Evening all, my 6 year old lad wants a skateboard for his birthday next month. Being a DH mountain biker and not a skater, I know shag all about boards. Can you give me some pointers. Does he get a full size board? Do you get trucks that a 3 stone kid can turn? What sort of price should I be paying? and where is the best place to shop. I went into my local skate shop the other day and the bloke spent the whole time on the phone, so I thought I'd ask you lot. Also, what is the best way for me to teach him considering I last got on a pointy, skinny board back in 197tsomething? Thanks in advance. D.

Your best bet is to just get him a cheap board from argos for the time being (as well as pads and a helmet, as being six years old the skulls still soft) and seeing how he gets on. If he does get into it and its not just a passing faze then you can consider getting something better towards christmas, which will also benefit your pocket due to the various sales that skate shops have.

I'd say get him a really cheap setup from a skate shop (Voltage Brand?) Because the Argos skateboards are really horrible to ride and push, Something a little bit better well really give him the chance to expirence skateboarding instead of the horibble plastic wheels and really bad bearings that the argos decks come with. These decks cost around £30 and if your kid really does like skateboarding and wants to cheap doing it, Your looking at about £70+ for a nice setup.

Having two kids I totally agree with Serapth.. GET THAT HELMET!!

And when you get the el-cheapo board make sure it has PU (polyurethane) wheels and NOT PVC!!!!