Skateboarding at 10 is all about finding your balance physically and mentally. From my experience as a professional skateboarder and a dad, I’ve seen firsthand how the right skateboard can shape a young rider’s confidence.
Too often, kids struggle with boards that aren’t built for them. That’s why my son and I put multiple skateboards to the test, to find the top performers for young riders. After all, a great board can make all the difference in turning that learning curve into an exciting ride. Let’s dive into the best skateboards for 10 year olds that we found!!
Quick View of Our Expert’s Pick
Best Skateboards for 10-Year-Old Kids
After testing several boards with my son, I’ve put together a list of the top options for young riders. Whether your child is starting or looking to step up their skills, these boards are the perfect fit for 8-10 year old skaters. Here are the good skateboards that are suited for kids aged 10:
1. WhiteFang Skateboards – Best for Beginners
I’ve tested a few beginner skateboards, and WhiteFang holds up well for its price. It’s stable, easy to ride, and suitable for learning tricks. This board is a great option if you’re starting and want something that doesn’t feel cheap.
The 7-layer maple deck feels sturdy. And, the grip tape is solid, giving you a locked-in feel when riding. The trucks turn well, which is great for carving and cruising. If you like looser trucks, you might need to adjust them out of the box.
I took this board for a spin at the local skatepark and on some rougher sidewalks. It rolls smoothly on clean pavement, but the 52mm 95A wheels feel a bit hard on rougher terrain. If you’re skating mostly in a skatepark or smooth streets, they work fine. If you’re hitting rougher roads, you might feel every little crack.
Why We Recommend It
- Great for beginners and easy to control
- Sturdy 7-layer maple deck for durability
- Smooth 52mm 95A PU wheels for street and park skating
- ABEC-9 bearings for a smooth ride
Pros
- Durable and sturdy build
- Smooth ride with high-quality bearings
- Ideal for beginners learning tricks
Cons
- Wheels could be softer for rough surfaces
- Not the fastest board
For the price, this board checks most of the boxes for beginners. It’s not a pro setup, but it’s one of the better starter boards out there.
2. Magneto Complete Cruiser Starter Skateboard – Best for Cruising
If your kid is more into cruising than landing tricks, the Magneto Cruiser is a solid pick. It’s built for smooth rides on sidewalks, streets, and rougher pavement. The soft 78A wheels do a great job of absorbing vibrations.
One thing I love about this board is its compact size. It is easy to carry around and stash in a backpack. The Canadian maple deck adds durability while keeping it lightweight. It’s not built for skateparks or tricks, but if your child wants a fun and stable ride, this board delivers.
Why We Recommend It
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying
- Soft wheels (78A) for a smooth ride
- Durable Canadian maple deck
- No assembly required
Pros
- Soft wheels for a smooth ride
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for casual riding
Cons
- Not ideal for tricks or skateparks
If your child is looking for a chill, comfortable cruiser, the Magneto is a fantastic choice. It’s great for riding around the neighborhood, on school trips, or cruising with friends. Overall, it is perfect for kids who love the ride, not the tricks.
3. KO-ON Skateboard – Best Budget Option
KO-ON offers excellent value for money. It’s a great beginner board that performs well in skate parks and streets. My son liked the lightweight feel, which made it easier for him to practice ollies and kickturns. The ABEC-9 bearings provide good speed, though if your kid wants a faster ride, you might want to upgrade them. The board holds up well even after repeated use. For all of these reasons, it is a good investment for a new skateboarder.
Why We Recommend It
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- 7-ply maple deck for strength and flexibility
- High-rebound 95A PU wheels for a smooth ride
- ABEC-9 bearings for speed
Pros
- Budget-friendly and well-built
- Good for both beginners and intermediate skaters
- Strong deck with responsive trucks
Cons
- Bearings may need upgrading for better speed
4. SkateXS Beginner Dragon Street Skateboard – Best Custom Option
SkateXS specializes in boards designed for kids, and the Dragon Street model is one of the best. It’s the perfect beginner skateboard, properly sized for smaller feet. This board offers a customized experience with the ability to add your child’s name on the deck. That personal element makes it feel even more special like it’s their skateboard.
The 28-inch deck and 7-inch width are perfectly sized for little feet. This size makes it easy for kids to balance and learn the basics. It’s made with bamboo, which keeps it lightweight.
