When you’re looking for the best skateboards for beginners, you can wing it with a cheap board online..

.. or take an extra 15 minutes to see what really matters.

Our skateboard reviews cut out the fluff and give the facts.

So being a beginner, things can seem a bit confusing.  Sure you can just go out and buy any old board.  Something not too expensive for starters.

The “no fear” beginners board below is both REALLY cheap and suitable for first timers.  You can see how cheap it is here on the Amazon Uk website, or just click the mage to go there as well.

P.s. there are a few different options too!

The purpose of this blog post is to gently ease you into knowing everything you will ever need to know. Whether you want to know what deck, which wheels, or what kind of trucks to get, this article will talk you through your options.

I’ve taken a look at 10 of the best boards on the market, and thrown in a handy beginner’s guide.

That way you’ll have everything you need, neatly stored in one place. Perfect if you want to spend your money on a board that will make learning nice and smooth.

So which are the best skateboards to buy then?

Just quickly, before the reviews, you might want to watch an explainer video.

Here’s a table showing our current favourites.  All of these are top rated and worthy of a further look.  You can click the image in the table, or the Amazon link, and this will take you straight to the Amazon Uk website.

Image	Link	Product	Brand	Lowest New Price
	Buy on Amazon	ENKEEO Complete Mini Cruiser Penny Skateboard 22 inch with Sturdy Old School Deck and 4 Clear PU Wheels for Adult Kids Beginners Girls Boys	ENKEEO
	Buy on Amazon	Batman Kids Skateboard - Black/Yellow, 79x20cm	Batman	£19.97
	Buy on Amazon	Penny Complete Skateboard - Rasta	Penny	£79.95
	Buy on Amazon	Shaun White Supply Co. Street Hand Complete Skateboard - White, 31.5 x 8 Inch	Shaun White Supply Co.	£59.99
	Buy on Amazon	Osprey Complete Maple Deck Cruiser Skateboard, Multicolour, 28.75, Inch	Osprey
	Buy on Amazon	Penny Unisex's Pastel Lilac Skateboard, Pink, 22-Inch	Penny	£116.04
	Buy on Amazon	Skatro - Mini Cruiser Skateboard. 22x6inch Retro Style Plastic board Comes Complete. Model: Blue Ocean	skatro	£39.97
	Buy on Amazon	Smarthlon Electric Skateboard with Remote Control, 36'' Electric Longboard with Multi-Layer Maple Fiber, 1000W Motor Electric Skateboard, 10KM Range 25km/h Top Speed	Smarthlon

1: THE AWESOME ENKEEO PENNY BOARD!

Enkeeo Complete Mini Cruiser Penny Board

No resource that addresses the best skateboards for beginners would be complete without an entry from Enkeeo. Here’s what I thought of one of the best penny boards on the market today…

A solid option for kids for their first Board

The thing with skating is that you need to be confident before you can get going, and that’s where this Enkeeo comes in, as it’s a perfect starting skateboard to let kids get used to staying upright. If you want something that will allow you to keep plenty of money spare for a more advanced board later on, then this would make an outstanding choice.

Colourful design will undoubtedly make it stand out

If you want your child to be proud of their board, something he/she can show to friends, this could be it. The cosmic colour scheme is sure to catch the eye, which is perfect if it leads to more exercise. You have the choice of four schemes, plain black, Ocean, Galaxy, and Joker. However, as should be suggested for every board, please be sure to read the safety gear section below!

Kick tail allows new riding positions to be practised

The kicktail is a nice addition, and not just because it looks cool. If you want your child to grow up with a well rounded skating skillset, then this is a great choice to start with. They’ll be able to try manuals which will further improve their balance. It will also keep them entertained so, they are motivated to move onto a more trick-based board later on. Perfect if you want them to get the most out of their new hobby.

