Penny boards, known for their vibrant colors and compact size, have carved a niche in the skateboarding world. But are they suitable for beginners, particularly those interested in longboarding? This article explores the pros and cons of starting your longboarding journey with a Penny board, helping you make an informed decision.
Penny boards, with their smaller decks and unique features, offer a different riding experience compared to traditional longboards. The most common sizes are 22″ and 27″, with a 32″ cruiser variant also available. These boards are lightweight and easy to carry, making them appealing for casual use. However, their size and construction might not be ideal for everyone starting out.
Understanding Penny Boards
A close-up of a green Penny board, showing the waffle-grip pattern and the texture of the plastic deckPenny Skateboards, founded in Australia in 2010, popularized these plastic skateboards. While “Penny board” technically refers to boards made by that specific company, the term is often used for any small, plastic skateboard. These boards typically come as complete setups, featuring a plastic deck, soft polyurethane wheels, and responsive trucks. A key feature is the lack of griptape, instead using a molded waffle pattern for grip. The trucks are designed for sharp turns, and the overall shape is inspired by skateboards of the 60s and 70s, with a narrow profile, a pointed nose, and a kicktail.
What Penny Boards Are Designed For
Penny boards excel as cruiser boards, designed for short commutes and navigating urban environments. Their soft, wide wheels, typically 59mm and around 83a durometer, handle cracks and pebbles much better than the harder, smaller wheels found on trick skateboards. This, combined with quality ABEC 7 bearings, allows for smooth and fast rides with minimal effort. The kicktail allows for easy maneuvering over curbs. These characteristics make them ideal for simply cruising and enjoying the ride, rather than performing complex tricks.
Penny Boards for Absolute Beginners: A Two-Sided Coin
The question of whether a Penny board is suitable for a complete beginner has a nuanced answer:
Possibly, for some: For smaller, younger beginners, the Penny board can be a tool for learning basic skills like balance, pushing, turning, and cruising. The small wheelbase and fast wheels make it highly maneuverable, allowing for sharp turns. Mastering these fundamentals on a Penny board can translate to other types of boards.
However, not ideal in most cases: The very size that makes them convenient also makes them unstable. Even with tightened trucks, the 22” length means your feet are positioned close together, and you can’t get into a stable crouch. This makes it more difficult to maintain balance, especially for adults or anyone with larger feet. A wider stance provides better stability, which is harder to achieve on a Penny board.
Trick Riding with Penny Boards: Not Recommended
A person riding a Penny board on a city street, showing how they are ideal for cruisingPenny boards are not suitable for learning advanced tricks. While you can learn basic maneuvers such as kick turns, manuals, and power slides, the board’s design is not conducive to technical tricks. The lack of griptape, small size, soft wheels, and single kicktail make it difficult to perform ollies or board flips. Grinding is also challenging due to the narrow trucks and soft, wide wheels. Although some very skilled skaters can perform advanced tricks on a Penny board, it’s not something a beginner should attempt to learn on this kind of board.
When a Penny Board Might Be Right for You
A Penny board might be a good choice if:
- You are a smaller individual looking to learn basic skateboarding fundamentals without focusing on tricks.
- You prioritize a compact and lightweight board for cruising and commuting.
- You need a board that can easily fit in a backpack, locker, or under a desk.
However, for adults or those with larger feet, a larger Penny Nickel board would likely be a more comfortable and practical option.
Are Penny Boards Affordable?
While Penny boards have an image of being affordable, they are not significantly cheaper than other skateboards. Official complete Penny boards retail for around $90-$120 USD. A basic trick skateboard can be found for about $60-$70 USD, while higher-end models with branded components are in a similar price range to Penny Boards. Therefore, price shouldn’t be a deciding factor for choosing a Penny board.
Conclusion: Weighing Your Options
A person riding a Penny board, showing its compact size and ease of carryingIf you are a beginner interested in learning the fundamentals of skateboarding, and specifically longboarding, a 32” Penny board can be a decent starting point due to its durability, lightweight design, and suitability for cruising. However, if your goal includes learning advanced tricks, then the small size and design of Penny boards will hinder your progress. In that case, a more stable popsicle-shaped board is recommended. Consider what you want to achieve with your board, your size, and riding style to make the best decision for your longboarding journey.
