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How to Find the Best Skateboards for 8 Year Olds: The Only Guide You’ll Need to Get Started

How to Find the Best Skateboards for 8 Year Olds: The Only Guide You’ll Need to Get Started

Choosing the perfect skateboard for your 8-year-old can be tricky, as it is around this time that both boys and girls start to experience significant growth spurts. The required skateboard size is directly related to the shoe size and height of the skater, which is why choosing the perfect skateboard can be difficult at this age.

There are skateboard manufacturers who produce skateboards and decks for kids aged 6-8 years and 9-12 years, and some manufacturers produce skateboards and decks for kids aged 6-9 years and 10-13 years.

The rule of thumb is to get an 8-year-old a mini-deck that measures around 7” inches wide, but any deck between 7” and 8” should be fine. If you are struggling to make a decision, it is always a good idea to go for a board with a slightly wider deck.

The wider deck will allow your 8-year-old to grow into the board, as opposed to outgrowing it in no time.

If your 8-year-old is new to the sport, I suggest you consider a complete skateboard. Complete Skateboards are fully assembled and ready to go.

They are an ideal option for a first skateboard while your child finds their balance and gets some confidence. If your 8-year-old has a few years under their belt, I recommend you consider a DIY board (deck) and build them the skateboard of their dreams. 

My first experience with a skateboard was skating down our drive on a homemade skateboard. A homemade skateboard, that was unprofessionally assembled by my older brother.

He was 11, and I had just turned 6. He made it by attaching an old set of roller skate wheels found in the garage to a splintered piece of wood he found in the attic. It was dangerous and almost impossible to skate, but we had so much fun.

At that time, skateboards were a novelty and not widely available, things you only saw on TV. The next time Christmas came around, I instantly noticed two skateboard-shaped presents wrapped under the Christmas Tree. That was when my passion for skateboarding began, and I have never looked back.

Bottom Line Up Front

My top pick for the category of Best Skateboard for 8-Year-Olds is the beautiful Scarab 7.25” Gold Foil Skateboard Deck from élan Skateboards

The deck is super strong and made from 7-Ply North American Maple and premium epoxy resin glue. Each skateboard deck is individually pressed, for strength, quality, and precision.

It features a classic popsicle shape, medium concave, double kicktail, and steep kicks. Additionally, at 7.25” wide, it is the perfect size skateboard for an 8-year-old to learn tricks and improve their technique.

The Scarab 7.25” Gold Foil features gorgeous metallic Egyptian Hieroglyphics-inspired artwork by Gregg Turra. It is my top recommendation for any 8-year-old and is suitable for boys and girls.

Best Skateboards for 8-Year-Olds

7.80in x 31.00in Screaming Hand Mid Santa Cruz Skateboard Complete

Best Complete Skateboards

Birdhouse Tony Hawk Ptero Complete Skateboard

  • Deck Materials: 7-Ply Stained Canadian Maple
  • Deck Dimensions: 31” (L) x 7.5” (W)
  • Wheels: Classic 52mm Polyurethane birdhouse with 100a Durometer
  • Trucks: birdhouse Branded 5.2” Powder Coated Trucks
  • Bearings: ABEC-7
  • Wheelbase: 14 Inches

Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Mid Complete Skateboard

  • Deck Materials: 7-Ply 100% Birchwood
  • Deck Dimensions: 30” (L) x 7.75” (W)
  • Wheels: Smooth and Durable 52mm Polyurethane with 95a Durometer
  • Trucks: Lightweight Cast Aluminum Trucks
  • Bearings: High-Speed Precision
  • Wheelbase: 13 Inches

Zero Bold Youth Complete Skateboard

  • Deck Materials: 7-Ply Hardrock and Canadian Maple
  • Deck Dimensions: 29” (L) x 7.25” (W)
  • Wheels: 52mm Ricta Crystal Cores with 95a Durometer
  • Trucks: Threat Trucks
  • Bearings: Zero ABEC-3
  • Wheelbase: 12.5”

