As we all know, riding skateboards for fun is more than just a popular sport or hobby for the youth. It’s also a means for adventure and self-expression. Here at FamilyHype, we understand the importance of finding the perfect skateboards that any preteen rider will love.
This article can help you find some of the best board options for beginners, intermediate riders, and advanced riders. Plus, there are some shared tips on how to skateboard safely. So whether your preteen is just stepping onto a board or they’re already pulling off impressive tricks at the local skate park, this article will guide you through making an informed choice regarding skateboards for kids.
Key Takeaways
Skateboards for preteen riders come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, as well as different types of decks, wheels, and trucks. You can learn more about the benefits of skateboards for teens and check out our tips to get started.
It’s important to consider the skateboarder’s age when looking for skateboards. The size and weight of the skateboard should be appropriate for the rider, as well as the type of terrain they plan to ride on. Safety should always be the top priority, so make sure your kids have the right skateboarding gear at all times.
Basics Of Skateboards
Mastering the basics of riding skateboards for kids is key to encouraging preteen riders to become successful and pull off those cool tricks they’re eyeing. To help preteen riders better grasp this sport, let’s familiarize ourselves with some of the terminologies, skateboarding’s history, and the various things we should consider when choosing skateboards for kids.
When selecting skateboards for preteen riders, you should consider the type of skateboarding you will be doing, your skill level, the type of deck and trucks you prefer, the wheel size and material, and the hardware used to assemble the skateboards. If you are just starting, you may want to begin with traditional popsicle-shaped beginner skateboards with soft wheels, medium trucks, and light hardware. As you progress, you can explore different combinations of complete skateboard shapes, sizes, and materials to find the best setup for you.
It is important to remember that riding skateboards for teens is not just about tricks and stunts; it is also an art. Through this, preteen riders can express their creativity and individuality. As parents or guardians of preteen skateboarders, it’s important to encourage and support our kids on their journey to becoming accomplished riders.
Beginner Skateboards
When you’re hunting for new skateboards, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re looking for. The prices can vary significantly depending on the type and brand of kids’ skateboards you choose.
Your first step should be to determine what type you’re looking for, as different disciplines require different types of skateboards. One example is that street skating typically requires smaller, lighter skateboards with specific wheels for tricks, while downhill longboarding uses larger, more stable skateboards. Whether you choose to cruise or skate aggressively, it’s essential to select the right skateboards for your needs.
Skateboards for kids are primarily and commonly made of wood, but the quality can vary. High-quality skateboards are usually made from Canadian Maple due to their strength and flexibility. Cheaper options may be made from bamboo or plastic but may not provide the same durability or performance for your needs.
The size and shape of your skateboard deck should match your body size, skating style, and personal preference. Smaller skateboards are easier to maneuver and better suited for tricks, while larger skateboards are better for stability and are better suited for cruising. Trucks are the metal components for attaching the wheels to the skateboard. The width of your trucks should match the width of your deck for optimal balance and control. High-quality trucks are typically made from durable materials like aluminum or steel.
Different skateboard types require different wheel hardness and sizes. Softer, larger wheels are generally best when cruising and riding downhill, offering more grip and smoother rides. Smaller, harder wheels are better when street skating and park skating because they’re lighter and more responsive.
The grip tape is the sandpaper-like layer on the top of the deck for keeping your feet in place. High-quality grip tape can provide better traction and control. While well-known brands often offer high-quality products, there are also many affordable yet reliable skateboards for preteen riders available. Be sure to research the brand and read customer reviews before deciding.
Now, let’s learn about the top skateboards for preteen riders that are beginner-friendly.
Top Beginner Skateboard Brands
Are you just about to start skateboarding and need a skateboard that won’t let you down?
Element Complete
- Element is a well-known and trusted brand in the skateboard world. Their complete beginner board is a high-quality option that provides good stability and control. It requires no assembly, making it an excellent first board for boys and girls who are just starting out.
Plan B Team Complete
- Plan B offers a complete one that’s ideal for beginners. This board features a robust maple deck, durable trucks, and quality wheels, making it a versatile option that’s built to last as you learn and progress. This is a good option for preteen riders.
Powell Golden Dragon Complete
- This Powell board is another good option for preteen riders. It is known for its durability and stability, featuring a strong deck and high-rebound wheels. The cool dragon design is an added bonus!
