The Elusive Ollie: Can You Do it on a Penny Board?
Skateboarding is all about tricks, and the most fundamental of them all is the ollie. It’s a technique that allows skateboarders to jump over obstacles, ride stairs and perform various other tricks that require them to lift off the ground. But can you do an ollie on a Penny board?
The answer is yes, but it’s a lot more challenging than doing an ollie on a regular skateboard.
That’s the question we’ll be answering today. Before diving in, let’s quickly discuss what an ollie is and why it’s so important to skateboarders.
What is an Ollie?
An ollie is a trick where you jump into the air with your skateboard without using your hands or feet. You essentially use your back foot to smack down on the tail of your skateboard while simultaneously sliding your front foot up towards the middle of the board.
This motion causes the board to pop up off the ground, allowing you to jump with it. The trick lies in timing – you need to lift your feet at just the right moment in order for the board to rise up with you.
Why are Ollies Important?
Ollies are considered one of the most important tricks in skateboarding because they serve as a foundation for many other moves. From kickflips to heelflips, performing these advanced maneuvers requires mastering an ollie first. In addition, ollies are also extremely practical for getting around obstacles while skating.
When done correctly, they can help skaters navigate stairs or gaps in their path that would otherwise stop them dead in their tracks. Now that we know what an ollie is and why it’s such a big deal let’s explore whether this trick can be performed on Penny boards – those unique plastic skateboards that have recently become popular among skaters everywhere.
What is a Penny Board?
If you’re not familiar with skateboard terminology, a Penny board is a type of mini cruiser skateboard that was originally created in Australia. They are known for their compact size, lightweight design, and vibrant colors. My favorite is the blacked-out version.
Description of the Penny Board’s Design and Features
Penny boards are typically made from high-quality plastic materials that give them their signature durability. They come in two different sizes: the original 22-inch model and the larger 27-inch version.
The deck has a unique waffle-top texture that provides extra grip for riders’ feet. The wheels on Penny boards are also quite distinctive – they’re made from soft polyurethane material and have a small diameter that makes them perfect for cruising around on smooth surfaces.
Comparison to Other Types of Skateboards
Compared to traditional skateboards, Penny boards are much shorter and lighter in weight. This makes them easier to carry around and maneuver while skating. However, they also have some limitations when it comes to performing certain tricks or riding on rough terrain.
If you’re looking to do more technical skateboarding like grinding rails or performing big jumps, then you may want to consider using a regular-sized skateboard instead of a Penny board. Overall, the design and features of Penny boards make them ideal for cruising around town or commuting short distances.
Their compact size allows riders to easily navigate through crowds or tight spaces, making them a popular choice among urban commuters. But if you’re looking to do more advanced skateboarding tricks or ride on more challenging terrain, then it may be worth considering other types of skateboards as well.
Can you ollie on a Penny board?
The Challenges and Limitations of Performing an Ollie on a Penny Board
Skateboarders often wonder if they can do an ollie on a Penny board. The answer is yes, but it’s a lot more challenging than doing an ollie on a regular skateboard.
One of the main reasons for this is the shape and size of the Penny board. It’s shorter and narrower than other skateboards, which makes it harder to balance.
Additionally, the plastic deck doesn’t provide as much grip as wood does, making it difficult to get enough traction for a successful ollie. Another challenge is the wheels’ size and material.
The small, hard plastic wheels found on most Penny boards don’t absorb shocks as well as larger wheels made of softer materials found in traditional skateboards. This means that landing your ollie might be uncomfortable or even painful.
Tips and Tricks for Attempting an Ollie on a Penny Board
If you’re determined to attempt an ollie on your Penny board, you’ll need to practice regularly and follow some tips to increase your chances of success. First, make sure that you have comfortable shoes with good grip since this will help with your balance. Next, practice positioning your feet correctly before attempting any jumps.
Start by placing your front foot near the middle of the board’s nose while keeping your back foot near its tail. When you’re ready to jump, bend both knees slightly and then jump up while sliding your front foot towards the nose of the board and lifting it off from the ground.
As soon as you reach maximum height, level out in mid-air by bringing up your back foot next to your front one before landing both feet at once gently. Remember that it may take some time before you successfully execute an ollie on your Penny board, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few attempts.
Practice in a safe environment and be patient with yourself. With some time and persistence, you’ll eventually master this trick.
Alternatives to Ollies on a Penny Board
If you’re finding it difficult to perform an ollie on a Penny board, don’t worry! There are plenty of other tricks you can try out. In fact, many skateboarders actually prefer performing different tricks on a Penny board due to its unique design and size.
Explanation of Other Tricks That Can Be Performed on a Penny Board
One popular trick to try out is the kickflip. This involves flicking the tail of the board with your foot while simultaneously jumping and flipping the board in the air.
Another trick that works well on a Penny board is the manual, where you balance on either the front or back wheels without touching them down for as long as possible. You can also attempt grinds and slides by grinding your trucks or sliding your wheels along a curb or rail.
Examples and Demonstrations
To give you an idea of what these tricks look like in action, let’s take a look at some examples. Check out this video of skateboarder Ben DeSnyder performing kickflips, manuals, and grinds on his Penny board (https://youtu.be/WVnkuJ8gNgg). Notice how he adjusts his technique slightly to account for the smaller size of the board.
Another great resource for learning new tricks is Skateboarding Made Simple by Aaron Kyro (https://www.brailleskateboarding.com/sms/). While not specifically targeted at Penny boards, this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic techniques to advanced maneuvers that can be adapted for any type of skateboard.
While ollies might be more challenging to perform on a Penny board than other skateboards due to its smaller size and lighter weight, there are plenty of alternatives available for riders looking to try out different tricks. So grab your Penny board and start experimenting – the possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Recap of key points
We have explored the question of whether or not it is possible to ollie on a Penny board. Through our discussion of the unique design and features of the Penny board, we have learned that performing an ollie on this type of skateboard presents a number of challenges due to its small size and lack of concave shape. However, we have also discovered that there are alternative tricks that can be performed on a Penny board, such as kickflips and manuals.
Final thoughts and recommendations for skateboarders interested in riding a Penny board
For skateboarders who are interested in riding a Penny board, it is important to keep in mind the limitations and challenges that come with this type of skateboard. While it may not be ideal for performing advanced tricks like ollies and grinds, the compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for cruising around town or commuting to school or work. If you’re looking for an easy-to-ride skateboard that’s portable enough to carry around with you wherever you go, then a Penny board might just be the perfect choice for you.
With its stylish designs and durable construction, this classic skateboard has been delighting riders for generations. So don’t hesitate – grab yourself a Penny board today and start exploring the world on wheels!