Best Skateboards Decks

Powell Peralta Skateboard Deck Ripper 7.0″ Silver Red

  • Deck Materials: 7-Ply 100% Birchwood
  • Deck Dimensions: 28” (L) x 7.0” (W)
  • Concave: Deep and Smooth
  • Wheelbase: 11.5 Inches

Almost Reflex Youth GREEN 7.375 MID Skateboard Deck

  • Deck Materials: 7-Ply North American Maple and Birch Blend
  • Deck Dimensions: 29.8” (L) x 7.375” (W)
  • Concave: Mellow
  • Wheelbase: 12.75 Inches

élan Skateboard Deck Scarab 7.25″ Gold Foil

  • Deck Materials: 7-Ply North American Maple
  • Deck Dimensions: 29.5” (L) x 7.25” (W)
  • Concave: Medium
  • Wheelbase: 12.25 Inches

Selection Criteria

8-year-old skater

Choosing the perfect skateboard for your 8-year-old is not as cut and dry as one may think. The skating industry has exploded, and you can access thousands of skateboards with a few clicks of your mouse.

But are you choosing the best skateboard? To eliminate any possibility of buyer’s remorse, I have included a Selection Criteria to illustrate to you how the skateboards featured below qualified for this guide. 

My Selection Criteria are divided into 5 categories:

Brand

I am a firm believer in purchasing products from authentic and reputable brands. They give advice freely, supply quality products, and offer after-sales service. All the skateboards featured in this guide are made and distributed by world-class and reliable skateboarding brands.

Strength and Durability

Strength and durability are vital when buying any skateboard, but even more so when the skateboard is for an 8-year-old. A skateboard suffers extreme abuse by the hands (and feet) of an 8-year-old and will likely get dropped, dented, split, razor-tailed, and kicked downstairs.

All the skateboards featured are made of the finest materials and premium components. All have been tried, tested, and approved by the best in the industry.

Design

The particular design of a skateboard is relevant as it dictates the style and technical level of skateboarding. It was important for me to feature pro-series skateboards that can help push your 8-year-old to the next level.

All the boards in this guide feature a classic popsicle design, with a mellow concave and steep kicks. All of the attributes that are needed to develop a future pro.

Size

As an adult, choosing the size of your skateboard comes down to your style and personal preference. It is very different for 8-year-olds, as they require a particular size skateboard to allow them to develop and improve. All the skateboards featured in this guide fall into the 7.0” to 7.75” range, this size skateboard is perfect for 8-year-olds.

Availability

I think it would be pointless for me to feature a skateboard that is not available for purchase. All boards featured in this guide are in stock and currently available to the public.

Price

I have put the price at the bottom because it did not feature in this guide. I have featured the absolute Best Skateboards for 8-Year-Olds. My decisions were in no way influenced by the price.

Skateboard Sizes

8-year-old skater

Skateboards designed for kids or children are divided into three categories. These categories are related to the age, height, shoe size of the skater, and coverages skaters from 5-12-years-old.

Kids develop at different rates, so this is merely a guideline. If your 8-year-old is experiencing a decelerated or accelerated growth spurt, you should adjust accordingly.

Mid Deck

A Mid Deck is the largest-sized skateboard deck for kids. They are great options for skaters with a 6-8 shoe size and between 4ft 5” and 5ft 2” tall. Mid Decks range between 7.25” and 7.375” and are ideal for most 9-12 year-olds.

Mini Deck

A Mini Deck is the standard size skateboard deck for kids and is an ideal option for skaters with a 2-5 shoe size and who are between 3ft 4” to 4ft 4’ tall. Mini Decks are 7” in width and are ideal for most 6-8 year-olds. 

