Nothing symbolizes the punk rock scene more than a skateboard does. For so many years, it has been a symbol of creativity, rebellion, and the extreme. But skateboarding has now become so popular not just because of the earlier mentioned aspects but also as a popular means of transport and passion.
That is why it’s no surprise that everybody from beginner kids to teens wants to get one and start their skateboarding journey. But if you’re not that familiar with the scene or the sport, you could easily purchase something that might break prematurely or endanger your loved ones.
Do not worry, we can help you choose the best skateboard for beginners. Let’s take a look at some of the best beginner skateboards of 2020.
Best Beginner Skateboards of 2021
Our Top 5 Picks
1. Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon Complete Skateboard – Overall Best skateboards for Beginners
2. Merkapa Complete Skateboard with Colorful LED Light Up Wheels – Runner Up Beginner Skateboards
Who doesn’t love light up skateboards? Merkapa Complete Skateboard with colorful LED light-up wheels is one of the most popular beginner skateboards on Amazon.
Firstly, this is a very cute looking skateboard with graphics and vibrant color. The light-up wheels are a fun addition to this skateboard. What’s more? The light-up wheels don’t have any batteries or charging system. They run on electricity generated from the rotary power of the wheels. Merkapa is a China-based outdoor sports and leisure brand. This is probably the reason the product costs nothing compared to its features. For the price point, you won’t find a better product with similar features in any retail outlet.
Merkapa Complete Skateboard has the right size and speed for beginners to learn skateboarding as fast as possible. It has a 22 inches and 6 inches wide deck, which is sturdy and offers excellent lateral flexion.
Merkapa has put extra importance on safety with its design. The LED lights on the wheels will stop working if the wheels are loose. Merkapa Complete Skateboard is also CE certified, which means it maintains industry-standard safety measures. Instead of using grip tape, Merkapa uses an anti-slip textured surface to provide excellent gripping.
This Merkapa Complete Skateboard is made of high-quality PP plastic, which makes it reliable for any terrain. Moreover, it has 60 x 45 mm sized PU wheels for better shock absorption and grip. The v-truck and base size is 3.2 inches and made of high-quality aluminum. The combination of all these makes it a complete beginner skateboard.
Pros
- This skateboard has extra safety features, which makes it ideal for kids and beginners.
- Customers love the different colored light-up wheels.
- It offers great features at a very affordable price.
Cons
- It’s smaller than the average beginner skateboards.
- It supports weight up to 180lbs. Not ideal for older kids and youth.
4. BELEEV Skateboards for Beginners – Best Beginner Skateboard for Girls
Looking for a fashionable, beginner skateboard for young girls and teenagers, check this one out. BELEEV is one of the best kick scooter and skateboards manufacturers. This skateboard is primarily for beginners who want to try skateboarding for the first time. Even adults can ride it as the board is well made and sturdy.
BELEEV skateboards for beginners are designed with style and safety in mind. They are packed with safety features to provide a safe riding experience for beginners. This BELEEV skateboard comes with a 31″ length x 8” wide deck, made with 7-Ply Canadian maple wood. It weighs only 4.7lbs so that you can easily carry it around.
The body is compact and strong with 5-inch solid aluminum alloy trucks, which offer impressive sliding and braking capacity. It has a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs, so adult users can ride it as well. However, the wheels and bearing aren’t well-built to withstand the beating of an adult user. It also has a double symmetric concave board. The design offers better control while performing basic stunts or tricks.
It boasts with 55mm 95A PU wheels, ABEC-7 steel bearings along with soft PU bushings. The wheels don’t roll fast, which gives the board more stability compared to other skateboards. BELEEV cruiser skateboard comes fully assembled and ready to enjoy a fun ride!
Pros
- The skateboard is sturdy and lightweight, ideal for beginners.
- The non-slip grip tape gives the board more firm hold to the feet and makes it easier to balance.
- The double kick tail concave design offers more safety for kids.
Cons
- The plastic wheels aren’t as high quality as the rest of the set.
5. Enjoi Complete Skateboards – Best Beginner Skateboard for Youth/Adults
Here is the fifth pick of our top five best skateboards for beginners. This one comes from the premium skateboard brand Enjoi. Keeping in mind the beginners, it arrives fully assembled so that users can begin skateboarding right out of the box.
What users like most about this skateboard is the quality of the deck. The deck is made from North American maple, which offers a firm board for beginner’s feet. It’s lightweight too. It weighs only 4.4lbs. The Epoxy Resin Glue construction makes the boards sturdier than most boards on the market.
