Penny Boards & Plastic Cruiser Skateboards

Penny Boards – Convenient Cruiserboards for Everyday Adventures

Explore our collection of Penny Skateboards and plastic skateboards. Plastic skateboards distinguish themselves from conventional skateboards. Some favour Penny boards for their handy size, while others lean towards standard-sized wooden decks. If you are contemplating whether a plastic cruiser suits you, the essentials are outlined below.

What Defines a Penny Skateboard?

A Penny board is a lightweight plastic skateboard crafted for smooth rides and effortless handling. With its short and narrow plastic skateboard deck, it is perfect for quick journeys, relaxed city cruising, or simply having a laid-back time with friends. Unlike full-size skateboards, Penny boards are compact enough to fit in a backpack while ensuring a playful glide on pavement.

Penny Skateboards is an Australian company established in 2010, creating compact plastic cruiser skateboards inspired by the designs initially popular in the 1970s. Today, the term “Penny board” is commonly used to describe any small plastic cruiser, although it originally pertains to the brand’s specific designs. The brand achieved global recognition following a rise in demand in the early 2010s, establishing its reputation as the standard for this type of skateboard.

Owing to this success, many imitation models are casually referred to as penny boards, although the correct term is “plastic cruiser skateboard” or something similar. These substitutes for authentic Penny Skateboards often mimic the basic shape and feel of the originals. Many skateboarders acknowledge that Penny Skateboards is renowned for its consistent quality, and its extensive fan base associates the brand with a high standard.

What Are the Dimensions of a Penny Board?

The original Penny Skateboards measure 22 inches in length and 6 inches in width, making them exceptionally portable and easy to carry in a backpack or during city outings. Their plastic deck also ensures there’s no griptape to damage clothing or bags.

The compact dimensions afford Penny boards a shorter wheelbase and standing platform, rendering them extremely nimble. Even slight foot movements can shift the board’s equilibrium and initiate a turn, while the short wheelbase permits very tight carving. This feature makes Penny boards less appropriate for high-speed glides, but ideal for swift journeys and agile cruising.

For skateboarders seeking enhanced stability, larger versions such as the 27-inch Nickel provide a broader deck and extended wheelbase while retaining the hallmark lightweight, portable feel.

Now that you understand the sizes of penny skateboards, it is time to learn how to cruise them safely.

Are Penny Boards Suitable for Children?

Penny boards can offer great enjoyment for children; however, they are best perceived as a fun, recreational item rather than a high-performance skateboard. The feet are positioned close together on a Penny board due to their compact dimensions, so maintaining balance is more challenging.

Children who wish to refine their skateboarding skills might gain more from a standard kids' cruiserboard or a regular kids' skateboard. Regardless of the choice, always ensure children are equipped with suitable protective gear while skating.

Riding a Penny Board: Fundamentals

If you’re new to using a Penny board, start with the basics. Position your front foot near the bolts at the front of the plastic skateboard deck, slightly angled for enhanced control, and use your back foot to push off with brief, controlled strides. Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain stability and control. Penny boards are highly responsive, so even minor weight shifts can lead to sharp, agile turns. Always wear protective gear while practising.

Safely Halting on a Penny Board

Because Penny boards feature soft wheels for smooth riding, learning to stop safely is crucial. The most frequent technique is foot braking, where you gently drag your rear foot along the ground to slow down. For a quicker halt, you may also step off and jog it out. With practice, you’ll identify which method feels most intuitive and effective for you.

Are Tricks Feasible on a Penny Board?

Penny boards are intended for cruising rather than performing technical tricks. You can indulge in simple manoeuvres, carve, and fine-tune your balance, but advanced tricks such as kickflips are usually not attempted on a Penny board. Nonetheless, many riders relish experimenting to improve control and take delight in a playful, agile cruise.

Executing an Ollie on a Penny Board

Ollies can be practised on a Penny board, but patience is required. The flexible plastic skateboard deck makes the process more complicated than on a conventional wooden skateboard. If your aim is to perfect the ollie, it’s advisable to learn the technique on a regular skateboard first and then apply your skills to a Penny board. Be aware that the short, flexible deck produces a much steeper pop angle, which can complicate timing and control.