Let me show you some tricks and tips on how you can maintain a skateboard and prolong its life. Most probably, you got a new skateboard, and we all know the feel of a new board. The smoothness, no squeaky noise and the rigidity of a new board fade away over time.
If you are a beginner and probably got a new board but don’t know how to ride, adjust or maintain the board, don’t worry, this maintenance guide should take care of most of your problems.
Skateboard requires very
little maintenance such as cleaning your bearings, rotating the wheels and
sanding down the edge of your new board. That’s all there is to it.
With that being said,
this is a perfect opportunity to learn something new about skateboard
maintenance. A board is basically a collection of new components and parts that
are bolted together.
Which means you can take
it apart easily. Now, sometimes you might need to adjust something to keep the
tension of the bolts just the way you want it.
Each board is different in type or size, and for that, you need to learn how to make your own adjustments.
For that, you need some
tools.
Phillips head screwdriver
Bearing lubricant
Methylated spirits
Bearing cleaner
A sheet of sandpaper
Or just a skating tool for basic
maintenance
Additionally, you can keep some socket wrenches or crescent if you don’t have a skate tool. Now, let’s get on with the skateboard maintenance guide.
Have a look at this step by step maintenance guide for skateboard if you want to prolong the life of your setup.
Sanding
The first I want to cover
first is sanding. You need to sand along the edges of your skateboard. This
will help prevent chips from occurring in the tail and nose of your deck.
The process is very simple. First of all, you need to locate a rough patch on the edge of your skateboard. Apply a reasonable amount of pressure once you find a rough patch and sand accordingly. Once you sanded those patches away, you notice that the edges are now much smoother. But be careful not to sand too much in one area, or you might end up damaging the shape of your board.
Adjusting the Metal Axles
The tightness of the
metal axle, aka the Trucks should be adjusted frequently. Your turning depends
on them. If you are a beginner and want easier turns, you might want tighter
trucks.
For small skaters,
loosening them up a little might make things easier and do this when you are
able to control the board better. You will only need a 9/16″ crescent to
adjust the truck nut.
At the end of the kingpin, you will see a single large nut. It’s a repetitive process. First, try loosening the nut on each axle for about half a turn and give the board a try. Don’t loosen it up too much or else the nut will fall from the kingpin. It depends on your preferences, whether you want tighter nuts or looser nuts.
Cleaning Your Bearings
Now that we have that part taken care of, it’s time to look at the bearings. You need to find the right fitting in your skate tool and put it over your axel bolt. Then move the tool in an anti-clockwork direction and take your wheel off.
How To Do The Cleaning
Keep track of the wheels
as you take them off. You need to put them back from where they came off.
Once you have taken your
wheel off, make sure to put your washer and axle nut back on the same axle.
Don’t put the axle bolt
on the last wheel because we are going to use that to pop the bearing out. To
get your bearing out of the wheel, simply hang the bearing over the axle in a
very shallow position.
Now, pull back the wheel,
and the bearing will pop out. Do this for all your other wheels and once you
have taken them all out, put them in an empty container.
Put your Methylated
spirits in the container and completely submerge the bearings. Put a lid on top
of the container and shake the bearings for about 30 seconds.
When you are done
shaking, take the lid off and place each bearing on the table. You need to give
the bearings about 15 minutes of drying time. Once you completely dry them out,
they are now ready for lubrication.
Flip the bearings to the
side that doesn’t have a bearing shield. Now apply two drops of bearing lube
into the bearing. After you have done this, spin the bearing around your hand
and make sure the lubrication goes around all of the bearings.
Reassemble The Board
Once all of the bearings
are lubed up, put them over the axle and your wheel over them. Push the wheel
down until you feel a popping sound.
Now flip the wheel over
and put the other bearing on the axle and do the exact same thing. Repeat this
step for all the other bearings. Now that all the
bearings are in your wheels, it’s time to put them on. This is where rotating
them comes into play.
Rotating the Wheels
You want to put each
wheel on the axle diagonally opposite from where it originally came from. This
means that your wheels get even wear and last the longest time possible.
