Picking the right skateboard for a girl is all about finding a board that fits her size and suits her style, setting her up for a safe and awesome start. For anyone new to skating, a complete skateboard is almost always the best way to go. They come pre-built with parts that are designed to work together, giving you the best bang for your buck and a board that's ready to roll straight out of the box.
A Complete Guide to Your First Skateboard
Welcome to the world of skateboarding! All across New Zealand, from the local skate parks in Gisborne to city streets nationwide, more girls are getting into skating than ever before. There's a real buzz happening, and this guide is your first step to being a part of it.
Choosing a first skateboard can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be. We're here to break it all down for new skaters and their parents, making it simple to find the perfect setup. This is about more than just grabbing some wood and wheels; it’s about finding a tool for building confidence, getting creative, and making new mates.
Why Skateboarding Is More Than a Sport
Skateboarding is this unique mix of sport, art, and pure self-expression. It teaches you to be tough every time you take a spill and get back on the board. It builds a community when you're cheering on your friends and learning from others at the park. For loads of people, it ends up being a passion for life.
Skateboarding has always been—and will always be—about learning and pushing yourself just outside your comfort zone enough to really surprise yourself. Failure is the key to all of it. Learn how to turn it into fuel…something to be proud of: proof that you showed up and gave it a shot.
Seeing skateboarding in the Olympics has fired up a whole new generation. We're seeing that energy right here in the shop, with more families coming in looking for a quality skateboard for girls who are keen to get rolling. This guide is designed to give you and your young skater the confidence to pick the right gear from day one. For a few more pointers, have a look at our general guide on finding the perfect skateboard for kids.
Your Roadmap to Getting Started
We’ve laid out a clear path to help you sort through all the options. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you feel supported right from the get-go.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
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Understanding the Parts: We’ll break down the deck, trucks, and wheels into simple, easy-to-understand concepts.
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Choosing the Right Size: Get solid recommendations based on age, height, and shoe size.
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Safety Gear Essentials: Learn why a helmet and pads are non-negotiable for building skills safely.
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Brands and Styles: Find out about trusted brands that will match her personal style.
Our goal is dead simple: to help you find the perfect first board for a safe, fun, and empowering start in skateboarding. Let's get rolling.
A skateboard might look pretty simple, but it’s actually made up of a few key parts all working together. Getting your head around what these are and what they do is the first step to feeling confident when you’re picking out a board.
Let's break down the main bits of a skateboard for girls using some easy-to-follow ideas. Think of the whole board as your ticket to fun and creativity—each part has a specific job, and knowing what’s what helps you figure out what to look for.
The Deck: The Stage You Ride On
The deck is the wooden board you stand on. It's your platform, your stage. Most decks are made from 7-ply Canadian maple, a super strong and flexible wood that can take a beating from landing tricks and cruising around town.
The top of the deck is covered with grip tape, which feels like a sheet of coarse sandpaper. Its gritty surface is what your shoes grab onto, giving you the control you need to steer and pop tricks. Without it, your feet would just slide straight off.
Decks also have a subtle side-to-side curve called concave.
Concave is the gentle upward curve from the centre of the deck to its edges. Think of it like the supportive arch in a good pair of running shoes—it cradles your feet, giving you better leverage for steering and more grip for your heels and toes. This makes the board feel much more responsive under your feet.
You'll also notice the nose (front) and tail (back) of the deck are curved upwards. These kicks are essential for popping the board into the air for tricks like ollies and for making sharp, pivoting turns.
Trucks: The Steering System
If the deck is the stage, then the trucks are the steering and suspension. These are the T-shaped metal axles bolted underneath the deck that hold your wheels. They’re what let you lean and turn.
Each truck is made of a few parts, but the ones a beginner really needs to know are:
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Axle: The rod running through the hanger that the wheels attach to.
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Hanger: The big, triangular metal piece that houses the axle.
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Baseplate: The flat part that screws directly onto the skateboard deck.
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Bushings: Two rubbery rings that sit around the kingpin. These are basically the board's suspension, controlling how easily the truck pivots. Softer bushings make turning easier, which is great for lighter riders.
You can tighten or loosen the main bolt on the truck, the kingpin, to adjust how the board turns. For a beginner, a slightly looser setup often makes steering feel more natural and responsive.
