Penny Boards & Plastic Cruiser Skateboards

Penny Boards – Compact Cruiserboards for Everyday Adventures

Explore our range of Penny Skateboards and plastic skateboards. Distinct from traditional skateboards, plastic models offer unique benefits. While some appreciate Penny boards for their handy size, others favour standard sized wooden decks. If you are contemplating whether a plastic cruiser suits your needs, the essentials are outlined below.

Defining a Penny Skateboard

Penny boards are lightweight plastic skateboards that provide smooth rolling and effortless manoeuvrability. Thanks to their short and narrow plastic skateboard decks, they are perfect for brief commutes, leisurely city rides, or just a relaxing time with friends. Unlike full-size skateboards, Penny boards are compact enough to fit into a backpack, while still offering an enjoyable ride on pavement.

Penny Skateboards, an Australian brand established in 2010, manufactures compact plastic cruiser skateboards inspired by the designs that gained fame in the 1970s. Nowadays, "Penny board" is often used to broadly refer to any small plastic cruiser, though it originally pertains specifically to this brand’s models. The brand achieved global acclaim following a rise in popularity in the early 2010s, becoming the standard for this type of skateboard.

Due to its success, various imitations are casually termed penny boards, despite the more precise name being "plastic cruiser skateboard" or a similar term. These alternatives frequently resemble the original shape and experience. Many skaters acknowledge that Penny Skateboards has established its esteemed reputation through consistent quality, with a vast fan base associating the brand with high standards.

Size of a Penny Board

The original Penny Skateboards measure 22 inches in length and 6 inches in width, which makes them extremely portable and easy to tote in a backpack or on city excursions. Their plastic deck ensures there’s no griptape to harm clothing or bags.

Their compact dimensions provide Penny boards with a shorter wheelbase and standing platform, making them remarkably lively. Even minor movements can tip the board's balance, initiating a turn, while the short wheelbase allows for very tight carving. This makes Penny boards less suitable for high speeds, but ideal for quick jaunts and agile cruising.

For those seeking increased stability, larger options like the 27-inch Nickel feature a wider deck and extended wheelbase, all while maintaining the signature lightweight, portable feel.

Now that you know about penny skateboards' sizes, it’s time to understand how to ride them safely.

Are Penny Boards Suitable for Kids?

Penny boards offer delightful fun for children; however, they should be regarded as a playful, recreational item, not a high-performance skateboard. With close foot placement due to their compact size, maintaining balance on a penny board presents more of a challenge.

Children wishing to enhance their skateboarding skills might benefit more from a standard kids' cruiserboard or a regular kids' skateboard. Regardless of the choice of board, ensure children are equipped with suitable protective gear when riding.

Learning to Roll on a Penny Board

When starting on a Penny board, begin with the essentials. Position your front foot near the bolts located at the front of the plastic skateboard deck, angled slightly for improved control, and push off using your back foot with short, controlled strokes. Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain balance and stay in control. Given their high responsiveness, Penny boards require only small weight shifts for sharp, nimble turns. Always remember to wear protective gear while practising.

How to Halt on a Penny Board?

Penny boards possess soft wheels for smooth cruising, making it crucial to learn to stop safely. Foot braking is the most common technique: gently drag your back foot on the ground to slow down. For a brisker stop, you can leap off and run to decelerate. With practice, you’ll figure out which method feels most intuitive and effective for you.

Is Trick Riding Possible on a Penny Board?

Designed predominantly for cruising, Penny boards aren't intended for technical tricks. While practicing simple moves, carving, and balance improvement are feasible, advanced tricks such as kickflips are not the norm on a Penny board. Nevertheless, many riders find joy in experimenting to enhance control and delight in a playful, nimble ride.

Attempting an Ollie on a Penny Board

Though you can practice ollies on a Penny board, it demands patience. The flexible plastic skateboard deck complicates the manoeuvre more than a traditional wooden skateboard. If mastering the ollie is your goal, it's advisable to first learn the technique on a regular skateboard and then transfer your skills to a Penny board. Be mindful that the short, flexible deck leads to a steeper pop angle, making timing and control more challenging.