Finding the perfect skateboard for a 7-year-old can significantly impact their learning experience and safety. While it might be tempting to grab any board, the right size and quality make a huge difference. This guide will help you navigate the options and choose a skateboard that will keep your young one rolling with confidence.
Skateboard Size Guide for 7-Year-Olds
Typically, a 7-year-old’s height and shoe size should guide your choice. If your child is between 4’5″ and 5’2″ tall, with a shoe size of 6 to 8, a skateboard deck between 7.0″ and 7.25″ wide is ideal. Ensure the trucks match the deck width for optimal performance and stability. While these are precise recommendations, a board between 7.25″ and 7.5″ wide will generally work well and accommodate growth for a bit longer. As they grow, you’ll want to consider a new setup when their feet start to hang over the edges of the board.
Let’s explore the best options, discuss complete boards versus custom setups, and touch on the vital importance of safety gear.
Top Skateboard Recommendations for 7-Year-Olds
We’ve curated a list of reliable and safe skateboards that have been rigorously tested and reviewed. These are primarily “popsicle” style skateboards, the most common type for street and park skating. We focus on boards that provide the best value and performance.
SkateXS Complete Skateboard
SkateXS complete skateboard for kids
The SkateXS stands out as a top pick, specifically engineered for children. They offer models for both boys and girls, with designs that cater to their needs. These skateboards feature colorful, kid-friendly graphics and come with softer wheels, lightweight trucks, and options for customization.
The deck is crafted from a durable blend of maple and bamboo, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of learning. The softer wheels enhance the riding experience over rough surfaces, providing excellent grip on smooth terrain, and effectively tackling cracks and pebbles, greatly reducing the risk of falls.
SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard wheels
SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard trucks
The SkateXS setup allows kids to easily correct mistakes, thanks to the carefully calibrated weight adjustments. The boards are designed to provide enhanced control and safety, giving kids more confidence as they learn to skate.
SkateXS has been producing kids’ skateboards for over a decade. Their range of quality boards are available at reasonable prices, with entry level options starting around $117.95 USD.
Powell Peralta Golden Dragon
Powell Peralta Golden Dragon SkateboardThe Powell Peralta Golden Dragon is popular among young skaters, known for its smooth, quiet ride on rougher surfaces. It comes equipped with standard trucks and 99a 54mm wheels, designed for good grip and a forgiving ride, which are ideal for beginners.
While it’s a good option, you might find better value by spending a bit more on a brand like Santa Cruz, known for its quality components. However, it’s still a solid choice for a 7-year-old. Before use, check the board to ensure the deck is not twisted or deformed, that the wheels spin freely, and that the trucks are in good condition.
CCS Complete Skateboard
CCS complete skateboard for kidsCCS is well-regarded for producing quality beginner-friendly skateboards at reasonable prices. These boards feature a decent deck, acceptable bearings, and trucks. The wheels are on the harder side, but for the price point, CCS provides excellent value. It’s a great option for parents looking for a reliable board that doesn’t break the bank.
The CCS brand offers different sizes to accommodate various ages and heights, making it easy to find a good fit. Here’s a general guideline:
| Age | Kid height | Skateboard width |
|---|---|---|
| 5 or under | 3’4 or under | 6.5″ to 7.0″ |
| 6 to 8 | 3’5 to 4’4 | 7.0″ to 8.0″ |
| 9-12 | 4’5 to 5’2 | 7.5″ to 8.0″ |
| 13 and over | 5’3 or over | 8.0″ and over |
The deck is constructed from 7 layers of maple wood with a mellow concave, making it comparable to those of premium brands. The CCS trucks are suitable for beginners, though more experienced skaters might want something more robust. The wheels perform well on smooth surfaces but can struggle with pebbles and twigs.
Enjoy Skateboards
Enjoy kids skateboardEnjoy Skateboards offers a diverse selection for kids aged 5 to 12, with components that are built for safety and performance. Their designs are very kid-friendly, with various graphics that appeal to different tastes.
These boards are made with high-quality maple and come with standard trucks, wheels, and bearings, ensuring they are ready to skate right out of the box. Though they can be slightly pricier, the investment yields great value in terms of safety and durability. You can adjust the trucks to suit your child’s preferences for a more personalized feel.
Santa Cruz Skateboards
Santa Cruz kids skateboardSanta Cruz is a legendary name in skateboarding, established in 1973 and known for building safe and reliable skateboards. The brand offers an extensive range of boards that are designed for skaters of all ages. Their boards are smooth, handle rough terrain well, and are quiet, making them a great option for kids.
The Santa Cruz deck is crafted from top-tier maple and produced by Dwindle (DSM), a renowned woodshop. The construction includes 7 layers of wood held together by epoxy resin and single pressed, offering a medium concave that enhances grip. The trucks match the width of the deck, which prevents the wheels from protruding and causing foot contact issues.
The OJ Slimeball wheels, with a hardness of 97a, provide excellent grip and smooth rolling. They are also 53mm in diameter, which is suitable for the size of the board, preventing wheel bite on sharp turns.
Birdhouse Complete
Birdhouse complete skateboardBirdhouse offers some of the highest quality complete skateboards on the market. This brand is known for its high-quality trucks, fast bearings, and 100A/53mm wheels. Although it is more expensive than other options, it provides exceptional performance, particularly in skate parks.
The deck is crafted from quality maple, featuring striking graphics. The trucks may require some adjustment, and a deck between 7.5″ and 8.0″ is suitable for kids under 10.
The Importance of Protective Gear
When introducing a child to skateboarding, safety is paramount. At a minimum, a helmet should always be worn. However, we also recommend knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Injuries can be discouraging and might make kids want to quit, so it’s essential to provide adequate protection.
There are many affordable protective sets available that are comfortable and fit well, and they don’t need to be too heavy-duty since children don’t weigh much. Ensure the gear fits properly so it doesn’t shift during use.
Understanding Skateboard Jargon
Navigating the world of skateboarding can be confusing, with terms like bushings, kingpin, and durometer being commonly used. Here’s a brief overview:
Skateboard components explosive view
Wheels: Softer and larger wheels are better for cruising, while harder wheels are better for tricks. The hardness is measured by the durometer scale, where 100A is the hardest. Some brands use the B-scale, which is more precise at the higher end of the hardness scale.
skateboard wheel durometer a scale
When selecting parts, make sure the trucks’ axle width matches the deck. For example, a 7.0″ deck should use 7″ wide trucks. Additionally, avoid wheels larger than 53mm for younger children and smaller boards.
Why Avoid Cheap Skateboards
Generally, it’s best to avoid low-cost skateboards. They often use low-quality components, making them unsafe and difficult to control. These boards can be heavy, making them hard to push, and they are prone to breaking, which can cause falls.
While cheap plastic skateboards might seem like a bargain, their lack of grip tape and instability make them a poor choice for learning. Investing in a quality skateboard ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for your child.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skateboard for a 7-year-old involves understanding the appropriate size, quality, and the importance of protective gear. While a smaller board is not always necessary, it makes learning easier and allows kids to develop the proper technique.
Steer clear of cheap skateboards, as their low-quality construction can be detrimental. By investing in quality components, you’ll provide your young skater with a safer, more enjoyable experience that can last for years. Don’t forget the helmet and other safety gear to keep your kid safe.
For more options, check our kids skateboard review page.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.