Since it is a complete set, you get TGM wheels, bearings, hardware, and core trucks along with the deck. Though these components aren’t premium, they work perfectly for a beginner. Additionally, the 92a, 52mm wheels make it easy to roll smoothly.
The single deck press is another key feature of Enjoi skateboards. They have the same shape and concave design. So users can easily transition into or from a new deck.
Due to the resin construction, the deck can withstand hard impacts. The extra durability and consistent performance make this skateboard perfect for beginners.
The skateboard has a black and white design along with Enjoi’s logo. Users love the colorful and cartoonish graphics on the deck.
There are a few things that could be improved. The set comes with a 7.75″ board, which you might feel a little narrow for beginners. Additionally, the quality of trucks and bearings don’t make it an ideal choice for adult beginners. You might have already guessed that this one is costlier compared to others. However, it offers great value for the price point.
Pros
- This skateboard is rated high by the users for its high-quality deck.
- It is lightweight, which makes cruising easier.
- It offers excellent durability and performance, which practically makes it a good skateboard for beginners.
Cons
- This skateboard is designed for beginners but costlier than most beginner skateboards.
- Though the set comes fully assembled, it requires some adjustments.
Recommended Best Beginner Skateboard Reviews
1. Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon Complete Skateboard
Another Powell Complete Skateboard on our list, but this one is a bit larger. So both beginners and advanced riders can ride it. This is actually a good quality skateboard for its price.
This Powell Golden Dragon Skateboard is equipped with Poly-urethane wheels, measures at 7.625 x 31.625 inches. In addition, the K12 concave-shaped wheels have a dimension of 54mm / 99A.
It’s well built and has the stylish signature dragon design of the brand on the deck. This skateboard promises consistency and will serve as training wheels for your kids as they learn more complicated tricks on more serious skateboards later on.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Meant for beginners
- Good size
- Cool design
Cons
- May not be as durable as advertised
2. MINORITY Maple Skateboard
MINORITY has been trying to design skateboards that are not only stylish and durable but, at the same time, fit for beginner riders. And they might have accomplished it in this model.
MINORITY Maple Skateboard is a classic, smart and versatile skateboard for beginners. Made from 100% 7-ply hard rock maple, the 32×8 inch Deck is pretty sturdy and feels comfortable. The 5-inch meal trucks offer additional strength to the deck that supports weight up to 220 pounds. It also comes with a carbon steel kingpin, 78A high rebound PU bushing, ABEC 9 precision bearings, and 52mm 102A PU wheels.
The epoxy glue construction offers the flexibility and durability a beginner rider needs. The deck is also quite spacious and easy to maneuver perfectly for practicing basic skills when just starting.
It has solid trucks forged with genuine aluminum alloy and built with a chrome steel axle and rust-free hardware. The ABEC-9 bearings and the 23mm wheels reach max speed within three power paddle. This feature ensures maximum convenience.
It is built with environmentally friendly materials and comes in stylish designs.
Pros
- Stable and comfortable for beginners
- Nice bounce to it for basic tricks or stunts
- Cool artsy designs
- Eco-friendly build
- Great value for money
Cons
- The bearings and wheels are not top quality
3. Krown Rookie Complete Skateboard
Here is a popular beginner skateboard from Krown. Krown Rookie Complete Skateboard boasts about Canadian Maple construction, which makes the 7.5 x 31 Inch deck real compact and durable.
This skateboard’s measurement is perfect for kids as young as 5 years old but still has the size and durability to take on teenagers and even adults.
The first thing you may notice on this skateboard is its stylish flame design that comes in multiple colors. But that’s not what makes it perfect for beginners. There is more than just one reason for its popularity. It is lightweight in design, which means users can easily carry it around. The black grip tape offers much need stability and grip, so you can practice some of the basic but crucial fundamental skills.
In addition to the quality starter deck, the board also comes with heavy-duty aluminum 5.0 trucks and a 52mm 99A high-rebound wheels. However, some users complained that the Abec-78 bearings that come with the set don’t roll on smoothly. Overall, it’s an industry-standard affordable skateboard for beginners.
Pros
- Versatile size and shape
- Cool attractive design
- Great quality for the price
- Perfect for beginners to learn some basic tricks or stunts
Cons
- Low-quality bearings and bushings
4. Arcade Pro Skateboard
Rather than making skateboards that suit beginners first and seasoned riders next, Arcade has designed a skateboard for the pros that fulfills the needs of beginner riders as well. So if you level up your game in a short while, you won’t have to purchase another skateboard, as this one can already accommodate your needs.
