Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating adventure on a penny board? This compact and versatile ride offers a thrilling blend of stability and maneuverability, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned riders. Whether you’re cruising through urban landscapes or carving turns at the park, mastering the art of penny boarding will unlock a world of possibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of penny boarding, providing you with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and essential safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Before you hop on your penny board, ensuring proper safety precautions is paramount. Wear a helmet to protect your head from potential falls, and equip yourself with knee and elbow pads to minimize impact in case of an accident. Choose a suitable location for practice, such as a flat, open area with no obstacles. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can gradually progress to more challenging environments. Remember to always be mindful of your surroundings and respect the safety of others.
Choose the Right Penny Board
Selecting the appropriate penny board for your needs is crucial for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
Deck Size and Shape
Penny board decks typically range from 22 to 27 inches in length and 6 to 7 inches in width. Larger decks provide more stability, while smaller decks offer increased maneuverability. The shape of the deck can also vary, with some boards featuring kicktails for performing tricks. Choose a deck that suits your foot size and riding style.
Truck Width and Material
Penny board trucks come in different widths, typically ranging from 3.25 to 4 inches. Wider trucks provide greater stability and are suitable for larger riders or aggressive riding. The material of the trucks also affects performance. Aluminum trucks are lightweight and offer a responsive ride, while steel trucks are more durable but heavier.
Wheel Size and Durometer
Penny board wheels are typically 59 millimeters in diameter and come in varying durometers (hardness). Softer wheels (lower durometer) provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces, while harder wheels (higher durometer) offer faster speeds and better grip on smooth terrain. Choose wheels that suit your preferred riding style and the conditions you’ll encounter.
Get Comfortable with the Board
To master penny boarding, it’s crucial to become familiar with the board itself. Here are a few tips to enhance your comfort and stability:
1. Find a Stable Stance
Position your feet hip-width apart on the board, with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight. Ensure your weight is evenly distributed for optimal balance.
2. Practice Pushing and Balancing
Place your non-dominant foot on the ground and push off to gain momentum. Once you’re rolling, shift your weight slightly forward to maintain balance. Keep your eyes focused on your destination and avoid looking at your feet. Practice pushing and balancing on a flat surface until you feel confident and comfortable.
| Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Push off with only one foot | Push off with both feet | No need to push, use momentum to glide |
| Focus on keeping your balance | Start practicing turns and gentle slopes | Navigate obstacles and perform tricks |
3. Turn Safely
To turn, gently lean your body in the direction you want to go. Avoid making quick or sharp turns, as this can throw off your balance. For tighter turns, shift your weight more towards the front of the board and use your toes to guide the direction.
Practice Pushing Off
Once you’ve found a safe and flat area to practice, it’s time to start practicing pushing off. Start by placing your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot on the front of the board. Keep your knees bent and your body slightly forward.
To push off, start by gently pushing your back foot forward. As you do this, lift your front foot up and swing it forward in a circular motion. As your front foot reaches the front of the board, plant it down and push off with your back foot.
Repeat this motion until you’ve gained enough speed to balance yourself on the board. Once you’re comfortable, try to push off with more force and speed.
Tips for Pushing Off
Here are a few tips to help you push off more effectively:
- Keep your knees bent and your body slightly forward.
- Push off with your back foot first.
- Swing your front foot forward in a circular motion.
- Plant your front foot down and push off with your back foot.
- Repeat this motion until you’ve gained enough speed to balance yourself on the board.
| Tip | Description |
| Keep your knees bent | This will help you maintain balance and control. |
| Swing your front foot forward in a circular motion | This will help you generate more power and momentum. |
| Push off with your back foot first | This will help you gain more speed and control. |
Learn to Stop Safely
Knowing how to stop safely is essential for penny boarding. There are several techniques you can use to slow down and come to a stop:
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Foot Braking
This is the most basic stopping technique. Simply drag your back foot on the ground to create friction and slow down. Note that this method is more effective on rougher surfaces or when you are going at slower speeds.
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Sliding
Sliding is a more advanced stopping technique that involves dragging your tail or nose on the ground. This creates more friction and allows you to decelerate quickly and controllably. To slide, shift your weight over the tail or nose and drag the board on its side. Use your other foot to balance and control your speed.
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Power Sliding
Power sliding is a combination of foot braking and sliding. This technique allows you to stop or turn quickly and efficiently. To perform a power slide, shift your weight over the back of the board, drag your back foot on the ground, and simultaneously kick the tail out to the side. Adjust your foot placement and tail angle to control the speed and direction of the slide.
