Mastering the Penny Board: A Beginner’s Guide to Riding Smoothly

The Penny board, with its compact size and vibrant colors, has become a popular choice for cruising around town. Its portability makes it ideal for students, commuters, and anyone looking for a fun and convenient way to get from point A to point B. However, its smaller deck and different handling characteristics can be intimidating for beginners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently ride a Penny board, from choosing the right board to mastering advanced techniques.

What is a Penny Board?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s clarify what a Penny board actually is. Originally, ‘Penny board’ was a specific brand name, but it has become a generic term for small, injection-molded plastic skateboards. They are typically shorter and narrower than traditional skateboards, making them lightweight and easy to carry. Key features of a Penny board include:

• Plastic Deck: Usually made from a durable, flexible plastic that can absorb bumps and vibrations.
• Compact Size: Typically 22 inches or 27 inches long, making them highly portable.
• Soft Wheels: Designed for a smooth ride on pavement, providing better grip and absorbing small imperfections.
• Lightweight: Easy to carry in a backpack or by hand.

Choosing the Right Penny Board

While the classic 22-inch Penny board is the most recognizable, there are different sizes available. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one:

• 22-inch Penny Board: The original and most popular size. Best for cruising, quick trips, and riders with smaller feet. It is also the most portable option.
• 27-inch Nickel Board: A slightly larger version that offers more foot space and stability. A good option for beginners and riders with larger feet, or those who want a little more stability at higher speeds.
• Longer Boards (Beyond the Nickel): Some manufacturers produce even longer plastic boards. These provide increased stability and are better suited for longer commutes or more experienced riders.

Consider your foot size, riding style, and experience level when choosing a Penny board. Beginners often find the 27-inch Nickel board easier to learn on due to its increased stability. Also look at the quality of the components. Ensure the trucks (the metal axles that hold the wheels) are sturdy and well-made. Similarly, check that the wheels are smooth and the bearings (inside the wheels) allow for free spinning.

Essential Safety Gear

Safety should always be a priority when skateboarding or Penny boarding. Here’s the essential safety gear you should wear:

• Helmet: Protects your head from serious injury in case of a fall. Choose a skateboarding-specific helmet that meets safety standards.
• Knee Pads: Protect your knees from scrapes and bruises.
• Elbow Pads: Similar to knee pads, they protect your elbows from injury.
• Wrist Guards: Protect your wrists from fractures and sprains, common injuries for beginners.
• Shoes: Wear flat-soled shoes with good grip, such as skate shoes or sneakers. Avoid sandals or shoes with slick soles.

Even experienced riders should wear safety gear, as accidents can happen at any time. Don’t be afraid to look ‘uncool’ by wearing protective equipment; it’s far more uncool to be injured.

Step-by-Step Guide to Riding a Penny Board

Now that you have your Penny board and safety gear, let’s get started! Follow these steps to learn how to ride safely and confidently.

Step 1: Finding a Safe Practice Area

Choose a smooth, flat surface away from traffic and obstacles. A parking lot, empty playground, or smooth bike path are all good options. Avoid areas with cracks, gravel, or other hazards that could cause you to fall. It is beneficial to start on grass. While you will not roll, you will get used to balancing on the board.

Step 2: Getting Comfortable with the Board

Before you start riding, get a feel for the board. Stand on it with both feet while it’s stationary. Practice shifting your weight from side to side and front to back. This will help you develop a sense of balance and control. Get a friend to hold your hand if you need help with balance. Consider practicing near a wall or fence that you can hold onto for support.

Step 3: Determining Your Stance

There are two main stances in skateboarding:

• Regular: Riding with your left foot forward.
• Goofy: Riding with your right foot forward.

A simple way to determine your stance is to have someone gently push you from behind. The foot you naturally put forward to catch yourself is likely your front foot. Alternatively, imagine sliding on a slippery floor. The foot you would put forward is your front foot. Don’t worry if you’re not sure at first; you can experiment with both stances to see which feels more comfortable.

Step 4: Pushing Off

Once you’ve determined your stance, place your front foot at a slight angle near the front bolts of the board. Your front foot should be comfortable, but not perpendicular to the board. Use your back foot to push off the ground. Here’s how to push properly:

1. Place your front foot on the board: Angle it slightly towards the direction you want to go.
2. Use your back foot to push: Push off the ground with the ball of your back foot, keeping your knee bent.
3. Bring your back foot onto the board: Once you have enough momentum, place your back foot on the board near the back bolts, also at a slight angle.
4. Maintain Balance: Keep your weight centered and your knees slightly bent to absorb bumps and maintain balance.

Practice pushing off repeatedly until you feel comfortable and can maintain a smooth, controlled ride. Start with short pushes and gradually increase the length of your pushes as you gain confidence.

Step 5: Steering

Steering a Penny board involves shifting your weight and using your feet to subtly influence the board’s direction. Here’s how to steer:

• Leaning: Lean slightly in the direction you want to turn. This will cause the board to turn gradually.
• Using Your Feet: Apply pressure to the heel or toe side of the board to turn more sharply. For example, to turn left, apply pressure to the heel side of your front foot. To turn right, apply pressure to the toe side of your front foot.