The deck is made with 7-Ply maple, which is why the deck seems so durable and lightweight. The graphics on the deck is pretty cool. The deck is 31.25-inch wide, which is ideal for a beginner skateboard. Furthermore, the deck is equipped with T6 aluminum trucks, Abec-7 bearings, and 54mm PU wheels.
As mentioned before, it has slightly larger 54mm inject PU wheels, which are great for adding stability to the board. It’s one of the cheapest skateboards for beginners. However, it has all the features needed for a beginner to start learning some tricks and stunts.
It also has colorways and designs that are perfect for all ages. The board has a good weight capacity of 220 pounds.
Pros
- Versatile and stylish design
- Good size for all ages
- Stable wheels and trucks
- Built for all-terrain
Cons
- Wheels construction could use some improvement
5. POSITIV Team Complete Skateboards
POSITIV is one of the most well-known beginner skateboard brands. As the name implies, Positiv skateboards want to give positive experiences for beginner riders. They are built with meticulous specifications in mind.
POSITIV Team Complete Skateboard is full of amazing features. The best part of it is the aesthetically pleasing deck. Along with the bright graphics, it is simply labeled with the word “Positiv!”. Made from maple, the concave-shaped deck has a width of 8 inches and a length of 32.125 inches.
The deck is fully covered by grip tapes. Therefore, you can ride smoothly without worrying about losing your balance. POSITIV ensures a high level of durability when it comes to deck manufacturing. That is why they usually have a high weight capacity.
It’s a trusted brand by multiple famous pro skaters like Rodney Jones and Andy Macdonald, so you can be sure that this skateboard won’t disappoint you.
Pros
- Great quality for the price
- Trusted brand
- Quite durable
- Great starter skateboard
Cons
- A little heavier than average beginner skateboards
6. Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard
If you are looking for a good starter alternative to the penny skateboards, check out this Mini Cruiser Skateboard from the Skatro brand. It costs way less than the penny boards, but still gets the job done.
For those who prefer a flexible, smooth ride, the Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard is second to none. The board is created using Skatro’s proprietary flex technology, which is key to the high flexibility of Skatro’s Skateboards. The flex on the board helps to get a smoother ride when riding it.
The 22”x6” deck is lightweight and comes with different color options. The board comes with Abec 7 Skatro Bearings and 59MM Urethane Skatro wheels, which are rated high by most users. The lightweight aluminum trucks are very responsive and easy to adjust with the Free T-tool that comes with the set.
While it is not ideal for serious riders, it can help starters learn the ropes and get them ready for more complicated tricks later on.
With more than one thousand reviews and an average rating of 4.5 on Amazon, you can’t go wrong with this Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard.
Pros
- Fun for starters
- Attractive design and style
- Stable wheels
- Comfortable bounce
Cons
- Not ideal for tricks and stuff
7. Meketec Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard
We’re going old school with our next entry with the Meketec Mini Cruiser. Meketec Reto Skateboard has two distinct features. Let’s find them out.
First thing first, it is CE certified. Safety should come first and foremost for the beginner skateboards. Meketec keeps that in mind while designing their skateboards. The solid and sturdy deck is only 22.5 x 6-inch wide and has 200lbs weight capacity.
Secondly, it also has a very kid-friendly design that will be liked by most kids. As the board is made of plastic, it weighs only 3.8lbs. The 78A PU wheels with ABEC-7 bearings of the board ensures a smooth ride for starters.
Overall, it is a pretty well-built skateboard for the price.
Pros
- Cruising skateboard works for any terrain
- Nice design
- Large stable wheels
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Designed only for small kids
8. KPC Pro Skateboard Complete
This is a high-quality and affordable skateboard from KPC, and this Pro Skateboard Complete is more like a skateboard for teenagers and adult beginners rather than little kids. It is relatively comfortable and stable to ride but can also take the beating of more complicated tricks.
The board is well built, thanks to the Canadian maple construction. This KPC pro skateboard features a 7.75-Inch Deck covered with a Black Grip tape and white 52mm Wheels along with precision speed Abec 7 bearings. It also has durable black Trucks made of Aluminum.
The trucks and wheels are what stood out to us. As they’re not only made from top-quality materials but are also quite stable for safe rides.