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Tail-Tapping
Tail-tapping is a forward momentum brake that uses the friction created by tapping the tail of the penny board onto the ground. To perform a tail-tap, you need to position your back foot near the tail of the board. Tap the tail lightly onto the ground while keeping some pressure on your front foot. Repeat the tapping motion to slow down gradually.
The best stopping technique for you will depend on your skill level, the speed you are going, and the surface you are riding on. Practice these techniques in a safe environment until you feel comfortable and confident with them.
Master Basic Maneuvers
1. Stand on the Board
* Place one foot on the tail and the other in the middle of the board.
* Keep your knees slightly bent and your shoulders relaxed.
* Find your balance by shifting your weight back and forth.
2. Kick and Glide
* Use your back foot to kick off the ground while simultaneously pushing forward.
* Once the board is in motion, lift your back foot and glide.
* Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go and lean slightly in that direction.
3. Push with Your Front Foot
* Position your front foot on the board and push off the ground with your toes.
* Repeat this motion to maintain speed and control.
* Bend your knees for stability and keep your weight centered.
4. Turn Right or Left
* To turn right, apply more pressure on your left edge of the board and lean in that direction.
* Conversely, to turn left, apply pressure on your right edge and lean correspondingly.
* Practice gentle turns to improve your balance and coordination.
5. Stop and Dismount
* Drag your back foot on the ground to gradually slow down.
* Once the board is almost stopped, jump off and land with both feet on the ground.
* Alternatively, you can slowly roll the board to a stop using your front foot and then step off.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Dragging Back Foot | 1. Drag back foot on ground to slow down. 2. Jump off when board is almost stopped. |
| Rolling Board to Stop | 1. Use front foot to roll board to a stop. 2. Step off once board is stationary. |
Develop Advanced Skills
Ollie
An ollie is a fundamental skateboarding trick where the rider jumps the board into the air while keeping their feet attached. To perform an ollie on a penny board, start by placing your front foot slightly behind the front bolts and your back foot on the tail. Bend your knees and jump while simultaneously sliding your front foot forward and flicking your back foot down. As the board pops into the air, slide your front foot up the board to level it out and land with both feet.
Kickflip
A kickflip is a more advanced skateboarding trick where the rider flips the board 360 degrees in the air while remaining in the air. To perform a kickflip on a penny board, start by placing your front foot slightly behind the front bolts and your back foot on the tail. Bend your knees and jump while simultaneously flicking your front foot forward and down. As the board flips into the air, kick your back foot up to spin it. Land with both feet on the board and ride away.
Frontside 360
A frontside 360 is a skateboarding trick where the rider spins the board 360 degrees in the air while facing forward. To perform a frontside 360 on a penny board, start by placing your front foot slightly behind the front bolts and your back foot on the tail. Bend your knees and jump while simultaneously flicking your front foot forward and down. As the board flips into the air, turn your body 360 degrees in the same direction. Land with both feet on the board and ride away.
Backside Aerial
| Skill Level | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Advanced | High |
A backside aerial is a skateboarding trick where the rider jumps off the back of the board and performs a flip in the air before landing back on the board. To perform a backside aerial on a penny board, start by placing your front foot on the bolts and your back foot on the tail. Bend your knees and jump while simultaneously flicking your back foot down. As the board flips into the air, kick your feet up to flip the board. Land with both feet on the board and ride away.
Stay Safe While Riding
Penny boards are fun, but they can also be dangerous, so safety is important. Always wear a helmet, and make sure you have the right protective gear, such as pads and a wrist guard.
Choose the Right Place to Ride
Don’t ride on busy streets or in crowded areas. Instead, find a safe and open place to practice and develop your skills
Inspect Your Board Before Riding
Make sure your board is in good condition and that all the parts are working properly. Check the wheels, trucks, and bearings to ensure they are in good shape and properly tightened. Loose or damaged components can lead to accidents.
Start Slowly and Gradually Increase Speed
Don’t try to go full speed on a penny board right away. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable and confident.
Stay Alert and Anticipate Hazards
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards such as pedestrians, vehicles, or obstacles. Anticipating potential dangers allows you to react quickly and avoid accidents.
Be Respectful of Others
Penny boards are not toys and should not be treated as such. Always be respectful of pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of shared spaces. Stay out of their way and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
Avoid Riding in Wet Conditions
Penny boards are not designed for use in wet conditions, as water can reduce traction and increase the risk of accidents. If you encounter rain or wet pavement, dismount and walk your board instead.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in the wheels or become a tripping hazard.
Maintain Your Penny Board
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your penny board running smoothly and safely.
8. Clean and Lubricate Your Penny Board
Dirt and grime can accumulate on your penny board over time, affecting its performance. To clean it, follow these steps:
– Use a damp cloth to wipe down the deck and wheels.
– Remove any stubborn dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush.
