Skateboards are the most popular choice for kids aged 6 to 12: fun and adventure. Many parents are unsure of what to look for when purchasing their child’s first skateboard, and they don’t even know what size skateboard for child is best.
When purchasing a skateboard for a child, make sure to buy a low-cost toy skateboard. No, because they are dangerous. Allow your local skate shop to assemble one for you. Alternatively, you may get a complete skateboard online. Do not attempt to construct it yourself if you are unfamiliar with skating. The entire setting is suitable for children.
Aside from that, numerous additional factors must consider to choose a skateboard for your child. We will assist you in gaining adequate knowledge about that in this enlightening article. Let us now get into its in-depth discussion.
Best Skateboard Sizes for Kids
High-quality skateboards typically come in sizes that fit teenagers and adults. On the other hand, a somewhat smaller board will assist younger skaters in handling and navigating their boards correctly.
The curved decks can be enjoyed by smaller feet due to the narrower width. A shorter length provides optimal foot positioning and allows the front foot to interact with the board’s kick, from kick crossovers to ollies to even more complex tricks.
We recommend anything between a width of 7 inch skateboard to 8 inch skateboard for a 5-12 years old child. These sizes will help them correctly control their board without compromising the fun time.
Kid skateboard size chart
| Kids Age | Skateboard Size |
| 5 | 6.5″ – 7.0″ |
| 6-8 | 7.0″ – 8.0″ |
| 9-12 | 7.5″ – 8.0″ |
What size skateboard for 5-years old?
A skateboard with a wheelbase of 6.5 to 7 inches is appropriate for five-year-olds, and choose 7.25′′ if your child is taller than average. On the other hand, most children’s skateboards are small and lightweight; however, you should not overlook their advantages.
A standard-sized skateboard requires kids to bend their knees almost crouch-like, making it difficult to control the skateboard. Choosing a small skateboard is ideal for beginners and can make learning to skate much easier.
What size skateboard for 6-8 years old?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends skateboarding at age 6, which is also a great start. Though not all 6-year-old children are the same, this greatly depends on your child’s growth. Some people are prepared by age 5, while others are at age 7 or 8.
For 6-8 years old kids, 7.0 to 8.0 inches skateboards will be the right choice you can consider before purchasing one for your novice child. Although we suggest 6 years old kids start with 7 inches skateboards, 7 or 8 years kids can start with 8 inches if they have a manageable capacity to handle it.
Today, trustworthy manufacturers create boards specifically for more minor children. However, the length may change significantly. While kids can ride adult-sized skateboards, a smaller deck is more manageable.
What size skateboard for 9-12 years old kids?
When children reach the age of 9, you must keep a close eye on them until they reach the age of 12. Skateboards aimed at children of this age range that tested, and we came across a few excellent examples. We provide mid-sized skateboards 7.5″ – 8.0″ for youngsters 9-12 years old.
These size boards are an excellent choice for children of these ages since they provide a standing platform that is both more solid and more comfortable.
Is Kid-Size Skateboard always necessary for your kid?
Your kid should be alright on a skateboard as long as he/she can stand on it with legs spread and touch both the front and back bolts. Kids around 5 years old may find it more challenging to reach the bolt without breaking it.
A child-sized skateboard is not strictly necessary, although they are helpful. On adult-sized skateboards, you see a lot of tiny kids who are refined.
A kid-sized skateboard has the benefit of giving more room for movement when being pushed. A child must spread their feet farther on an enormous deck.
When pushed, they may strike the deck’s side. A child’s skateboard can be helpful once they begin studying or learning to steer, and it will be simpler for them to comprehend how to manage due to the board’s increased responsiveness.
The length of a regular skateboard ranges from about 27 inches to 31 inches, which is not even close to being very long. In terms of width, it is recommended that they have somewhere between 7.0 and 8.0 inches of it.
How to Measure Your Child for a Skateboard
Skateboards come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one for your child. The wrong size board can make it difficult and frustrating for them to learn, and can even lead to injuries.
To measure your child for a skateboard, you’ll need to know their height and foot size.
Height:
To measure your child’s height, stand them up straight against a wall and place a level object on top of their head. Mark the spot on the wall where the object touches their head, and then measure the distance from the mark to the ground.
