The Skate Club teacher Jack, teaching a child to skateboard down a ramp

Choosing Your First Skateboard Part 1: The Basics of Quality and Budget

So, you’re thinking about getting into skateboarding but feeling a bit lost in the sea of choices, huh? We totally get it.

You’re after something that screams quality without having to empty your bank account, and with all the options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t sweat it, though—We’re here to throw you a lifeline and guide you through what to look out for as you start this journey.

First things first, aim to budget around £40 or more. This should snag you a skateboard that’s really worth both your time and cash. 

In Jack’s book, he breaks down the nitty-gritty on every part of the skateboard and the key things to keep in mind when picking one out. Going for a ‘complete’ or ‘set-up’—basically, a full package deal—is your best bet for a hassle-free start.

It’s amazing because a quick online search for ‘complete skateboards’ will flood you with choices. But here’s a friendly heads up: you really do get what you pay for. Skimp on cost, and you might end up with a board that turns you off skating for good.

Trust us, splurging a bit on your first board is a smart move. It sets the stage for a killer skateboarding experience rather than leaving you bummed out.

Choosing the Perfect Shape and Size

Before we dive into the brand deep end, let’s talk about size.

Skateboard widths stretch from about 7 inches to 9 inches—though you can find ones even wider. This is all about how wide the board is.

Got a kiddo between 3-6 years old? Aim for a board width between 7” and 7.75”. If it’s labeled as a “mini complete,” you’ll also find it’s a bit shorter, making it a solid choice for those little legs.

For those 7 years and up, it’s time to level up to a standard-sized board. Anything from 7.75” to 8.25” in width is golden.

As you or your kid start racking up skate hours, you’ll begin to notice a preference for board width based on the tricks you dig. But when you’re just starting, don’t stress too much about width. It’s more about getting the feel for the ride at this point.

And when we talk shape, starting off with the classic “popsicle” style is the way to go. It’s a tried-and-true beginner’s choice. As you get more comfortable and maybe want to spice things up, then you can think about exploring more unique shapes. It’s all about finding what feels right for you and makes skateboarding a blast.

Remember, skateboarding is a journey, and finding the perfect board is all part of the adventure. Check out our next post where we break it down further into our own thoughts on each brand, the pros, cons, and what it means for you. So, let’s get rolling!



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