Practice steering in a wide, open area. Start with gentle turns and gradually increase the sharpness of your turns as you become more comfortable. Avoid sudden, jerky movements, as they can cause you to lose balance.

Step 6: Braking

Knowing how to stop safely is crucial. Here are a few braking techniques:

• Foot Braking: The most common method. Simply drag your back foot on the ground to slow down. Be careful not to apply too much pressure suddenly, as this can cause you to lose control. Wear appropriate shoes to avoid excessive wear and tear.
• Heel Drag: Similar to foot braking, but you drag your heel on the ground instead of the entire foot. This can be more effective for slowing down quickly.
• Turning to Slow Down: Making a wide turn can help you gradually lose speed. This is a good option when you have plenty of space.

Practice braking regularly so you can stop quickly and safely when needed. Start practicing the foot brake on a smooth, flat surface at low speeds.

Step 7: Maintaining Balance and Posture

Maintaining balance is key to riding a Penny board successfully. Here are some tips:

• Bend Your Knees: Keeping your knees slightly bent helps you absorb bumps and maintain balance.
• Keep Your Weight Centered: Avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Keep your weight distributed evenly over the board.
• Look Ahead: Focus on where you want to go, not down at your feet. This will help you maintain your balance and anticipate obstacles.
• Relax: Tension can make it harder to balance. Try to relax your body and enjoy the ride.

Good posture is also important. Keep your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your head up. Avoid slouching, as this can throw off your balance.

Advanced Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques. These will take time and practice, but they can add a lot of fun to your Penny board riding.

Carving

Carving involves making smooth, flowing turns by leaning deeply into the curve. It’s a great way to generate speed and feel the G-force. To carve effectively, you need to:

• Find a smooth, gentle slope: A slightly downhill area is ideal for practicing carving.
• Lean deeply into the turn: Shift your weight and lean your entire body into the direction you want to turn.
• Keep your knees bent: This will help you maintain balance and absorb bumps.
• Look ahead: Focus on where you want to go, not down at your feet.

Start with gentle carves and gradually increase the depth and speed of your turns as you become more comfortable.

Kickturns

A kickturn is a quick way to change direction by lifting the front wheels off the ground and pivoting on the back wheels. This is a useful technique for navigating tight spaces or turning around quickly.

1. Ride at a moderate speed: You need enough momentum to lift the front wheels.
2. Place your back foot on the tail: Position your back foot firmly on the tail of the board.
3. Lean back and lift the front wheels: Shift your weight back and use your back foot to press down on the tail, lifting the front wheels off the ground.
4. Pivot on the back wheels: Rotate your body in the direction you want to turn, using your back foot as a pivot point.
5. Lower the front wheels and continue riding: Once you’ve turned to the desired angle, gently lower the front wheels back to the ground and continue riding in the new direction.

Practice kickturns in a wide, open area. Start with small turns and gradually increase the angle as you become more comfortable.

Ollies (Advanced)

While more difficult on a Penny board due to its smaller size and flexible deck, the ollie is the foundation for many tricks. An ollie involves popping the board into the air. Learning to ollie on a Penny board requires significant practice and coordination.

1. Foot Placement: Place your front foot slightly behind the front bolts, angled slightly. Place your back foot on the tail.
2. The Pop: Bend your knees and then explosively stomp down on the tail of the board. This will lift the front wheels off the ground.
3. The Slide: As the board comes up, slide your front foot up towards the nose of the board. This motion helps level out the board in the air.
4. Landing: Bring your knees up towards your chest to absorb the impact. Try to land with both feet over the bolts to avoid breaking the board.

Ollies are challenging and require a lot of practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it. Practicing on grass will prevent the board from moving until you are comfortable with the motions.

Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Ride

Here are some additional tips to help you enjoy your Penny board experience:

• Check Your Board Regularly: Before each ride, check the wheels, trucks, and deck for any signs of wear or damage. Make sure the wheels spin freely and the trucks are properly tightened.
• Maintain Your Board: Clean your board regularly to remove dirt and debris. Lubricate the bearings occasionally to keep them spinning smoothly.
• Start Slow: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with the basics and gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques.
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Try to ride your Penny board regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of pedestrians, cars, and other obstacles.
• Respect Others: Be considerate of others when riding your Penny board. Avoid riding in crowded areas or on private property.
• Have Fun: Penny boarding should be enjoyable. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the ride!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that beginners make when learning to ride a Penny board:

• Looking Down: Looking down at your feet can throw off your balance and make it harder to steer. Focus on where you want to go.
• Stiffening Up: Tension can make it harder to balance. Relax your body and try to stay loose.
• Leaning Too Far Forward or Backward: Keep your weight centered over the board. Avoid leaning too far in either direction.
• Pushing Too Hard: Pushing too hard can cause you to lose control. Push gently and maintain a smooth, controlled pace.
• Riding Too Fast Too Soon: Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
• Not Wearing Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear to protect yourself from injury.

Conclusion

Riding a Penny board is a fun and convenient way to get around, but it takes practice and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can learn to ride safely and confidently. Remember to start slow, wear safety gear, and practice regularly. With a little dedication, you’ll be cruising around town on your Penny board in no time! Enjoy the ride!