Foot size:
To measure your child’s foot size, have them stand on a piece of paper and trace the outline of their foot with a pencil. Then, measure the length and width of the foot at the widest point.
Skateboard size:
Once you have your child’s height and foot size, you can use the following chart to determine the correct skateboard size:
| Height (inches) | Foot size (inches) | Skateboard size (inches) |
| Under 4′ | 6″ or under | 6.5″ – 7″ |
| 4′ – 5′ | 6″ – 7″ | 7″ – 7.5″ |
| 5′ – 6′ | 7″ – 8″ | 7.5″ – 8″ |
| Over 6′ | 8″ or over | 8″ or over |
Diagram:
[Diagram of a skateboard showing the different parts of the board]
To measure the length of a skateboard:
- Place the board on a flat surface.
- Stretch a tape measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.
- Bend the tape measure around the concave of the board to get an accurate measurement.
To measure the width of a skateboard:
- Place the board on a flat surface.
- Stretch a tape measure from the widest point on one truck to the widest point on the other truck.
Tips:
- If your child is between sizes, it’s usually best to go with the larger size. This will give them room to grow, and it will also be more stable for them to ride.
- If you’re not sure what size skateboard to get, ask a salesperson at a skate shop for help. They can help you choose the right size board for your child’s height and foot size, and they can also give you advice on other skateboard gear.
By choosing the right size skateboard for your child, you can help them learn to skate safely and have fun.
Skateboard Size Chart for Kids
When choosing a skateboard for your child, it is important to consider their height and foot size. This will help you to ensure that they have a board that is comfortable and easy to control.
The following table provides a general guideline for choosing the right skateboard size for kids:
| Age | Height | Foot Size (US Men’s) | Skateboard Deck Width (inches) |
| Under 6 | Under 3’5″ | 3 or smaller | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| 6-8 | 3’5″ – 4’4″ | 4 – 6 | 7.5 – 7.75 |
| 9-12 | 4’5″ – 5’2″ | 6.5 – 8 | 7.75 – 8.0 |
| 13-14 | 5’3″ – 5’8″ | 8.5 – 10 | 8.0 – 8.25 |
| 15+ | 5’9″ and over | 10.5 and over | 8.25 and over |
It is important to note that this is just a general guideline. The best way to choose the right skateboard size for your child is to have them try out a few different boards to see what feels most comfortable.
Different Types of Skateboards and Their Recommended Sizes
Skateboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for different types of skating. When choosing a skateboard, it’s important to consider your height, shoe size, skating style, and personal preferences.
Cruiser Skateboards
Cruiser skateboards are a great option for beginners, as they are typically smaller and lighter than other types of skateboards. They are also designed for cruising and carving, making them ideal for skating around town or on bike paths.
Recommended size: 7.5″ to 8.0″
Longboards
Longboards are another great option for beginners, as they are more stable and easier to balance on than other types of skateboards. They are also ideal for cruising and downhill skating.
Recommended size: 36″ to 48″
Shortboard Skateboards
Shortboard skateboards are the most popular type of skateboard for street skating. They are smaller and lighter than other types of skateboards, making them ideal for flipping and doing tricks.
Recommended size: 7.5″ to 8.25″
Transition Skateboards
Transition skateboards are designed for skating in bowls, pools, and other transition terrain. They are typically wider and have a larger wheelbase than other types of skateboards, which provides more stability and control.
Recommended size: 8.25″ to 8.75″
Other Types of Skateboards
There are a variety of other types of skateboards available, such as mini cruisers, penny boards, and electric skateboards. These types of skateboards are designed for specific purposes, such as commuting, cruising, or doing tricks.
How to choose a skateboard size for a beginner child
Skateboarding is a great way for kids to get exercise, have fun, and learn new skills. But before your child can start shredding, you need to make sure they have the right size skateboard.
Here are a few tips on how to choose a skateboard size for a beginner child:
- Consider your child’s height and weight. A smaller child will need a smaller skateboard, while a larger child will need a larger board.
