5 Best Skateboards for 6 Year Olds + How to Start

My daughter started begging for a skateboard when she was four.

Despite her obsession passion for all things skateboarding, she didn’t quite have the coordination yet to skateboard…or to do any physical activities that required a sense of spatial awareness, really. So we bought her a scooter for her fifth birthday to start building her balance.

By the time she was five, she was cruising on her scooter and undeniably ready for her first skateboard. But my husband and I didn’t have a background in skateboarding, especially when it came to younger kids, and didn’t know where to begin.

We learned a lot over the next few years, most of it through recommendations, trial and error, and learning our daughter’s personal riding style and needs over time.

What are the best skateboards for 6 year olds? Let’s talk about it!

Understanding Skateboard Types

The first thing we learned is that a skateboard is never just a skateboard. Kids today have lots of skateboard types to choose from, each with its own features and riding style. 

Let’s look at the four main types of skateboards for 6-year-olds.

Complete Skateboards

Complete skateboards come ready to ride out of the box. They put all the parts together for you, making them great for beginners.

These boards usually have a standard shape with a curved nose and tail. The deck is often made of sturdy maple wood.

Complete skateboards for kids typically have:

• Softer wheels for a smoother ride
• Wider trucks for more stability
• Grippy deck tape to help little feet stay on

You can find complete boards in different sizes. For a 6-year-old, look for one that’s about 7 inches wide and 28 inches long.

Mini Cruiser Boards

Mini cruisers are smaller and lighter than regular skateboards. This makes them easier for young kids to both control and carry.

They have a wooden or plastic deck that’s usually under 27 inches long and the shape is often like a surfboard, with a pointed nose and tail.

Mini cruisers have:

• Soft, bouncy wheels
• Loose trucks for quick turns
• A shorter wheelbase for tight spaces

These boards are great for riding around the neighborhood or school. They’re not necessarily made for tricks, but they’re fun for cruising!

Penny Boards

Penny boards are a type of mini cruiser made of plastic. They’re named after the Penny brand but many companies make similar boards.

Key features of Penny boards:

• Very small (usually 22 inches long)
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Bright, fun colors
• Soft wheels for a smooth ride

Penny boards can feel a bit wobbly for beginners. But once kids get the hang of them, they’re super fun to zoom around on.

Cruiser Boards

Cruiser boards are like a mix between a skateboard and a longboard. They’re bigger than mini cruisers but smaller than longboards.

These boards are great for getting around town. They have:

• A wider deck for more foot space
• Bigger, softer wheels for rough roads
• A kicktail for easy turning and stopping

Cruisers come in different shapes. Some look like old-school skateboards, while others have unique designs like fish shapes.

For 6-year-olds, look for a smaller cruiser. A 26-inch board can be a good size to start with.

Factors to Consider

Finding the right skateboard for your 6-year-old means looking at a few key factors. The board size and wheels matter a lot for safety and fun.

Board Size and Shoe Size

Board size is crucial for young skaters. 

A board that’s too big can be hard to control. But one that’s too small might not feel stable enough to younger kids!

For most 6-year-olds, a board width of 7 to 7.5 inches works well. This size fits small feet and offers solid balance. 

However, if your child’s shoe size is bigger than their peers, you might consider a wider board to better accommodate their shoes and allow for a steadier stance.

Length matters too. A shorter board, around 28 inches, is easier for kids 6 years old to turn and carry.

Wheels for Different Surfaces

Having the right wheels makes a big difference in how a board rides. 

Softer wheels (78A-87A) offer a smooth ride on rough surfaces. They’re great for sidewalks and bumpy roads.

For smooth surfaces like skate parks, harder wheels work better. They let kids go faster and do tricks more easily.

Wheel size matters too. 

Smaller wheels, around 50-54mm, are good for younger riders. They keep the board lower to the ground, making it easier to push and more stable.

Look for wheels with good bearings too. ABEC-7 bearings are a great choice for kids, since they help the wheels spin smoothly without going too fast.

Choosing the Perfect Skateboard

Picking the right skateboard for your 6-year-old is key to their enjoyment and progress. You’ll want to focus on quality parts and a board that can grow with their skills.

High-Quality Components

It’s tempting to choose a cheaper board, especially if you’re not sure how long your child will stay interested in boarding.

However, we learned that cheaper boards offer a cheaper (and often, more challenging) experience to young riders. (One time, our daughter’s wheels fell off mid-cruise!)

We also learned that skateboards take a beating, from being scraped across surfaces to bouncing off curbs. Cheaper skateboards will fall apart faster from everyday use, forcing you to buy yet another board.

When looking for the best skateboard for young skaters, you’ll want to pay attention to the quality of the deck, trucks, and wheels. 

A good deck should be made of sturdy maple wood, typically 7-ply for durability.