It also helps if the
graphic of the wheels is facing outwards and you can flip it inwards to allow
them to wear out evenly. Now it’s time to put your wheels back on.
This is the reverse motion of how you took them out in the first place. Simply put the wheel on the axle, slip your washer on and tighten up the nut in a clockwise motion. Once you got the nuts on the axle, you have to make sure that you have enough room so that your wheels can spin freely and not move up and down too much.
Final Thoughts
Skateboards are meant to be scratched, chip, dent, and wear out. But with proper maintenance, you can easily prolong the lifespan of your board if you follow these basic tricks that I have shown you in this skateboard maintenance guide.
Before you leave have a look in the skateboard maintenance clip from openSource folks.
Want to learn how to skateboard? Nah, I meant, want to teach your kid how to skateboard? Well, sure, you do. It’s super fun. Skateboarding is easy; it’s like surfing but on the ground. Apart from the fun, it also has significant health benefits.
And if you fall, you land
on the ground which might hurt, but hey, it’s not surfing. Now, this article
will go over the basics of skateboarding, and what you should teach your kids
to get them started.
Who knows, you might also
pick up a few tips for your own. Let me give a brief overview of what I’m going
to show you in this article.
I’ll start with some very
simple riding basics, give you some familiarity with the basic tricks, ramps
and some practicing tips. It’s a basic guide, so don’t expect anything too
complicated.
Before I get to the fun part, let me remind you that practice is the key. Let me rephrase that long-time practice is the key. Whatever you teach your child, whether it’s foot position, simply pushing or bending, make sure your child is comfortable with that first and then move on from there.
This guide is made just for kids and parents that are just getting started and will serve as an introduction to skateboarding basics. When you start correctly, it can make skating a lot safer for kids. It will also be easier and definitely going to be more fun because you know what you are doing.
Things You Will Need
Now, I know skating is fun and all that, but it’s also risky. And that’s why you need to wear proper skateboarding gears.
Now that you have all the proper gears in check let’s learn how to skateboard easily and safely.
Learning Skateboard
1. Get Comfortable
Before you get rolling,
it’s always a great idea to get comfortable standing on a skateboard. It’s
better if you do it on a soft surface.
For example, you can try standing on a board on grass, or if your wheels are clean, you can practice on a rug or a carpet.
2. Foot Position
Start by putting your front foot on those front bolts of your board and your back foot on the back bolts. You don’t need to move around or push yourself. Just try to stand and get comfortable.
3. Stance
When you are learning,
it’s important to keep an athletic stance. Bend your knees slightly to maintain
a controlled stance. Keep your feet under your shoulders with your knees a bit
bent. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.
With this, you will get a
nice low center of gravity, and you can easily shift in any direction to keep
your balance.
With this stance, you can easily get comfortable with your board. Just pretend you are surfing. Bounce around a bit to get comfortable with the feeling of being on a skateboard.
4. Three Stages of Getting Rolling
Keep the board on a soft surface for now because we are going to go through the three stages of getting rolling.
Stepping
For step 1, go ahead and
stand next to your skateboard with your front foot right next to the front
wheels. Now place your front foot on the front bolts keeping your toe facing
forward.
Make sure your whole body is facing forward in the direction of where the board will go.
Getting on
In this step, you need to bring all of your weight on the front foot and then bring the back foot on to the board, just behind the back bolts and perpendicular to the board.
Moving
In this step, you need to
pivot that front while keeping the ball of our foot right over those bolts. The
direction should be almost all the way perpendicular to the board.
At the same time, you
should shift your upper body so that it is aligned to the skateboard. At this
point, you are naturally maintaining that athletic stance.
Since you will now start to roll, you should turn your head in the direction you want to go. Turn your shoulder just a bit to get comfortable when you get moving.
5. Start on a Flat Surface
You definitely want to
start on a nice flat surface. Make sure there is no traffic on the road. Try
starting on an empty parking lot. Now repeat the three stages of rolling on a
flat surface.
Add a push or two with
your back foot to step one to get the momentum. Let me rephrase the step.
Keep your front foot right over the front
bolts.
Keep most of your weight on the front
foot.