Wheels and Bearings: The Engine and Tyres
The wheels are your board's connection to the ground. Just like a car’s tyres, their size and hardness affect how the board rides on different surfaces, from smooth skate park concrete to the rougher footpaths we have here in NZ. We’ll get into that a bit more in the next section.
Inside each wheel, you’ll find two bearings. Think of bearings as the tiny, powerful engines that make your wheels spin fast and smooth. Without good bearings, your wheels would barely turn. They’re what give a skateboard that satisfying, long glide after a good push.
For a more detailed look into how all these parts are assembled, you can learn more about the basics of skateboard construction in our other guide.
Alright, you've got the basics down. Now for the most important part: picking a board that actually fits. Forget the flashy graphics for a second – getting the right size is what really matters. A board that fits properly gives a new skater stability, control, and a massive confidence boost right from that very first push.
For almost every single beginner, we recommend a complete skateboard. These are pre-assembled boards where we've already matched up the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings so they work perfectly together. It's a brilliant, wallet-friendly way to get a high-quality setup that’s ready to roll straight out of the shop, no guesswork needed.
This flowchart is a great way to see how a rider's age and experience point to the right kind of board. It makes it super easy to narrow down the choices.
As you can see, a skater's age is a solid starting point, helping you choose anything from a small 'mini' deck for the little ones to a full-sized setup for teens.
Deck Width: The Key to Control
The single most important measurement on a skateboard is its width. This is what will give a rider balance and control. While length is also a factor, the width is where you want to focus your attention, especially for a first board.
We've put together this quick-reference chart to help you match a rider's age and shoe size to the perfect deck width. Getting this right is the first step to a great skating experience.
Skateboard Deck Width Guide by Age and Shoe Size
Use this quick reference chart to select the right skateboard deck width based on the rider's age and NZ/UK shoe size for better balance and control. Bear in mind the wider a skateboard is the more stable it is so this is a rough guide but if in doubt size up!
| Rider Age | NZ/UK Shoe Size | Recommended Deck Width (Inches) | Best For |
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| 5-7 | Kids 7-13 | 6.5" – 7.25" | Mini setups for the youngest skaters. |
| 8-12 | 1-6 | 7.25" – 7.75" | Mid-sized boards for growing confidence. |
| 13+ | 7+ | 7.75" – 8.25" | Full-sized boards for teens and adults. |
| Any | Any | 8.25"+ | Ramps, bowls, and cruising. |
Finding a board that matches the rider's shoe size gives them much better leverage over the board, making turning and learning tricks feel way more natural.
For the Youngest Groms (Ages 5-7)
When little kids are just finding their feet, a smaller board is an absolute must. We're talking about mini skateboards, which usually have a deck width between 6.5 to 7.25 inches. A narrower deck is crucial for smaller feet as it lets them stand comfortably over the trucks, giving them direct control over steering. It stops the board from feeling like a giant, wobbly plank.
A mini board isn’t just a shrunken skateboard; it's built specifically for a child’s lower centre of gravity. This makes it easier to push, turn, and even carry around. Starting on the right-sized board is all about making those first experiences fun and keeping the frustration levels low.
For Growing Skaters (Ages 8-12)
As kids get bigger, so do their feet and their skills. For this age group, it’s time to jump up to a slightly wider deck, usually in the 7.25 to 7.75-inch range. This size offers a more stable platform for learning foundational tricks like ollies and shuvits, but it’s still nimble enough for responsive turning.
This mid-size range is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for girls who are starting to hit the local skate park but also want a board they can comfortably cruise the neighbourhood on with their mates. It really is the sweet spot between stability and agility.
This is also the age where a skater starts to figure out her own style. A good quality complete in this size will be tough enough to handle the endless trial-and-error that comes with learning new tricks, from smooth skate park concrete to bumpy footpaths.
For Teens and Beyond (Ages 13+)
Once a skater hits her teens or has an adult shoe size, she's ready for a full-sized skateboard. These decks start around 7.75 inches wide and go up from there. The 8.0-inch deck is an incredibly popular, do-it-all size that feels great for just about every type of skating.
