As I watched the sun cast long shadows across the boardwalk as it slipped below the horizon, I couldn’t help but notice a couple of longboarders effortlessly gliding by. They casually cruised alongside the ocean as if they didn’t have a care in the world.
“Vacation personified,” I thought to myself as I saw the pair of beach boarders disappear down the road.
It didn’t take long before I started looking at buying my own cruiser board. I used to ride a longboard in between classes on my college campus, but I realized my old longboard decks were simply too large to carry-on if I wanted it to accompany me on my travels.
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane?
Although the TSA has clarified that you can pack a skateboard in your luggage, most skateboards are too large to comply with airline carry-on standards. The average skateboard deck length is between 28”-32” long. Larger longboards can even reach lengths over 50”. Thankfully, mini cruisers are commonly between 19”-27” long so they can be ideal travel companions.
What is a mini cruiser skateboard?
The resurgence of mini cruiser boards was kicked off by the Australia-based Penny Skateboards in the 2010’s, but Gen X (and some hip Baby Boomers) may recognize these mini plastic skateboards as reincarnated banana boards from the 1970’s.
The mini cruiser craze has settled down in recent years, though I cannot think of a better mode of transportation for the adventurous globetrotter. Imagine how liberating it feels to zip out of the airport on a set of wheels that you pulled out of your carry-on bag!
Plus, you now have a board to cruise around at your destination. Need to run to the corner store for beer? Don’t walk; skate there instead. Meeting up with friends at the local cafe? Get there faster on a board. Just want to get outside and escape for a bit? I don’t know about you, but a quick rip around the block on a skateboard sounds way more fun than walking.
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What size mini cruiser skateboard should I buy for traveling?
For a traveling mini cruiser, the most important variable is the deck size. Most airlines in the U.S. limit carry-on bags to 22 inches in length, so you need to make sure your board will fit in your bag. Your mileage may vary depending on the internal dimensions of your own luggage, but I have found that I can comfortably pack boards up to 23” in length into my favorite backpacks (remember the Pythagorean Theorem?). In addition to the length of the deck, make sure to pay attention to the width, too! Most mini cruisers are skinny by nature, but there are some wide mini cruisers on the market
What material is best for a mini cruiser skateboard deck?
There are two popular materials used for mini longboards: plastic and wood. The original banana boards of the 70’s were mostly plastic, but things have changed as material construction & designs improved over the years.
Plastic boards will be more flexible and have less give than their wooden counterparts. That comes with a set of pros & cons: plastic decks will soak up bumps in the road better, but that means handling can feel a bit mushy. On the other hand, wooden decks will be stiffer and more responsive.
What material you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference. I chose a wooden cruiser board because I prefer low flex & more responsive handling, but I know plenty of people who prefer the feel of a plastic board.
Recommended Wooden Mini Cruisers
FunBox 23” Penny Killer Complete Cruiser Skateboard
- Length: 23 inches
- Width: 6 inches
- Material: Choice of bamboo or maple
- MSRP: $95 (Check current price on FunBox)
This is my favorite board on the list (and the one I currently pack in my carry-on backpack). Originally marketed by Churchill Manufacturing, FunBox took over the rights to the Penny Killer name.
The wooden deck (your choice of a stiffer Canadian maple or a more flexible bamboo material) feels great under your feet and feels the closest to a “real” skateboard when compared to other boards in this class.
Eggboards Mini Longboard
- Length: 19 inches
- Width: 9 inches
- Material: Bamboo
- MSRP: $139 (Check current price on Amazon)
This has to be one of the most unique mini cruiser boards I have ever laid my eyes upon, and I find this design so appealing. The wide trucks and full-size wheels (which are fully interchangeable with some longboard decks) make for a smooth ride.
The short deck and wide platform means the Eggboard is an incredibly portable board that is very easy to get used to. If you find the skinny boards to be challenging, the Eggboard is a great alternative that is purpose-built for conveniently getting from Point A to Point B.
Ridge Skateboards Maple Wooden Retro 22” Mini Cruiser Board
- Length: 22 inches
- Width: 6 inches
- Material: Maple
- MSRP: $80 (Check current price on Amazon)
Ridge makes a retro-inspired mini cruiser that looks the part. The board comes with pre-applied grip tape and in-house trucks to get you rolling as soon as you open up the box.
The soft wheels are great for a smooth ride, but the bearings on this complete deck are just okay. A set of good bearings will transform this deck into a winner.
Kryptonics Stubby 19” Complete Skateboard
- Length: 19 inches
- Width: 8 inches
- Material: Maple
- MSRP: $37 (Check current price on Amazon)
Kryptonics’ Stubby 19” is the cheapest wooden board on the list and for good reason: this board will probably not last as long as the others on the list and is only rated for riders who weigh <110 pounds. The cutout on the deck makes for a convenient carrying handle, but it comes at a structural cost.
The overall deck profile is great: for a small board, you will find a surprising amount of space for your feet. This entry-level board gives lightweight riders a chance to get rolling for under $40.
Recommended Plastic Mini Cruisers
Penny Skateboards Classic Complete (22”)
- Length: 22 inches
- Width: 5.9 inches
- Material: Plastic
- MSRP: $109 (Check current price on Amazon)
The plastic board that reignited the mini cruiser craze is still going strong 10+ years later. Penny offers a number of plastic boards, and the original classic design is best-suited for carry-on travel.
If you have never ridden a plastic board before, your first time on a plastic Penny skateboard will be unforgettable. Once you get used to the extra flex of a plastic deck, it starts to feel like you are carving up the road like a wave. There are cheaper plastic cruiser boards on the market, but there is only one official Penny board.
RIMABLE Complete 22” Skateboard
- Length: 22 inches
- Width: 6 inches
- Material: Plastic
- MSRP: $37 (Check current price on Amazon)
If you want to explore cheaper options than Penny’s original 22” cruiser, the 22” RIMABLE is almost an exact replica at less than half of the price tag. If you can live without the brand name, this is your next-best option.
RIMABLE is one of the most highly-recommended Penny board clones on the market, and many riders who own both report that the difference is negligible. After all, these are plastic boards we are talking about; these boards are built to be indestructible.
Retrospec Quip Skateboard 22.5” Classic Retro Cruiser Complete Skateboard
- Length: 22.5 inches
- Width: 6 inches
- Material: Plastic
- MSRP: $29 (Check current price on Amazon)
This 22.5” classic cruiser comes in just a hair larger than Penny’s classic board and at a fraction of the price.
At this price point, you can expect less-than-stellar bearings & truck bushings to come stock on this board. If you have no qualms with buying a cheaper clone, installing upgraded bearings & hardware on a Retrospec deck may still end up cheaper than purchasing a stock Penny board.
Final Thoughts
I love being the guy who pulls a mini skateboard out of his backpack wherever I travel. My bamboo mini board is a unique conversation starter, a canvas upon which I can place my favorite brewery stickers, and a surprisingly versatile way to get around town.
Have you traveled with a mini cruiser skateboard before? Tag us in your pics on Instagram & Twitter!
