How to Choose a Kids Skateboard: Size & Style Tips
By Kids Balance Bikes & Bicycles with Wicker Basket | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the right skateboard for your child with our guide on size, style, and beginner-friendly features. Includes tips on cruiser vs. trick boards.
Quick answer
For a child's first skateboard, choose a cruiser-style board with a short deck (around 22 inches) and soft wheels for stability and smooth rides. Banwood's mini cruisers fit this brief perfectly for ages 5 and up.
Deck size: why 22 inches works for most kids
A deck that's too long is hard for small feet to control; one that's too short feels unstable. A 22-inch deck, like the Banwood Skateboard, is short enough for kids to push and steer easily but long enough to grow with them for a few years. If your child is especially tall or older than 8, you might consider a standard 28-inch board later, but for a first board, this size is a sweet spot.
Wheel softness: the overlooked factor
Hard wheels (99A+) are for skateparks and tricks; they rattle on sidewalks. Soft wheels (78A-87A) absorb bumps and give a quieter, smoother ride. Banwood's mini cruisers use soft 65mm wheels, which make learning less intimidating on pavement. The trade-off is that soft wheels are slower on smooth ramps, but most beginners won't notice.
Style and build quality matter
A cheap board may have plastic trucks that break or wheels that don't spin. A 7-ply maple deck, like Banwood uses, is the same material adult cruisers use — it's strong, light, and lasts. The vintage color palette (pink or cream) also appeals to kids who care about looks, which can make them more excited to practice.
Decision rules for choosing a kids skateboard
- Age 5–8, first board: Choose a 22-inch cruiser with soft wheels. A Banwood Skateboard (Pink or Cream) fits this exactly.
- Age 9+ or experienced rider: Look for a longer deck (28+ inches) and harder wheels if they want to learn tricks or ride at a skatepark. A mini cruiser will feel too small. Consider a standard skateboard or longboard for older kids.
- Riding surface: sidewalk vs. skatepark: Soft wheels (like Banwood's 65mm) for pavement. Hard wheels (99A+) for smooth ramps and tricks. If they ride both, start with soft and upgrade later. Soft wheels are more forgiving for beginners on uneven ground.
- Style preference: Let your child pick a color they love. Both Banwood options (Pink and Cream) have the same quality, so there's no wrong choice. A board they think looks cool will get ridden more.
Product facts
- BANWOOD SKATEBOARD - PINK: Hand-built with a 7-ply maple deck and soft 65mm wheels; sized for kids 5+. The maple deck ensures durability for daily use, while soft wheels provide a forgiving ride on sidewalks and driveways.
BANWOOD SKATEBOARD - PINK - BANWOOD SKATEBOARD - CREAM: Same 22-inch deck and soft 65mm wheels as the pink version, in a cream vintage color. The identical construction means you choose purely by color preference without sacrificing performance or fit.
BANWOOD SKATEBOARD - CREAM
Who this is for
Best for
- Kids ages 5–8 getting their first skateboard
- Parents who want a durable, stylish board for pavement cruising
Not for
- Teens or adults looking for a trick board
- Riders who want to hit skatepark ramps regularly