Minority Maple Preteen
- The Minority Maple offers a 7-ply hard rock maple cold pressed into the 32×8-inch deck, solid aluminum trucks equipped with kingpins, and high-rebound bushings. This makes it a great choice for preteen riders, offering a balance of stability and maneuverability for new skaters.
Skateboards For Intermediate Riders
We’re about to dive into a comprehensive exploration of the top skateboard models for intermediate riders. We’ll provide you with reviews.
Preteen Skateboards: Skateboards For Intermediate Preteens
Santa Cruz Skate Roskopp Face Complete
- Santa Cruz is a reputable brand, and this board is one of its classics. The 8.25-inch board offers a bit more space for comfortable footing, and the high-quality trucks and wheels ensure a smooth ride even on rougher surfaces, making it an excellent choice for preteen riders looking to advance their skills.
Birdhouse Stage 3 Falcon 4 Complete
- A well-known skate brand in the community, Birdhouse provides great intermediate boards for all ages. This model is a step up, designed for those ready to tackle more advanced moves, with durable construction for handling added pressure.
Element Section Complete
- While Element is great for beginners, they also offer boards for more experienced riders. The Section Complete one comes with a 7.75″ deck, providing enough space for footing without being too large. The construction is durable and perfect for riders honing their skills.
Penny Classic Complete
- This cruiser from Penny is designed for skaters with a bit more experience. Its small size and soft wheels make it perfect for city cruising, making for a smooth ride. The durable construction can handle increased pressure and speed.
Zero Single Skull Complete
- Zero is a well-respected brand for all ages, and the Single Skull model is designed with intermediate skaters in mind. Its wider deck provides more space for footing, and the high-quality trucks and wheels ensure a smooth ride.
Baker Brand Logo Deck
- Bakers are known for their high quality, and their Brand Logo Deck is a solid choice for an intermediate skater. Its sturdy deck, top-notch wheels, and ABEC 7 bearings offer a smooth ride and allows for good control.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete
- Enjoi’s Whitey Panda model offers a quality deck with good pop, high-quality trucks, and reliable wheels. The artwork is also a bonus. This board is designed to handle the rigors of more advanced tricks and riding.
Skateboards For Advanced Riders
Diving deeper into the world of skateboarding, let’s shift our focus to advanced skateboarders. We’re set to provide some reviews.
Preteen Skateboards: Skateboards For Advanced Preteens
Preteen Skateboard: Girl Mike Mo Capaldi 20-Year OG Deck
- A well-respected brand, Girl offers this board designed with a solid 7-ply maple construction. It’s durable and reliable, able to withstand the high-impact tricks advanced riders will attempt.
Preteen Skateboard: Zero Single Skull Team Deck
- Zero has a reputation for creating sturdy, high-quality boards that can handle serious skateboarding. The Single Skull Team Deck is no exception, offering a resilient structure perfect for the demands of advanced riding.
Preteen Skateboard: Baker Brand Logo Deck
- While also suitable for intermediates, the Baker Brand Logo Deck has the quality to appeal to advanced riders too. It provides excellent board control and is perfect for street skating and executing complicated tricks.
Preteen Skateboard: Almost Rodney Mullen Uber Light Spectrum
- Almost is known for its innovation and technology in skateboard design. The Uber Light Spectrum by Rodney Mullen, a skateboarding legend, is considered one of the lightest and strongest boards on the market, designed specifically for advanced trick performance.
Preteen Skateboard: Plan B Team Burst 8.0 Deck
- Plan B offers a solid deck with excellent pop and durability. The Team Burst 8.0 model is perfect for advanced riders who are seeking top performance and the ability to handle more complex maneuvers.
Alien Workshop Spectrum Full Complete
- Alien Workshop is a beloved brand known for its unique designs and high-quality ones. The Spectrum Full model is crafted for superior performance, and it’s a popular choice among advanced riders for its combination of stability, pop, and durability.
Powell Peralta Pro Andy Anderson Heron Flight
- This thing from Powell Peralta is a masterpiece designed for high-level performance. It has a unique shape, offering versatile functionality for advanced riders who enjoy experimenting with a variety of tricks and styles.
Safety Tips
Before you hop on that new skateboard, you must know and follow a few essential tips for your safety and protection.
Helmet importance cannot be overstated – it’s a must-have. Skateboard protective gear like knee pads, wrist guards, and elbow pads are also vital. These items will cushion any falls and significantly reduce the risk of skateboard injuries.
