Skateboarding Tips: How To Buy a Skateboard for Your Son or Daughter

Buying a Skateboard for Your Kid

Buying a skateboard for your son or daughter may seem hard at first but once you know what to do, the process is just like a trip the grocery store.

First, consider the price.

Price of a skateboard can go from extremely cheap to outrageously expensive. If you are thinking of buying the cheapest skateboard in your superstore, think again. Your kid will hate it, hate skateboarding, or might even get hurt while riding. You will just waste your money. You don't have to buy the most expensive either. Go for the skateboard that runs from $50 to $80. This might seem high compared to the $20 skateboard with the Spiderman logo. After all, if you want to encourage your son to become a good skater, you need to make a little investment on the board. And take note: you are not paying just for the board but also for the safety and enjoyment of your son or daughter.

Now, know the size.

Different boards are made for different types of riding (ex. slalom, speed, and freestyle).

This determines the size of the board. Some are rated according to the weight of the intended user.

If it is your kid's first board, the basic factor you have to consider is the length of the board. While it is not a hard rule, the height of your son or daughter can easily determine how long will his board be.

If your kid is under 4 feet, 29" board or shorter is good; if he is 4' - 4'10", a board that is 29" - 30" long is okay; if your kid is 4'10" - 5'3", go for  30.5" - 31.5" long board. Most boards are 7.5" to 8" wide but for smaller rider, it can be narrower. Choose one that can accommodate the feet of your child comfortably.

If this is your kid's first board, buy a complete skateboard. It is already assembled and ready to go. If your kid has done some serious skating before, skateboard kits that he or she can assemble is better.

And finally - the gears. Having a good skateboard is not enough.

Buy a compete set of safety gears including a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and gloves. These protect your child from any possible injuries that might happen while skating. Remember, it is no good to buy your kid a good skateboard and then rush them to the hospital the same day. Don't take chances.