What I like about this board is its high-quality components. You get a real skateboard feel that you’d find in a skatepark, but made with kids in mind. The 53mm 90A wheels roll smoothly, whether your child is cruising on the sidewalk or trying a few tricks at the local skatepark. The ABEC 7 bearings offer a solid ride. It gives you enough speed without feeling out of control.
Why We Recommend It
- Personalized with your child’s name
- Properly sized for younger skaters
- High-quality components designed for kids
- Soft bushings for easier turning
Pros
- Customizable with a child’s name
- Specifically designed for young riders
- High-quality wheels and trucks
Cons
- A little bit higher price due to customization
If you want to make sure your child starts their skateboarding journey with a board that fits perfectly, the SkateXS Dragon is a top pick.
5. Meketec Complete 22 Inch Mini Cruiser Skateboard
Looking for a compact skateboard that’s easy to carry and still a blast to ride? The Meketec Complete 22” Mini Cruiser is an excellent choice for kids or beginners. My son loves the stable feel it gives, especially on smooth surfaces like sidewalks and driveways. The flexible plastic deck makes it easy to maneuver, while the wider trucks offer that extra control for younger riders.
What sets this board apart is its portability. We’ve taken it to the park, school, and even on quick trips around the block. With a 22.5-inch deck and weighing only 1.75 kg, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. And if your kid is into customizing their board, this cruiser comes in an array of fun colors and themes, from Starry Sky to American Flag.
The 60mm wheels roll smoothly, providing a comfortable ride even on slightly rougher surfaces. The ABEC-7 bearings ensure it picks up enough speed for casual cruising, though it’s not meant for high-speed or aggressive tricks.
Why We Recommend It
- Compact size for easy carrying
- Soft 60mm wheels for a comfortable ride
- Stable design for younger riders
- Available in multiple colors
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Soft wheels for smooth riding
- Great for casual cruising
Cons
- Not for Tricks
6. Gingili Life Skateboards – Best for Street Skating
The Gingili Life Skateboard is perfect for kids who want to try tricks and tackle street skating. I’ve seen my son take it to the skatepark, and it didn’t disappoint. The 7-ply maple deck feels sturdy with great pop, while the responsive trucks gave him better control on the ramps. On the streets, the 95A wheels offer a smooth ride, though it can be a bit rough on cracked sidewalks. Overall, it’s a great option for growing riders looking to level up their skills.
Why We Recommend It
- 7-ply maple deck with good pop
- 95A wheels for both street and park skating
- Strong grip tape for better foot placement
- Durable aluminum trucks
Pros
- Sturdy deck with a good pop
- Strong grip tape for better control
- Ideal for kids learning tricks and street skating
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
Cons
- Not as smooth on rough surfaces
7. Kqpoinw Skateboards – Best All-Around Option
Kqpoinw is a great choice if you’re looking for an all-around board that works well for cruising and tricks. It’s designed for kids, teens, and beginners. It is a nice balance of durability, smoothness, and maneuverability. I’ve had my fair share of mini cruisers, but this one stands out with its cool LED wheels that flash as you ride.
When I tested it, I was impressed by how stable it felt, especially with the 30° kicktail that helps with balance and tricks. Whether cruising down the street or learning some basic tricks, the skateboard feels stable and smooth. The 95A wheels grip well without being too sticky. And the ABEC-7 bearings help it roll smoothly, soaking up bumps and cracks. It’s light and the design is durable enough to handle a 220 lb load, which is great for growing riders.
Why We Recommend It
- Well-balanced for both beginners and intermediates
- High-rebound 95A wheels for a smooth ride
- Sturdy maple deck for durability
- Easy to maneuver and control
Pros
- Smooth ride with great shock absorption
- Fun LED wheels that add safety and style
- 30° kicktail for balance and tricks
- Ready to ride out of the box – no assembly needed
- Ideal for ages 6-12, but can support up to 220 lbs
Cons
- Bearings could be smoother
Buying Guide for Good Skateboards for Beginner Kids
Picking the right skateboard for a beginner kid isn’t about looks. It needs to be safe, sturdy, and easy to control. I’ve been through this with my child, testing different boards to see what works best. In this guide, I’ll break down the key things to look for like deck material, wheels, and trucks. So, you can choose the best skateboard for your kid.