Pros

• Comes with a kick tail that can help you learn new riding positions
• The deck is rigid and robust so you can get plenty of use out of it
• Colourful design is sure to make you stand out at the skate park
• Durable wheels allow you to ride over virtually any concrete surface
• Comes fully assembled so you can use it right out of the box

Cons

• Due to their size, Penny boards can be tricky to ride for adults and larger children
• Some complaints of pulling to one side (Adjustments to wheels may help)

Check out the Enkeeo Penny Board here on Amazon

2: TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS, I AM THE KNIGHT!

Children’s Batman Board

Regardless of the ability of the child who will use this product, the Batman Children’s beginner Board is a good option to consider for many reasons. The thing about it is that it comes with a set of trucks that allow your son or daughter to get to grips with skating SAFELY in no time at all.

A Superhero design that stands out

The look of a Batman design is a superb, as it will make your child stand out on the street. If that is what you want it to do, then this will make a great first board. It also has double kick tails at either end of the board if they’re going to learn to ollie which is excellent for his or her all-around skills.

Maple ply comes highly recommended if you want a deck that will last

The great thing about multi-layered plywood is that it provides plenty of pop. That is what will ensure the board serves a user well when graduating to more advanced tricks. A hollow deck is a guaranteed way to stay fixed to the ground, and if your child is skating, the chances are that’s the last thing you want to happen.

PVC wheels are not cutting-edge, but they get the job done

The wheels won’t necessarily win awards, but they do allow the user to get used to skating and have fun while doing so. The wheels will wear a little faster than urethane wheels, so be prepared for that. That said if you want to get up to speed affordably, and then move to something pricier, they’re more than worth a second look.

Pros

• The deck is 79 cm long which makes it a perfect size for kids
• Crafted from durable maple ply to ensure plenty of long-lasting pop
• Trucks offer a smooth ride even in wet conditions
• PVC wheels provide excellent grip on concrete, as well as wooden ramps

Cons

• Remember that this is a child’s board, so if you’re an adult then you’ll need something bigger and more durable

Click here to get the Batman board on Amazon

3: PREMIUM BUILD QUALITY – A SUPERB ENTREE!

Penny Kids Complete Skateboard

If you want a more polished and respected board for your child, that still won’t break the bank, this penny should be considered. Manufactured by one of the leading lights of children’s skateboarding, it harks back to the original designs of the 1970s. So, if retro is your thing, continue to read…

A great starter option for kids looking to work on their balance

A fantastic thing about this penny is that it allows anyone to get accustomed to rolling around on the tarmac. The bearings are smooth, and the trucks rigid enough to ensure that you or your child can get to grips with it in no time at all. Perfect if you/they have aspirations of being the next Bob Burnquist.

Urethane wheels are hardwearing on any surface

Hardwearing 78A is one of the hardest wearing materials on the market right now. That means you will get many hours of use out of the board before having to replace the wheels. However, by the time that happens, you will be ready for a standard size skateboard if that’s what aspire toward!

The 22-inch deck is more than big enough for beginners

If you want to be able to give a little one something he/she can share, then this is a great choice. As penny boards go, the 22-inch deck is just what you need if you want to leave a little bit of growing space. This also means if your little brother/sister also wants to, he can have a go to see if he likes skating.

Pros

• Multi-coloured trucks are a great way to see your little one’s eyes light up
• Thick vinyl wheels provide plenty of grip in all weather conditions
• The 22-inch deck is more than big enough for most to practice on
• 78A urethane wheels are hardwearing and built to last
• Easy to add a truck tool to your kit to adjust the trucks

Cons

• Wheels are prone to seizing, so regular oiling is important

Click here to buy the  Penny complete skateboard for kids on Amazon

4: I’M HERE TO WIN!

Shaun White Supply Co Board

Shaun White might hold nearly every boarding record going, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to stop there. With a new range of skateboards flying off the shelves, it was a no-brainer to add at least one of them to the list.

Ideal for adult beginners who want to turn on the style

Fancy a Funky Green version?  It’s here on Amazon if you prefer this one over the White one.

For the adults among you, it won’t have escaped your attention that this is the first entry on my list that you can use! It’s a durable board that is endorsed by one of the biggest names the sport has ever seen.

This means that you can sleep easy knowing that the bearings won’t corrode, and the graphics won’t get scratched off too easily.