Apply one or two pushes with the back
foot.
After the push, go to
step 2 with the back foot coming up on the board. Then go ahead with step three
by rotating that front foot.
Make sure to maintain the nice athletic stance on the skateboard with your head turned to the direction of where you are going.
Final Tips
If your skater needs some
extra help with this, it’s absolutely okay to offer a hand for some extra
stability. Just keep a couple of things in mind.
Let your skater hold on to your hand and not the other way around.
Get them started on their own.
Let your little skater get in front you so that they can actually skate facing the way that they are supposed to be skating.
Once you got those few steps down, try adding some extra pushes to get a bit more speed.
If you do start to slow down, just reverse the steps.
Go back into step two by pivoting that front foot and keep the toe forward again.
Bring the back foot off and let the shoulder come around.
Give a few pushes, step back up, and pivot the foot and shoulders back to that riding position.
When you sit and consider your child’s transportation options, you may figure out that none of the choices you have at hand are very exciting. Your kid wants something ‘cool’ and you want something budget-friendly. Apparently, you actually want to drop your kid off at school on your car but he or she just is not comfortable with that level of affection in front of his school friends.
They will yell, “Mom! Leave already!”. In order to avoid such embarrassing yet emotionally draining experiences, it is best to let your kid out into the world alone. Why not buy him a skateboard? That’s where this best skateboard for kids’ article come into play.
It sure does not need fuel and it sure does not need you. So, just a one-time investment and you can save money and also your honor. Plus, your kid will find it cool and engage in other activities, even competitions related to skateboards.
But, the age-old concern that comes with kids is their safety. A skateboard does not in any way look safe. However, there are certain factors in it that can make it safe and also easy enough for your kid to control.
You are probably here to find out exactly what will make a skateboard safe and easy for your kid. Furthermore, you also want the best value for your money, don’t you? Our buying guide should give you a clear idea of the features you should check out to assure you are getting exactly what you need. Apart from that, our reviews will give you real examples of the best skateboard for kids because that is what you are looking for.
What if your kids ride his first skateboard and find himself on the sitting on the road because it broke? Well, he will not only be disheartened but he may forget his interest in skateboard forever. This is why you need a durable and strong skateboard and the Quest QT-NSC44C meets this need.
For a beginner, this skateboard may just be a bit difficult to maneuver but that will set his beginning standard quite high. Apparently, as it is a top-mount skateboard, it turns quite easily and sharply. So, beginners might find it a bit wobbly and unstable.
The long deck not only holds the rider in a secure way but also is great to look at. As a kid, this is what appeals to most kids- the looks and this one has a lot of it. However, if you want the skateboard to be fast, you will need to make a few changes for a couple of extra bucks.
Firstly, the bearing although are ABEC 7 bearings, need changing for faster performance. Then, there are the trucks that you might find too loose or tight so you will have to adjust them accordingly. Lastly, you may need to make some changes to the bushings as well.
Aside from that, the skateboard often rattles when you are using it so that might bother you. However, it is still a great choice for commuters and a lot of other things. In fact, it is lightweight and very portable.
Pros
Well-built and durable.
Great looks.
Good for beginners.
A long and strong deck.
Takes turns easily.
Great with modifications.
Cons
The bearings may need changing.
The truck and bushings may have to be adjusted.
Can be noisy.
Wheels can get chipped easily.
The Quest Super Cruiser Longboard Skateboard
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
4.6
RIMABLE Complete (22-Inch) Skateboard Review
When you are looking for a skateboard for a beginner and that too a beginner kid, you have to consider both the price and strength. Luckily, the Rimable 22-inch skateboard is affordable and also sturdy. In fact, it is a great choice for beginners at any time.
As you can notice, the skateboard is not very long at a 22-inch length. But, this length should be ample for a kid to ride on. In fact, this shorter length will make it easy for the kid to turn the skateboard.
However, that is always not the case with this skateboard. The bushing and a few parts may be too tight and this often makes the turning of the wheels a hard task. So, your kids may have a hard time turning it.
The bearings it comes with are not the best and you may find replacing it a better option. However, the bearings will cause trouble only if you want to go really fast.
