At five years old, kids are often eager to try skateboarding, but adult-sized boards can be too challenging. While they might adjust their stance, a smaller skateboard is generally recommended for this age. Having tested numerous skateboards designed for 5-year-olds, I’ve curated a list of safe and reliable options. Smaller skateboards offer distinct advantages, and selecting a quality board is crucial for several reasons that we’ll explore shortly. This guide will cover essential aspects, recommend suitable boards, and provide vital safety tips. All skateboards featured have been tested by myself and my son.
Skip to the recommended skateboards or continue reading to understand what makes a good skateboard for young children.
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What is the Ideal Skateboard Size for a 5-Year-Old?
The optimal skateboard width for a 5-year-old ranges from 6.5″ to 7.0″. If your child is taller than average, a 7.25″ board might be more suitable. This size makes learning to skateboard much easier at a young age.
| 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 7.5″ |
| 9 to 12 | 4’5″ to 5’2″ | 7.5″ to 8.0″ |
| 13 and over | 5’3″ or over | 8.0″ and over |
Remember, skateboard sizes primarily refer to the deck’s width. Lengths vary, but kids’ skateboards are generally shorter and narrower overall. A kid-sized skateboard is highly recommended at age 5 due to the benefits they offer. My son began on a standard 8.0″ deck, mostly sitting on one knee and pushing, which is a common starting point for many young skateboarders.
Advantages of Smaller Skateboards for Young Kids
Smaller, narrower skateboards provide several overlooked benefits. Kids don’t need to adjust their stance as much on smaller boards, promoting better stability. Larger boards force kids to spread their feet wider, which reduces stability. On an 8.0″ board, kids often have to bend their knees into a crouch-like position, making it harder to control the board. Another key benefit is that smaller boards reduce the likelihood of feet hitting the wheels while pushing, which can lead to stumbles and falls. Ultimately, a smaller skateboard makes learning more accessible and enjoyable.
Essential Safety Measures for Fun and Secure Skateboarding
child in full skateboarding gear
Bright clothing, a helmet, appropriate shoes, and full protective gear are crucial for safe and enjoyable skateboarding. It’s reassuring to know your child is highly visible and well-protected. While 5 might seem young to start, with proper supervision and the right gear, it’s certainly feasible. Usually, children start by sitting on the skateboard with one knee and pushing with the other foot. Because children are small, they can be easily overlooked in traffic, so always keep your eyes on your child and avoid distractions like your phone.
The Importance of Helmets, Knee Pads, and Wrist Guards
skateboard protective gear
A helmet is the most crucial piece of protective gear. I also highly recommend knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and even skate shoes that offer good grip and control. A combo package, including all necessary protective gear, is typically more cost-effective. While it might seem like a significant investment, it’s a one-time expense that will pay dividends in safety and confidence. Check out my recommendations for kids’ protective gear. Proper protective gear also keeps kids motivated; a bad fall without it could discourage them from continuing.
The Pitfalls of Cheap Skateboards
low quality skateboards
Avoid cheap skateboards at all costs. Those $30 complete boards might look appealing, but they are often unsafe. After buying and testing about ten of these popular, inexpensive Amazon skateboards, I was shocked by their poor quality. They often feature extremely hard wheels that are noisy and don’t spin well. These boards are flimsy and prone to breaking. The picture below shows the poor wood quality, often arriving delaminated. You might end up returning these boards due to broken bearings, slippery wheels, or deformed decks. Additionally, stay clear of cheap plastic skateboards, which are accidents waiting to happen.
delaminated skateboard deck
There is a significant difference between a quality skateboard and a cheap knockoff. My son only suffered a real injury when riding a cheap plastic skateboard. Having used premium skateboards for kids, he didn’t realize how unsafe the $15 board was.
Recommended Skateboards for 5-Year-Olds
Whether you choose a cruiser or a regular skateboard, avoid cheap or plastic options. The components in cheaper skateboards, like the trucks and bearings, are prone to breaking. This can cause wheels to seize and the board to stop suddenly. Low-quality boards delaminate, chip easily, and quickly develop a sharp razor tail. Fortunately, all components can be replaced, so you don’t need a new board if parts wear out. Here are a few boards I recommend:
1. SkateXS Skateboard
skateXS kids skateboards
SkateXS offers exceptional skateboards and, in my opinion, the best skateboards for 5-year-olds. They are designed specifically for young children and are of superb quality. No other brand provides this type of setup.
What We Like
These boards feature soft (90A) wheels, a quality deck with great graphics for both boys and girls, quality bearings, and durable trucks. The more advanced SkateXS boards have even better components, but the basic version is perfect for beginners.
Click/tap images to enlarge
SkateXS skateboard up closePerfect size
The softer wheels make for a smoother ride, especially on rough surfaces. They also perform well on slick surfaces and can handle cracks and pebbles. This skateboard turns easily and is simple for younger children to control, uniquely adjusted to their weight. A board that’s easier to control is a safer board. Having built skateboards for kids for over a decade, SkateXS knows exactly what young children need. They offer safe and fun boards at a fair price, starting at $119.95 USD.