Deciding between a 7.75", 8.0", or even an 8.25" deck often boils down to personal preference and what kind of skating she wants to do.
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7.75" – 8.0": Awesome for skaters who want to focus on flip tricks. A slightly narrower board is lighter and easier to get rotating.
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8.0" – 8.25": This is the ultimate all-rounder. It offers a great balance of stability for ramps and bowls while still being quick enough for street skating.
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8.25"+: Often the go-to for skaters who mainly ride transition (ramps, bowls) or just prefer a super solid, stable platform under their feet for cruising.
If you want to dive deeper into how width, length, and concave all work together, have a look at our full guide on the different parts of a skateboard deck. Understanding these details will help heaps when you're ready to fine-tune your setup.
When Is It Time to Upgrade?
A solid complete skateboard will see a new skater through their first year or more, no problem. You’ll know it’s time to think about an upgrade or a custom build when she starts developing a specific style and has a better feel for what she likes.
Maybe she’s spending all her time in the bowl and wants a wider, more stable deck. Or perhaps she’s getting the hang of flip tricks and wants something narrower and more responsive. Upgrading individual parts like wheels and trucks, or even building a board from the ground up, is a super rewarding part of the skateboarding journey that comes with a bit of time and experience.
Alright, you've got a handle on the deck. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty: the wheels and trucks. These are the bits that truly give a skateboard its personality and determine how it feels under your feet. Getting them right makes all the difference, whether you're just cruising the footpath or psyching up to drop into a bowl for the first time.
Think of wheels and trucks like the performance parts on a car. You can tune a car for the racetrack or for bumpy farm roads, and it's the same deal with a skateboard. Understanding how these parts work is the key to finding a board that feels like it was made just for you.
Decoding Your Skateboard Wheels
When you look at skateboard wheels, there are two main things you need to know about: diameter (how big they are) and durometer (how hard they are). Both have a huge say in your speed, grip, and how smooth the ride is.
First up, diameter, which is measured in millimetres (mm).
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Smaller Wheels (50-53mm): These are your go-to for street skating and technical tricks. Because they're smaller, the board sits lower to the ground, making it lighter and way easier to pop for ollies and kickflips.
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Medium Wheels (54-59mm): This is a fantastic all-rounder size. It strikes a nice balance between the zippy acceleration of small wheels and the smooth-rolling speed of bigger ones. Perfect for skate parks, bowls, and just about everything in between.
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Larger Wheels (60mm+): Built for speed and cruising. They roll over cracks and rough surfaces with ease, which makes them ideal for longboards, surfskates, or just getting from A to B without getting tripped up.
Next is durometer, which is just a fancy way of saying how hard the wheel’s urethane is. It's usually measured on the "A Scale"—the higher the number, the harder the wheel.
A good way to think about wheel hardness is to compare them to car tyres. Soft wheels (like 78A-87A) are like all-terrain tyres—they have awesome grip and soak up vibrations, making them perfect for cruising on those rougher NZ footpaths. Hard wheels (like 99A-101A) are like racing slicks—super fast and responsive on smooth surfaces, which is exactly why they're the top choice for skate parks.
For someone just starting out, a wheel in the 90A to 99A range is an awesome place to begin. It’s a great mix of speed and grip that works well on most surfaces without feeling too slippery or too sluggish. If you want to get right into the details, you can learn more in our guide on skateboard wheel durometer and what it all means.
Sizing Up Your Trucks
Trucks are the T-shaped metal axles that bolt onto your deck and let you turn. The most important thing is getting the size right. The rule here is dead simple: your truck's axle width should match your deck's width as closely as possible.
If your trucks are too narrow, the board will feel wobbly and unstable. Too wide, and you risk "wheel bite"—that's when your wheels rub against the deck on a sharp turn, which can stop you dead in your tracks. Thankfully, most complete skateboards come with perfectly matched trucks, so it's not something you have to stress about with your first board.
Here's a game-changing tip for any new skater: learn to adjust your trucks. Right in the centre of each truck, you'll see a big nut on a bolt called the kingpin.
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Tighter Kingpin: This makes the board feel more stable but a bit stiffer to turn.
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Looser Kingpin: Makes turning much easier, which is perfect for lighter riders and for getting the hang of carving.