Apart from that, the material and the 6-inch width makes this a stable board to ride on. The skateboard is a treat to look at with its sharp graphics. But, in the long term (or short) the paint may come off or you may find scratches.
When it comes to wheels, the ones on the skateboard are something average. They can handle rough surface but they could do better at it. Although the skateboard is small, it is not very light so portability may prove to be a problem if carried on hand for too long.
Overall, this skateboard is a great affordable option for beginners.
Pros
Quite stable.
Easy to learn on.
Good quality build.
Easy to turn because of the short length.
Cool graphic on it.
Great value for money.
Cons
Needs modification of the bearings to go faster.
Paint may come off.
Turning the wheels may be a bit difficult.
RIMABLE Complete (22-Inch) Skateboard
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
4.2
KPC Pro Skateboard Complete Review
Do you want your kid to take things slowly at the beginning? Well, even though his childish brain wants to go wild with a skateboard, we understand your concerns. KPC Pro skateboard is such a skateboard that will let parents sleep in peace.
It is, in fact, a well-built skateboard with a very strong and durable deck. In fact, the deck is the best part about this skateboard as it will not only provide a good grip with its grip tapes but is also quite attractive in looks. A kid will definitely find the graphics very cool.
The wheels on this skateboard are quite average and will do an average job on the rough surface as well. However, only if they last. There were many complaints about the wheels wearing out too soon. Apparently, many customers even suggested changing the wheels when you buy this skateboard.
The two other things that you will need to change or adjust over time are trucks and bearings. You can only bear the bearings this skateboard comes with if your kid is alright with going very slow even in the long term. However, if you want speed, the bearings must be dealt with.
Trucks are not in for consideration even in the short term because even people who loved the skateboard complained about the trucks. In fact, the trucks make it quite difficult to turn the wheels and the skateboard.
The skateboard falls in the affordable range when it comes to price. However, although the deck is one of the best, the other parts of the skateboard are either average or not durable at all. So, you have to spend more to make it suitable for a kid.
Pros
A stunning, sturdy and durable deck.
Safe to ride on.
Great design.
Affordable and offers good value.
Wheels do a good job.
Cons
Trucks are terrible and need replacement.
Very slow even when bearings are changed.
Parts do not last long.
KPC Pro Skateboard Complete
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
4
Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard Review
Nothing is exactly perfect at first. You have to make adjustments to
skateboards to make it suit you perfectly. Skatro understands that and not only
does it provide you with a good-quality skateboard but it also includes a tool
that will help you adjust the skateboard to your liking.
Firstly, let us talk about the T-tool that makes this skateboard worth it
and actually increases its value for the price. Apparently, you can use the
T-tool to adjust the wheels and trucks. A few customers complained that T-tool
is not very durable and may break. But, it worked fine in most other cases.
As for the skateboard itself, the deck is great but small. Unless you are
sure that your feet are not large enough to be uncomfortable on this
skateboard, you should stop yourself from buying it. Other than that, except a
few minor easy scratches, the deck looks fine.
When it comes to bearings, although they are of good quality, they really take away the speed. Even if you replace the bearings, the speed of this skateboard may not impress you. The wheels are of good quality and can act smoothly on rough surfaces.
However, they need some adjustments with the T-tool. Once you are done
adjusting all the crucial features, you will love riding this skateboard. Apart
from that, learning on this skateboard is not really easy.
Because of the small size, it should be easy to maneuver but first, you will have to learn to balance yourself. The trucks are not the best and turning will require some getting used to.
Pros
Includes a T-tool.
Very adjustable.
Attractive looks.
Great value for money.
Easy to maneuver.
Cons
Quite slow.
Need many adjustments.
Hard to learn balancing.
Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
3.8
Atom Drop Deck Longboard (41-Inch) Review
Have plans to cover long distances on a longboard? Then this Atom Drop Deck longboard may just be what you need because it will provide you the most stable ride. It is on the expensive side but the quality and performance speak for the price.
As it is long, it will provide a very stable ride. Furthermore, the drop deck with its low center of gravity will make learning even easier. However, it won’t be very easy to turn for the same reason- the long deck.