Macro Deck

A Macro Deck is the smallest deck size for kids. They are great options for skaters with a <2 shoe size and are 3ft 4” or shorter. Macro Decks range from between 6.5” and 6.75” and are ideal for most 4-5 year-olds.

Complete Skateboards VS DIY Skateboards for 8-Year-Olds

This question comes up often and can be slightly complicated when it comes to 8-year-olds. If your 8-year-old is just learning to skate, I recommend a complete skateboard. Complete skateboards are supplied fully assembled and include the deck, anti-slip grip tape, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware.

Complete Skateboards are an ideal option as a ‘first skateboard’ to find out if your child enjoys the sport, is showing improvement, and wants to continue to improve. There are numerous quality and reliable complete skateboards available today that are manufactured by the best brands in the business. 

If your 8-year-old started skating early on and now has a couple of years of experience under their belt, then a DIY Skateboard is the best option. All experienced and pro skaters ride A DIY skateboard and will allow your 8-year-old to improve alongside and even outperform their peers.

First, you need to choose the best deck option, followed by the wheels, bearings, and trucks. These parts will need to be assembled individually, and apart from creating a quality skateboard, it is a great way to teach your 8-year-old the mechanics behind it.  

Best Skateboards for 8-Year-Olds

Below is a list of the Best Skateboards for 8-Year-Olds:

Best Complete Skateboards

birdhouse Tony Hawk Ptero Complete Skateboard

birdhouse Tony Hawk Ptero Complete Skateboard

Tony Hawk needs no introduction and is still considered the greatest skateboarder of All Time. Anything skateboarding related to this guy is top-class.

So when he and a certain Per Welinder created birdhouse Skateboards in 1992, the skating world stood back and took notice. Today, birdhouse Skateboards manufacture world-class decks, complete skateboards, skateboard wheels, apparel, and skating accessories.

The birdhouse Tony Hawk Ptero Complete is a fantastic introductory skateboard for 8-year-olds. The skateboard deck measures 31” (L) x 7.5” (W) and is made from 7-Ply Stained Canadian Maple.

It is equipped with classic birdhouse branded 52mm Polyurethane Wheels with a 100a Durometer. The top of the deck is covered with premium anti-slip grip tape, and the bottom displays stunning Pterodactyl-inspired graphics with the company logo.

Pros

  • Professional Complete Skateboard from birdhouse Skateboards
  • Strong and durable 31” (L) x 7.5” (W) 7-Ply Stained Canadian Maple Deck
  • Classic Popsicle Shape with a Double Kicktail
  • Birdhouse Branded Classic 52mm Polyurethane wheels with 100a Durometer
  • Birdhouse Branded 5.2” Powder Coated Trucks
  • Premium ABEC-7 Bearings
  • 14” Wheelbase
  • Birdhouse Branded Die-Cut Grip Tape
  • Suitable for Boys and Girls
  • Comes Fully Assembled

Cons

  • This Complete Skateboard is Expensive

Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Mid Complete Skateboard

Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Mid Complete Skateboard

Santa Cruz is possibly the most authentic skateboarding brand today, and has been around since 1973 and was founded by the trio of Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman. Located in Santa Cruz, California, the three good friends joined forces and formed NHS (Novak, Haut, Shuirman).

NHS is a global sports equipment distribution company, and it is responsible for the distribution of Santa Cruz Skateboards and other subsidiaries like Krux Trucks, Ricta Wheels, and the Independent Truck Company.

The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Mid Complete Skateboard has been designed with a future pro in mind. It features a classic popsicle design with a double kicktail. It is a great ‘first’ skateboard for your 8-year-old to kickstart his/her skating career. It is super strong and durable but still light enough to encourage new and demanding tricks.

The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Mid Complete Skateboard comes equipped with smooth and durable 52mm polyurethane wheels with a softer 95a Durometer for maximum grip.

The top of the skateboard deck is covered with premium anti-slip grip tape, and the bottom of the skateboard deck features the iconic Santa Cruz Screaming Hand with the company logo. 

