Penny Boards & Plastic Cruiser Skateboards

Penny Boards – Compact Cruiserboards for Everyday Adventures

Explore our collection of Penny Skateboards and plastic skateboards. These plastic variants distinguish themselves from conventional skateboards. While some favour Penny boards for their small size, others lean towards standard-sized wooden decks. If you're considering whether a plastic cruiser is suitable for you, the key details are outlined below.

What Defines a Penny Skateboard?

A Penny board is crafted as a lightweight plastic skateboard, designed for smooth travel and effortless maneuverability. Its short and slender plastic skateboard deck makes it perfect for quick trips, casual city rides, or just a laid-back outing with friends. Unlike full-sized skateboards, Penny boards are small enough to fit into a backpack yet deliver a joyous glide on pavements.

Penny Skateboards is an Australian company established in 2010, known for producing compact plastic cruiser skateboards inspired by the styles first seen in the 1970s. Nowadays, "Penny board" commonly refers to any small plastic cruiser, although initially, it was exclusively for the brand’s own creations. The company achieved worldwide fame following a rise in popularity during the early 2010s, solidifying its status as a leader in this skateboard genre.

This success has led many non-branded models to be casually labelled as penny boards, though "plastic cruiser skateboard" or a similar term is more accurate. These alternatives often mimic the original Penny Skateboards in both form and functionality. Many skaters highlight that Penny Skateboards is known for reliable quality, with its extensive fan base associating the brand with a high degree of excellence.

What Are the Dimensions of a Penny Board?

Original Penny Skateboards are 22 inches in length and 6 inches in width, offering easy portability for carrying in a backpack during city excursions. Their plastic deck means there’s no griptape to potentially damage clothing or bags.

Thanks to their compact size, Penny boards boast a shorter wheelbase and standing area, making them highly responsive. Minor foot adjustments can alter the board’s balance and initiate turns, while the short wheelbase enables very tight carving. Although less suited for high-speed riding, Penny boards excel at quick trips and agile cruising.

For those in search of more stability, larger options like the 27-inch Nickel maintain the signature lightweight, portable nature with a wider deck and increased wheelbase length.

With your newfound understanding of the different penny skateboard sizes, it’s time to learn how to ride them safely.

Are Penny Boards Child-Friendly?

While Penny boards offer ample fun for children, they should be considered more as recreational items rather than high-performance skateboards. The board's compact size means that a child’s stance is closer together, making balance a bit more demanding.

For youngsters keen on enhancing their skateboarding prowess, a standard kids' cruiserboard or traditional kids' skateboard might be more beneficial. Regardless of the board chosen, ensure children are equipped with suitable protective gear when riding.

Rolling on a Penny Board

For newcomers to Penny boards, it’s important to start with the fundamentals. Place the front foot near the bolts at the forefront of the plastic skateboard deck, slightly angled for improved control. Push off with the back foot in short, controlled moves. Keep the knees slightly bent for balanced control. Penny boards are notably responsive, so minor weight shifts can result in quick, sharp turns. Always don protective gear when practicing.

Stopping on a Penny Board

Equipped with soft wheels for smooth riding, mastering safe stopping on a Penny board is crucial. Foot braking is the most common method: slowly drag the back foot along the ground to decelerate. For a rapid halt, you can step off and run to a stop. With practice, you’ll identify the technique that feels most instinctive and effective for you.

Attempting Tricks on a Penny Board

Primarily designed for cruising, Penny boards aren’t meant for technical tricks. Simple movements, carving, and enhancing balance are feasible, but complex tricks like kickflips are typically not attempted on a Penny board by most. Nonetheless, many riders enjoy experimenting to refine control and revel in a nimble, playful riding experience.

Practising Ollies on a Penny Board

It's feasible to attempt ollies on a Penny board, though it demands patience. The flexible plastic skateboard deck presents more of a challenge than traditional wooden skateboards. Those aiming to master the ollie should initially practise the move on a conventional skateboard and later apply the skills to a Penny board. Be mindful that the shorter, more flexible deck yields a steeper pop angle, complicating timing and control.