Choosing a surfskate suitable for a child requires considering their size, level and type of practice to ensure safety and fun. A good choice will allow your child to progress while having fun.
PART 1 : CHOOSING THE SURFSKATE DECK FOR KIDS
Le plateau (ou "deck") d’un surfskate est l’élément clé qui influence la maniabilité, la stabilité et le confort de l’enfant lorsqu’il roule. Voici les principales caractéristiques à prendre en compte pour bien choisir le deck d’un surfskate pour enfant.
1 - DECK LENGTH
The length of the deck should be suitable for the child’s height to ensure good control and stability. Here are some recommendations:
26 to 30 inches: Ideal for children between 1.10m and 1.40m. This size offers a good balance between maneuverability and stability.
30 to 32 inches: For taller kids or those already skilled at skating, this size allows for more control in turns while remaining stable.
2 - DECK WIDTH
Width plays an important role in the board’s stability. A wider deck provides more foot space, making the board more stable, while a narrower deck enhances maneuverability. For kids, a width of 8 to 9 inches is generally recommended:
8 inches: Best for smaller children, offering good maneuverability and easy control.
8.5 to 9 inches: Provides a bit more stability, which can be reassuring for beginner children.
3 - DECK CONCAVE
Concave refers to the longitudinal curvature of the deck. A deck with pronounced concave allows the child to lock in their feet better for more control in turns. For beginners, it is preferable to choose a deck with moderate concave as it balances stability and maneuverability.
4 - DECK SHAPE
The shape of the deck affects how the child can move and perform sharp turns. Kids’ surfskates are typically equipped with kicktails, a raised section at the rear that allows for tighter turns and basic tricks.
Kicktail: Useful for lifting the front of the board during maneuvers.
Fish or Pintail shape: Longer and rounded, ideal for smooth movements.
Cruiser shape: Compact and agile, perfect for quick urban rides and short turns.
Twin Tip shape: Symmetrical, offering increased stability and suitable for riders wanting to slide in both directions.
Drop-Through shape: Lower than others, providing better balance and ideal for kids seeking more stability.
5 - DECK MATERIALS
Children’s surfskates are often made from lightweight, durable materials like bamboo or Canadian maple. These materials ensure the deck’s sturdiness while keeping it light, suitable for young riders. Opt for Canadian maple, which is of better quality than Chinese maple (less dense and thus less durable).
A lighter deck allows the child to handle the board more easily, which is crucial for learning. Depending on the child’s weight (or if more flex is desired), a 6-ply deck can be chosen instead of a 7-ply.
6 - DECK GRIPTAPE
Grip on the deck is essential to prevent the child from slipping off. The griptape (anti-slip coating) should be of good quality, as a strong grip ensures better board control, especially for beginners. It’s recommended to choose grip from a specialized skateboarding brand rather than a cheaper model to ensure better performance.
CONCLUSION
Choosing a surfskate deck for kids involves several essential factors like length, width, concave, and materials. To ensure a fun and safe experience, choose a deck that suits the child’s height and skill level, offering good stability and moderate concave for optimal control.
PART 2 : CHOOSING THE SURFSKATE EQUIPMENT FOR KIDS
When selecting a surfskate for kids, it’s crucial to carefully choose each component to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. In addition to the deck, other elements such as the trucks, wheels, and bearings play a significant role in performance and riding experience.
1 - THE TRUCKS: RESPONSIVENESS AND MANEUVERABILITY
The trucks are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the deck and greatly influence the surfskate’s maneuverability.
Front trucks specific to surfskate: The front trucks of a surfskate are designed to allow for wide, fluid movements, mimicking the feeling of surfing. Choose trucks with good responsiveness to facilitate tight turns, which is essential for a beginner child.
Truck width: For kids, it’s best to choose narrower trucks, suited to the deck’s width, to ensure better maneuverability. This will help the child control the board more easily in curves and turns.
2 - WHEELS: GRIP AND COMFORT
Wheels play a crucial role in grip and riding comfort, especially on varied surfaces.
Wheel size: Smaller wheels (between 60 and 65 mm) are often preferable for kids, as they offer better control and are more suited to moderate speeds. They also improve responsiveness in turns. Larger wheels (around 69 mm) can provide more speed and stability.
Wheel hardness: The hardness of wheels is measured by durometer. For children, choose softer wheels (78A to 85A), which provide better grip and absorb vibrations on rough surfaces, making the ride more comfortable and safe.
3 - BEARINGS: SMOOTHNESS AND SPEED
Bearings play a crucial role in ensuring smooth riding, but the ABEC standard can be confusing. Although this rating assesses certain performance aspects, it doesn’t account for factors like durability or adaptability to different riding styles.
To choose bearings without relying on the ABEC standard, prioritize well-known brands (like BONES) that offer durable and high-performance bearings. Look for models with robust materials and effective protection against dust and moisture for optimal use.
Also, opt for high-quality bearings made from stainless steel or ceramic, which last longer and require less maintenance.
4 - PADS: SHOCK ABSORPTION
Pads are small rubber or plastic parts located between the trucks and the deck. They help absorb shocks and influence the board's height from the ground.
Shock absorption: Pads help absorb vibrations and shocks when riding on uneven surfaces, which is particularly useful for protecting young riders from jolts.
Adjustable height: They also slightly raise the board, which helps prevent "wheelbite" (when the wheels touch the deck during tight turns), enhancing safety.
Some surfskate trucks come with hardware and pads (such as those from CARVER). It’s worth checking this beforehand. Additionally, some craftsmen make pads from recycled skateboards, making it interesting to consider local and eco-friendly options.
CONCLUSION
In summary, choosing the right surfskate equipment for kids requires attention to components like trucks, wheels, bearings, and pads. These elements directly affect maneuverability, stability, and safety, all essential for the child to progress confidently and enjoy their surfskate experience.