Choosing a surfskate for children: the key elements
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.
For example, for a child aged 4 to 9, a 28-inch deck is often a very good compromise. However, this criterion should always be considered alongside the width of the deck.
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
The concave refers to the longitudinal curvature of the deck. On a surfskate, a low concave (shallow concave) is generally preferred. It allows the feet to sit naturally on the board and provides enough space under the foot while maintaining good grip.
Conversely, a surfskate with a medium or high concave may be closer to a construction inspired by traditional skateboard decks. This type of concave provides greater foot support, particularly for tricks, and can offer increased maneuverability when making tight turns.
For a child, it is generally preferable to choose a low concave, which is more comfortable and progressive, helping them learn and gradually gain confidence on their board.
4 - DECK SHAPE
The shape of the deck plays a role in the stability, maneuverability and freedom of movement of the young rider. Contrary to what one might think, there is no single deck shape suited to surfskating: manufacturers use different shapes depending on the type of riding intended.
For a child, it is particularly useful to choose a compact board that is wide enough and suited to their body shape, making it easier to position their feet and control the surfskate.
Classic / symmetrical shape: a versatile shape that offers a good balance between stability and maneuverability. It is particularly well suited to learning to surfskate.
Fish shape: wider at the front and generally featuring a more compact tail, it offers good stability while remaining highly maneuverable. It is particularly suited to surf-inspired movements.
Cruiser shape: compact and easy to control, it can be suitable for children who want to use their surfskate both for getting around and for discovering the sensations of carving.
Kicktail: this is not technically a deck shape, but an interesting feature for a children's surfskate. The kicktail makes it easier to lift the front wheels and perform certain basic movements and maneuvers.
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 a child depends on several key factors, including length, width, concave and materials. To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience, choose a deck suited to the child’s size and skill level, with good stability and a moderate concave for optimal control. Keep in mind that the range of surfskates specifically designed for children remains limited. Many industrial models are simply adapted from constructions intended for adults. A 6-ply maple construction, which is lighter than a standard 7-ply construction, can therefore be a real advantage for a child. This type of construction, which offers greater possibilities for customization, is available from some artisan shapers, but remains rare on the mass market.
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 : WHICH SURFSKATE IS BEST FOR CHILDREN ?
Choosing a surfskate for a child is above all about adapting the deck’s dimensions and construction to their body shape and skill level. For beginners, choose a deck measuring 26 to 30", around 8 to 9" wide, with a low concave and a lightweight construction. Wheels measuring 60–65 mm with a hardness of 78A–85A will provide comfort and grip. Finally, a board specifically designed for children, rather than simply a scaled-down adult model, allows for more natural progression and better control.