It’s important to check the condition of your skateboard, especially if you’re looking at skateboards for preteen riders. Always look both ways before crossing streets, and avoid skating on wet surfaces. When choosing a skateboard, opting for a complete skateboard can be a practical choice, as it comes with everything you need to get started.
It is a fun and exciting activity, but safety should be the top priority for those who want to get out and ride. We recommend that you use the proper safety equipment, such as wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
We hope these tips have helped you understand the importance of skateboarding safely. By following these guidelines, you can get out and enjoy skateboards for teens with confidence!
Conclusion
Wrapping up our exploration of the exhilarating world of skateboards for preteen riders, we’ve discussed what to look for in a skateboard and recommended top picks for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skateboarders. A common choice for durability is skateboards for kids made of maple wood, and the significance of grip tape cannot be stressed enough for that extra hold while skateboarding.
Skateboarding can be an incredible journey for young ones. Safety is of utmost importance, so make sure your kids have the right skateboard gear, including skateboard wheels, and always have a skate tool handy for any needed adjustments. For preteen riders interested in a more relaxed ride, considering a cruiser skateboard might be beneficial.
We’ve covered the different skateboard shapes, sizes, and materials, as well as wheels, decks, and trucks. Plus, we’ve highlighted the benefits of skateboards for preteen riders and offered tips to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
In Choosing Skateboards, What Skateboard Size Is Best For A 12-Year-Old Preteen Boy?
A full-size skateboard, which generally has a deck width of 7.5 inches or larger, should be a suitable skateboard for a 12-year-old boy, but older kids may prefer something with larger wheels as it is more stable. Factors such as his shoe size, height, and personal comfort, as well as the brands, should also be considered. For instance, a Powell Golden Dragon might be a good fit for him due to its quality and affordability.
What Size Is Best For A 10-Year-Old Boy?
For a 10-year-old boy, a mid-size skateboard, typically with a deck width of 7.3 inches, is usually the best one. However, each child’s size and comfort should be considered. High-quality skateboards are available at an affordable regular price and often come with a skate tool among the accessories, which can be very handy. You can always be on the lookout for sale price offerings of different models.
Skateboards For Kids And Preteens: How To Choose A Skateboard For My Child?
When choosing a selection for your kid’s first skateboard, consider the board’s size, quality, and design. The best skateboards for kids are usually smaller and lightweight with safety features. Depending on the child’s preference, they may prefer a cruiser skateboard, which is great for younger kids due to its stability and ease of use.
Skateboarding For Preteens: How Can I Teach My Preteen To Ride Skateboards?
Start by teaching them the basics of skateboarding, such as how to stand, push off, and balance on their board. Ensure they have the necessary safety gear and practice in safe, flat areas like skate parks.
How Can I Teach My 8-Year-Old To Skateboard?
Start with the basics: standing, balancing, pushing off, and turning. Make sure they wear the right safety gear for protection and gradually increase difficulty as they become more confident. Always ensure to keep the tools handy for adjustments and repairs.
When Planning Skateboarding Activities For Preteens, What Skateboarding Skills To Learn First?
When starting to use their first skateboard, kids must learn how to stand correctly on the skateboard, push off, turn, stop, and fall safely. These foundational skills will set the stage for more advanced maneuvers in the skate parks.
When Choosing Skateboards For Preteen Kids, What Skateboard Is Best For Preteens?
The size of a beginner’s skateboard should correspond to their shoe size, height, and comfort level, just like choosing shoes. A mid-sized skateboard (around 7.3 inches wide) often works well. And remember, quality skateboards for kids often comes with mini logo bearings that enhance the performance and provide a smoother ride.
Skateboarding: Is 13 A Good Age For Skateboarding?
Absolutely! Age is no barrier when it comes to kids learning to skate. Skateboarding can be a fantastic way to learn balance, coordination, and practice.
Choosing Skateboards For Kids And Preteens: How To Choose A Skateboard For A 7-Year-Old Boy?
You can choose a mini skateboard with a deck width of around 6.75 inches to 7 inches. Ensure the item is lightweight and durable, and consider the boy’s comfort and coordination.
Skateboards For Preteen Kids: What Age Is Best For Kids To Ride Skateboards?
Children can start learning how to ride skateboards as soon as they show interest and have developed good balance and coordination. For many kids, this can be around 5 to 7 years old.
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