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Short answer: for most kids, go by deck width, not length, and match it to their shoe size rather than their age. Ages 3 to 5 want a 6.5 to 7.25 inch deck, 5 to 8 want 7.3 to 7.5, 8 to 12 want 7.5 to 7.75, and from about 12 they're on a full size 7.75 to 8.0.
Age is a rough guide. Foot size is the real one, because that's what has to fit on the board.
What size skateboard for each age?
| Age | Deck width | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | 6.5″ to 7.25″ | Mini |
| 5 to 6 | 7.0″ to 7.375″ | Mini to Mid |
| 6 to 8 | 7.3″ to 7.5″ | Mid |
| 8 to 10 | 7.5″ to 7.625″ | Mid |
| 10 to 12 | 7.625″ to 7.75″ | Mid to Full |
| 12 to 14 | 7.75″ to 8.0″ | Full size |
| 14+ | 8.0″ and up | Full size |
These are starting points. A tall ten year old with size 6 feet belongs on a wider board than a small ten year old with size 3 feet, and the shoe size is what tells you.
Shoe size is more accurate than age
The deck has to be wide enough for their foot to sit across it without hanging over. Too narrow and they'll catch their toes and heels. Too wide and they can't flick the board to do anything.
| Kids shoe size (AU/US) | Deck width |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 | 6.5″ to 7.0″ |
| 3 to 6 | 7.0″ to 7.375″ |
| 6 to 8 | 7.375″ to 7.625″ |
| 8 to 9 | 7.625″ to 7.875″ |
| 9+ | 7.875″ and up |
If age and shoe size disagree, go with shoe size.
The four size categories explained
Mini — under 7.25 inches. For the little ones, usually under four or five. Short wheelbase, light, easy to push around. Shop 3 to 5 year olds.
Mid — 7.3 to 7.9 inches. Our best seller by a long way, and it covers a huge age range from about five right up to seventeen depending on the kid. Shop 6 to 8 year olds and 9 to 11 year olds.
Full size — 8.0 inches and up. A standard adult board. Bigger feet, bowl skating, or anyone wanting more stability underfoot.
Oversized — 8.6 inches and up. Mostly bowl and transition skaters, or people who want something different to the standard.
Should you size up so they grow into it?
A little, yes. Not a lot.
If they're between two sizes, take the bigger one — they'll grow into it inside a season and it'll still be rideable now. But don't jump two sizes ahead. A board that's genuinely too wide is hard to turn, hard to flick, and hard to learn on, and a kid who can't control the board decides they don't like skating.
One size up is helping. Two is hurting.
Are cheap department store skateboards okay?
No, and this matters more for kids than adults.
The deck is heavier, the trucks don't turn properly, and the wheels are hard plastic that slides out on anything but perfectly smooth concrete. Kids who start on those boards often decide skating isn't for them — when the real problem is they've never ridden a board that works.
A proper complete from a real skate brand costs more and rides completely differently. It's the single biggest factor in whether they stick with it.
Complete or custom build?
For a first board, buy a complete. It comes assembled with deck, trucks, wheels, bearings and grip already matched and ready to ride.
Custom builds make sense once they know what they like and want to change something specific. We build customs in store, but for a kid starting out a good complete is the right call every time.
What else do they need?
A helmet. Always, no exceptions. Head injuries are the serious risk in skating and a certified helmet meaningfully reduces it.
Wrist guards. Wrist fractures are the most common skateboarding injury for kids learning, and guards prevent most of them.
Knee pads if they're learning to drop in or riding transition.
We stock kids protective gear in the right sizes.
Skateboard lessons
We run a kids skateboard lessons program in store on Saturdays, and buying a board from us includes free lessons. It's the fastest way to get past the wobbly stage, and it's a lot less frustrating than a parent trying to teach something they've never done themselves.
Ask us in store or call for current times and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What size skateboard for a 5 year old? A 7.0 to 7.375 inch deck. Check their shoe size too — if they're a size 6 or bigger, go up to a 7.375.
What size skateboard for a 6 year old? A 7.3 to 7.5 inch deck, which is the bottom of the mid range. Most six year olds are comfortable here.
What size skateboard for a 7 year old? A 7.3 to 7.5 inch deck. If they're tall for their age or have bigger feet, go to 7.5.
What size skateboard for an 8 year old? A 7.5 to 7.625 inch deck. This is the most common size we sell.
What size skateboard for a 10 year old? A 7.625 to 7.75 inch deck. Many ten year olds are ready for something close to full size.
What size skateboard for a 12 year old? A 7.75 to 8.0 inch deck, which is effectively a full size board. By this age most kids are on adult sizing.
Should I go by age or shoe size? Shoe size. Age is a useful starting point but the deck has to fit their foot, and two kids the same age can be three shoe sizes apart.
Should I buy a bigger skateboard so they grow into it? One size up is fine. Two is too much — a board that's too wide is hard to control and hard to learn on.
Shop kids skateboards
All kids skateboards · 3 to 5 years · 6 to 8 years · 9 to 11 years · Complete skateboards · Helmets and pads
Not sure? Bring them in and we'll stand them on a few boards. Five minutes in the shop beats an hour of guessing. We're at 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond, open seven days, and we ship free Australia-wide on orders over $90.
435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121. 03 9421 2293.