It will take time and space to turn this longboard. Furthermore, the grip tape on the board is neither effective nor durable. So, it is best to replace it.
Although the deck itself is really strong and will survive almost anything, The trucks are not. Even though the longboard does not have a weight limit, the trucks seem to bend way too easily.
Apart from that, the board is stable but it is not really fast. You will have to replace the bearings and adjust other things to go faster. But, it will still not be very speedy.
The wheels are large enough to deal with slightly rough roads. However, it is best not to expose them to those too often. You might need to change the wheels in the long run.
This longboard is a great option for beginners to learn on. However, the flex might be a problem as some reported that the longboard was too stiff at times. In the end, it all comes down to your own preferences.
Pros
Great quality build.
Very stable and sturdy.
Quite effective wheels.
Good for beginners.
Very durable.
A great choice for commuters.
Cons
A bit expensive.
Heavy to carry.
Trucks get bent.
Not very fast.
Turning takes some effort.
Atom Drop Deck Longboard (41-Inch)
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
3.6
Atom Drop-Through Longboard (40-Inch) Review
Fancy a ride so smooth you feel like you are flying? The Atom Drop longboard
may just be your magic carpet as one customer termed it. Apparently, as you can
see it a longboard and therefore quite long at 40 inches.
The length makes it a good option for your daily commutes. It will take you
to places faster. Furthermore, the longboard is quite wide as well so a kid can
enjoy both a stable ride and ample space for both his feet.
Apart from that, it has a drop deck style, it will be quite easy for you to
ride on. However, turning this giant is really not the easiest and especially
not easy for kids. It will not only require space to turn but also time.
Moreover, the bushings in the trucks are not the friendliest either. They
are a bit tight and may make turning more difficult. However, once you get a
hold of it, you get used to the difficult turns.
The wheels make this whole longboard much easier to ride on. They are of a
greater diameter so you can enjoy a very smooth ride and also a fast one. You
will experience no wheel bite whatsoever with this longboard.
The bearings are not the best, however. Most users of this longboard got the best experience only after they replaced the bearings with something better.
It is a longboard so it has a price higher than the usual skateboards. However, it does offer a quality product for the price which you won’t regret buying any time soon.
Pros
Very smooth.
Large wheels.
Great looks.
Long and wide deck.
No wheel bite.
Good quality build.
Easy to learn on.
Quite stable.
Cons
Difficult to turn.
Bushings are not friendly.
Bearings may need replacing.
Atom Drop Through Longboard (40-Inch)
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
3.4
Ridge Skateboards (27-Inch) Cruiser Board Review
If portability is your first priority then you cannot go wrong with the
Ridge Skateboards Cruise Board. This 27-inch skateboard is very light and
compact so a kid can easily use it to reach his school, keep it somewhere close
without causing anyone any inconvenience and return back home on it. But, this
is not the only feature that will satisfy you.
This skateboard is well-built and its length and width make it very
user-friendly. It is a great option for beginners as their first concern is
balance and this board is quite stable to provide you with balance.
Furthermore, its width gives you enough room to ride comfortably.
Although it is easy to turn, it does need a large turning circle as it is a
bit long. On the other hand, you need to push with more effort and more often
as the bearings, this board comes with are not the best. They do not spin for
too long so you will be constantly pushing forward.
Once you replace the bearings, this board is great to ride on. Even the
trucks and bushings are good enough. However, this skateboard is not the most
durable.
It has molded plastic on it which gets scratches easily. Although the trucks are effective, they may break after a while. When it comes to price, it is rather on the expensive side.
However, it does perform quite well except for a few minor difficulties that can be easily solved. You can ride it on rough roads but it is best to avoid bricks. Other than that, it has a good style.
Pros
Long and wide enough to provide ample stability.
Good choice for beginners.
Great for long commutes.
Very portable and compact.
Good trucks and bushings.
Easy to turn.
Great looks.
Cons
Bearings are better if replaced as they make the rider put in more effort.
Not the most durable.