- Think about your child’s skating style. If your child is just starting out, they’ll probably want a smaller, lighter board with soft wheels. This will make it easier for them to learn the basics, such as pushing off, balancing, and turning.
- Get your child measured at a skate shop. The staff at a skate shop can help you choose the right size skateboard for your child and make sure it’s a good fit.
General size chart for beginner children:
- Height: 3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet 6 inches: Deck width 7.0 inches to 7.5 inches, Wheel size 52mm to 54mm
- Height: 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 6 inches: Deck width 7.5 inches to 8.0 inches, Wheel size 54mm to 56mm
- Height: Over 5 feet 6 inches: Deck width 8.0 inches or higher, Wheel size 56mm or higher
It’s also important to note that skateboard size is a matter of personal preference. Some kids may prefer a wider board, while others may prefer a narrower board. It’s best to let your child try out different boards before making a purchase.
How to choose a skateboard size for an experienced child
If your child is an experienced skateboarder, they are likely ready to upgrade to a larger, heavier board with harder wheels. This will give them more stability and control when performing tricks and skating at higher speeds.
Some tips on how to choose the right size skateboard for an experienced child:
- Deck width: The deck width is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a skateboard. For experienced children, we recommend a deck width of 7.75 to 8.25 inches. This will provide them with enough space to comfortably place their feet and perform tricks.
- Deck length: The deck length is another important consideration. For experienced children, we recommend a deck length of 31 to 32 inches. This will give them a good balance of stability and maneuverability.
- Wheel size: Wheel size is also important to consider. For experienced children, we recommend wheels that are 52 to 54 millimeters in diameter. This will provide them with a good balance of speed and traction.
- Truck size: Truck size is important to consider because it affects how the board turns. For experienced children, we recommend trucks that are 139 to 149 millimeters wide. This will give them a good balance of stability and turning radius.
Final Thoughts
If you ask, what size skateboard for child is preferable? We will say after 5 years old, and it is best to select a skateboard for children that is of a more manageable size. Because by age 11 or 12, most children are ready to move up to an adult-sized board.
This is because it’s pretty likely that they will have significant growth in the following year. If you plan ahead, you can choose between a small and medium size skateboard for your kids.
FAQ’s
When should kids get skateboards?
As per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) records, children under five should not skateboard. Skateboarding is permitted for children aged 6 to 10, but only when accompanied by an adult.
How do I know if the skateboard size is right for my child?
The best way to determine the right skateboard size for your child is to consider their shoe size and height. If your child’s shoe size is below US 4 and they are under 3’5″ tall, a mini skateboard would be appropriate. For shoe sizes between US 4 and US 6 and a height between 3’5″ and 4’4″, a mid-size skateboard is suitable. If your child’s shoe size is above US 6 and they are taller than 4’4″, a full-size skateboard would be the right fit.
Can my child ride an adult-sized skateboard?
While it’s not recommended for younger children to ride adult-sized skateboards, older and more experienced kids can handle them. Adult-sized skateboards usually have larger decks and are more challenging to control for beginners.
How do I know what size skateboard to get for my child?
3-5 yrs: Mini cruiser (22-27″) for tiny feet & balance.
5-8 yrs: Wider standard deck (28-32″) for learning basics.
8-12+ yrs: Standard street deck (30-33″) for tricks & growth.
How to choose skateboard for 4 year old?
Tiny shredders need tiny boards! Opt for a mini cruiser (22-27″). Wide, stable, and light, it’s perfect for first wobbly pushes and finding balance. Let them pick the graphics to fuel their skate stoke!
What’s a good size skateboard for an 11 year old boy?
For an 11-year-old boy, a standard skateboard deck (30-33″) is the way to go! This size offers:
Enough space: Comfortable foot placement for learning tricks and growing.
Stability: Wider than tiny boards, it helps build confidence and balance.
Versatility: Great for street, park, or just cruising around.
What size skateboard for beginner girl?
For a beginner girl, a 7.75″ deck is a sweet spot! Not too wide, not too narrow – perfect for:
Balance & control: Easier to manage than wider boards.
Future tricks: Room to progress as she gets confident.
Comfort: Fits most shoe sizes comfortably.
Let her try out different sizes, but 7.75″ is a great starting point!