Aluminium trucks are rigid and lightweight in equal measure

The great thing about the trucks is that they’re the ideal balance of rigid and lightweight. This means that they’ll absorb plenty of the impact when you start catching some air. But they’ll also make it nice and easy for you to get off the ground in the first place. Ideal if you want the same riding experience as the man himself.

An iconic brand name if that’s what you’re looking for

If you always have half an eye on looking good, then this has to be worth a closer look. The branding is as good as it gets, and while the sharp graphics may not be for everyone, they could very well be for you.

Pros

• Built with help from one of the biggest names in the sport
• ACD-10 Aluminium trucks offer a smooth, reliable ride on any surface
• 97A Urethan wheels provide more than enough grip
• Bushings made from highly durable 92A urethane to provide plenty of cushioning
• 7 ply maple deck should offer plenty of pop if you want to perfect your ollies

Cons

• The design is quite distinctive, and the graphics may not be for everyone

Click here to view this on Amazon

5: HIGH QUALITY SKATING LONG BOARD!

Globe Fearon Pinner Cruiser Skateboard

Looking for a stylish cruiser? This could be worth a look as this is an excellent long board for someone who wishes to move on from a smaller Penny. Continue to read about what this product offers. What you learn may surprise you…

Cruiser Boarding is alive and well

Cruising on, a board is excellent fun, especially if you love the sun on your back. If you want to find a new way to view the world when riding, then look no further. By rolling down to the beach with one of these under your feet, you’ll get the same sense of freedom as if you were out on the water.

The throwback style is great if you want something that looks good

The thing you may like about this board is it looks fantastic when you prop it up at home. If you want something that looks presentable whether you’re on it or not, then this may well be your next board. Give it a little bit of thought, and you’re bound to think of clever ways to display it, making it your pride and joy.

The quality of the bearings does speak for itself

One thing which stands out on this board is that the ride is so quiet and smooth that it does have to be experienced to be believed. That is no exaggeration; you will hear the wheels gliding over the tarmac. Ideal if you love the smooth easy going feeling of a summer day riding. Not only that but because they’re cartridges, there’s virtually no chance of water getting in there and ruining your ride.

Pros

• 65 mm wheels made come 83A urethane to provide plenty of grip when carving
• 8ply sprung deck offers a smooth, stable ride on any concrete or tarmac surface
• A timeless look that’s a throwback to the surface culture of California
• ABEC 7 precision speed bearings are ideal when you’re going downhill fast

Cons

• Because it’s a cruiser, there will only be a limited number of tricks you can do on it as there’s no kick tail
• You may have to loosen wheels slightly before use

Click here to see this beginners long board on Amazon

6: WITH TOUGH WHEELS, THIS BOARD REALLY IS SOMETHING ELSE

Powell Golden Dragon Skateboard

If you want a board that rides as good as it looks, and are a risk taker at heart with no fear of scratching up your skateboard, then this durable and reliable board is most definitely worth more than just a moment of your attention.

Drop forged trucks ensure rigidity at all times

The trucks feel great beneath your feet, and that is mainly due to how they’re made. If you want a ride that feels smooth and in control at all times, then this could be just what you’re looking for. Just make sure that you start with smaller ramps the first time you take it to the skate park. That way you’ll get a much better feel for how it absorbs energy on landing.

Hardwearing urethane compound provides unrivalled grip

The urethane compound isn’t revealed which leaves something to be admired, but it unquestionably seems up to the job. Once you have found out what the urethane compound is, you could then certainly order additional colours if and when you fancy changing things up.

Smooth sealed bearings are excellent in all weathers

The bearings come in sealed cartridges which is a nice touch. The cartridges are precision engineered so that nothing can get inside, so there’s no use for additional lubricant, which means there’s one less thing to worry about as a beginner. Now all you have to think about is where you want to skate today!

Pros

• Durable urethane wheels are built to last which is great if you like to skate every day
• Sprung ply deck ensures you can get higher than ever before
• Bushings are reliable and durable which provides you can turn as tight as you like
• Precision engineered bearings offer a smooth silent ride — no more annoying rattling

Cons

• The graphic will get scratched off quickly if you do a lot of tail and board slides. But that comes with the territory when you’re a skater!