Pros

  • Excellent Complete Skateboard from Santa Cruz
  • 30” x 7.75” 7-Ply 100% Birchwood Deck
  • Classic Popsicle Shape with a Double Kicktail
  • 6.63” Nose Length
  • 6.18” Tail Length
  • Lightweight and Strong
  • Made from Premium Materials and Components
  • Smooth and Durable 52mm Polyurethane with a 95a Durometer
  • Light Cast Aluminum Trucks with 85a Cushions
  • High-Speed Precision Bearings
  • 13” Wheelbase
  • Suitable for Boys and Girls
  • Comes Fully Assembled
  • Well-priced

Cons

  • A Great Skateboard at a Great Price – I cannot find a Suitable Con at this time

Zero Bold Youth Complete Skateboard

Zero Bold Youth Complete Skateboard

Zero Skateboards is an All-American Skateboarding Company founded by Professional Skateboarder Jamie Thomas. The company is located in Carlsbad, California, and is affiliated with major brands like Mystery Skateboards, Fallen Footwear, EA Black Box, and Black Box Distribution. 

The Zero Youth Complete Skateboard is a sublime skateboard for 8-year-olds. The deck measures 29” x 7.25” and is made from a blend of Hardrock wood and Canadian maple wood. It is super strong and durable and a great board to develop and learn tricks.

The Zero Youth Complete Skateboard comes equipped with premium 52mm Ricta Crystal Core wheels with a 95a Durometer. The top of the deck is covered with anti-slip grip tape, and the bottom of the deck features simple yet effective black and white graphics displaying the company logo.

Pros

  • Excellent Complete Skateboard from Zero Skateboards
  • 29” x 7.25” 7-Ply Hardrock and Canadian Maple Blend
  • Classic Popsicle Design with a Double Kicktail
  • Sublime Ricta Crystal Core Wheels with 95a Durometer
  • Steep Kicks for doing Tricks
  • Premium Threat Trucks
  • Zero ABEC-3 Precision Bearings
  • 12.5” Wheelbase
  • Premium Anti-Slip Grip Tape
  • Suitable for Boys and Girls
  • Comes Fully Assembled

Cons

  • This Complete Skateboard is Expensive

Best Skateboard Decks

Powell Peralta Ripper 7.0″ Silver Red Skateboard Deck

Powell Peralta Ripper One Off Silver/Red Birch Complete Skateboard - 7 x 28

Powell Peralta is one of the most well-known and respected names in the skateboarding industry. Founded by the super talented George Powell and Stacy Peralta in 1978, the company has pioneered and been at the forefront of the skateboarding revolution.

Powell Peralta rose to prominence in the 1980s, dominating the skateboard scene with quality skateboards, accessories, and the now-infamous Bones Brigade Pro Skating Team.

The Ripper 7.0” Silver Red Skateboard Deck is an ideal option for 8-year-olds who are comfortable on a skateboard and are showing promise. The deck is made from 100% Birchwood and features a 7-ply construction. 

Pros

  • Outstanding introductory Skateboard Deck from Powell and Peralta
  • 28” (L) x 7.0” (W) 7-Ply Birch Deck
  • Features Skate One AirLam® Pressing Technology
  • Strong and Durable
  • Deep and Smooth Deck Concave 
  • Great Deck to Learn and Master Tricks
  • Exceptional Torsion Rigidity with Great Pop
  • Suitable for street, park, and bowl skating
  • 11.5” Wheel Base
  • Anti-Slip Grip Tape

Cons

  • This deck will get outgrown quickly

Almost Reflex Youth Green Mid Skateboard Deck

Almost Reflex Youth Green Mid Skateboard Deck

The Almost Skateboarding Company is located in El Segundo, California, and was founded by Rodney Mullen and Deawon Song. The company manufactures premium decks made from 7-ply, 8-ply, and carbon fiber, bound together with premium epoxy glue.

