Normal size skateboards range in length from 27" to 31", which isn't even very long. In terms of breadth, anything between 7.0" and 8.0" is ideal. Because of my personal experience, my skateboard size chart for kids differs from most others. For children aged 6 and up, any width between 7.5" and 8.0" is appropriate. For younger children, a board that is more narrow is better because it's easier to learn how to jump.
My son loves his skateboard and uses it every day after school. He's only 4 years old but can ride for quite a distance without getting tired. He starts out by walking around the block then works his way up to riding for longer distances. He knows all of his rider skills including ollieing, kickflipping, sliding, and grinding. He just started learning heel flips but already does them well. He thinks it's cool when I show him how much faster he can go by standing on the sidewalk vs in the street.
He wants a new board now but I don't think he'll need one for another year or two. If you were to ask me what size board he needs, I would say an 8.0" wide one so he can walk more comfortably while skating and not feel like he's being too cramped on it. However, since he's still young and doesn't do much damage to his boards, I wouldn't worry about it too much yet.
The rest of the components are quite conventional. Skateboard widths typically range between 7.5 and 8.5 inches. Smaller boards are preferable for smaller or younger boys, and the length is unimportant as long as it is formed consistently. Sizes between 7 and 7.75 work well if you are fully uninterested or ignorant. Longer boards are useful for older boys who want to kick it more.
As for materials, you can choose from a wide variety of woods, with most manufacturers using maple for their boards. These can be bought pre-painted or unpainted. If you decide to go for a painted board, there are many different colors you can choose from. Black, white, red, blue, green, and silver are all popular choices.
Finally, there's the deck. This is where you can really start to express yourself. The bigger the board, the more space you have to put designs on it. There are two types of decks: directional and non-directional. Directional decks have edges that are usually darker in color than the center of the board. These make it easier to see how you are going in a particular direction. Non-directional decks are more uniform in appearance. They are perfect if you aren't sure where you are going yet.
Decks can also be classified by material. Plastic is the cheapest option but doesn't last as long. Wood is the most expensive but also the longest lasting.
Smaller skateboards can be entertaining, but it's best for youngsters to learn the sport on a full-size skateboard that is 27" to 31" in length. Furthermore, full-size skateboards aren't that big. A standard-size board should be sufficient for most 4-year-olds. Some 5-year-olds may need a slightly larger board.
Size. The size of the board is the most important consideration when purchasing a skateboard for a girl. As a result, you need carefully examine different sizes to pick the best board for you. The ideal size for a girls' deck is between 28" and 32" long and 7.5" to 8.25" broad. Any longer and it's too heavy to be lifted easily; any shorter and your won't be able to fit through some of the more common doorways.
Shape. The next thing to consider is the shape of the board. There are two main types of shapes: directional and non-directional. Directional boards have a single, clear trend that run the length of the board. These include shapes such as popsicle, banana, or bubble. Non-directional boards are wide and flat with no specific pattern. These include classic skateboards as well as specialty boards such as palm tree, comet, or houndstooth.
Construction. Construction also plays an important role in determining which type of board is right for you. There are three main types of construction techniques used in making skateboards: glued laminated wood (glulam), metal plates, and plastic. Glued laminated wood is the most common type of construction used in skateboards. It is suitable for outdoor use because it is durable and has good traction. Metal plate decks are great for those who prefer a heavier build because they can support more weight.
While an old-school skateboard is normally at least 10 inches wide, as seen below, this is not always the case. This baby is just 25.25" long and 6.5" broad. By most people's standards, it's a small board.
That being said, there are smaller old-school boards out there. Just search for "old-school skateboards" on Google Images. There are plenty of choices for any size person looking to get into skating retro style.
Here are some other things to note about old-school skateboards:
They were designed without wheels. The entire purpose was to create a board that was easy to skate. You didn't need wheels to do tricks on because there were no wheels to lose!
There were only two types of trucks used in old-school skateboarding: the pinwheel and the nub. (These are the same types of trucks that are used today by companies like Santa Cruz Bikes.)
The difference between the two is that with the pinwheel, the front and back trucks are identical. They have a flat surface where the wheel sits on when pushed forward or pulled backward. This makes them easy to build and cheap to buy in large quantities.