Ridge Skateboards (27-Inch) Cruiser Board
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
3.4
SCSK8 Complete Longboard Skateboard Review
Need a skateboard that only does the necessary in the best way without
featuring anything fancy? Then this SCSK8 longboard may fit your budget and
also needs. Apparently, this has a plain bamboo-like deck that gives it a ‘just
for work’ look.
While kids may not like this blank look, they sure have the option to paint it or put any stickers they prefer on it. So, it gets even better as you get to personalize the skateboard. As expected of a heavy-duty longboard, this one has a very strong deck that can carry you comfortably anywhere.
It is a great choice for beginners because not only is it stable but it is
easy to turn as well. However, you must make one change and that replaces the
bearings. If you change the bearings, you can go faster more effortlessly than
before.
Apart from that, although the trucks do fine, you will find them too tight
at first. So, loosen them up to enjoy the best. If you plan to use the wheels
that this skateboard comes with, you will need to loosen them up as well.
However, the wheels just do an average job on rough surfaces. Apart from that, the grip tape on the board is totally not the best. You will do better if you replace it.
Another problem you may face is a rattling sound. It actually originates from the trucks when you loosen them up. You may benefit from putting something in there to stop the noise.
Pros
Plain surface allows customizing with stickers or paints.
If you want something for a beginner or something just for easy commutes
then this Rorshack skateboard may be what you are looking for. Apparently, it
is neither too long nor short. It is probably something in the middle with its
34-inch deck.
So, this is a great option for daily, usual rides. It does not go very fast
because of the length and also the bearings. When it comes to the bearings, you
might as well think of replacing them for better performance. The ones that
come with it are alright but for faster commutes, you definitely need better
ones.
Apparently, the wheels are well-made but won’t help to give you the
smoothest rides. In fact, turning this skateboard is kind of easy but the
wheels may not be properly aligned and touching the ground as a few customers
complained.
Because of the low-quality bearings, the skateboard requires more effort and
pushes from you to move. Other than that, you will need to loosen up the trucks
for use. This may bring on noise but you can fix that with a few easy hacks.
The best part of the board is the deck. It has a large capacity and will
hold even an obese person who wants to ride a skateboard. So, you can imagine
how strong it is made.
Apart from that, the skateboard has a really nice look. Also, it won’t
really break your bank. The grip tape on top does provide some grip but is not
the most durable as it often comes off.
For the price, this skateboard does offer value. With some modifications, it can do much better than a more expensive model. It is up to you whether it suits your purpose or not.
Pros
Quite affordable.
Great for daily simple use.
Easy to maneuver.
A few modifications can improve its performance a lot.
Very strong and durable deck.
Cons
The trucks, wheels, and bearings may or may not need replacing.
Swagtron SwagBoard NG-1 Youth Electric Longboard Review
Even though skateboards ease up our commutes a lot, it is never enough for
us humans, is it? This is why electric longboards that do not need almost any
effort from the riders came into the market. Apparently, this longboard is
powered by a battery and all your kid has to do is turn it on, turn it when
necessary and nothing.
When electricity is involved, the power of the motor and how well the unit
holds charge matters most. This longboard is quite powerful being able to go at
a speed of 11 mph according to the description. However, the real highest speed
is a bit lower and it varies from one unit to another.
Apart from that, the weight limit is good too and the highest speed varies
with the weight of the person riding the longboard. The charge is meant to stay
for 10 hours but it does not go anywhere near that. You can ride on it for a
maximum of 3-4 hours before it needs charging again.
However, it does get charged quite quickly. When it comes to the ride, this
longboard is quite amazing. It will provide you with a really smooth right with
its high-quality wheels. Furthermore, it is easy to maneuver as well but only
as long as the control panel is responsive.
The trouble with electric products is the motor may just shut down. Often
times, customers found that the longboard won’t turn on. Other than that, the
brakes are a bit rough as well. The grip tapes may come off.
When it comes to ease of use and a comfortable ride, this longboard provides the best. However, that only happens if the motor and electric parts are working which they often stop to do.
Pros
Very smooth ride.
Easy to maneuver.
Almost no efforts required.
Charges fast.
Good enough speed for a beginner.