Almost Skateboards are distributed by Dwindle Distributions, which is responsible for distributing world-class brands such as Blind, Darkstar, Enjoi, Madness, and Dusters. 

The Almost Reflex Youth Mid Skateboard Deck is an excellent deck for your 8-year-old. The Popsicle-shaped Deck is a Resin Hybrid Construction made from 7-ply North American Maple and Birchwood, infused with epoxy resin.

The Almost Reflex Youth Skateboard Deck is light, durable, and comfortable, with a steep kick, mellow concave, and a 12.75” Wheelbase. The deck is green, with the company logo surrounded by subtle colors of red, orange, and yellow. 

Pros

  • Excellent Mid Youth Deck from Almost Skateboards
  • Classic Popsicle Design with Double Kicktail
  • 29.8” (L) x 7.375” (W) &-Ply North American Maple and Birch Blend
  • Excellent Deck for Learning New Tricks
  • Strong, Lightweight, and Durable
  • Steep Kick and Mellow Concave
  • 12.75” Wheelbase
  • Anti-Slip Grip Tape
  • Suitable for Boys and Girls
  • Well Priced

Cons

  • Great Board at a great price, I cannot find a suitable con at this time

élan Skateboard Deck Scarab 7.25″ Gold Foil

élan Skateboard Deck Scarab 7.25" Gold Foil

élan Skateboards is an Australian Skateboarding Company founded by Australian Pro Skater Andy Walker in 2002. Élan skateboards are proudly 100% Skater-owned and operated, with quality the main focus. Their secondary focus is to promote Australian skaters, Australian skating events, and the sport of skateboarding in general.

Elan Skateboard decks are pressed with high-quality resin and are made alongside some of the best skateboard decks in the world in a Clutch Wood Shop in Mexico. 

The Scarab Gold Foil is a beautiful skateboard deck made from 7-Ply North American Maple. It features a traditional popsicle design with a double kicktail.

It is the perfect size board for your 8-year-old and offers a slightly tapered tail, a rounded nose, and straight rails. This gorgeous deck features metallic Egyptian Hieroglyphics-inspired graphics created by the great Gregg Turra. 

Pros

  • Quality Skateboard Deck from Elan Skateboards
  • 29.5” (L) x 7.25” (W) Deck made from North American Maple
  • Classic Popsicle Shape with a Double Kicktail
  • Medium Concave and Steep Kicks
  • 12.25” Wheelbase
  • Suitable for Street and Park
  • Anti-Slip Grip Tape
  • Beautiful Artwork by Greg Turra.
  • Ideal for boys and girls

Cons

  • This deck is expensive

Best Skateboard Wheels for 8-Year-Olds

RICTA 52mm Clouds 92a Skateboard Wheels

RICTA 52mm Clouds 92a Skateboard Wheels

Ricta has been producing exceptional wheels since 2002. The 52mm Clouds is a great wheel and perfect for your 8-year-olds new deck. They are quiet with a silky smooth roll and made from an innovative NRG Hi-Energy Urethane Formula.

They are great wheels for street, park, bowl, or cruising. The 92a Durometer is soft with loads of grip and perfect for all types of skating terrain.

Pros

  • Quality Skateboarding Wheels from Ricta
  • Soft 92a Durometer for Additional Grip
  • Innovative NRG Hi-Energy Urethane Formula
  • Ideal for All Types of Skating Terrain

Best Skateboard Trucks for 8-Year Old’s

Tensor Maglite 5.2” Trucks

Tensor Maglite 5.2” Trucks

Tensor (Skatensor) produces some of the best skateboarding trucks in the world. The Maglite 5.2” is the perfect size for your 8-year-old and is strong enough to withstand any abuse. These guys have so much confidence in their products that they offer a lifetime guarantee against breakage. 