Check out their skateboards at SkateXS. You can even add a name for a personal touch.
What We Don’t Like
There’s nothing to dislike about these skateboards; they are exceptionally well-made. They are more expensive than some other options, but the quality you get is unmatched. This is the top-rated kids’ skateboard available, easily a 10 out of 10.
SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard
SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard wheels
SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard trucks
SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard trucks
Our Score
SkateXS Kids Skateboard
Performs excellently on sidewalks, concrete, and asphalt. Delivers a smooth and reliable ride from the get-go.
- Custom-designed for kids
- Can handle pebbles and cracks
- High-quality parts
- Excellent customer support
- The safest skateboard we tested
Buy at SkateXSRead Review
2. Meow Skateboards
meow skateboard
Meow offers adorable graphics; those kittens are charming, even for someone who doesn’t love cats. The wheels are excellent for riding on rougher streets and are relatively quiet. It features Meow-branded trucks and 90a 52mm wheels, making them soft and grippy.
What We Like
This is a good, budget-friendly option for beginner kids. It performs its intended function and is priced affordably. It’s a solid choice for a 5-year-old, with larger and softer wheels than other boards on this list, making for a very stable ride that handles cracks, pebbles, and other small objects well.
meow kids skateboard trucksTrucks
What We Don’t Like
Initially, we experienced some issues with the wheels and bearings, which were resolved with silicone lubricant. I also had to adjust the axle nuts, which were too close to the wheels. After these minor fixes, we had no further problems. Choose the 7.0″ size for a 5 to 6-year-old. Currently available on Amazon.
3. Santa Cruz Skateboard
Santa Cruz kids skateboard
Santa Cruz, a well-established and trusted brand with decades of experience, offers quality, reliable, and safe skateboards for children of all ages. Founded in 1973 by NHS, Santa Cruz remains a very popular choice today. This is the exact board my son rides and he loves it. I particularly like that it’s quiet and can handle rough surfaces and small obstacles effectively.
What We Like
The wheels are soft and roll over small rocks without any issues. The trucks match the deck’s width perfectly, preventing wheels from sticking out, and there is no risk of your child’s back foot hitting the wheels when pushing.
Click/tap images to enlarge
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Santa Cruz kids skateboard
Bullet trucks are reliable, checked for deformation, and designed to prevent the skateboard from veering in one direction. The OJ Slimeball wheels are ideal for both streets and skate parks. With a hardness of around 97a, they provide good grip and are relatively quiet. The 53mm diameter is perfectly suited to the board size, preventing the deck from coming into contact with the wheels on sharp turns. The deck has a medium concave, which helps maintain grip while moving the feet.
Check for prices and availability of Santa Cruz skateboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
What We Don’t Like
The deck is made of birch and produced by NHS. While they maintain strict quality control, they recently switched from maple to birch for their decks. Birch is less durable and provides less pop. You now get seven layers of birch for the same price (or more). This is the biggest drawback of this board and I hope Santa Cruz reconsiders this choice.
4. Enjoi Skateboards
Enjoi kids skateboard
Enjoi offers a wide range of skateboards for kids aged 5 to 12, with great quality components and safe designs. They have several graphics, suitable for both boys and girls, including pandas, cats, dogs, and butterflies. Enjoi kids’ skateboards feature softer wheels for easier turning. Overall, they provide a good quality skateboard with attractive graphics.
What We Like
These can be a bit pricier, but they offer a great setup. The boards are made from quality maple wood with standard trucks, wheels, and bearings. They are skate-ready right out of the box, although I suggest testing and adjusting the trucks. You can tighten or loosen the trucks to suit your child’s preference, impacting how well the board turns.
What We Don’t Like
The trucks are very loose due to the soft bushings. While loose trucks make the skateboard turn more easily, they sacrifice some stability. Tighter trucks reduce jitters and improve stability. I suggest experimenting with the trucks after your child has been skating for a few hours. You’ll need to fine-tune the trucks to get the most out of this skateboard. The wheels are quite hard and less suited to rough roads, though they work well in concrete skate parks. Choose the 7.0″ or 7.25″ size for taller children.
Check Amazon for prices.
Conclusion
There are numerous options for 5-year-old beginner skateboarders today. Avoid cheap skateboards, which are frustrating and often delaminate. While a kid-sized skateboard isn’t always necessary at five, adult-sized boards are difficult for young children to ride. Make sure to get proper protective gear, especially a helmet. Always supervise your child and ensure they wear bright clothing and full protective gear.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an experienced skateboarder who still enjoys riding. I started skateboarding 25 years ago, hit my peak in the 2000s, and still skate regularly. I’m a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, and I love testing equipment and sharing my findings.
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