If you are a college student interested in making it to class on time, you might want to consider investing in a ride. Something compact like a penny board would be ideal, but are they a good choice? scroll down to know “Are Penny Boards Good for College?”
The Penny Board is a popular choice of transportation among college students, most who have ditched the classic bike. While you will want to keep in mind the type of land your campus is on (flat or uphill), a major reason for its popularity is its size. Penny Boards are easily portable with the smallest board being twenty-two inches long. Penny boards are on the more affordable side of transportation when it comes to getting around a college campus; you can purchase one for as low as $33 online. While learning to ride a Penny Board does take some practice, it will pay off as riding one will make getting to class more enjoyable. While walking provides health benefits, you will be able to receive similar benefits from penny boarding including physical durability, flexibility, and a full body workout. The Penny Board is not ideal for tricks, but if you are simply looking for a practical way to make it to class, an event, or an on-campus job without the stress of being late, Penny Boards are a great choice for you to have at college.
What Having a Penny Board at College can do for you:
- Relieve stress
- Give you more time before class
- Fun exercise
Relieving Stress
Mental Health is an important thing to keep track of. A study by the American College Health Association found that 48% of students reported moderate or severe psychological stress. Another study by Instinct Laboratory and Flo Skatepark found that skateboarding (or penny boarding) can reduce stress, increase confidence, and provide escapism. Learning to ride a Penny Board can be a little scary. Overcoming the fear of riding a Penny Board forces you to focus and gain control over your own thoughts, which can help manage anxiety. Penny Boarding has also been found to provide endorphin release as it is a pleasurable activity that refreshes the mind.
Time
College campuses are known to be big in size and it can take between five and thirty minutes to get to class on foot. For example, the campus size for the University of Connecticut is 4,057 acres, the University of Rhode Island is 1,200 acres, and Western Connecticut State University is 398 acres. To put the size of these schools into perspective – a football field is about 1.32 acres. On average, a college student takes five classes in a semester. Going from one class to another can require some calculation for what time to leave, how much time you have between classes to grab a coffee, and even how much time you have to make it to the bathroom. Being two to four times the speed of walking, penny boarding is clearly faster than walking and will give you extra time before and in between classes.
Fun Exercise
Being able to fit in exercise while at college can be overwhelming when you consider the academic work and extracurricular activities, not to mention remembering to feed yourself. Walking is a nice way of getting exercise into your day but penny boarding allows for a more enjoyable experience. When you ride, you are using your feet and legs to accelerate and pick up speed which strengthens your muscles each time. You are also using your arms and twisting your body to maintain balance.
What is the Difference Between a Penny Board and a Skateboard?
A penny board is half a meter shorter than a skateboard. A Penny Board also has no grip and is made out of plastic. A Penny Board is lighter in weight compared to a skateboard, making it easier to carry and are typically better for commuting, while skateboards are better to use for tricks.
Is Penny Boarding Dangerous?
The Penny Board is not dangerous if all you need is a quicker commute to class. It is safer than a bike to ride on campus because it does not take up much space with its compact size. The only hazard to be aware of is riding down hill. Penny boarding is safer on flat land so it is not recommended if your campus has several hills, for example – the University of California, Los Angeles.
Conclusion
While walking provides great health benefits, why walk to class when you can ride? The Penny Board is one of the most popular ways to get to class for its compact size, affordable price, and health benefits. While college can be stressful, incorporating penny boarding into your day can release endorphins and allow you to manage anxiety from the focus and control over your thoughts as you ride. It also gives the average college student more time before and between classes, relieving stress. The Penny Board is a great investment if you are thinking about purchasing one for college.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does it take to learn how to ride a Penny Board?
If you practice frequently, it can take between a few days and a week to learn how to ride a Penny Board. The three things to practice are foot position, balance, and turning.
2) Do most schools permit riding Penny Boards on campus?
Roughly ⅕ of school prohibit all types of skateboarding on campus. Make sure to check your school’s handbook.
3) What is the best Penny Board to purchase?
A few recommendations are the MoBoard Graphic Complete Skateboard, the Penny Skateboard Complete Longboard, the Penny Cruiser, and the Penny Nickel 27″ Complete Skateboard.
4) What size Penny Board should I purchase?
The smallest Penny Board is 22 inches long and six inches wide. The biggest Penny Board is 27 inches long and seven inches wide. If you want a fast ride and a board that you can easily store away, the smaller size is for you. If you desire more space, the 27 inch Penny Board is for you.