Pros
- Larger model for teenagers and adults
- Comfortable and fit for more complicated tricks
- Great stability
- Heavy-duty trucks and wheels
Cons
- Grip top and bearings need improvement
9. ENKEEO Skateboard
Considering the size, design, and durability, the ENKEEO Complete Cruiser Skateboard can be the right choice for beginners. It is specially designed for cruising rather than tricks or stunts on skate parks.
The Enkeeo cruiser skateboard measures at 22 x 6 inches, but it’s sturdy enough to handle 220-pounds of weight – thanks to its 3.15-inch thick aluminum trucks. It also has four casters made of resistant PU, which offer a smooth ride.
Anyway, it is a good quality skateboard to teach balance and some of the other fundamentals needed for kids and youth beginners to mature into more serious skateboards. However, this can be super fun to ride for a first-timer.
Pros
- Compact design
- Sturdy build
- Safe to ride
- Versatile and can fit any entry-level riders
Cons
- Wheels are tighter than usual
10. Punisher Butterfly Jive Complete Skateboard
The last entry on our best skateboard for beginners list is the Punisher Butterfly Jive Complete Skateboard. The US-based company is known for its funky designed skateboards for small kids, teenagers, and adults alike.
The board features a 7.75 x 31.5-inch deck. Along with the cool looks, the board is very sturdy, reliable – thanks to the 7-Ply Canadian Maple construction.
Yes, the Punisher stands out for its stylish design, but that’s only the cherry on top as this one has a good quality deck that’s stable and comfortable enough for beginners to ride on. This board is specially designed for beginner girls. So if your daughter wants to hop on one, then this is the go-to brand and model for you.
Pros
- Cool and attractive design
- Quality deck
- Stable, and comfortable for starters
Cons
- Bearings and wheels quality not as good as advertised
Best Skateboards For Beginners
Questions & Answers
What are the best types of skateboards for beginners?
There are several types of skateboards for beginners— each one has its own unique feature and quality. To choose the right one for beginners, you should consider the age of the rider, safety, and design features of the board.
Longboard: Longboards are more massive in sizes and easier to control and smoother to ride. They work best for downhill, long-distance running, and performing certain balancing tricks.
Cruiser: Cruiser skateboards are way shorter in size than longboards and have large, soft wheels. They are particularly meant for a shorter commute.
Mini-Cruiser: They are smaller than cruisers, lightweight, and stable.
How to choose the best skateboard for beginners
After you have decided what type of board you want, review the below factors before buying a beginner skateboard.
Size
Size matters a lot when you’re talking about skateboards. For kids who are 5 to 7 years old – skateboards of 7” x 28” is ideal, for kids who are 8 to 9 years old -skateboards of 7.25” x 29” should work best. For skate park users, skateboards of 8” to 8.25” are recommended, with the latter perfect for cruising.
Deck
The deck is super important as it is the part of the skateboard that we stand on. It accommodates most of the weight and is essential when doing stunts or tricks, whether in a park or on the road. Look for hardwood decks made from maple or birch as they are quite durable and can take on a beating.
Shape and Design
Skateboards come in different shapes and designs. Skateboard brands try to design their decks as uniquely as possible to make them attractive to starters. Find a design that represents your personality and boosts your confidence when riding it.
The shape, on the other hand, depends on what type of skateboard you want to ride. The usual skateboard comes in concave shapes, while the longboards, shortboards, and popsicle boards come in varying shapes to suit specific rider styles.
Trucks and Wheels
The trucks and wheels of a skateboard determine its stability, comfort, bounce, even more importantly, its speed. For beginners, larger and softer wheels are the best types to ride on. They offer more stability, bounce, and comfort while learning basic tricks and stunts.
Avoid narrow trucks as a starter because it will be tougher to balance.
What are some beginner skateboarding tips?
Riding the first-ever skateboard poses some serious dangers to young skateboarders. So make sure that safety guidelines are followed properly.
Regardless of age and experience, skateboarders should always wear proper protective gear to reduce the risk of serious injury.
Beginner skateboarders should learn to fall. This will improve their knowledge and reduce the risk of injury.
For a beginner, it is difficult to master how to stop a skateboard. As soon as they become well-versed in it, they can start skateboarding on the sidewalks and skate parks.
Final Thoughts
Riding a good quality skateboard ensures safety, durability, and a better overall experience for first-time users. Knowing what to look for is key to not let your investment go to waste. After all, the first skateboard is key to keeping your young skater interested in skateboarding.
There are many benefits to skateboarding. At the very least, skateboarding can help create fun memories, develop bonds with other people, and at the same time, stimulate creativity in a person. Finally and most importantly, skateboarding offers clean fun when out on the tracks.
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