You may think finding a skateboard for beginners is fairly straightforward – but there’s more involved in the decision than you may think. Whilst you can easily pick up a plastic skateboard for novice boarders on a budget, a higher quality skateboard is the best option for beginners who intend to gradually build up their skills.
With a range of skateboards to suit all sizes and ages, we’ve done our research to bring you insights on what to look out for when selecting a skateboard for beginners, as well as our recommendations for the best beginner skateboards you can buy today.
Things to consider when buying a skateboard for beginners:
What kind of skateboard style do they want? – The traditional flat board is the most popular, but you can also opt for cruisers (which flip up at both ends) which are ideal for commuting, or longboards, which are less suitable for tricks but a good choice for travelling longer distances.Where will they be skating? – Are they planning to use the skateboard at the skatepark and attempt some tricks such as kickflips and ollies? Or are they simply looking to board for fun along the streets or in their local park?Quality – How important is quality? Are you happy with plastic or do you prefer wood? For this guide, we’ve focused on higher quality skateboards that are less toy-like and more robust sports equipment.Aesthetic – What design and personality do they want for your board? Even the most functional skateboard in the world will gather dust unless they are proud to be seen skating on it.Complete skateboards or build your own kits? – Complete kits are the easiest and most cost-efficient board choice for beginners, as they come with a fully assembled skateboard which is ready to go. When you become more confident, building your own skateboard kits can allow you to select and pair parts to create a bespoke board specifically for your child’s needs and preferences – everything from the board width to the wheel types and bearings.What size skateboard do they need? – The ideal size of the skateboard will depend upon your age, or more specifically your height. If you’re buying for a child under the age of 10, mini skateboards are the best choice, with a narrower-width board more suited to smaller feet and shorter bodies. If you’re buying for a child over the age of 10, an adult, or a particularly tall child, you may be better off opting for a full-sized skateboardSkateboarding safety gear – When it comes to skateboarding – helmets and protective gear are an absolute must as it’s almost inevitable you will fall as you master the techniques.Cost – How much do you want to spend? When it comes to skateboards it’s fair to say you generally get what you pay for. Whilst you can pick up cheap skateboards for kids from the high street and online chains, these tend to be classed as toys and as such are less robust and hardwearing, generally made from plastic and less suitable for learning tricks and flips. If you want a skateboard that lasts, high-quality wood and decent wheel bearings are key. As a general rule, you can pick up a decent skateboard for beginners for between £40 – £100.
The ES Best Shopping team tested these skateboards by evaluating key factors like deck material, wheel quality and overall durability to make sure that they met the needs of beginner skaters. They focused on high-quality materials like maple for the decks and smooth polyurethane wheels for better control and a smoother ride. The team also considered the board’s design and shape, such as the concave and kicktail, which help beginners learn tricks more easily.
Additionally, we tested the boards’ suitability for different age groups and skill levels, making sure the sizes and weights were appropriate for beginners. Finally, the team assessed the value for money, to make sure that each board offered a good balance of affordability and quality for beginners.
Whether they’re looking to zoom around the skate parks, board along the streets with friends, skate for fun or try and master some tricks and flips, here are the best beginner skateboards you can pick up today.
