Recently I watched a movie that made me rethink my life goals and start believing in pursuing your passion and doing what you really love to do. It was about a teenage girl, named Prerna, living in a small village in Rajasthan, India, whose life was devoted and bound by tradition and duty to her parents. The name of the movie is: “The skater girl”, and it depicts the transformational moment when this girl received a skateboard from a woman who visited the village searching for her father’s roots. Wobbling for balance and being all excited to learn to ride, she discovered that skateboarding literally saved her and it’s what she really loves to do. If you haven’t watched this movie you may decide to give it a go, as it’s truly inspiring.
The reason why I shared this movie is that perhaps you are one of the many parents out there who are cautious and try to dictate their kid’s life paths, making their life vision unexciting and constricted. Well, life should be all about exploring, growing and learning new things. Therefore, If you think your child has a passion for this sport as a hobby or lifestyle, you may consider buying him or her a skateboard. But how do you choose the right one for your child?
How Do I Choose a Skateboard for My Child?
Choose From a Variety of Designs
Considering the wide variety of skateboard designs on the market, you may feel confused about which one will suit your child’s needs. So if you aren’t really acquainted with this feature you may benefit from learning a few things about it before you decide to purchase one for your child.
There are different types of childrens skateboard designs for kids, including Longboards, Cruisers, Mini Cruisers, Double kIck Skateboard, and other variants.
Longboards
If you are looking for a large stable board that makes it easy to learn to balance, this is the right board for you. As their name suggests Longboards are typically longer than regular skateboards, featuring a length of 83 cm and more. These measurements result in longer wheelbases, which give this skateboard a sturdier framework and more stability at higher speeds. They are most commonly used for commuting, cruising, and downhill racing, known as longboarding. They come in many different shapes and sizes such as twin tip longboards, pintail longboards, swallowtail longboards, drop decks, etc.
Cruisers
The cruiser type of skateboard is mostly used for cruising short distances. They have a typical length of 71 cm that falls somewhere between a standard-size skateboard and a longboard. Combining the right mix of measurements, they are best suited for doing tricks on the road while still being safe and comfortable to ride.
Furthermore, they are mostly designed for skating on flat terrain. This model features a high-performance deck and suitable size for children, which all result in a safer, easier, and more fun skateboarding experience.
Mini Cruiser
For young skaters, you may consider a mini-cruiser design. These kids’ skateboards are smaller in size even than the regular skateboard. They are extra compact, lightweight, and ideal for beginner kids. They feature a bigger softer wheel and a narrower deck. If you have a little child at home who loves to learn to skate, the mini cruiser is the best skateboard you can choose.
Consider Your Child’s Age
The design and size are very much interconnected, as most of the designs are created for different kids’ ages in mind. Kids’ skateboards are usually shorter and narrower in general. For instance, smaller boards allow your skater to actually maneuver their board. Kids who skate big bowls, handrails, or like to jump down large gaps and stairs are usually more comfortable with larger board designs. Mid-sized skateboards are usually recommended for kids 9-12 years old, and the mini cruiser designs are best suited for kids 6-8 years old.
Consider Skateboarding Safety Gear
Falls from skateboarding can be fatal, especially for little kids. For this reason, supplying your kid with protective gear is a must. Full pad sets including wrists, knees, and elbow pads are often overlooked but they are recommended for kids of younger age. As part of the protective gear equipment, you may also consider buying them a skateboard helmet.
For choosing the best one, you need to look for those that are dual certified by CSPS and ASTM. The first one covers biking and scootering, while the ASTM certification covers skateboarding and trick roller skating. By wearing a helmet your child will be on the safe side from sustaining any kind of head injuries and fractures due to unprotected skateboarding falls.
Budget
Lastly, considering your budget is of major importance. Skateboard can cost anywhere between $20 to $300, depending on the quality, brand, and size. Classic skateboards usually range from $60 to $400 and can fit all ranges of skating styles except for cruising. Kids’ skateboards usually cost somewhere between $20 to $45. Since they are built for little kids in mind they feature the most basic features which are appropriate for beginner skaters.
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