Thanks to the Tokyo Olympic Games, the rise of teen skater Sky Brown and more recently, an unexpected appearance in the John Lewis Christmas Advert, skateboarding is becoming more popular than ever. In recent years, more and more kids, tweens and teens are picking up their first skateboard and starting to have fun on four wheels.
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 skateboard
- Skateboarding 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.
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.
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Tony Hawk SS 360 Series Complete Skateboard (Cosmic), Multi-coloured, 7.75 IN
These brightly coloured graffiti-style skateboards were launched in collaboration with the iconic professional skater Tony Hawk, otherwise known as ‘Birdman’. A slightly shorter board than a standard skateboard, these boards make a popular choice for teens looking to learn some basic skills and tricks on four wheels. The 360 series boasts higher levels of turn ability, that make skills such as ollies (jumping and hopping over obstacles) somewhat easier to master.
Made from high-quality maple with a gentle concave and incorporated grip tape, this is a sturdy and robust board for beginners that won’t break the bank.
- Deck size: 7.75 inches
- Best suited for: Teens
- Deck Material: 7-ply 100% Hardrock maple
- Wheels: 54mm/99a Polyurethane wheels
Buy now £37.96, Amazon
Venom Skateboards Complete Full Size Skate Board - 8.0”/32” - 7 Ply Deck - ABEC 11
A full-sized 8” skateboard from a well-known and trusted brand, the Venom Full-Size Skate Board is a great skateboard option for an older child, teen or adult, large enough to last from the beginner stage right through to when they’ve mastered some more complicated techniques.
With a choice of seven different colourways to match their personality and style preferences, this high-quality skateboard is made from 7-ply Canadian maple wood that is lightweight but robust enough to withstand a fair few knocks, falls and tumbles. Unlike the plastic wheels often found on cheaper boards, the urethane wheels ensure a smooth ride whilst the concave shape helps riders master tricks such as ollies and kickflips with ease.
A great option for teens and adults wanting to dip their toes into the world of skateparks whilst improving their boarding skills.
- Deck size: 8.0 inches
- Best suited for: Children 9+ / Teens or Adults
- Deck Material: Plywood
- Wheels: 52mm/99a Urethane wheels on ABEC 11-rated bearings
Buy now £49.95, Amazon
Santa Cruz 7.80'' x 31.00'' Skatebord Complete - Screaming Hand Mid
Known as one of the best skateboard manufacturers on the market, this premium skateboard is packed full of features to provide a smooth and stress-free ride, whether you’re skating around obstacles, free skating or attempting to take to the air.
With a striking ‘screaming hand’ design, this is a board your teen would be proud to take down to their local skatepark. Certainly not style over substance however, the lightweight board has aluminium trunking with cushions for easy turns and durable high-speed bearings that are lubricated to reduce resistance.
- Deck size: 7.8 inches
- Best suited for: Teens
- Deck Material: 7-ply Maple construction
- Wheels: 52mm/Slime Balls 95a Wheels
Buy now £99.95, Amazon
Osprey Complete Beginners Double Skateboard
The Osprey Complete Beginners Double Skateboard has a striking Aztec tribal theme design with a choice of six different colourways to choose from.
The double kick design (where the board is raised at both ends) can make tricks easier for beginners to master, allowing them to be performed from both the nose and tail of the board.
Whilst it may not be as lightweight as some 7-ply boards, this 9ply maple deck with a concave centre. It also features aluminium trunks and smooth gliding wheels to improve manoeuvrability and responsiveness, leaving you to whip around corners and obstacles with ease.
- Deck size: 8 inches
- Best suited for: Teens
- Deck Material: 9-ply maple
- Wheels: 54mm/99A Polyurethane
Buy now £26.99, Amazon
Enuff Pow 2 Mini Complete Skateboard Purple - 7.25
If you’re after a board for younger riders, this comic-book-inspired design from the well-respected skateboard brand Enuff will be a popular choice. A great entry-level skateboard, it’s ideal for mastering the basics or taking to the ramps at your local skatepark.
With a narrower board deck that is best suited for riders between 6 and 9 years old, this skateboard offers a double kicktail deck to support skills and tricks. The full-length rip tape and strong medium-sized wheels also ensure a safe, sturdy and secure experience, even for the newest riders.
- Deck size: 7.25 inches
- Best suited for: Juniors
- Deck Material: 8-Ply Maple
- Wheels: 54mm 90a
Buy now £32.96, Amazon
Birdhouse Stage 1 Oversized Skull Mini Complete Skateboard - 7.25", Blue
Another skateboard that pays homage to professional rider Tony Hawk, this junior board is suitable for both beginners and intermediate skaters with a high-quality deck, trucks, wheels and bearings. Made from lightweight 7-ply hard rock maple, it offers small, durable wheels that ensure a jerk-free and effortless ride, even at high speed.
A great choice for riders wanting a pro potential board but in a child-friendly size.
- Deck size: 7.25 inches
- Best suited for: 6-9 years
- Deck Material: 7-Ply Hardrock Maple
- Wheels: 52mm 95A HR Wheels
Buy now £49.95, Amazon
Verdict
Skateboards are a very personal thing, so if you’re buying for someone we recommend you choose with them - it doesn’t matter how technically capable a board is - if they don’t like the design - they won’t use it.
The Tony Hawk SS 360 Series Complete Skateboard gets our vote as the best entry-level board for beginners. It’s both affordable and functional, made from high-quality materials and offers the flexibility to be used for both tricks and skills and simple boarding for fun.