Trucks need to be strong and responsive. Aluminum is a great choice since it’s lightweight but tough. 

When it comes to wheels, soft polyurethane wheels (78A-87A durometer) are ideal for beginners. They offer better grip and a smoother ride.

And don’t forget about bearings! ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 ratings are suitable for kids and provide a good balance of speed and control.

Finally, look for boards with grippy tape on top (or add your own!). This helps your child stay on the board while riding.

Skateboard for Skill Progression

Again, you might be tempted to buy the smallest, cheapest board for younger kids.

I’ve always been a sucker for a good deal. And anyways, kids don’t need high quality, right?!

But you’ll want to consider buying a board that will grow with your child’s size and skills…so you’re not forced to buy another board a few months down the road.

Remember to check the weight limit. Many kids’ boards can hold up to 220 pounds…a feature that means your child can use it for years to come, even as they grow.

And consider a board with kicktails on both ends! While they may not need them when they’re first learning to skateboard, these raised ends help with tricks and turning as your child advances.

Best Skateboards for 6 Year Olds

While all of those details in mind, here are the top 5 skateboards recommended for 6 year olds:

SkateXS Beginner Series

I’m starting here because this was the skateboard we finally landed on for our daughter.

These boards are custom-built for kids ages 5-12 and feature high-quality trucks, bearings, and wheels. They’re designed specifically for younger kids to ensure a smooth and safe ride, which made learning easier on all of us.

Magneto Mini Cruiser

This skateboard is perfect for younger kids due to its smaller size and easy maneuverability. It’s designed to be durable and provide a stable ride, making it a great choice for beginners

Landyachtz Dinghy

Known for its compact size and durable build, the Landyachtz Dinghy is a great option for young skaters. It offers a smooth ride and is easy for kids to control

Real Mini Decks

Real decks are known for their quality and are available in smaller sizes (7.5 and 7.75 inches) that are perfect for young riders. These decks help kids progress with a thoughtful shape and build.

Ookkie Skateboard

Is your child not quite ready to go it alone?

This skateboard is specifically designed for younger children learning to skate. It features a handle for parents to assist and guide their child, making it a great beginner board for younger and/or more timid riders.

Where to Shop for Skateboards

You have two main options when looking for skateboards for young riders.

Local skate shops offer hands-on help and expertise, while online stores provide convenience and selection. Both can be great places to find the right board for a 6-year-old skater.

Local Skate Shops

Your neighborhood skate shop is a top spot to buy boards for kids. The staff knows skating and can help you pick the right size and style for your young rider.

You can see and touch boards before buying, allowing you to check the quality up close. Many shops let kids try boards in the store or nearby, helping them decide which type of skateboard feels best.

Plus, seeing the cool designs in person can be a fun and exciting experience for your child!

Supporting a local shop also helps your skating community grow. You might learn about lessons or skate spots for kids while you’re there too!

Online Retailers

Shopping online gives you more choices and allows you to quickly compare lots of different boards. It makes it easier to find good deals and (my favorite!) offers the added perk of customer ratings and reviews.

Make sure you’re shopping sites that offer detailed info about each board. Detailed pictures and specs will help you make a more informed decision.

You’ll also want to check the return policy in case you find the board you land on isn’t right for your child after all.

Some online shops, like SkateXS, focus just on kids’ gear. They often have better options for young skaters, filtered by skill level and budget.

Some kid-specific sites offer starter packs with safety gear included and will even let you customize the board’s look to suit your child’s style!

Safety First

Let’s talk more about that safety gear! When skateboarding, your child’s safety should be the top priority.

Protective gear is not only crucial to prevent injuries but also to ensure that skating remains a fun experience. After all, most kids won’t be eager to get back on their board if they’re still beat up from their last session.

Importance of Protective Gear

Protective gear is a must for young skaters.

The first and most obvious safety gear purchase is a helmet. Helmets protect the head from falls and bumps, helping to avoid concussions and other serious injuries.

Knee pads and elbow pads guard against scrapes and bruises.

And don’t forget about wrist guards! They’ll help support your child’s wrists if they fall, avoiding any broken bones and subsequent trash bag-covered showers with casts. (Ask me how I know.)

With the right gear, your kid will skate with more confidence. They’ll be less afraid to try new tricks when they know their falls and scrapes won’t be life-shattering.

Choosing the Right Gear

This is an area where you don’t want to pinch pennies! Look for high-quality materials that will last. 

Protective gear should fit well and be comfortable. After all, if it’s not comfortable, your child won’t want to wear it.

Make sure helmets fit snugly. They shouldn’t wobble on your child’s head. 

Knee pads and elbow pads should stay in place when your child moves. Meanwhile, wrist guards should allow some hand movement but still offer protection.

Try gear on before buying it if you can. Let your child move around in it to help ensure a good fit. 

