Conquering the art of penny boarding is an exhilarating endeavor that transcends mere transportation. It’s a symphony of balance, coordination, and exhilaration that empowers you to glide effortlessly through urban landscapes. This guide will equip you with the fundamental techniques and safety tips to embark on your penny boarding journey with confidence.
Step one in the penny boarding mastery quest is establishing a solid foundation. Begin by practicing on a flat, smooth surface in a safe environment. Position your feet parallel to each other on the board, one foot slightly forward for stability. As you push off with your back foot, gently shift your weight to your front foot and guide the board with subtle body movements. Maintaining balance is crucial, so focus on distributing your weight evenly and keeping your knees slightly bent to absorb any bumps.
Once you’ve gained stability, it’s time to venture into the realm of maneuvering. Penny boards are renowned for their agility and responsiveness. To turn, simply lean gently in the desired direction. The board will naturally follow your body’s inclination. As your skills progress, you can experiment with more advanced maneuvers such as carving, which involves shifting your weight from edge to edge to execute smooth, arcing turns. Remember to always wear protective gear, including a helmet, to mitigate any potential hazards.
Tricks and Techniques
1. Ollie
The ollie is a fundamental trick in skateboarding and pennyboarding. To perform it, push down on the tail of the board with your back foot and simultaneously jump up, sliding your front foot forward and kicking the nose of the board.
2. Kickflip
The kickflip is a more advanced trick involving flipping the board 360 degrees under your feet. Start by performing an ollie, then use your front foot to flick the board’s nose outward while simultaneously kicking the tail with your back foot.
3. Shove-it
The shove-it is a trick that involves spinning the board 180 degrees underneath your feet without popping it. Begin by placing your front foot near the middle of the board and your back foot on the tail. Push down on the tail and use your back foot to shove the board around.
4. 50-50 Grind
The 50-50 grind involves riding your board along a ledge or rail with both trucks balanced on the obstacle. Approach the ledge at an angle, then jump onto it and slide your board along the top. Keep your weight centered and your feet over the board to maintain balance.
5. Frontside 180
The frontside 180 is a trick where you spin your board 180 degrees while standing on it. Start by riding forward, then twist your body and shoulders 180 degrees while simultaneously pushing down on the tail and popping the board. Land on the board with your feet facing the opposite direction.
6. Backside 180
The backside 180 is similar to the frontside 180, but you spin your board in the opposite direction. Start by riding forward, then twist your body and shoulders 180 degrees in the opposite direction while simultaneously pushing down on the tail and popping the board. Land on the board with your feet facing the same direction.
7. Manuals
Manuals are tricks where you ride your board on two wheels while keeping the other two off the ground. There are various types of manuals, including nose manuals, tail manuals, and fakie manuals. To perform a manual, approach an obstacle at a slow speed and balance the weight of your body over the wheels you want to lift. Then, gently pull back or push forward to lift the other wheels off the ground.
| Trick | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Ollie | Beginner |
| Kickflip | Intermediate |
| Shove-it | Beginner |
| 50-50 Grind | Intermediate |
| Frontside 180 | Beginner |
| Backside 180 | Beginner |
| Manuals | Intermediate |
How To Ride A Penny Board
Penny boards are a great way to get around town or just have some fun. They’re small and portable, making them easy to carry around with you. And they’re relatively inexpensive, so they’re a great option for people on a budget.
If you’re new to skateboarding, penny boards are a great place to start. They’re easier to balance and control than traditional skateboards, and they’re less likely to cause serious injuries. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to ride.
Here are a few tips on how to ride a penny board:
- Start by practicing on a flat surface. Once you’re comfortable, you can start riding on hills and other inclines.
- Use your feet to push off and get going. Once you’re moving, you can use your feet to steer and control the board.
- Be sure to wear a helmet and other protective gear when you’re riding. This will help to protect you from serious injuries in the event of a fall.
People Also Ask About How To Ride A Penny Board
How do you push off on a penny board?
To push off on a penny board, place one foot on the board and the other on the ground. Push off with your foot on the ground and start riding.
How do you steer a penny board?
To steer a penny board, lean in the direction you want to go. The board will turn in the direction you lean.
How do you brake on a penny board?
To brake on a penny board, drag your foot on the ground. This will slow down the board and eventually bring it to a stop.
