Holiday FAQs

Part 2: Skateboards for the Little Guys

For you folks out there who are eagerly seeking the perfect skateboarding gift for the Holidays, here are some tips to get you going. Questions such as these will also be listed in the forum so that you can get some feedback from other actual skateboarders who are more than willing to assist.

Question:

My 7-year-old is interested in skateboarding (and what 7-year-old isn't?), but has a difficult time maintaining his balance (he's 4-and-a-half feet tall, 98lbs. He's definitely NOT small!). My wife and I were looking for a skateboard, but were considering some of the 'beginner' skateboards that have a handle (which would seem like the right direction to at least get him started). Unfortunately, most are made for 7-year-olds that are in the 50-75lb range, and he's pushing the weight tolerance on those boards. My son's very much like me, very heavily built, though I seemed to overcome gravity (except on a skateboard) without issue. Thoughts? Ideas? Good site refs? Help? :)

Answer:

The stuff you get in the toy stores is pretty cheap so try to find a skate shop and get him some real equipment that will hold his weight and not break apart. He's big for his age but still small so I would recommend something short with light trucks and a thin deck. Complete boards are cheaper than parts and since it's early on you might want to stick with that. Definitely forego the handle, though, and get him a real mini deck that's no more than 7.25" in width and 24.5" in length. Finally, make sure he's geared up with proper helmet and pads. We wouldn't want him taking the squish.

Check with your local skateshop to see what they carry. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to assist with brands and the like.

Here are a few sites that might help in your decision.

Building your own: http://elmer.live-e.com/live-e/singapore/english/2000may1/sports/sports2000may1c2a25.shtml

CCS: http://www.ccs.com/

Blankboards: http://www.blankboard.com/boards.html

Hope that helps. If I can be of any further service or if I failed to assist please don't hesitate to write again.

Thanks, MVT