Good deck capacity.
Quality build.
Cons
Quite expensive.
Motor and electric parts may suddenly stop working.
Brakes are rough.
The battery may not last long.
Swagtron Swagskate Classic NG-1 Youth Electric Longboard
Durability
Appearance & Performance
Easy Learning & Portability
Wheels
Budget
3
The Ultimate Skateboard Buying Guide (things to remember)
Here are a number of things that you must check to ensure that your kid gets a normal skateboarding experience with the basic level of safety.
The Type of skateboard you Need
Yes, we know, a skateboard looks just like a plank of wood on a few wheels,
how can it be of various types? Apparently, it is still of three types with
minor changes in them. However, before we move on to the types, you have to
decide, what will your kid be using the skateboard for?
Is it for his commute to school or afternoon shenanigans? Or, is it for a
bigger dream- a competition? Whatever it is, you will only get the best results
if you choose the proper type.
Basically, the three types are- Retro, Classic, and Snake. If your kid needs
to use his skateboard to reach places by traveling then the Retro with its
longer decks and larger wheels can be a good choice. On the other hand, if your
kid wants to do the cool trick, flips and all that with the skateboard then a
sturdy, hard-wheeled classic will do.
What your kid does not need is a Snake skateboard because these are mainly built for adults. Apparently, these skateboards have only one wheel. But, if your child is an extraordinary kid with great potential in skateboarding, you sure can give it a try.
The Size of the Skateboard
You are looking for a skateboard for a kid so of course, the size matters. Apparently, the perfect length of a deck for kids would be 28-inches and above. But, this also depends on your kid’s height and weight. Your kid will find the skateboard hard to control if it is too long for him.
In case you didn’t know, the deck is the part of the skateboard on which the
rider stands. So, your kid will have to keep one or both his foot on it. Thus,
it is not only the length of the skateboard that matters but the width as well.
The wider the skateboard, the easier it will be for your kid to learn.
Because he will be able to balance and control it easily. However, the width
may sacrifice some of the speed.
Therefore, considering your child’s height and weight, choose the perfect length and width of the deck. The width usually starts at 7-inches.
The Capacity of the Skateboard
You may choose the perfect length and width but if you do not choose a good enough weight capacity, then your kid is doomed. The moment he goes out with all his excitement to ride his first-ever skateboard will be the moment he learns how disappointing the world can be. Because if the skateboard does not have enough weight-capacity for him, the deck will most likely break.
Therefore, choose a deck that has more weight capacity than your kid’s weight. It should be enough for even you to ride on and not break.
The Wheels of the Skateboard
It is what will move the skateboard forward so a lot of things depend on it.
In fact, you have to consider a number of things when it comes to wheels.
Firstly, you need to decide on the diameter of the wheel.
The smaller the diameter, the smaller the wheel. Likewise, the smaller the
wheel, the lesser the speed of the skateboard. However, smaller wheels make it
easier to do flips and tricks on the skateboard. It also makes it easier to
control.
On the other hand, wheels with larger diameters will cover distance more
quickly. So, if your child will be commuting, you know what to look for.
Another consideration for wheels is the material building it and the grip of
the wheel. Apparently, softer wheels are great for longer, stable rides on hard
surfaces. They usually provide a better grip.
On the other hand, hard wheels are better for tricks and flips as they are stronger. The best material that wheels can be built with is Polyurethane. You will also find plastic wheels but they are usually of lower quality.
The diameter usually starts from 50mm as the smallest rising up to 60mm and more.
The Material of the Skateboard
The greatest safety concern when it comes to your kid riding a skateboard is
“what if it breaks?”. Well, terrible things can actually happen if it breaks so
you need to make sure it won’t easily. The most important thing to check will
be the deck, its material, and its thickness.
This part is usually made with wood so the wood should be durable and
strong. The greater the number of layers, the stronger the skateboard will be.
Other than that, grip tapes will give your child a better grip on the board.
Other than that, the skateboard should have ABEC bearings in its wheels. These bearings will keep the skateboard moving smoothly for years. Unless, of course, they get rust. So, make sure the bearings are efficient as well.