Pros

  • Inter-Locking Bushings for Increased Control
  • Lower Kingpin resulting in No Grind Hang-Ups
  • 30% Reduction in Weight and Reinforced Hanger
  • Hollow Axle and Hollow Kingpin
  • Responsive Turns from Refined Technology

Best Skateboard Bearings for Your 8-Year-Old

Bones Ceramic Super Reds Bearings

Bones Ceramic Super Reds Bearings

Bones Bearings have been leading the field in skateboard bearings since 1981. Skateboard bearings are what these guys do, and they do them well.

The company is located in the United States, but the bearings are manufactured in Switzerland. The Bones Super Reds is by no means the signature bearing, but it is an ideal option for your 8-year-old.

Pros

  • Swiss-Made Precision Bearings
  • Super Quiet and Silky Smooth
  • Grade5, Silicon Nitride, Hot Isostatically Pressed Ceramic Balls
  • High-Speed Nylon Ball Retainer for Increased Speed and Strength
  • Pre-lubricated with Speed Cream Racing Lubricant
  • Premium Quality Steel Races and a superior Surface Finish
  • Single Non-Contact Removable Rubber Shield for Less Friction and Easy Cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the Best Size Deck for an 8-year-old?

Answer: A deck between 7.25” and 7.75” is an ideal size for most 8-year-olds. Often the size of their feet is proportional to their height, so if they are wearing a size 6 shoe you may consider a mid-deck. A mid-deck will be a great option until they reach the age of 12 or 13 years.

Question: Is it Better to Over-torque the Wheels on My 8-year-olds Skateboard?

Answer: The skateboard wheels should always spin freely and should not be over-torqued. At the same time, they cannot be under-torqued and be allowed to move horizontally on the axle (wiggling).
If you feel the wheels are too fast for your 8-year-old, consider changing the wheels and/or bearings until they are ready for a little more speed.

Question: What Skateboard Wheel should Beginners Get?

Answer: Large wheels with a relatively soft compound are the best choice for beginners. A larger wheel height and wheel diameter will offer more stability and control, while a soft wheel compound will deliver loads of grip. Anything in the 54mm to 62mm range, with an 86a to 99a durometer, should be perfect for any beginner. 

Question: Where is the Best Place to Purchase a Skateboard for my 8-year-old?

Answer: I always recommend that guys visit their local skatepark or skate shop when looking for a new skateboard. It’s always good to support the little guys but it is also a good idea to get your hands on the board, go for a ride, and get a feel for it before making a purchase.
You will receive expert advice and guidance from experienced and passionate skateboarders, something which you do not get when ordering online. It also allows you guys to meet and hang out with like-minded folk, talk about all things skateboarding, and forge lasting relationships.

Question: Should I Get my 8-year-old Training Wheels?

Answer: If your 8-year-old is just learning how to skate, training wheels can be an effective tool. Training wheels are a great way to improve balance and build confidence. Once your 8-year-old shows signs of progress they can also be utilized when practicing tricks.
They limit any movement allowing more time to master the trick, and they can be installed and removed in seconds. Simply flip the skateboard over and pull the trainers over the wheels, when you are done you slide them off and you are on your way.

Conclusion: How to find the Best Skateboards for 8-Year-Olds

Choosing a skateboard for your 8-year-old can be difficult, but fortunately, there are numerous world-class skateboards available. My pick for Best Skateboard for 8-Year-Olds goes to the exceptional élan Scarab 7.25″ Gold Foil Skateboard Deck.

It is a great deck for your 8-year-old and features the classic popsicle shape with a double kicktail. It measures 29.5” x 7.25’ and is the perfect width to allow him/her to skate park, street, or just cruise around. It is strong and lightweight, with a gorgeous concave and steep kicks. 

The Scarab 7.25″ Gold Foil Skateboard Deck is also a good-looking skateboard, displaying gorgeous metallic Egyptian Hieroglyphics by Gregg Turra. 

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