetica Neue is an amazing beginner skateboard. The deck is made from 7 plies of birch, has a mellow concave, and a steep kick tail.
It comes with everything that you need in a starter skateboard plus more. Not to mention, there is a 30-day guarantee against breakage. Check out the Enjoi Helvetica Neue complete on Thank You Supply.
8.25 Almost Fall Off Complete Skateboard
An 8.25 is a great starting point for beginners who are 6 feet tall or taller. This Almost Fall Off complete is an incredible deal for a beginner deck.
The deck is made from 7 plies of birch. More importantly, this complete comes with Tensor alloy trucks, 52mm wheels, and steel ABEC 1 bearings. Plus, a 30-day manufacturer’s warranty against any defects.
If you purchase this skateboard the only thing you might want to upgrade sooner than later are those bearings. However, it is still an incredible skateboard to begin learning on. Take a better look at the Almost Fall Off complete skateboard at Thank You Supply.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Skateboard
When buying your first skateboard, the first things to consider are your deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. Once you’ve got yourself a good base you can take a deeper look into bushings, wheel durometer, wheel diameter, and the size of the skateboard deck.
Construction of Deck
The best skateboard decks are made with 7 or 8 plies of Maple and kept together with epoxy resin. If you can find a skateboard deck with carbon fiber impact discs, even better.
The carbon fiber laminate discs give the deck more flexibility and strength. This makes the deck less prone to pressure cracks around the truck mounts. Pressure cracks are common on skateboards and compromise the integrity of your deck.
If you’re in the market for a new deck, invest a tiny bit more in a premium skateboard deck. Bare minimum, get yourself a 7 ply maple deck. However, if you have a bit more money to spend, get a skateboard with Impact discs.
Width of Deck
As stated above, the width on the best skateboard deck for you depends on your age, height, and shoe size. Most mass-produced skateboard decks are made from 7.5″ to 10″ in width.
If you’re shopping for a child that needs something smaller, usually under the age of 8, you might want to take a look at Penny boards. They aren’t as “cool” as a full-sized skateboard but they’re the perfect thing for younglings to build their legs. Then they’ll already be ready to ride a full-sized deck when they’re big enough.
Shape of Deck
Are all skateboard decks the same shape? It might appear that way. However, every skateboard deck has slight differences in their concave and the depth of the nose and tail.
Concave is the curvature on the edge of the deck. A steeper concave helps to perform flip tricks like kickflips and heelflips.
The depth of the nose and tail can help get more pop when performing ollies and flip tricks. A steep nose and tail can also help catch your foot when performing tricks.
Type of Wood
Another important factor when looking at a skateboard deck is the type of wood that it’s made from. Most pro-model boards are made from North American Maple or birch. However, many cheap alternatives are made from wood composite. Avoid any composite skateboard decks at all costs!
Composite decks don’t have as much pop and break much easier, which makes them terrible to learn on. Most skateboards that you’ll find from big commercial retailers like Walmart and Target sell composite wood skateboards.
If you’re looking for a good beginner deck, make sure it’s made from 7-ply maple or birch. Anything else and you’re just asking for trouble.
Construction of Trucks
The best skateboard trucks for beginners are usually Tensor Trucks. However, Independent Trucks are also an excellent choice.
Tensor trucks are made from aluminum which makes them extremely light and great for flip tricks. However, they’re not as durable. Independent trucks, on the other hand, are made from steel. Although Independent trucks are much heavier, they’re nearly indestructible.
Materials of Trucks
The most common materials for trucks are aluminum and steel. Aluminum trucks are great because they are lightweight. However, they are not as durable as steel or titanium trucks. Steel skateboard trucks, on the other hand, are heavy but extremely durable.
Size of Trucks
Besides weight, Tensor and Independent trucks have a few more differences. One of the main differences is how they measure their trucks. Tensor gives you the measurement of the hangar and the axle in inches. Independent, on the other hand, measures the axle in millimeters.
For the best stability, you want the end of the axle on the trucks to line up to the edge of the board. If the trucks are too big the wheels will catch on the board when you turn. However, if the trucks are too small you sacrifice stability.
