What Skateboard for 8 Y.o Kid?

Edsanwong on 06/03/2022 - 23:01

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a skateboard my stepson. He is 8 years old. We picked up a skateboard from a hard rubbish during first lock down and he learned very fast. So I bought a better one skateboard from an op shop ($5), he enjoyed it, learned very quickly, but now it is falling apart. I thought I would get him a decent one this time.

I don't know much about skateboard, I did a lot of research, but I just overwhelmed with features, size etc.
From previous posts and my google, these are what I know and what I want, I think (happy to be corrected)

  1. Cool design/graphic - not important for him/us.
  2. Element and/or Globe are decent brands for entry level
  3. Size I think 7.75 is good for him
  4. "Complete" is the one I after, since we don't know much about wheels etc.
  5. Is there any other features I need to know?

Unfortunately, I have to admit, I am not in good financial position, my budget is only about $50. I did research special skateboard shop selling $99 at their lowest level.

I think my options are Surf Stich and Surf Dive N Ski, but I don't know which one the has good balance quality and $.

If anyone could please help me decide, I would appreciate it.

Yes, my english is my second language.

Thank you everyone

Sports & Outdoors Skateboard

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 06/03/2022 - 23:11
    +1

    Element / Blind skateboard completes can sometimes be had for around $70~99. It's probably a little tricky to get one at less than $50 unless you are also searching on places like Facebook, Gumtree or eBay for clearance or second hand.

    Skateboard width / size is based on shoe size, you can use this size chart on the Blind website to work out which size is correct for them. 7.75 sounds a tad too big.

    Up to 50% off sale here.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/685185

    • Edsanwong on 07/03/2022 - 09:19

      Thank you. I probably avoid second hand. I dont know how to check the condition of the skateboard.
      I might have to increase my budget to $70 then.
      I think you are right about the size a bit too big, I am a typical old man who want the board last longer.

  • Hybroid on 06/03/2022 - 23:14
    +2

    Decathlon has a range of decent quality and price skateboards worth looking at: https://decathlon.com.au/search?q=skateboard

    You might find something there within your budget. Make sure he has a decent helmet.

    Your English is spot on.

    Here's a brand new one with flashing wheels for $35 in Melbourne: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/nunawading/skateboards-rolle…

  • Seeyounexttuesday on 07/03/2022 - 00:07
    +3

    https://www.surfstitch.com/blind-og-stand-out-7_5-complete-s…

    Trucks are decent, wheels will be OK, bearings would be questionable but at $48. Make sure to loosen the trucks so kid can turn, even remove the cupped bush washer closest to the deck.

    • altomic on 07/03/2022 - 01:43

      yep, that's what I'd be buying for an 8 year.

    • Edsanwong on 07/03/2022 - 09:54

      Thanks, the size, the brand and price are at the right spot for me.
      I need to learn all the terminology, trucks, cupped bush washer.

      I need to spend $12 more to entitle free shipping anything else worth buying for $12?

      Thank you

  • Kangal on 07/03/2022 - 00:17
    +3

    I'd be thinking more about the helmet, and other safety gear like wrist brace, knee pads, elbow pads.
    The good thing is if he gets into it early, he can master it and potentially it could be safer.

    • Edsanwong on 07/03/2022 - 09:22
      +3

      Currenly, for helmet he is using biking helmet (Kmart).
      And we use knee/elbow/wrist from Decathlon. We used Kmart in the past, it was pretty useless.
      Let me know your thoughts.

      • Kangal on 07/03/2022 - 20:55

        Sounds good, you want those bases covered as a priority.
        As to which skateboard, I wouldn't worry too much about the brand/quality.

        Just jump on Facebook Marketplace (or gumtree) and get a used one. After many crashes, stalls, and falls you can move to getting a brand new one, from a high quality brand.

  • 87percent on 07/03/2022 - 08:12
    +1

    Blind boards are good, and normally around the $70-$80 range brand new. Personally, I would be getting onto gumtree/Facebook and grabbing a 2nd hand one

    I picked up a Blind board for my kid for $25, and with lockdown ended, a lot of people were selling them

    Don’t get Kmart ones, they suck. Also, check if your local skatepark does free lessons. There’s one about 10mins from us that does it. My kids learnt HEAPS from them, and are now going up and down ramps and can sort of get the bowl going too

  • El cheepo on 07/03/2022 - 18:11

    Check Facebook or gumtree for complete setups.

    You will find a much better high end set up for a fraction of the cost.

    For $50 you should find one of those setups you’ve mentioned second hand
    For around $100-150 you may find a higher end set up.

    At 8 yo the difference will be negligible, but as he progresses it will become a necessity to go higher quality.

    Having a decent setup really does add to the enjoyment of the sport.
    I remember my mum buying me a cheap one when i was a kid because its all she could afford, and i hated it (it actually haunts me as an adult how much of a brat i was about that, legitimately feel terrible about it even now haha)
    But when she was in a better financial position and got me a better one thats when my love of the sport skyrocketed.

    Its an expensive sport though once kids get into it and get bigger. They will wear through shoes and snap boards or blow out bearings fairly regularly (when they are bigger)

    Hope you can find something your kid will enjoy!

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