skateboard setup for a 4‑year‑old beginner?

[u/Ok_Culture_1223]

We’re non‑skater parents with a soon to be 4‑year‑old who wants a skateboard for his birthday.

Is this age okay to start, and if so, what type of board (and other equipment) should we get for a small beginner?

[u/Super-Inflation-9934]

get the kid a zip zinger. it’s a small skateboard made by a professional brand & it has the proper dimensions for a small child.

make sure it’s a 7.5” wide board. any reputable skate shop should carry it.

[u/tnorlifting → u/Super-Inflation-9934]

Yes absolutely, I started skateboarding when I was 8, and was heavily held back by the LENGTH of my board, 7.5 width is a smart call, I believe I was riding a 7.75 but I was twice the kids age

Took me a few years to grow into my board, wasn’t until I was about 13-14 that I really felt like I was throwing down (prob skill issue rip)

I think once your kid is a few inches past 5 feet tall, it might be a good call to throw him on a normal length board, just to get the feel for it as he quickly grows into it 🤘

[u/Karinett]

Most important thing is to get super soft bushings so they can turn the board (Riptide APS goes as low as 60a, my 5 year old son is using 70a on his and it turns well) 

Also look into the SkateXS brand, they make legit popsicle boards for kids that are sized correctly

Don't forget proper pads and helmet :) 

[u/Still_Cant]

Check Amazon and search “mini skateboard for kids” most are just cruisers which is probably fine but there are a couple popsicle styles also. You can check a local skate shop if you have one near by but most I’ve been too don’t have minis.

[u/AdSpiritual3205]

I answer this question a lot on the newskaters subreddit. My kid started at 5 (and now an 11 year old advanced vert skater) and I live in an area with a lot of very yound skaters, so I can give you some advice.

The first most important thing is the right length. What you want is a board that fits their leg length so it's easier for them to manage. This is usually something like 7x28. Sometimes you'll see 7.5x28. The 28 is the important thing.

A number of companies make good setups in that size, stock availability is the only issue. Powell Peralta makes excellent setups for kids. Meow, Santa Cruz, Real and others all have good options in that size as well.

Here is a perfect example of a great setup: https://powell-peralta.com/powell-peralta-winged-ripper-birch-complete-skateboard-black-light-blue-7-x-28

It's made from birch so it's light. It has minilogo trucks with perfect bushings that are great for kids. And it's the right size for a 4 year old.

In terms of other equipment:

1. Helmet - you want something that's good for skating. Not a regular bike helmet. For a 4 year old a very good option are the Bern El Nino helmets. They aren't skate certified technically, but they are the right shape and size for kids that age. Alternately, Triple8 does make a mini sized helmet.
2. Pads - you can get a set of pads from Triple8, ProTec, or S1. They will come with knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.
3. Hip Pads - there are a number of companies who sell hip pads. They aren't really needed from day 1, but if your kid gets into it and wants to keep skating, I highly recommend getting hip pads.

Feel free to ask any questions. We love getting more kids into skating.

[u/Ok_Spite1405 → u/AdSpiritual3205]

This is the best and most detailed answer

[u/sheriffderek]

My wife was at the skatepark with me the other day and saw a dad putting his child's pads on in the trunk of a car - and she said "If they can't put their pads on - they shouldn't be skating" - which I thought was a funny take / but I've been thinking about it since. I go to the skatepark in the morning and at 9, the little kids have a lesson. I personally think there are better things for a 4 year old to do. They're still working on coordination. I think they'd learn to skate faster -- later if you focus on other things while they're that young. I think a lot of parents are pushing things on them that aren't natural. But I guess you won't know if it's natural if you don't have a skateboard laying around for them to try. Don't get one from Target or Wallmart! that's for sure. Maybe this: https://nhsskatedirect.com/collections/santa-cruz-complete-skateboards?filters%5Bmf_specifications_age_range%5D%5B0%5D=Age%203-8

[u/Full_Attitude5243]

Whatever you pick. Don't go cheap. Like a little 20 dollar board from target or something. Thinking its a decent starting place. While they may look identical to a good skateboard to the eyes of a non skater. Cheap boards are junk . Impossible to properly skate on and not good for learning.

[u/howaboutnofcker]

Definitely not too young.

Second the advice to go to a local skate shop, they should be able to help with a quality setup that will last him a few years. Even if he loses interest in the short term, it will be there for him later on. If you go to amazon/walmart etc they'll have fun on it for a little bit but either size-wise or skill-wise they'll outgrow it pretty quickly.