When you're new, try loosening the kingpin nut just a quarter turn at a time. Keep going until the board feels responsive and easy to steer. It's a tiny adjustment that can make a massive difference in building your confidence on the board.
Safety Gear Is Your Ticket to Progress
It’s easy to look at safety gear as a bit of a drag, but any skater who’s serious about getting better knows the real story: pads and a helmet are your secret weapon for progressing faster.
Think of your gear less like a set of rules and more like a superpower. It gives you the confidence to take a fall, shake it off, and go for that trick one more time without hesitation.
Falling is a huge part of skateboarding. It’s how you know you’re actually pushing your limits and learning something new. When you’re not worried about a nasty scrape or a big knock, you’re free to properly commit. That mindset is what makes all the difference.
Every single committed skater, from the local park hero to the pros you see on TV, wears their gear. It’s a sign that you mean business. Getting the right gear for a skateboard for girls isn't just about avoiding a trip to A&E—it’s about building the courage to really go for it.
Your Non-Negotiable Safety Kit
A full set of protective gear is like a personal suit of armour. Each piece is there to guard a specific spot that’s likely to hit the concrete when you bail. Getting the whole kit means you're covered from head to toe.
Here’s what every skater needs on their list:
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A Certified Helmet: This is the one thing you absolutely cannot skip. Your brain is not something you want to take a gamble on. Always grab a helmet that meets safety standards (like AS/NZS or CPSC) and fits properly—it should be snug, sit low on your forehead, and have the chin strap done up securely.
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Wrist Guards: Your first instinct when you fall is to throw your hands out. It's just human nature. Wrist guards have a hard plastic splint that takes the brunt of the impact, saving the small bones in your wrist from sprains and fractures.
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Knee and Elbow Pads: These will become your best mates, especially when you're learning to drop in or trying new tricks on a ramp. They soak up the shock from hard slams, letting you slide out of a fall instead of taking the full, painful impact.
The best thing pads give you is permission to fail. When you know you can fall without it really hurting, you're so much more likely to push yourself. It flips the script from a scary "what if I fall?" to a confident "I'll just try again."
We make it easy to get sorted with complete girls' protective gear packs that bundle up everything you need. It’s the simplest and most budget-friendly way to get started safely.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Gear that flops around is just as useless as no gear at all. Your pads should be snug enough that they don't slide down your arms or legs, but not so tight that you can't bend your joints freely. Most pads use velcro straps, which makes it easy to get that secure, comfortable fit.
A helmet should sit level on your head, about two fingers' width above your eyebrows. It shouldn’t be able to rock back and forth or slide from side to side. You can check out our range of quality skate helmets to find one that offers certified protection and feels right.
At the end of the day, spending a bit on good safety gear is an investment in your own progress. It’s the foundation that lets you skate with confidence, push your boundaries, and have way more fun out there. If you're keen for more tips, you can read our guide on skateboarding safety and injury prevention.
Finding Your Style with Top Brands in NZ
Right, we’ve covered all the nuts and bolts of what makes a good skateboard tick. Now for the fun bit – finding a board that really shows off her personality. A great skateboard for girls isn't just about the right size and gear; it’s a way to express who you are.
Here at Blitz Surf Shop, we've been part of the Gisborne surf and skate scene since 1983. We know the best board is one that feels awesome under her feet and looks just as good carving down the footpath.
Trusted Brands with Real Skate Heritage
When you grab a board from a brand with real history, you’re not just buying a piece of wood with wheels. You're getting a slice of skate culture, backed by decades of rider feedback, testing, and a genuine love for the sport. These are the brands the pros ride and the ones that have shaped skating into what it is today.
We stand by brands like:
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Santa Cruz: An absolute icon. Santa Cruz has been pumping out legendary boards since the 70s. They're famous for their bomb-proof decks and unforgettable graphics like the "Screaming Hand." Their complete skateboards are built to last and have a style that never gets old.
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Globe: With a foundation in the surfing lifestyle, Globe designs equipment that embodies a lively and adventurous essence. Their complete skateboards and surfskates feature vibrant, eye-catching graphics ideal for those seeking a board that not only performs excellently but also makes a visual statement.
