Aucun produit dans le chariot
Buying a skateboard for your child should feel simple, but it rarely does. Age charts online do not always match your child's height, and toy-shop boards that look the part often do not roll or turn properly once you get them home.
This guide goes through age, height and deck width in order, so you end up with a proper complete skateboard that suits your child now, not one they will grow out of in a month or struggle to control from day one.
Start with age, then check it against height, then look at deck width. That order matters, because age alone is only a rough guide. Children grow at different rates, and a tall 6 year old can need something closer to what we would recommend for an 8 year old.
As a rule of thumb:
If you are shopping for a young rider, our junior and mini youth complete skateboards are built around this sizing, so you are not trying to shrink down an adult board.
| Age | Typical height | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 6 | Under 4ft | Junior complete, 7.25" wide | Lighter and easier to carry, stand on and turn |
| 6 to 9 | Under 5ft | Junior complete, 7.25 to 7.5" wide | Still the easiest board to control at this height |
| 9 to 10 | Approaching 5ft | Junior complete or 7.75" full-size | Depends on height more than age here |
| 10 to 13 | Growing, variable | 7.75" full-size complete | Lighter full-size deck, easier to learn tricks on |
| Teens | 5ft and up | 8.0" complete | Best middle ground before deciding wider or narrower |
| Taller teens / adults | Tall or adult | 8.25" complete | More stability and foot room |
Treat this as a starting point rather than a rulebook. Height should always have the final say over age.
A junior complete skateboard is scaled down on purpose. The deck is shorter, usually around 29 inches, and narrower, typically 7.25 to 7.5 inches wide. That makes it lighter to carry, easier to stand on, and quicker to turn for a smaller rider who is still working on balance and pushing.
A full-size complete is built to the dimensions most teenagers and adults ride, generally 7.75 inches and up. Standard adult deck length is usually in the 28 to 33 inch range. It is heavier and has more standing room, which suits a rider who has grown into it.
The mistake we see most often is parents buying full-size for a small child because it feels like better value, or because the child will "grow into it." A board that is too big is harder to control, harder to ollie, and often puts kids off skating before they have really started. It is genuinely better to buy the correctly sized junior board now and move up later.
For children who are ready for their first proper board, our complete skateboards for beginners collection covers both junior and entry-level full-size options.
Two 8 year olds can be very different heights, and that difference matters more for skateboard sizing than their age does. A shorter 8 year old will usually be more comfortable and more in control on a junior board. A tall 8 year old who is already close to 5ft may be ready to move towards a 7.75 inch full-size complete.
As a simple check: if your child is under 5ft tall, a junior complete is almost always the right starting point, whatever their age says on paper. Once they pass that mark, it is worth looking at full-size options.
Deck width affects how a board feels underfoot. Narrower decks are lighter and easier to flip, which suits smaller riders and beginners still learning to control the board. Wider decks feel more stable but are heavier and harder to manoeuvre for a small child.
Deck width is not just about shoe size. Age, height, and how your child plans to skate (learning tricks versus cruising around) all play a part. If you are ever unsure, it is worth calling the shop and talking it through.
If you want to understand the basics before you buy, our beginner's guide to buying your first skateboard is a good next read.
What size skateboard is best for a 5 year old? Most 5 year olds are under 4ft tall, so a junior complete around 29 inches long and 7.25 inches wide is usually the best fit. It is light enough to carry and easy to control while they learn to balance and push.
What skateboard should I buy for a 7 year old beginner? If your 7 year old is under 5ft, a junior complete in the 7.25 to 7.5 inch range is a good starting point. If they are unusually tall for their age, it is worth checking height against our sizing table rather than going on age alone.
Is a junior skateboard different from a normal skateboard? Yes. Junior completes have a shorter, narrower deck, usually around 29 inches long and 7.25 to 7.5 inches wide, compared with a full-size complete at 7.75 inches and up. This makes junior boards lighter and easier for smaller riders to control.
When should my child move from a junior board to a full-size complete? Once your child is approaching or past 5ft tall, it is usually time to look at full-size options. Many parents start with a 7.75 inch complete around ages 10 to 13, as it is lighter than a full 8.0 inch board but built to full-size proportions.
Do girls and boys need different skateboard sizes? No. Skateboard sizing is based on height and riding style, not gender. A girl and boy of the same height would typically be pointed towards the same size deck.
What else does my child need besides a skateboard? A helmet and pads are strongly recommended for any new rider, since falls are a normal part of learning. Our protection helmets and pads range covers both, and a bundle pack can be an easy way to get board and protection sorted in one go.
Still not sure which size is right? Have a browse of our junior and mini youth complete skateboards, or get in touch with the shop and we will help you find the right fit for your child.