Grab this skateboard here on Amazon

7: SKATEBOARDING HAS NEVER BEEN QUITE SO MUCH FUN!

Osprey Cruiser Maple Deck Skateboard

As cruising on a skateboard is something you can get into at any age no matter how old you are, this mini cruiser is an excellent option for all.

At 26 inches long it makes for a great mini cruiser

The size is ideal for giving to your young kids so that they can get a feel for cruising and carving around on a skateboard from an early age. Skating isn’t all about tricks and flips, so why not show them that. If they get the board under control, then they’ll have the solid foundation they need to go on and do more adventurous things on four wheels.

ABEC 9 chrome bearings offer a silky smooth ride

The bearings are a great addition to this board, and they make it a really smooth ride. What you’re getting is a corrosion-resistant set of chrome bearings that will allow you to roll freely on virtually any tarmac or concrete surface. Ideal for a relaxing spot of cruising with the little ones.

The concave deck is comfortable when you’re turning tightly

The deck comes with that famous old cruiser shape. Which may make you think that it looks like something of a throwback, but that’s precisely the point! The way it arches up is what allows you to glide down the road, and it’s something your kids will love too. All you need to do now is find an adult-sized cruiser that you can treat yourself also!

Pros

• 78A polyurethane wheels are designed to last the lifetime of the board
• Concave deck offers a unique riding position which is excellent for carving
• Griptape is firm underfoot and allows you to have confidence in your board
• Liquid airbrush design is guaranteed to catch the eye

Cons

• The kick on the back is more for show than it is for skating. Would be nice if it were a little bit steeper

Click here to get the Osprey skateboard over on Amazon

8: PERFECT PASTEL.  CHOOSE PINK OR BLUE AS THE MAIN COLOUR

Penny Skateboard Pastel Colours – PINK OR BLUE

Penny boards are very popular right now and will be for a long time, perfect if you’re looking for a gift for the kids or teens. These come in a vast range of pastel colours which means there’s something for everyone.

Non-Slip Waffle Deck is a Classic Touch

The waffle deck is a throwback to the days when Vans skate shoes would come with nothing else. If you want to pass a bit of that style onto your kids, then what better way to do it? The deck doesn’t slip, and it looks great too. It also allows for a more consistent ride over time as there’s no grip tape to rub off when you ride every day.

Powder coated trucks look great

The look of the powder coating is unique as it brings a whole host of new colours to the mix. If you’re looking for something with some unusual colours, then this could be the board for you. Just make sure you don’t try any grinding on it. Otherwise, the finish will scratch off and be gone before you know it.

59 mm wheels offer more than enough grip

For a penny board to come with 59 mm wheels is quite something, so go for it, if an excellent grip is what you want? They feel great underfoot, and that’s just what you want when you’re developing your balance and trying to master something new.

Pros

• ABEC 7 stainless steel bearings should last longer than the rest of the board
• Tensile steel bolts hold everything together lovely and safely for peace of mind
• 59 mm wheels are great for maintaining grip, even when it’s wet outside
• Waffle deck looks great and doesn’t break up the eye-catching pastel colours

Cons

• When it’s wet, there’s no substitute for grip tape. The waffle deck certainly looks the part though, so don’t be put off by this drawback

Check this out on Amazon here.

9:  CAN YOU GET ANY COOLER? (DOZENS OF COLOURS AVAILABLE!)

Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard

This is a skateboard which has a similar style to a Penny. However, fortunately, it also comes with a big reputation, as this board is quite an innovative one due to its flex technology. Making this ride one which people love when they put it through its paces.

Flexible Technology makes for a Unique Ride

You want the deck to return a lot of the energy you impart with your legs. That way you can turn faster and quicker, and weave your way around evermore tighter obstacles. Ideal for creating a great video on your phone to put on Facebook. The Flex technology on display here will allow you to do precisely that.

