Penny Boards & Plastic Cruiser Skateboards

Penny Boards – Compact Cruiserboards for Daily Adventures

Explore our collection of Penny Skateboards and plastic skateboards. These stand out from traditional skateboards. While some favour Penny boards for their diminutive size, others opt for the more conventional wooden decks. If you're contemplating whether a plastic cruiser suits you, the basics are clarified below.

Defining a Penny Skateboard

A Penny board is an ultra-light plastic skateboard crafted for smooth travel and easy manoeuvrability. Its short and slim plastic skateboard deck makes it perfect for swift commutes, leisurely city cruising, or simply a laid-back outing with mates. Unlike full-size skateboards, Penny boards are so compact that you can tuck them into a backpack, yet they deliver a playful glide on the pavement.

Originating from Australia, Penny Skateboards was established in 2010, launching petite plastic cruiser skateboards influenced by the designs of the 1970s. The phrase “Penny board” is now often used generically to refer to any small plastic cruiser, despite its initial reference to the brand's unique creations. The brand shot to global fame following a surge in popularity in the early 2010s, solidifying its status as the standard for this type of skateboard.

Due to this triumph, many non-branded versions are colloquially called penny boards, although “plastic cruiser skateboard” is the more precise term. These counterparts to genuine Penny Skateboards typically share the fundamental shape and sensation of the originals. Numerous skaters remark that Penny Skateboards has garnered its status through reliable quality, with a devoted following linking the brand to high standards.

Penny Board Dimensions

The original Penny Skateboards are 22 inches in length and 6 inches in width, making them extremely portable and simple to carry in a backpack or during city excursions. The absence of griptape on their plastic deck prevents wear on clothing or bags.

Thanks to their compact nature, Penny boards boast a shorter wheelbase and standing area, rendering them exceedingly lively. Even the slightest foot movement can alter the board’s balance and instigate a turn, while the short wheelbase permits exceptionally tight carving. As such, Penny boards are not ideal for high-speed travel but excel in short trips and agile cruising.

For those in search of more stability, larger models such as the 27-inch Nickel provide a broader deck and extended wheelbase, all while retaining their signature lightweight and portable essence.

After learning about the sizes of penny skateboards, it is time to understand how to cruise them safely.

Are Penny Boards Suitable for Young Riders?

Penny boards are enjoyable for children, though they should be considered a fun, recreational product rather than a performance-oriented skateboard. The compact size means feet are placed close together, making balance on a penny board more demanding.

Youngsters eager to hone their skateboarding skills might find more benefit in a standard kids' cruiserboard or a regular kids' skateboard. Regardless of the board type, always ensure that children wear suitable protective gear while riding.

Getting Started on a Penny Board

For beginners on a Penny board, start with the fundamentals. Position your front foot near the bolts at the top of the plastic skateboard deck with a slight angle for control and use your back foot for short, controlled propulsions. Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain equilibrium and control. Owing to their heightened responsiveness, Penny boards respond even to minor weight shifts, allowing sharp, agile turns. Do not forget to wear protective gear while practising.

Stopping on a Penny Board

Penny boards possess soft wheels for smooth riding, so learning to stop safely is essential. The most common technique is foot braking: gently drag your rear foot along the ground to reduce speed. For a more rapid stop, stepping off and running it out are viable options. With practice, you’ll find the method that feels most natural and effective for you.

Tricks on a Penny Board

While Penny boards are primarily designed for cruising, basic manoeuvres, carving, and balance improvement are possible. Advanced tricks such as kickflips are not typically attempted on a Penny board. Nonetheless, many enthusiasts enjoy experimenting to enhance control and have a playful, agile ride.

Executing an Ollie on a Penny Board

Practising ollies on a Penny board is feasible but requires tenacity. Given the flexible nature of the plastic skateboard deck, it presents more challenges compared to traditional wooden skateboards. To master ollies, it is advisable to perfect the technique on a conventional skateboard first, then transfer it to a Penny board. Bear in mind, the short, flexible deck results in a much sharper pop angle, which can complicate timing and control.