Bright colors or fun designs can make wearing gear more exciting for kids. (Our helmet fights went way down when my child was suddenly wearing a Spider-Man mohawk helmet!)

And don’t forget to replace gear as your child grows! Safety equipment that’s too small can’t do its job properly.

Building Confidence on the Board

If your kid is anything like mine, they’ll imagine jumping on their new skateboard and immediately zooming around the skate park. When they realize it’s harder than it looks, they may become frustrated or even afraid.

Building confidence on a skateboard takes time and practice. Start with basic skills and work your way up to better balance and control.

Starting with the Basics

The first thing they need to do is get comfortable standing on the board.

Place their skateboard on a soft surface like grass or carpet. Encourage them to step on and try to keep their balance.

Next, they’ll need to learn proper stance.

Instruct them to place their front foot near the front bolts and their back foot on the tail. They should bend their knees slightly and keep their arms relaxed at their sides.

Help them practice pushing off with their back foot while keeping their front foot on the board. This will help them get accustomed to moving. 

Go slow at first and focus on staying steady! Try rolling back and forth on a flat, smooth surface to help them get a feel for how the board moves under their feet. 

Despite their urging to go down ramps and try kick flips, tell them not to worry about tricks yet – that the first and most important step is to get comfortable riding.

Mastering Balance and Control

Once they’re okay with basic rolling, they should work on their balance.

Try standing on one foot while the board is still. Switch feet to build strength in both legs.

Help them learn to turn by shifting their weight to their toes or heels. Start with small, gentle turns and gradually make them bigger as they improve.

Practice stopping safely.

Teach them to drag their back foot on the ground to slow down. They can also step off the board with their back foot while keeping their front foot on.

Try riding over small bumps or cracks to get used to different surfaces. This helps them prepare for real street skating.

Remember, falls happen to everyone. Everyone!

Make sure they wear their safety gear and encourage them to take breaks when they need them. Their skill level will improve with every session.

Skate Parks and Practice Spaces

Skate parks are awesome spots for 6-year-olds to learn, have fun, and get inspired by other skaters. They offer safe places to practice and make new friends.

Choosing a Safe Skate Park

Look for skate parks with areas for beginners. These should offer smaller ramps and obstacles that are just right for a 6-year-old. 

Some parks even have set times for younger skaters! This can be a great opportunity for your child to skate with kids their own age.

Be sure the park has smooth surfaces for an easy ride, avoiding parks with cracks or debris that could cause accidents. This will help your child build confidence as they learn.

Always go with your child and watch them as they skate.

Bring safety gear like helmets, pads, and a first aid kit.  And don’t forget water and snacks for breaks!

Benefits of Practicing at a Skate Park

I’ll admit…I don’t always enjoy going to the skate park. Our closest skate park is a huge slab of concrete with little to no shade and frankly, I feel pretty lame rolling up in my mom bun.

But skate parks offer some of the best places for your 6-year-old to improve their skills!

They allow your child to master different surfaces and obstacles in a safe setting, helping them improve their balance and control.

Your child can also meet other skaters and make new friends there, plus watch older kids and learn new tricks. This social aspect makes skating more fun and motivating.

Bonus: Skating also provides great exercise, keeping your little one active and healthy!

Remember to praise your child’s efforts, not just their results. This will help keep them excited about skating and eager to keep learning.

Maintaining Your New Skateboard

Once you have a new skateboard in hand, it’s tempting to think your work here is done.

But taking care of your child’s skateboard will help it last longer and perform better! Regular upkeep is key to keeping their board in top shape.

Cleaning and Storage

Teach your child to clean their skateboard after every use.

Wipe the deck with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. For tougher spots, use a mild soap.

Don’t soak the board, as water can damage the wood. Always be sure they dry their skateboard thoroughly before storing it. 

Keep your child’s skateboard in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it outside or in damp areas to extend its life.

Replacing Parts

You’ll also want to check your child’s skateboard parts regularly for wear and tear. 

Look at the wheels, bearings, trucks, and deck.

Replace worn-out wheels when they get too worn or develop flat spots. Make sure to tighten the axle washers when putting on new wheels.

If/when bearings become noisy or don’t spin well, try cleaning them to see if it helps. If you’re still running into the same issues after a good cleaning, it may be time to swap them out for new bearings.

Replace the grip tape when it starts peeling or loses its grip. You can do this yourself or ask a skate shop for help.

If the deck itself shows signs of cracking or severe wear, it may be time for a new one.

And that’s about all you need to know about the best skateboards for 6 year olds…at least for now!

Landing on the best skateboard and protective gear for your child is a great place to start…but it’s just the first step in supporting them with their first skateboard. Now, the job of coaching, hand holding, cheering, bandaging up scrapes, and doing it all over again the next day is just beginning.

You’ve got this! Both of you do!

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