A vast choice of colours should please everyone

If you’re trying to buy for someone who has a unique taste, then this is a great option. Every board comes in a monochrome finish which is ideal for adorning with stickers. All you need to do then is find the right colour for your friend, and then you’re all sorted. Just make sure you pick the right coloured wheels while you’re at it!

Comes with a matching T-tool so you can customise your setup

This is really great if you want to be able to fine-tune your setup with minimal fuss. Ideal if you’re going to be able to learn about your board without having to take it around your friend’s house.

Pros

• Thick wheels offer more than enough grip
• A dozen different deck colours to choose from
• Unique flex technology ensures you recover loads of energy when turning
• T-tool in matching colour is a nice touch for the novice who may not have one

Cons

• The tail is not the easiest to use when you’re a beginner, due to its how short it is

View this skateboard on Amazon here.

10: GO ONE BETTER, AND TAKE THE ELECTRIC ROUTE!

Smarthlon Electric Skateboard

Electric skateboards are still something of a novelty. However, they’re proving to be somewhat popular these days, as the freedom to roam comes with the learning hassle. Gone are the days practising on a traditional skateboard, if boarding on automatic appeals to you continue reading.

The Electric Motor is quiet even with Power

If you want to be able to try something new, then an electric skateboard could be just what you’re looking for. The great thing about this model is that the motor is nice and quiet. This means you still get that relaxing feeling of an old-style cruiser, but you don’t have to work hard to get up some speed.

Stylish Red Wheels are a Classic Touch no Board Should be Without

The red wheels on this board are so elegant that they certainly deserve their own subsection. It’s no use putting a motor on a board and hoping people like the rest of it, and that’s not what the designers have done. The classic red wheels make it stand out for all the right reasons, and are a feature I really like.

A Top Speed of 25 kph is Impressive

If you want to hit high speeds when you’re going downhill, then this is the board for you. The great thing about it being electric is that you can also go uphill and on the flat without tiring out your legs anywhere near as much. Ideal if you want to zip round to your friend’s house!

Pros

• Top speed is a rather impressive 25 kph
• It can travel a distance of up to 10 km in between charges which is amazing
• Classic look that will catch the eye as you cruise down the street
• Griptape is hardwearing and won’t need replacing any time soon

Cons

• Doesn’t provide the same long-term gain and satisfaction as learning to ride a regular skateboard or longboard

Click here to go all out electric, on the Amazon website

Skateboarding – A Beginners Guide

Now that I have explained what I think the best skateboards for beginners are, it is time to move on. Below I have provided some useful tips; please read before getting on a board or allowing your child too. Furthermore, there is detailed information about safety, as in what equipment will protect from injury. Plus, answers to some common skateboarding questions.

Tips for Beginners

1. Know your limits when you step on your board
When you start skating it can be too easy to get carried away. While it’s all about pushing yourself with a spot of extreme sports, you don’t want to run before you can walk. Take the time to build up your skills, and you’ll reap the rewards before long

2. Wear the right safety equipment at all times
Staying safe is the most important thing in skating, as so much of what you do will be on concrete and tarmac. Of course, when you watch the X Games, you see the pros landing some fantastic tricks, but they’re also wearing helmets, kneepads, and elbow guards. If you’ve ever heard an interview about how many bones Tony Hawk has broken, just imagine how many more it would have been if he wasn’t properly equipped.

Stay safe, and you’ll be able to keep on skating. It really is as simple as that. Don’t give in to peer pressure and leave your helmet on the sidelines. Keep it on, and you’ll be much better off for it.

3. Practice with a friend so that you can learn from each other
The great thing about skating is that you can get outside and enjoy yourself, and hang out with your friends while doing so. Finding a few friends to skate with is an excellent way of making sure you stick to your new hobby. If you’re all of similar ability, then you’ll be able to learn plenty from each other as you perfect some tricks.

4. Stick with the basics rather than trying to do everything at once
Manuals, carving, ollies; they’re the basics, but they can take some time to master. If you’ve only just started to get some air off the ground, then why would you try to do a hard side heelflip? It might sound like a good idea, but you’ll just get annoyed with yourself as you have a long way to go.

