How to choose the right kids skateboard?
Today, even young children are showing an interest in a vehicle such as a skateboard. Getting the most comfortable device for a child is not at all difficult if you adhere to a few basic rules.
Device
The first skateboard for kids is usually the classic four-wheel design. It consists of several standard elements. They will be discussed below.
- Soundboard - this is a platform that is the base of the skate and is formed from several sheets. In most cases, the deck structure consists of 7-9 layers, but some simplified models have 6-7 such layers.
- The next important part of a skateboard is coating, resembling externally a sanding cloth, which prevents slipping of shoes during use of the vehicle.
- Suspension connects the board to the wheels, which are responsible for the movement of the skate. The rest of the details may be different - it depends on the complexity of the design.
With the growth of the child, more complex models become available to him, which will be discussed below.
- Ripstick Is a skateboard with two wheels that increases stability as speed increases. The platform has two segments that can rotate 360 degrees. The versatile design allows you to ride, perform tricks and go down high slopes.
- Snakeboard Is a type of skateboard design that has four wheels and three bendable pieces that form the deck. Such a vehicle cannot be used for jumping.
- Freeboard equipped with six wheels, the smaller of which have full circle axles.This version is recommended only for children confidently using the platform.
- Flowboard makes it possible to drive even the most inconvenient paths thanks to the presence of seven wheels on each of the axles.
- Longboard has a greater length and width, which makes riding on flat roads quite comfortable. With such a model, the child will be able to maintain stability even during downhill descents.
- Another unusual model is cruiserallowing you to perform advanced tricks.
How old are children allowed to ride?
Despite the fact that skateboards are made today even for young children, experts believe that children under 7 years old are better off not getting on the board... The main reason is that small skateboarders do not yet have sufficient stability to avoid injury when using a skateboard. However, the final decision must of course be made by the parents.
It is also worth noting that preschool children are advised to get up on the skate only when accompanied by an adult coach.
Design
Children's skateboards of different colors and designs are on sale, although most of the guys still prefer to do the decoration on their own, using paints for painting and themed stickers.
The buyer's fantasy is not limited by anything. For example, you can buy a classic purple skateboard with neat silkscreen printing, a vibrant retro model, or an urban platform with a deck painted to show the structure of the wood used.
Criterias of choice
To choose the right skateboard for your child, you need to make a purchase, taking into account its size and age. Since a children's skate is a full-fledged sports equipment, the safety, as well as the life of a skating child, will depend on a well-thought-out decision. Besides, it is extremely important to pay attention to what material the deck is made of. The ideal option is Canadian maple - platforms from it are very popular due to their high quality. For beginner skateboarders, a deck of seven or nine layers is fine.
In terms of quality, plastic skateboards are not much worse than wooden ones, but they cost much less. There are also models made of aluminum and fiberglass, suitable only for professional skaters.
Skateboard suspensions, which are also called tracks, are definitely investigated. Their weight and height determine how fast the child can move. For beginners, a platform with lowered tracks is more suitable, as well as sufficient width for greater stability.
The best option are suspension brackets made of aluminum and steel rods.
When choosing a skateboard for children, you should take care that so that the wheels do not protrude beyond the edges of the platform. These parts are made of polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane and have a diameter of 45 to 70 mm.
Wheel stiffness can vary. It should be remembered that its choice directly depends on the coverage. For example, if the road surface is rough, then the wheels need soft ones. However, if the wheels have great rigidity, then they make it possible to develop high speed, and therefore, to perform turning tricks.
For a children's skateboard, it is better to select wheels with a diameter of 54 mm and an average hardness of 78 to 85A. This model will make it possible to operate on any road.
Age
Micro-board is intended for those children whose height does not go beyond the border of 1 m. As a rule, we are talking about the age of children 3, 4 and 5 years old. The length of the device ranges from 69 to 70 cm and the width is approximately 16.5-17 cm.
Mini board suitable for those skaters whose height reaches 1-1.4 m. This height corresponds to the age of 6, 7 and 8 years. The dimensions of the sides of the device are 71x18 cm.
