The 8 Best Skateboards for Beginners of 2023
By: Steve Settles: Skate Buyer | May 29, 2023
While picking up a new passion may be intimidating, selecting a first skateboard as a rookie skater should be painless. That's why we've assembled a comprehensive list of the best skateboards for beginners: our favorite downscaled completes from some of the best skateboard brands, including Element, Santa Cruz, Anti Hero, and more that are manufactured with new skaters in mind to provide a comfortable fit without sacrificing actual functionality. Our list features skateboard completes designed for beginning skaters ranging from early childhood to adolescence.
New This Year:
As skateboarding continues to evolve, there are no significant changes in terms of beginner skateboard technology, but rather a further refinement of existing components and designs. In 2023, you can expect updates to a handful of skateboard completes, with switched-out components and additional new technologies in construction for more versatility, strength, and performance throughout. If you are a parent viewing this list for your child, be sure to keep sizing in mind, specifically the length of each board as it compares to the height of its potential rider. Additionally, be thoughtful of any prior skating experience and skill level when browsing through our list.
Globe Goodstock
The Globe Goodstock Complete Skateboard is a top-tier choice for skateboard enthusiasts. This skateboard stands out with its Full Concave, Twin Popsicle shape, perfect for delivering superior control and balance. Built with Resin-7 Hard Rock Maple construction, this skateboard promises durability and resilience for rigorous skateboarding sessions. It's equipped with 52mm 99a wheels that ensure optimal speed and precision for tricks and cruising alike. The included ABEC-7 bearings offer a smooth and responsive ride, enhancing your skateboarding experience. Whether you're hitting the streets or the park, the Globe Goodstock Complete Skateboard is a standout contender for the Best Beginner Skateboard of the Year.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 7.75 - 9.0 | 99a | $99.95 - $114.95 |
Element Magma Section 7.75
The Element Magma Section 7.75 Skateboard Complete is a superb choice for skate enthusiasts. Constructed from standard 7-ply Maple wood, this board promises durability and flexibility. Raw Element Trucks with 90a white bushings provide stability, while 52mm 99a white wheels with graphics offer a smooth ride. ABEC 5 bearings ensure speed and precision, and the standard black grip enhances control. With a width of 7.75", a length of 31.25", and a 14" wheelbase, it's a standout contender for the Best Beginner Skateboard of the Year.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 7.75 | 52mm 99a | $109.95 |
Santa Cruz Classic Dot Mid 7.8
The Santa Cruz Classic Dot Mid 7.8 Skateboard Complete is a robust, high-performance board. It features a Lightweight, Super Strong 7-Ply Birch construction for durability. Strong, Lightweight, Cast Aluminum trucks with 90a cushions offer stability, while 95a hardness wheels ensure a smooth ride. Its durable, high-speed steel bearings with oil lubricant ensure seamless movement. This skateboard is perfect for those seeking a blend of performance and durability.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 7.80 | 95a | $109.95 |
Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Full 8.0
The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Full 8.0 Skateboard Complete is an excellent starting point for beginners. Its Lightweight, Super Strong 7-Ply Birch construction ensures durability, while the strong, lightweight, cast aluminum trucks with 90a cushions provide stability. The 95a hardness wheels promise a smooth ride, and the high-speed steel bearings with oil lubricant offer effortless gliding. This skateboard provides a reliable and fun experience, making it a top pick for the Best Beginner Skateboards of the Year.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 8.0 | 95a | $109.95 |
Santa Cruz Classic Dot Full 8.0
The Santa Cruz Classic Dot Full 8.0 Skateboard Complete is a stellar choice for any skater. This board features Lightweight, Super Strong 7-Ply Birch construction for resilience and durability. The strong, lightweight, cast aluminum trucks with 90a cushions ensure stability and smooth turning. Its 95a hardness wheels promise a smooth and responsive ride, while the durable, high-speed steel bearings with oil lubricant guarantee effortless rolling. This superior-quality skateboard is certainly a beginner skateboard top pick.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 8.0 | 95a | $109.95 |
Anti Hero Grimple Stix Full Face 8.0
The Anti Hero Grimple Stix Full Face 8.0 Skateboard Complete offers robust performance and durability. With a Twin Popsicle shape and Traditional 7-Ply construction, it provides excellent pop. Lightweight Anchor Trucks guarantee performance and durability for any terrain. Anti-Hero 53mm Wheels ensure a smooth ride, whether cruising or shredding at the skate park. The ABEC 5 Bearings offer speed and durability, making it a top choice for beginner street skaters.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 8.0 | 53mm | $109.95 |
Anti Hero Classic Eagle XL 8.25
The Anti Hero Classic Eagle XL 8.25 Skateboard Complete embodies durability and performance. With its Twin Popsicle shape and Traditional 7-Ply construction, it promises plenty of pop. It features Anchor Raw Trucks with 90A Bushings for versatile shredding, and Anti-Hero 53mm Wheels for smooth cruising on any surface. ABEC 5 Bearings ensure a fast, durable ride. Finished with a flat black baseplate and polished hangers, this skateboard is one of the top beginner skateboards out there.
| Width | Wheels | Original Price |
| 8.38 | 53mm | $109.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Skateboard Guides:
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The Selection Process:
Our skate buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things skateboard stemming from years of experience in the skateboard industry in tandem with their countless hours on a board. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Steve Settles
I knew Santa Claus was real when a shiny new complete skateboard was waiting for me under the tree in the winter of ’92. Skateboarding has been in my life ever since. Somehow I have been lucky enough to work in the skateboard community since legally possible. Started behind the counter selling skateboards, moved up to store manager of a retail location, recruited to work in Event Marketing running the largest amateur skateboard contest in the US, then landed the job at evo with opening and managing Seattle’s only indoor skatepark – All Together Skatepark.After the first 5 years of running All Together Skatepark, I slowly started taking on buying responsibilities for evo skate products and have most recently moved to buying full time. Skateboarding has taught me to look at the world differently and openly by breaking down all barriers of age, race, gender, and culture. Skateboarding is for all humans. For that perspective, I am forever grateful!