Looking for a Long Board, not a Cruiser and I'm by no means an expert.
Anyone know of a bargain?
Could be part of a larger sports-equipment Sale?
EDIT - Sorry for not being clear - he's after a "Long Skateboard"
https://www.ridingboards.com/longboard-vs-cruiser/
Longboard as in the device with four wheels and a deck, not an 11' surfboard
I also thought he was talking about a surfboard. I couldn't quite figure out what a cruiser was though, I imagined something between a longboard and fish
I thought it was about a long motherboard and a Sandisk Cruzer.
I bought my 9 year-old a 7" foam surfboard (brand name Ezy Rider). If your son is an absolute beginner start him off on a soft foam board, ideally 7" long+ to make it easy to catch waves. I bought mine on Gumtree but if you're on FB there is also Marketplace and that will usually save you half the price of a new one: e.g. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-surfing/softboard/k0c18568
To help him learn, best bet is to get in the water with him in no more than waist-high soft spilling waves (if you're not sure of a beach, let me know the coast you're on and I'll give you some ideas) and push him onto the waves just after they've broken to whitewater to begin with, and as they're breaking when he starts getting up confidently. After a few sessions he can start paddling for his own waves and the rest is his persistence.
Good luck.
Really? 7"? How big's your kid?
Hence the "good luck" sentiment.
When you're learning, it ain't about the size of the kid it's about the stability and buoyancy of the craft. Every learn to surf school has boards that are 7" or bigger. Once they learn to stand up, you downsize to suit their weight and ability level.
Wow. Hard to imagine a board downsized from 7"!
@Seraphin7: My mate's son, who is more advanced than my son, has downsized from 8" to 7" and now he's on a 5'5". Once little grommets are up and ripping they're on sub 6'0" toothpick boards.
@Frugal Sharkey: In any case, the OP has clarified he's talking skateboards so my advice was irrelevant here.
How long do you think until he gets board with it?
Found this one on Ali Express and free shipping - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000144576293.html?spm=2114.…
Thanks; decent find! His birthday is Aug 16th though so a bit dicey with the shipping time via Ali
Perhaps pay for express shipping if it works out cheaper.
Okay so I haven't longboarded for maybe 4 years or so but it depends on what he's into.
If he's only just starting out a sector nine complete or something else might be good? There's basement skate or hopkin skate whom are both located in Sydney. If you called them up they could organise and recommend something for you.
If he's more into freeride or downhill (both different styles of longboarding), you might be pressed to find something cheap as most of the gear is pretty expensive ~$300 for a basic complete.
I would definitely stay away from cheaper complete longboards as if he has any progression in skill then it will be virtually worthless to him (besides sentimental value).
Why would an 11 year old want a long board. Old enough to shred, ramps etc. Not a grandpa
lot of Hipsters round these parts, leading him astray
I don't know any kids that age that ride long boards… Maybe my definition of long is different to yours but my 11 footer would probably drown my 10 year old.