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Powell Peralta: Known for their forward-thinking approach to skateboarding, Powell Peralta offers boards crafted to mimic the sensation of surfing, but on pavement. Their distinct truck systems allow for smooth, flowing carves, making them an excellent option for surfers looking to practice on non-surf days or for anyone seeking an enjoyable and relaxed ride.
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Deck Graphics That Let You Shine
One of the best parts of picking a new board is choosing the graphic. Deck art is a massive part of skate culture; it turns a piece of equipment into a canvas. Whether she’s into bold colours, cool characters, or something more low-key, there’s a deck out there that’s perfect for her.
The graphic on your board is your statement. It’s the first thing people see, and it’s a chance to show off your personality before you even drop in. Don’t be shy—pick a design you absolutely love. A great graphic just makes you want to grab your board and go skate.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between quality and style. Brands like Santa Cruz, Roxy, and the others we carry have mastered combining top-tier construction with incredible artwork. This means you get a tough, responsive, and safe skateboard that also looks awesome.
Your Local NZ Skate Experts
Since way back in 1983, Blitz Surf Shop has been more than just a store. We're a core part of the Gisborne surf and skate community, and we're passionate about helping riders all over New Zealand get the right gear. We’ve seen trends come and go, so we know what actually works.
Whether you pop into the shop for some hands-on advice or check us out online, you’re getting the benefit of all that experience. We deliver nationwide, so no matter where you are in NZ, you can get the good stuff sent straight to your door. We're here to help you find that perfect first skateboard for girls and kickstart a lifelong passion.
Your Top Skateboard Questions Answered
Even after you’ve got your head around the basics, it’s totally normal for a few more questions to pop up. To wrap things up, we've pulled together some quick-fire answers to the most common queries we get from parents and new skaters. We want to clear up any final wobbles so you feel 100% confident grabbing that perfect first skateboard for girls.
What’s the Difference Between a Toy Store Board and a Real Skateboard?
This is a big one, and it all comes down to safety and having a good time. A cheap board from a toy or department store might look the part, but it's usually cobbled together with flimsy plastic parts, a weak deck that can snap, and bearings that barely spin. Trying to learn on one of these is not just difficult—it's downright dangerous.
A proper skateboard from a real skate shop like Blitz uses a durable 7-ply maple wood deck, strong metal trucks, and smooth urethane wheels. These quality bits and pieces are designed to give you a responsive, safe, and fun ride, which is exactly what you need to build skills and confidence.
How Often Should We Replace Skateboard Parts?
Don't stress about this straight away. For a beginner, the parts on a complete skateboard will last ages, often a year or even longer depending on how much action it sees. You won't need to think about replacements for a while.
You'll know it's time for new wheels when they're obviously worn down, sometimes into an uneven cone shape. As for bearings, if they start sounding gritty or a wheel doesn't spin freely for a few seconds after a good flick, it might be time for a clean or a fresh set.
Is It Better to Build a Custom Skateboard or Buy a Complete First?
For 99% of beginners, a complete skateboard is the way to go, no question. They come professionally assembled with parts that are all matched to work perfectly together. It just takes all the guesswork out of the picture.
Buying a complete is also much friendlier on the wallet than buying each part separately. You can always upgrade bits and pieces like wheels or bearings later on, or even build a fully custom setup once she finds her style and knows what she really likes.
How Do I Know If a Helmet Fits Properly?
A helmet that fits right is the single most important piece of gear you'll buy. It should feel snug on the head, but not so tight that it's uncomfortable or gives you a headache.
Follow these simple checks for the perfect fit:
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Position: The helmet needs to sit low and level on the forehead, about two fingers' width above the eyebrows.
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Straps: The side straps should make a 'V' shape just under the earlobes.
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Chin Strap: Do up the chin strap so it's snug. You should only be able to squeeze one or two fingers between the strap and your chin.
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Wobble Test: Give your head a good shake side-to-side. The helmet shouldn't wobble or shift around at all.
Nailing the fit means the helmet can do its job properly if there's a fall, giving everyone peace of mind.
Ready to get rolling? At Blitz Surf Shop, we’ve got everything you need to kick off her skateboarding journey with confidence. Check out our awesome range of complete skateboards and safety gear today.
