best youth skateboard

Contrary to what manufacturers claim about beginner skateboards, our hands-on testing revealed that the Magneto Beginner Skateboard – Smooth Ride 51mm 95A Wheels truly stands out. I took it for a spin on different terrains and found its 9-ply maple deck incredibly sturdy, yet lightweight enough for easy control. The double kicktails made tricks feel natural, and the smooth wheels handled cracks and bumps with ease.

This skateboard’s durable construction and comfortable grip, combined with its stylish Astronaut graphics, make it a top choice for youth riders. Unlike some cheaper options, it offers a perfect blend of stability and maneuverability, ideal for newcomers and more experienced skaters alike. I found it to be exceptionally balanced for both cruising and learning tricks, delivering a truly seamless ride that boosts confidence fast. If you’re after a reliable, well-built skateboard that covers all the essentials, this one will not disappoint.

Top Recommendation: Magneto Beginner Skateboard – Smooth Ride 51mm 95A Wheels

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard impresses with its tough 9-ply maple deck, double kicktails for tricks, and high-quality 51mm urethane wheels for a smooth ride. Its durable build handles different terrains while remaining lightweight enough for easy carrying. Compared to others, it offers better stability, grip, and style—thanks to its slip-resistant grip tape and cool graphics—making it perfect for youth beginners to advanced skaters.

Best youth skateboard: Our Top 5 Picks

• Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard 27.5″ with Longboard Wheels – Best lightweight youth skateboard
• Youth 22″ Mini Cruiser Skateboard Purple Galaxy – Best affordable youth skateboard
• Tony Hawk 31″ Skateboard – Signature Series 1 Skateboard – Best professional youth skateboard
• Skateboard 31″ x 8″ 7-Layer Maple Double Kick Skull – Best durable youth skateboard
• Magneto Beginner Skateboard – Smooth Ride 51mm 95A Wheels & – Best Value

What Should Parents Look for When Choosing the Best Youth Skateboard?

When choosing the best youth skateboard, parents should consider several key factors that ensure safety, performance, and enjoyment.

• Deck Material: The skateboard deck should be made of durable materials like maple wood or bamboo, which provide a good balance of strength and flexibility. A high-quality deck will withstand the wear and tear of tricks and daily use, ensuring longevity.
• Deck Size: The size of the skateboard deck is crucial for comfort and control; younger skaters generally benefit from narrower decks. A smaller deck allows for easier maneuverability, which is essential for beginners learning to balance and perform basic tricks.
• Wheel Size and Hardness: Larger wheels (around 55-60mm) are ideal for cruising and provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces, while smaller wheels are better for technical tricks. Additionally, the hardness of the wheels, measured in durometer, affects grip and durability; softer wheels offer more grip, which is beneficial for beginners.
• Trucks: The skateboard trucks should be lightweight yet sturdy, with a width that matches the deck size for stability. Well-constructed trucks enable smoother turns and better control, which is essential for young skaters as they learn to navigate their environment.
• Grip Tape: High-quality grip tape should cover the top of the board to provide traction for the skater’s shoes. A good grip tape not only enhances safety by preventing slips but also allows for better control during tricks and rides.
• Complete vs. Custom Skateboards: For beginners, complete skateboards are recommended since they come pre-assembled and are usually more cost-effective. Custom setups allow for personalized preferences but may be more suitable for experienced skaters who know their specific needs.
• Weight Limit: It’s important to check the weight limit of the skateboard to ensure it can safely accommodate the youth skater. Choosing a board that supports their weight ensures better performance and reduces the risk of breakage.
• Design and Aesthetics: While performance is key, the design and graphics of the skateboard can also influence a young skater’s enthusiasm. Choosing a design that resonates with their interests can encourage them to practice and enjoy skating more.

What Are the Essential Features of a High-Quality Youth Skateboard?