A Parent’s Guide to Buying Kids’ Skateboards
Skateboarding keeps kids active and entertained, but choosing the right board can be tricky. I’ve been through it—some boards were too slick, others didn’t roll well, and some broke too fast. This guide covers what matters when buying a skateboard for your child.
Deck Material
The foundation of any skateboard is its deck. Maple wood is the gold standard. It offers the perfect balance of strength and control. My son and I tested plastic decks, but they lacked the responsiveness needed for tricks and turns. A maple deck is the best option, if your child is serious about learning. It provides a smoother ride and longer-lasting performance. Learn more.
Wheel Hardness
Wheels determine how a skateboard rides and the hardness level plays a crucial role. Soft wheels (78A-87A) grip the pavement and absorb shocks, making them ideal for cruising. On the other hand, harder wheels (88A-101A) glide smoothly on skatepark surfaces and allow for faster, more controlled tricks. My son found that softer wheels made neighborhood rides more comfortable, while harder wheels worked best for skatepark sessions.
Bearings
Bearings impact the smoothness and speed of a skateboard. We tested several boards, and the ones with ABEC-7 or ABEC-9 bearings offered the best performance. A high-quality bearing means less pushing and more effortless rolling. If your child wants to cruise easily or pick up speed while practicing tricks, investing in better bearings will make a noticeable difference. Read more.
Trucks and Grip Tape
We found that aluminum trucks offer the best balance between durability and weight. On the other hand, grip tape ensures your child’s feet stay firmly planted on the board. Grip tape keeps your child’s feet secure, preventing slips and making tricks easier. During testing, my son preferred boards with coarse, reliable grip tape for better control and confidence.
Board Shape
Not all skateboards have the same shape, and the right one impacts performance. Popsicle-shaped decks are great for tricks and all-around skating. For cruising, wider cruiser boards offer more comfort and stability. My son preferred a popsicle deck since it let him switch between tricks and cruising easily.
Weight Limit
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is overlooking the skateboard’s weight limit. A board that can’t support your child’s weight won’t perform well and may even break. Most high-quality kids’ skateboards can support up to 200 lbs, but it’s always best to check before purchasing.
Brand Reputation
With so many skateboard brands on the market, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option. However, we learned the hard way that low-quality boards tend to break or wear out quickly. Sticking to reputable brands ensures durability and performance. In our tests, brands like WhiteFang, Magneto, and KO-ON stood out for their solid construction and smooth rides.
Safety Gear for Young Skaters
Safety is as important as choosing the right skateboard. Make sure your child has:
- A well-fitted helmet (certified for skateboarding)
- Knee and elbow pads for extra protection
- Wrist guards to prevent injuries from falls
- Proper skate shoes with good grip
Your child can skate with confidence and reduce the risk of injuries with the right safety gear.
Final Thoughts
The right skateboard can greatly impact a child’s learning experience. If you’re looking for my top recommendation, WhiteFang or SkateXS is ideal for beginners. For cruising, the Magneto and Meketec Mini Cruiser are great choices. If they want to try tricks and street skating, Gingili Life or Kqpoinw will work well.
Each of these skateboards was tested with real riding in mind. They are all designed to balance durability, performance, and ease of use for young skaters. Whatever board you choose, always ensure your child wears proper safety gear. Who knows? They might be the next Tony Hawk!
FAQs
What size skateboard does a 10 year old need?
A 10-year-old boy/girl usually needs a skateboard with a deck width of 7.0 to 7.5 inches. This size provides a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
What is the best skateboard for a 10-year-old beginner?
A skateboard with a 7.0″–7.5″ deck, soft wheels (78A-87A), and durable trucks is ideal. Brands like WhiteFang, Magneto, and SkateXS offer solid beginner options.
Should a 10-year-old use a skateboard or a cruiser?
If they want to learn tricks, go for a standard skateboard. For smoother rides and cruising, a mini cruiser works better.
Is a 7.5-inch skateboard good for kids?
Yes, 7.5″ is great for kids who are growing fast or have bigger feet. For smaller kids, 7.0″ or 7.25″ might feel better.
Are Amazon or Walmart skateboards good for kids?
Some Amazon brands are decent, but Walmart boards are often low quality. Check reviews before buying.