🛹 What Gear Does Your Kid Really Need to Start Skateboarding?

mutalouis00
May 23
3 min read

Skateboarding is one of the most exciting activities for kids — it’s active, expressive, and endlessly fun. But when it comes to gear, many parents fall into two traps: buying too little or buying too much.

The good news? Your child doesn’t need a huge budget or the trendiest brands to get started. What they need is safe, solid, and supportive equipment — and a little confidence to go with it.

Here’s a complete (and realistic) checklist of what your kid really needs to start skating safely and successfully.

🛹 1. A Real Skateboard (Not a Toy)

This one matters more than anything. Those $30 boards from big box stores may look flashy, but they’re not made for real skating. Poor grip, loose trucks, and cheap materials make learning harder — and more dangerous.

✅ What to look for:

A wooden deck with quality grip tape
Trucks and wheels made of real metal and urethane
A board from a skate shop or a trusted beginner brand (ask Coach Tuma for recommendations)

Think of it this way: a good board helps your child succeed faster, stay safer, and enjoy the ride more.

🪖 2. A Certified Skate Helmet

Not all helmets are created equal. Bike helmets may not protect in the same way skate helmets do — especially during side or backwards falls.

✅ What to look for:

CPSC-certified helmet designed for skateboarding
Snug but comfortable fit
Adjustable straps and padding
A design your kid will want to wear

It’s not negotiable. Safety gear = freedom. Kids ride more confidently when they feel protected.

🛡️ 3. Pads: Knees, Elbows, and Wrists

Falling is part of learning. Padding turns falls into laughs instead of tears. Wrist guards are especially important for beginners, since most instinctively catch themselves with their hands.

✅ Look for:

Comfortable, breathable pads
Adjustable straps
A full 3-piece set (elbows, knees, wrists)

Wearing pads also helps reduce fear — and kids learn faster when they’re not scared of falling.

👟 4. Skate Shoes (Yes, They Matter)

Running shoes or sandals won’t cut it. Skate shoes are designed for grip, control, and board feel.

✅ Choose:

Flat soles for better contact with the board
Tough outer materials that can handle scrapes
Shoes that fit well (not too loose or too heavy)

They don’t have to be expensive — just sturdy and skate-friendly.

Rip City gears. Great place to buy in West LA

🧰 5. Optional but Helpful Extras

These aren’t required, but they can make the skate journey smoother:

Skate tool – a small all-in-one wrench for tightening trucks and adjusting wheels
Breathable clothing – flexible clothes that kids can fall and move in
Backpack or bag – to carry gear and keep everything together
A flat, safe space to practice – driveways, sidewalks, and smooth parks are perfect

And of course, a good coach makes all the difference. Someone who knows how to teach safety, build confidence, and encourage progress at every stage.

💡 Final Thought: The Most Important Gear is Confidence

Skateboarding is more than equipment — it’s about attitude. You can have the perfect setup, but without the right mindset, progress will be slow. That’s why we focus on confidence and connection in every Tuma Skateboarding lesson.

We give your child the gear, the guidance, and the encouragement to grow — on and off the board.

Need help choosing the right equipment?

Book a trial lesson and let Coach Tuma guide you through it — no stress, no overbuying, just safe skating and steady progress