Keep practising the basics and having fun with them until you’ve really got them sorted. You’ll naturally get the urge to try a 50-50 grind, or heel flips a little later on. And because you’ve put the work into fine tune the basics, you’ll learn advanced tricks a lot faster.

5. Remember when you’re struggling with a trick, it’s supposed to be fun
It’s natural to get a little bit frustrated as you try and land a new trick. The most important thing to remember, however, is that you skate to have a good time. If you find that you’re getting stressed and wound up, take a 5-minute breather. This could be in the form of a chat with your friends on the side or doing a few easier tricks.

What Safety Equipment is a Must Have?

Skateboarding is a tricky sport to master, and there’ll be plenty of spills and thrills along the way. Especially, when skating on concrete surfaces or wooden ramps, there’ll be zero give when you come off. It’s for this reason that it’s vital to invest in high-quality protection before you even set foot on your board. That is something to think about if you’re a parent buying a skateboard or a teenager.

Did you know? On average around half of all skateboarding injuries involve children under age 15.

1. A Helmet
If you want to combine safety with style, then a classic bowl style helmet like the ones by Punisher or Triple Eight is the way to go. They come with an adjustable chin strap and plenty of air vents to keep you safe and comfortable. You can also add your personal stamp on things by adorning your helmet with plenty of stickers. Ideal if you want to standout down at the skate park.

2. Wrist Guards
When looking for wrist guards, it is essential that you find something which is of high performance, quality and a comfortable piece of protective skate gear. There is an array of products that you can buy for this.

A lot of skateboarding injuries occur when a child loses control of their balance, then falls off the skateboard and lands on their arm or head. However, most skateboarding injuries involve the wrist so guards are worth considering for yourself or your child.

3. Knee Pads
If you want yours or your child’s knees safe when skateboarding. Then your best option is to go for knee pads that come with ultra-soft EVA padded material and robust polypropylene plastic as it does a great job maintaining its shape after impact. Also looking for padded Velcro straps which can be adjusted so it feels comfortable for the user, whether that be for you or a child.

4. Elbow Pads
When it comes to elbow pads, the criteria are exactly the same as for knee pads, because they do similar jobs. That means that both would ideally have EVA padded material, robust polypropylene plastic, as well as padded Velcro straps.

Best product to buy for protection
To get skateboarding protection quickly, and at a low cost, it is worth looking into purchasing a triple set of Knee Pads, Elbow Pads and Wrist Guards. You should look out for a product which is the right size for whoever you are going to be buying the product for, whether that is you, an adult or a child.

What size skateboard should I get?

This very much depends on your age. If you’re an adult, then obviously you’ll want to go for an adult board. There is minimal variation in the size of the deck depending on your height, so you can effortlessly shop for a standard size adult board.

If on the other hand, you’re buying for your child, you’ll need to consider their height as this will determine the length of the board. The simplest way to do this is to look into junior sized boards and refer to size charts for the specific brand you want to buy. That way you’ll be able to get the best fit, and you won’t end up with a board which is too large.

Is it easier to ride a skateboard or a longboard?

In general, it’s considerably easier to learn to ride a longboard if you have a large flat area. The turning circle will be larger due to the larger wheelbase. They are however much better if you want to practice carving. There are some tricks you can learn on them, but they are far less flamboyant and advanced than on a standard skateboard.

Skateboards can be harder to mount because of the raised ends. The shorter wheelbase means turning circles are much tighter so you might want to tighten your trucks to lengthen this when you start. Doing so will ensure you don’t turn too abruptly and lose balance.

How much does a good skateboard cost?

When weighing up the price of a board, bear in mind the other accessories that you will need to buy. A truck tool, helmet, elbow and knee pads, and some additional grip tape would all be wise additions. Factor these into your budgeting so that you have plenty of leftover when it comes to keeping yourself safe. It might be tempting to cut corners so that you can get a more expensive board, but you’ll regret it sooner rather than later.

What is a good skateboard brand?

