Ever watched someone effortlessly glide down a sidewalk on what looks like a tiny, colorful skateboard and thought, “That looks incredibly fun”? That’s the magic of penny boards – compact, vibrant, and surprisingly capable cruisers that have captured the hearts of riders worldwide since their Australian debut in 2010.
Penny boards aren’t just miniature skateboards; they’re purpose-built cruisers designed for smooth rides and easy transportation. Standing out with their plastic decks (typically 22-27 inches long), these boards offer remarkable flexibility and durability while weighing significantly less than traditional skateboards. Their compact size makes them perfect companions for urban adventures – easily fitting into backpacks or under desks when not in use.
Why beginners fall in love with penny boards
Newcomers to boarding often discover penny boards are surprisingly forgiving. Their softer wheels absorb sidewalk cracks and pebbles that might stop a standard skateboard dead in its tracks. The responsive turning radius makes navigating crowded spaces intuitive, while the lightweight design means you’re never burdened carrying it between rides.
Before you buy: What really matters
When selecting your first penny board, three factors deserve your attention:
- Deck size: Beginners should consider 27-inch “nickel” boards for added stability
- Wheel hardness: Softer wheels (78A-85A durometer) provide smoother rides over rough surfaces
- Bearing quality: ABEC-7 or higher bearings deliver that satisfying smooth roll without breaking the bank
Remember that while authentic Penny® boards set the standard, numerous quality alternatives exist at various price points. The perfect board balances your budget with the features that match your intended riding style and environment.
Essential Factors for Your First Penny Board
When you step into the world of penny boarding, the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. The right board makes all the difference between frustrating falls and exhilarating rides. Learning how to choose a penny board for beginners requires understanding several key components that affect your riding experience.
Deck Size and Material Matter
The deck—the platform you stand on—comes in various sizes that dramatically impact your riding style:
- 22-inch mini cruisers: Perfect for smaller riders or those wanting maximum portability
- 27-inch nickel boards: Offer more foot space while maintaining maneuverability
- 32-inch longboard style: Provide maximum stability for beginners
Materials determine both durability and feel:
| Material | Durability | Flex | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | High | Minimal | Portability, wet conditions |
| Maple | Medium-High | Moderate | All-around use, comfort |
| Bamboo | Medium | Significant | Smooth riding, sustainability |
Penny Australia pioneered plastic decks that withstand remarkable abuse while remaining lightweight. Meanwhile, wooden decks from brands like Retrospec offer more traditional feel with natural flex.
Wheels and Trucks Define Your Ride
Your wheels and trucks (the metal axles that connect wheels to the deck) determine how your board handles different surfaces.
Wheel considerations:
- Size: 55-60mm is standard; larger wheels (60-65mm) roll over cracks better
- Durometer: Measured in “A” scale—softer wheels (78A-87A) absorb vibrations while harder wheels (88A-99A) offer speed
- Shape: Rounded edges allow for smoother turns
Truck specifications:
- Width: Should match your deck width
- Tightness: Looser trucks enable sharper turns but reduce stability
For beginners, Independent Trucks or Paris Trucks offer reliable options with adjustable kingpins that let you modify stability as your skills improve.
Weight Capacity and Flexibility
Every penny board has weight limitations that affect performance:
- Standard plastic mini cruisers: Usually support 180-220 lbs
- Reinforced decks: Can handle up to 275 lbs
- Flexibility rating: Determines how much the board “gives” under weight
The ideal flexibility depends on your riding style:
- Stiffer boards: Better for speed and stability
- Medium flex: Best for all-around cruising
- High flex: Provides shock absorption but sacrifices precision
Your weight directly impacts how the board responds. Heavier riders should look for boards with reinforced construction like those from Loaded Boards, which engineer their decks for specific weight ranges and riding styles.
When testing flexibility, place the board on a flat surface with the wheels hanging off each end. Press down in the middle—a good beginner board should have noticeable but controlled flex that returns to shape immediately.
Remember that the perfect penny board balances portability with stability. As your skills advance, you might prefer more specialized features, but starting with a well-rounded board that matches your body type and intended use will significantly flatten the learning curve.
Top 3 Penny Board Styles That Will Skyrocket Your Skills
Finding the perfect penny board as a beginner can transform your skating journey from frustrating to fantastic. The right board under your feet makes all the difference between wobbling nervously and cruising confidently. Let’s dive into the three penny board styles that consistently earn top marks from beginners and instructors alike.
The Classic 22″ Penny Board
The standard 22″ Penny board has become iconic for good reason. At just 22 inches long, these compact powerhouses deliver an experience that larger boards simply can’t match.
Portability champions: Weighing typically between 3.5-4.5 pounds, these boards easily slip into backpacks or lockers. You can literally carry your transportation in one hand!
The maneuverability factor is where these boards truly shine. Their tight turning radius allows riders to navigate crowded sidewalks and tight corners with precision that longer boards envy. The responsive deck means even subtle weight shifts translate to directional changes.
The standard configuration includes:
- 3″ aluminum trucks
- 59mm 83A durometer wheels
- ABEC-7 bearings
The 22″ penny board isn’t just transportation—it’s the skateboarding equivalent of a pocket knife: compact, versatile, and always ready for action.
While the learning curve might be slightly steeper due to the smaller standing platform, the skills you develop on a 22″ board transfer beautifully to all other skating styles.
The Stable 27″ Nickel Board
For riders seeking more stability without sacrificing the penny board experience, the 27″ Nickel board delivers the perfect middle ground.
Balance-friendly design: The additional 5 inches of deck space creates a more forgiving platform for beginners still finding their center of gravity. Your feet have room to adjust without hanging off the edges.
The wider deck (typically 7.5″ compared to the penny’s 6″) distributes weight more evenly, reducing the wobble factor that can intimidate new riders. This translates to:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wider trucks (5″) | Enhanced stability at higher speeds |
| Larger wheels (59-62mm) | Smoother ride over rough surfaces |
| Longer wheelbase | Reduced speed wobbles for beginners |
Many instructors recommend nickel boards as the ideal starter option because they forgive small balance mistakes while still delivering the authentic penny board feel and portability.
Cruiser-Style Penny Boards
When comfort during longer rides becomes priority, cruiser-style penny boards emerge as the clear favorite. These boards blend the portability of penny designs with features optimized for distance.
Commuter-friendly features make these boards perfect for actual transportation rather than just recreation:
- Softer wheels (78A-83A durometer) absorb vibration from rough pavement
- Wider decks (often 8-8.5″) reduce foot fatigue during longer rides
- Kicktails provide greater control for navigating urban obstacles
Brands like Globe and Landyachtz have perfected the cruiser-penny hybrid, creating boards that maintain the fun factor while adding practical elements for daily use.
The slightly concave deck design cradles your feet, providing crucial feedback through turns and preventing the dreaded “foot slip” during longer pushes.
For beginners planning to use their board primarily for getting around campus or neighborhood cruising, these purpose-built cruisers eliminate the compromise between fun and function.
Choose your penny board style based on your primary goals—portability, stability, or comfortable commuting—and you’ll be setting yourself up for skateboarding success from day one.