– Apply a small amount of skate wax or lubricant to the bearings and axles to reduce friction and improve the board’s smoothness.
Here is a detailed guide on how to clean and lubricate your penny board:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the wheels from the board. |
| 2 | Clean the bearings with a cloth or brush. |
| 3 | Apply a drop of skate wax or lubricant to the bearings. |
| 4 | Reassemble the wheels and board. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced riders encounter problems with their penny boards occasionally. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:
Loose Trucks
Loose trucks can make your penny board unstable and difficult to control. To tighten them, use an Allen key to turn the bolts on the baseplate clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the bolts or baseplate.
Squeaky Wheels
Squeaky wheels can be annoying and distracting. To fix this, remove the wheels and apply a few drops of WD-40 or other lubricant to the bearings. Wipe away any excess lubricant and reassemble the wheels.
Wobbly Deck
A wobbly deck can be caused by a loose baseplate or trucks. Tighten all the bolts connecting the deck to the baseplate and trucks using an Allen key. If the deck is still wobbly, it may need to be replaced.
Wheel Bite
Wheel bite occurs when the wheels rub against the deck when you turn. To prevent this, adjust the trucks so that the wheels are not touching the deck when you lean into a turn. You may need to loosen the kingpin nut or use risers to create more space between the wheels and deck.
Steering Difficulties
If your penny board is difficult to steer, check the tightness of the kingpin nut. If the nut is too tight, loosen it slightly to allow for more turning freedom. If the nut is too loose, tighten it to improve stability.
Braking Problems
Penny boards do not have brakes, so you must use your foot to slow down. If you are having difficulty braking, try wearing shoes with a rubber sole that provides good traction. You can also try applying more weight to your back foot and dragging it on the ground.
Uneven Wear on Wheels
Uneven wear on wheels can cause your penny board to pull to one side. To fix this, rotate the wheels regularly so that they wear evenly. You can also use a skate tool to adjust the alignment of the wheels.
Damaged Board or Components
If your penny board or any of its components are damaged, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Riding on a damaged board can be dangerous and may cause injury.
Enjoy the Ride!
After you’ve mastered the basics of balance and turning, it’s time to start having some fun! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your penny board experience:
1. Find a smooth, flat surface.
The smoother the surface, the easier it will be to ride your penny board. Avoid riding on rough or bumpy surfaces, as this can make it difficult to maintain your balance.
2. Start slowly.
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
3. Relax and have fun!
Penny boarding is all about having fun, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just relax and enjoy the ride.
4. Be aware of your surroundings.
When you’re riding your penny board, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to pedestrians, cars, and other obstacles.
5. Wear a helmet.
Wearing a helmet is always a good idea when you’re riding a penny board. It can help protect you from serious injury in the event of a fall.
6. Don’t ride in traffic.
Penny boards are not meant to be ridden in traffic. It’s dangerous and illegal in most places.
7. Be respectful of pedestrians.
When you’re riding your penny board, be respectful of pedestrians. Yield to them and don’t ride too close to them.
8. Have fun!
Penny boarding is a great way to get around and have some fun. Just remember to be safe and respectful of others.
9. Practice makes perfect.
The more you practice, the better you’ll become at riding your penny board. So get out there and have some fun!
10. Tips for riding a penny board on hills
Riding a penny board on hills can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when riding on hills:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Wear a helmet | A helmet can help protect you from serious injury in the event of a fall. |
| Start slowly | When you’re first starting out, it’s best to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. |
| Lean forward | Leaning forward will help you maintain your balance and keep your speed under control. |
| Use your feet to brake | You can use your feet to brake by dragging them on the ground. This will help you slow down or stop. |
| Be aware of your surroundings | When you’re riding on hills, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to pedestrians, cars, and other obstacles. |
How To Ride A Penny Board
Penny boards are a great way to get around town. They’re small and easy to carry, and they’re a lot of fun to ride. If you’re new to penny boarding, here are a few tips to help you get started.
First, find a flat, open area to practice. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start practicing on hills or in more crowded areas.
To start riding, place one foot on the board and use your other foot to push off. Once you’re moving, you can use your feet to steer and brake.
To turn, lean in the direction you want to go. To brake, drag your foot on the ground.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start learning some tricks. There are many different tricks you can do on a penny board, so experiment and see what you can do!
People Also Ask
What is the best way to learn how to ride a penny board?
The best way to learn how to ride a penny board is to find a flat, open area to practice. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start practicing on hills or in more crowded areas.
How do I turn on a penny board?
To turn, lean in the direction you want to go.
How do I brake on a penny board?
To brake, drag your foot on the ground.
What are some tricks I can do on a penny board?
There are many different tricks you can do on a penny board, so experiment and see what you can do!