The essential features of a high-quality youth skateboard include:

• Durable Deck Material: The skateboard deck should be made from high-quality materials like maple wood or bamboo, which offer both flexibility and strength. A durable deck can withstand the rigors of tricks and everyday use, ensuring longevity for young skaters.
• Appropriate Size: The size of the skateboard should match the age and skill level of the youth rider. A shorter deck is ideal for beginners, while more experienced skaters might prefer a wider deck for stability during tricks and ramps.
• Quality Trucks: High-quality trucks are essential for maneuverability and stability. They should be made from durable metals and properly sized to fit the deck, allowing for smooth turns and the ability to handle various skating styles.
• Good Grip Tape: The skateboard should come with a reliable grip tape that provides traction for the rider’s shoes. A quality grip tape ensures that skaters maintain their footing while performing tricks or skating at speed, enhancing safety and control.
• Responsive Wheels: The wheels should be made from a durable urethane material and have a suitable durometer rating for the intended skating surface. Softer wheels are better for street skating and rough surfaces, while harder wheels are ideal for skate parks and smooth surfaces.
• Bearings: High-quality bearings, rated at ABEC 5 or higher, ensure smooth and fast rolling of the skateboard. Good bearings reduce friction, allowing for better speed and performance, which is crucial for young skaters looking to improve their skills.
• Vibrant Graphics: While not a functional feature, vibrant graphics can make a skateboard more appealing to youth. A visually appealing design can motivate young skaters to use their board more often, fostering a greater interest in the sport.

How Do I Determine the Right Size for My Child’s Skateboard?

Determining the right size for your child’s skateboard involves considering their age, height, and skating style.

• Age: Generally, younger children will require smaller boards to accommodate their developing skills and size.
• Height: A child’s height is crucial as it influences their stance and balance on the skateboard, with shorter riders needing narrower boards.
• Skateboard Width: The width of the skateboard should match the rider’s shoe size; narrower boards are better for tricks, while wider boards provide more stability.
• Skateboard Length: The length of the skateboard affects maneuverability; shorter boards are easier to control, making them ideal for beginners.
• Skating Style: Different skating styles, such as street, vert, or cruising, may require different board sizes and shapes for optimal performance.

Age plays a pivotal role in skateboard selection, as children under 7 years old typically do better with boards ranging from 7.0 to 7.5 inches in width, which are easier to handle. Older children might need wider boards, generally from 7.5 to 8.0 inches, to support their growing skills and strength.

Height is equally important; as a child grows, their foot size and balance change. Taller kids might find a wider board more comfortable, allowing them to maintain better control, while shorter children benefit from narrower boards that help them stabilize and learn tricks more easily.

Skateboard width is essential to ensure comfort and performance. A skateboard that is too wide can be challenging for smaller feet to manage, while too narrow a board can compromise stability. Ideally, the width should match the child’s shoe size, with a general rule being a width of about 7.0 to 8.0 inches.

Skateboard length affects how a child controls the board. Shorter boards, typically around 28 to 30 inches, are easier to maneuver and perfect for beginners, while longer boards provide greater stability and are suited for cruising or advanced tricks.

Lastly, the skating style greatly influences the choice of skateboard size. For example, street skaters often prefer smaller, lighter boards for tricks, while those interested in cruising might opt for larger, more stable boards for comfort during longer rides.

What Types of Materials Are Best for Youth Skateboards?

The best materials for youth skateboards should prioritize durability, weight, and flexibility for a smooth riding experience.

• Maple Wood: This is the most common material for skateboard decks due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Maple provides a solid and responsive ride, making it ideal for tricks and stability, while also being able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
• Plastic: Often used for cruiser boards, plastic is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for younger skaters to maneuver. While not as durable as wood, plastic boards are resistant to moisture and can be a great option for casual riding.
• Birch Wood: Birch is another type of wood that can be found in youth skateboards, offering a slightly lighter alternative to maple. It has good flexibility and resilience, making it suitable for kids who are just starting to learn tricks and need a forgiving deck.
• Carbon Fiber: Though more expensive, carbon fiber skateboards are incredibly light and strong, providing excellent performance for advanced young skaters. The stiffness of carbon fiber allows for better pop when performing tricks, appealing to those who are serious about their skateboarding skills.
• Aluminum: Used primarily for skateboard trucks, aluminum is lightweight and durable, contributing to the overall performance of the skateboard. While it’s not typically used for decks, aluminum components can enhance the durability and responsiveness of the skateboard setup.

Which Brands Are Known for Producing the Best Youth Skateboards?