Below are two charts, one for Tensor and one for Independent. You can find exactly the right size trucks for the width of the deck that you have your eyes on.
Tensor Trucks
Tensor trucks are typically built with a steel axle and an aluminum hangar. The steel axle helps increase durability, and the aluminum hangar lowers the weight.
| Width of Deck | Width of Trucks | |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5″ to 7.75″ | 5.0″ hangar, 7.675″ axle | Check the prices |
| 7.875″ to 8.125″ | 5.25″ hangar, 8.0″ axle | Check the prices |
| 8.125″ to 8.375″ | 5.5″ hangar, 8.25″ axle | Check the prices |
Independent Trucks
Independent trucks are made from steel and forged titanium. Some Independent trucks are made with a hollow axle and kingpin to lower their weight, what they’re quite known for.
The Hollow series are more prone to denting and breaking. However, regular old Indies can last a lifetime if they’re taken care of properly.
| Width of Deck | Width of Trucks | |
|---|---|---|
| 7.4″ to 7.8″ | 129mm | Check the prices |
| 7.8″ to 8.2″ | 139mm | Check the prices |
| 8.2″ to 8.375″ | 144mm | Check the prices |
| 8.375″ to 8.6″ | 149mm | Check the prices |
| 8.6″ to 9.0″ | 159mm | Check the prices |
Construction of Wheels
Since the 1970’s, skateboard wheels have been formulated with polyurethane, a form of plastic. It was one of the more monumental changes to the skateboard design that goes down in skateboard history. The main things to consider when purchasing skateboard wheels are their diameter and durometer.
Diameter
The diameter of the wheels is measured in millimeters and effects the speed of the wheels. A lower millimeter wheel is usually preferred for street skating, as they are lighter for flip tricks but more difficult to ride on rougher surfaces. The most popular street skating wheel sizes are between 52-54mm. Street skaters also tend to prefer narrower widths, which allow for better maneuverability.
However, keep in mind that the larger the wheel, the faster you can go. So, if you’re looking to cruise around town or hit up the local skate park, consider a larger wheel size. Just remember that they will be more difficult to do tricks with.
Durometer
The durometer of a skateboard wheel is a measure of its hardness. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Most wheels have a durometer of 99a. However, some manufacturers use the B Scale, which measures 20 points fewer than the A Scale. This allows for an extra 20 points for the hardest wheels. For example, an 80b durometer is the same hardness as a 100a durometer.
The hardness of a skateboard wheel is important because it affects how the board will ride. Harder wheels are better for skating on smooth surfaces, while softer wheels are better for skating on rough surfaces.
Bearings
Contrary to popular belief, ABEC ratings do not matter for skateboard bearings. The ABEC rating is a measurement of the speed of a bearing. For wheels that spin over 5000RPM, ABEC ratings are used. However, over 90% of skateboarding is done under 2000RPM.
Steel or titanium skateboard bearings are best for regular skateboarding, whereas, ceramic or titanium skateboard bearings are best for longboarding and cruising.
The most used and trusted skateboard bearings of all time probably has to go to Bones Reds. They’re one of the cheapest pro-grade bearings but still suitable for veteran skaters. Get the price and more details on Bones Reds skateboard bearings on Amazon.
Completes From Thank You Supply
Thank You Supply only deals with reputable skate brands. Once on their website you can filter by exactly which size skateboard you’re looking for from 6.5 to 8.75 width decks.
Keeeeeeeeep talking about thank you supply…
Conclusion
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing your first skateboard, the size, wheels, trucks, bearings, and so much more. Once you get a good idea of how to skateboard properly you’ll know exactly what tweaks to make to those components to up your game. Whether that’s getting faster bearings, smaller wheels, or a wider deck.
If you’re still hesitant on which skateboard to buy or which size to get, that’s okay. Finding out exactly what works for the skateboarder can be difficult even for themselves.
Below is a video that might be able to help guide you to pick your first skateboard if you already haven’t.