The Appearance
If you were buying the skateboard for yourself then the appearance would not have played a very important role. However, a child loves to show off and is very concerned about little things like color and design. So, the skateboard you choose should not only look cool but it should match your child’s taste as well.
In this case, you can consider different brands with their signature styles. Some have a really eye-catching logo while others just make themselves known with their color and designs. It is a totally subjective criterion so ask your child what h wants his skateboard to look like.
The Portability
There will be times when the kid does not want to or cannot ride the skateboard. He may be inside school premises or somewhere else where a skateboard cannot be rolling on the ground. In such cases, you will realize that the portability of skateboard is very important.
In order to be very portable, the skateboard should be lightweight. Then, your child’s little body can carry it easily when he needs to. Other than that, you should be able to store it vertically to save space when necessary.
The Accessories and Features
Some skateboards actually come with spare tires, cleaning kits, and even LED lights. If you want any of these extras, you just have to look for the right brand and deal. In fact, these features come quite handy when you have specific needs in mind that you want to be addressed.
For example, your kid may only have free time for skateboarding at night and the LED lights become more of a necessity than a luxury. So, if you have preferences then just look for a skateboard that has a feature that can meet your needs.
The Price
It is best not to go for the cheapest skateboards available even if it is
just for fun. Because those can break quite easily and also make your kids
detest them. The expensive ones are not a great choice for kids and beginners
either.
Because the style may not fit them which will require future replacement.
Moreover, they may break even expensive ones very easily.
So, the trick is to stay in the safe zone- the medium-priced well-known skateboards to avoid getting ripped off. You will find good skateboards from the price of 100 dollars and above.
The Warranty
Skateboards are not exactly cheap and they do have quite a lot of parts that require somewhat maintenance. Therefore, if one just fails suddenly before you even expected it to, some backup is obligatory. The warranty provided with a skateboard may not cover the whole skateboard but certain frequently-failing parts.
Therefore, make sure the warranty terms cover most of the danger. In fact, if it covers all of the danger then even better, go for it!
The Benefits of a Skateboard
Does a kid who stays glued to a phone or computer worry you? Then, you should buy him a skateboard right away (you are already reading a best skateboard for kids guide, so you are on the right track). Because of the following reasons:
More movement outside: A skateboard will naturally help a child’s mental and physical growth by allowing him to be outside under the sun or trees more. Luckily, it makes the time outside fun.
Useful for commutes: Learning tricks and being cool are not the only reasons people buy skateboards for. In fact, it is becoming a popular and cheap transport for commuters.
Building skills: Whether you do tricks or not, riding a skateboard requires you to coordinate your various body parts with what you see. Therefore, it does help to build skills and better control. VLSkate folks have illustrated this on a cool clip below.
FAQs
What should be considered when choosing between a longboard and a shortboard?
It is mainly your purpose for using a skateboard and portability that you need to consider when choosing between a short and long skateboard. Apparently, short but still shortboards are great for daily use and commutes as they are portable and also fast. On the other hand, longboards are heavier and less compact. A shortboard is a great choice for doing tricks.
What are bushings for?
The bushings in the trucks absorb the turns you take. So, if your skateboard barely goes straight then you know what to blame.
Can I buy an over-sized skateboard?
As most skateboard companies don’t prefer building micro skateboards, you will often find yourself trying to fit in a slightly bigger version. That’s absolutely alright. It is very similar to riding a bicycle in theory. A bigger one will not be a problem as long as you know what you are doing.
When is the right time for a kid to get a skateboard?
According to the experts, as early as age 6-8 should be fine enough.
Final Words
With global warming on the rise, skateboards can prove to be the green
solution to pollution. Furthermore, it may also be the solution to the
financial troubles that fuels can cause. A kid will happily commute using a
skateboard while having loads of fun and you can also happily go to sleep.
However, a skateboard will be useful only if it is efficient. The best skateboard for kids should firstly be durable and secondly should perform really well. Therefore, you need to pour in your efforts to find the best one out there for you or the kids you are buying it for.
Even if it does not end up being the best, you will have a warranty to back things up.