Several brands are recognized for producing some of the best youth skateboards available on the market:

• Element: Element skateboards are known for their high-quality materials and durable construction, making them ideal for young riders. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly practices, often using sustainable wood sources, which appeals to environmentally conscious parents.
• Birdhouse: Founded by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Birdhouse offers a range of youth skateboards that are both stylish and functional. Their boards typically feature vibrant graphics and are designed to withstand the rigors of learning and performing tricks, making them a favorite among beginners.
• Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is a long-standing brand in the skateboard industry, known for its iconic designs and reliable performance. Their youth skateboards come in various sizes and shapes, ensuring that young skaters can find a board that fits their style and skill level.
• Plan B: Plan B skateboards are recognized for their innovative designs and advanced technology, which contribute to better performance and longevity. The brand caters to a younger audience by providing boards that are lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for those just starting out.
• Almost: Almost skateboards are well-regarded for their unique graphics and strong emphasis on quality. Their youth boards often incorporate advanced materials that enhance durability while still being lightweight enough for younger skaters to handle easily.
• Chocolate: Chocolate skateboards are celebrated for their creative graphics and strong construction, making them a favorite among youth skaters who value both aesthetics and performance. The brand is known for its commitment to making skateboarding accessible and fun for all ages.

What Safety Equipment Is Necessary for Youth Skateboarding?

Essential safety equipment for youth skateboarding includes:

• Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is crucial for protecting the head in case of falls or collisions. It should meet safety standards, such as those set by the CPSC, and should be comfortable enough to encourage consistent use.
• Knee Pads: Knee pads provide cushioning and protection against scrapes and impacts to the knees, which are common injury points during skateboarding. They should fit snugly without restricting movement, allowing for both comfort and safety.
• Elbow Pads: Similar to knee pads, elbow pads help protect the elbows from injury during falls. They are particularly important for beginners who may be more prone to losing balance, and they should also allow for a full range of motion.
• Wrist Guards: Wrist guards are designed to prevent wrist injuries, which can occur when a skateboarder tries to catch themselves during a fall. These guards provide support and stability, making them a must-have for youth skateboarders.
• Skate Shoes: Proper skate shoes offer the right grip and support for skateboarding. They typically have flat soles for better board feel and are made with durable materials to withstand wear and tear.
• Protective Clothing: Wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt can help protect the skin from abrasions and scrapes during falls. Additionally, padded shorts can provide extra cushioning for the hips and tailbone.

What Common Tricks Can Youth Learn on Their Skateboards?

There are several popular tricks that youth can learn on their skateboards to enhance their skills and enjoyment.

• Ollie: The ollie is a fundamental trick that involves jumping into the air while keeping the board underneath the rider’s feet. This trick serves as the foundation for many advanced maneuvers and helps improve balance and coordination.
• Kickflip: The kickflip builds off the ollie and adds a rotation of the board in mid-air. By using a flicking motion with the toes, riders can make the skateboard spin 360 degrees, making it a visually impressive and essential trick for any skateboarder.
• Heelflip: Similar to the kickflip, the heelflip involves flipping the board but uses the heel instead of the toes. This trick offers a different angle of rotation and allows for creative variations when combined with other tricks.
• Pop Shove-It: The pop shove-it is a trick where the rider jumps and uses their back foot to scoop the board around in a 180-degree spin underneath them. This trick helps riders learn how to control their board’s movement and is often combined with other tricks for added flair.
• Smith Grind: The smith grind is a rail or ledge trick that requires balance and precision. The rider grinds on one truck while the other truck hangs off the edge, making it a stylish addition to any skateboarder’s repertoire.
• 540 Spin: This trick involves a complete 540-degree rotation while in the air. It requires advanced timing and control, making it a challenging yet rewarding trick for youth who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
• Manual: The manual is a balance trick where the rider lifts the front wheels off the ground while rolling on the back wheels. It’s a great way to practice balance and can be incorporated into many other tricks and lines.
• Grind: Grinding involves sliding along the edge of a rail or ledge with the skateboard’s trucks. There are various types of grinds, such as the 50-50 grind and the feeble grind, each requiring specific techniques and balance.

How Does Skateboarding Contribute to Youth Development and Growth?

Social Skills: Skateboarding is often practiced in groups at skate parks or streets, which provides a social environment for youth. This interaction fosters teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills as they encourage each other and share tips, which can lead to lasting friendships.

Confidence and Resilience: Every new trick learned on a skateboard boosts a young person’s confidence. The process of falling and getting back up teaches resilience, showing youth that failure is part of the learning process, which can be applied to various life situations.

Creativity and Self-Expression: Skateboarding is not just about tricks; it also allows youth to express themselves creatively. Different styles, decks, and even the choice of music while skating can reflect their personal identity, making it a unique form of self-expression.

Focus and Discipline: To excel in skateboarding, youth must practice regularly and concentrate on their techniques. This commitment helps develop discipline and focus, skills that are beneficial in academic settings and future endeavors.

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