Kids Skateboard Buying Guide – Sizes by Age, Safety & Best Boards

Introduction: Buying a Skateboard for Kids

Since 2007, Skates.co.uk has helped parents find the right first skateboard, and getting it right makes all the difference to how quickly a child takes to skating. This guide covers everything you need to choose a kids skateboard, from the right size for their age, to safety gear, to the brands and boards we would recommend. Browse our full range of complete skateboards any time, or read on for the essentials.

Buying for an older child or yourself? Our main skateboard buying guide covers the wider range.

Complete Skateboards Are the Best Start

For a child, a complete skateboard is almost always the right choice. A complete comes fully built and ready to ride, with the deck, trucks, wheels and bearings already matched and assembled, so there is nothing to set up and nothing to get wrong. Building a custom board only makes sense once a child knows what they like, which usually comes much later.

The Enuff Skully Hologram Black Mini Complete Skateboard, 7.25 inches by 29.5 inches, a kids-sized complete skateboard with a holographic skull graphic on the deck.

Choosing the Right Size for Their Age

Deck width matters more than length for kids, and the right width depends mostly on the child's age and shoe size. A board that is too wide is hard for small feet to control. As a general guide:

  • Ages 5 and under: a mini board around 7" wide or less, often 28" long, suits the smallest riders.
  • Ages 6 to 8: a mini or micro complete around 7.25" is a great fit for most.
  • Ages 9 to 12: a mid-size board around 7.3" to 7.5" works well as they grow.
  • Ages 13 and up: most can move to a full-size 7.75" to 8" deck, the same as adults.

For a full breakdown of widths and how they map to age and shoe size, see our skateboard buying guide.

Recommended Kids Skateboards

Mini complete skateboards are purpose-built for younger riders, with narrower decks and softer, more forgiving setups.

See the full range in the mini kids skateboards collection, and our beginner skateboards for boards that suit slightly older starters. For help choosing a brand, our best skateboard brands guide compares the main options.

Safety Gear Is Essential

For children, protective gear is not optional. A properly fitted helmet is the most important piece, along with knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards to protect against the inevitable early tumbles. A padset is an easy way to cover knees, elbows and wrists in one go. Browse our skate protection range to gear them up.

FAQs

What size skateboard should I buy for a 7-year-old? A mini complete around 7.25" wide is ideal for most 7-year-olds. Width matters more than length, and a narrower deck is much easier for small feet to control.

What is the best skateboard for a child beginner? A mini complete skateboard like the Enuff Skully is a great first board, as it comes ready to ride and is sized for younger riders. Pair it with a helmet and pads.

Should I buy a complete or build a custom board for my child? A complete, every time. It comes fully assembled with matched parts, so it is ready to ride straight away and costs less than building from scratch.

What age can a child start skateboarding? Many children start around age 5, though it varies. The key is a board sized to them and good protective gear so they can learn safely and have fun.

Ready to Roll?

Browse the mini kids skateboards and beginner skateboards ranges, or read the skateboard buying guide for more on sizing and parts. Need a hand choosing? Just get in touch with our team.