There are many great brands out there, and the choice is really up to you. If you want something that comes endorsed by skating royalty, then look no further than Birdhouse. Ridden for years by Tony Hawk himself, you know what you’re getting with these kinds of boards, but really as I said above, the choice is yours.

What you might want to think about, is what you’re going to use your board for. Do you like street, park, or vert? Once you know that, you’ll be able to see what the pros in each discipline use, and then choose your new board accordingly.

The above is an excellent way of getting a feel for how different brands products will perform when you try them. In general, any board will work well when you’re a beginner. Of course, if you want to do tricks, then get a standard skateboard rather than a mini board or a longboard. They’re good too, but as a beginner, you might not realise just how different they perform until you start trying to learn with one of them.

Best skateboard for your beginner child

When you’re buying for your child, you need to be able to measure them up accordingly. Do not buy an adult-sized board for your child as it will be too heavy to get any air off the ground, and your little one won’t have enough weight to turn them properly.

The most important thing to do is measure your child so that you know how tall they are. Once you know that, you’ll be able to see how they fit on the sliding scale, and you’ll be able to find the right sized board for them.

Choose the right trucks for your child

There are a few specifics that you will want to put some thought into. First of all, you have the bushings on the trucks. Slack trucks are great if you’ve mastered your balance and want to carve fast.

But for a beginner, and especially a child, they’re a sure-fire to fall off far more often than you otherwise would. Go for stiffer bushings that you would if you were skating yourself. That way you’ll be able to have plenty of control over the larger turning circle. This will allow them to stay in a straight line a lot easier as they get used to honing their balance.

If you invest in a truck tool at the same time, then you can always slacken things off later on. This will allow you to get a bit more use out of the board before they grow out of it.

Finding the right wheel diameter

Next, the difference in wheel sizes is a matter of millimetres. The smaller the wheels, the more likely a rogue pebble, or a crack in the pavement, will be to throw them off. I would suggest going for adult sized wheels wherever possible. This will provide more stability due to the larger contact area, resulting in fewer falls. You will also see far fewer scrapes and bumps that occur from the wheels getting caught in cracked concrete.

Deck sizes for children

The recommended size will depend on your child’s height and will vary somewhat between manufacturers. Take the time to check the relevant size charts, and then measure up accordingly. That way you’ll have something that fits them straight out of the box, and won’t stop them from practising.

How to find the right trucks for your child’s penny board

Penny boards are really built for going in a straight line and doing the odd bit of gentle carving on a level surface. One thing that is often the case is that budget models will often come with plastic or resin trucks.

That may sound like a safe corner to cut, but always opt for metal when you can. That way you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing the trucks will still be growing strong when the deck is too small.

The secret to finding the right wheel diameter for a penny board

You’ll struggle to find a penny board with adult sized wheels, so you’ll need to put some thought into where they use it. Ideally, you want smooth tarmac that’s free of debris. That way there’ll be minimal risk of tears caused by a bump and a scrape.

Deck sizes are essential for kids, but penny boards are fairly standardly sized

Penny boards are a good budget alternative to a skateboard, and they can come in a whole host of fresh colours. What you need to be aware of, however, is that they may not come in quite as many sizes as you would expect. If you’re struggling to find a penny board large enough for your child, then it might be worth upgrading to a cruiser or a standard skateboard.

Final Thoughts

You began reading this article because you had a simple question in mind: ‘What are the best skateboards for beginners?’ Hopefully, you’ve found your own answers in this article, along with more useful information about how to stay safe.

When you’re looking into beginner’s boards, you need to have a budget in mind. There’s no reason to opt for something top of the line because as a beginner you won’t fully appreciate how well it performs. Choose something reliable, with adjustable trucks, and hardwearing wheels. That way you’ll be able to skate safely in the knowledge that your board will keep working fine until you’re ready to swap it out.

If you want a smooth, rattle-free ride, then you’ll also want sealed cartridge bearings. This should prevent corrosion and allow you to get a few more sessions out of your favourite new board. Ideal if you’re going to be able to perfect that new combo of tricks you’ve been working on.