Mid-size board suitable for adolescents from 9 to 12 years old, who are stretched in height by more than 1.5 m.The dimensions of the product are 74x18.5 cm.
Full-size skate designed for children over 13 years old, and it doesn't even matter what their height is - the main thing is that the foot size should correspond to size 38 or more.
Floor
It doesn't really matter if a boy or a girl will use a skateboard, but there are some recommendations regarding the overall dimensions of the child. For tall and large children, who most often turn out to be boys, it is necessary to choose a platform with a width of 21 cm. For "compact" guys (girls) a skateboard with a width of 19 cm is suitable. concave - the deeper it is, the easier it is to perform tricks, while the usual straight skating will become more intense.
Manufacturers
When choosing a skateboard for a child, it is necessary to give preference only to reputable manufacturers. Suitable for a small child model S-2206ЕБ from the Leader Kids brand. The design is able to cope with a weight of up to 80 kg. Despite the fact that it is made of plastic, this product is of very high quality.
The low weight of the board itself makes it possible to safely transfer it from place to place, as well as push. The wide wheels provide better stability and the striking design appeals to young people.
If a skateboard is purchased for a teenager, then there are many more options on the market to choose from. For example, perfect fit longboard Hawai ISkatesurfer-2706, made of maple. The wheels are 69 mm wide and 55 mm in diameter for greater stability.
Another good solution is cruiser Side Sardin Fich, created in Australia. It is also made from maple leaves and has improved suspension brackets. Child-friendly German MikeJucker Surfing skateboard, as well as two-wheeled Razor Rip Stik G Caster Board.
Ridex Addict Model represents an ideal value for money. The deck is constructed from seven-layer maple wood, on top of which a quality finish is placed. Small wheels have a stiffness of 100A, which is considered ideal for driving on city roads. The possible weight of a person corresponds to 100 kg. The HELLO WOOD Scull also features a seven-layer deck.
In addition to convenient dimensions (77.5x20 cm), users also note a double bend at the end, which is responsible for the stability of movement. The hardness of the wheels corresponds to 100A. Transport device Moove & Fun MP3108-11A considered versatile and suitable for skaters of different ages. In addition to high quality, users are attracted by an unusual design inspired by classic boards.
There are a number of manufacturers that have won the popularity and trust of young skateboarders around the world.
For example, Alien Workshop creates platforms of classic design with high strength and large curves for greater stability. They are used for normal riding, but unfortunately do not allow jumping tricks.
Brand name Black label manufactures the most comfortable skateboards suitable for beginner athletes. The middle section of the platform has significant stability, but the front and rear will fail over time.
A manufacturer like Blind, has gained its popularity in the market due to its unusual and stylish design, as well as its low weight.
Brand name Santa Cruz, skateboards which are produced with a small bend, produces high-quality and comfortable products.
Australian stamp Penny board recently gained particular popularity due to its modern appearance and special attention to detail.
What kind of protection do you need?
A young skateboarder certainly needs protection to prevent any injury from a fall. Usually, The basic kit includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist rests.
Correctly selected sneakers also provide some protection. The material used for them should be soft, but dense, and the model itself should be comfortable to wear.In addition, it is important to have a flat sole and close contact with the deck. The importance of a tight, but not constricting grip on the lower leg cannot be ignored either.
It is better to choose a suit from natural materials, and buy T-shirts from microfiber, which helps to better remove perspiration. To free your hands, a small backpack or belt bag will come to the rescue.
In order for the training to take place without injuries, it is necessary to conduct the first trainings only on sites equipped for these purposes.
What if the skate is going to the side?
Young skateboarders face such a common problem when the platform rides sideways. There may be several reasons for this. For example, beginner athletes are characterized by a simple imbalance. Also, the problem may be in the twisted suspension or in the wheels - they may need to be swapped.
Of course, the most common fault is the curved board. A factory defect in one or both suspensions is also possible.
For information on how to choose a quality skateboard for your child, see the video below.