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Longboarding during the winter can be a difficult and dangerous proposition, but with the proper precautions it is possible. The key is to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for patches of black ice, snow salt, and icy surfaces that could cause you to slip or lose control.
In order to longboard in the winter safely, you should invest in good quality wheels designed for grip on slick surfaces, as well as all the other necessary protective gear. You should also make sure that you have a longboard set up specifically for winter riding with plenty of space between your feet and the ground so that you can lean into turns easily and safely.
Finally, don’t risk going out into conditions too extreme for safe riding. Be prepared to turn around or take another form of transportation if needed – no ride is worth getting injured over! With these tips in mind, you should be able to longboard safely and confidently during the colder months.
Keep Weatherproofing Your Longboard
When the winter months roll around, you want to make sure that your longboard is properly weatherproofed. Unpredictable weather during this time of year like rain and snow can have a damaging effect on your board, so it’s important to take extra precautions if you plan on riding in these conditions.
1. Deck
The deck of a longboard is typically made up of several layers of plywood, which isn’t ideal in wet conditions. While different types of wood react differently when coming into contact with water, it’s best to remain cautious and protect the board from potential damage.
If left exposed to water, the plywood can absorb some – causing it to swell and warp – quite often beyond repair where only two or three wheels on the board actually touch the ground.
If you don’t have the budget to buy a pre-made water resistant deck, there are other methods you can use to protect your board from getting damaged by water. Applying a coat of polyurethane will form a thin protective film and guard against any moisture damage while also being scratch and stain-resistant.
This won’t be as effective as buying a waterproof deck but it will certainly offer some protection against the elements. Moreover, if your board is already painted, applying polyurethane won’t affect any visible paint on the surface as it dries clear.
2. Grip Tape
Grip tape is a great way to protect your longboard in all kinds of weather. It’s surprisingly durable and can withstand rain and snow, though it should be wiped down afterwards if exposed to too much moisture. Though grip tape is adhesive, water can sometimes penetrate the adhesive and cause damage to the deck underneath.
To provide extra protection against water and other elements, consider using waterproof grip tape on your board. This will ensure that your board stays protected from the elements so that you can keep enjoying your rides no matter the weather.
3. Bearings
When it comes to longboard maintenance, your bearings are essential. If you don’t take good care of them, they can be corroded by dirt, moisture, and other environmental factors. To keep them well lubricated and free from water damage, it’s best to use a lubricant like lithium grease. This multi-purpose product is designed to protect bearings from rust, intense heat, and moisture.
It’s also a relatively inexpensive solution that is easy to apply before you head out in wet weather – unlike WD-40 or other cheap lubricants which can leave behind films that attract dust and particles which can damage your bearings. So take care of your longboard’s bearings with the right lubricant – it really makes a world of difference!
4. Trucks
When it comes to weatherproofing your longboard, the trucks won’t require much extra care. Even if you ride in rain or snow, you should be fine as long as you remember to wipe them down afterward.
Keeping on top of your longboarding maintenance by cleaning off the moisture will help prevent rust buildup, so make sure you take this extra step after each ride.
5. Wheels
When it comes to weatherproofing your longboard, the wheels are the most important aspect. When it’s wet outside, regular wheels may be slippery on the roads and cause you to hydroplane – and potentially crash.
That’s why rain wheels are such a good investment – they have grooves that allow water to pass through so that the wheel can remain in contact with the ground, which helps reduce the possibility of hydroplaning.
However, even if you have rain wheels, you still need plenty of riding skills in order to ride safely in wet conditions. Rain wheels simply offer an added advantage when compared to standard ones.
Dress for Longboarding in Winter
When heading out in cold, windy, and wet weather, it is important to wear the right clothes. Layering your clothes works best as it helps to keep warm pockets of air closest to your body while allowing you to easily add or remove items as needed.
It is also essential to pay attention to fabric types when choosing what to wear. Choose lightweight yet quality fabrics that will not absorb moisture such as synthetic materials. This ensures moisture from sweat does not stay trapped against the body, which can lead to hypothermia.
Dressing for the occasion with the right gear will ensure a comfortable outing and help keep you safe from the elements.
1. Fabric That You Should Avoid
When it comes to dressing for the occasion, there are certain fabrics to avoid. Cotton is widely used and comfortable, but it isn’t great for insulation. Not only will it become wet when you sweat, but it will lose its insulation value and make you cold.
Rayon is also a fabric to be aware of, as it absorbs water faster than cotton and won’t provide any insulation when wet. It’s made from plant cellulose and there are other fabrics derived from the same base material – make sure your clothing is not made from any of them!
2. Best Fabrics
When it comes to the best fabrics for dressing appropriately for any occasion, wool and polyester are excellent choices. Wool is a great choice when you want to stay warm and dry. Despite absorbing some moisture, its wicking properties will keep you comfortable and not overly drenched in sweat.
On the other hand, polyester is an amazing material with its 0.4% absorption rate of moisture. This means that all excess moisture will be wicked away from your body to the outer layer of fabric, keeping your skin dry and your body temperature pleasant.
It’s best used as a first layer of clothing because it works well in trapping the warmth inside without making you feel too sweaty or uncomfortable. For mid-layers and outer layers, it’s best to wear something breathable so that the moisture gets evaporated quickly.
Find a Dry Place to Skateboard
If you’re determined to longboard even in the winter, then you’ll need to find a dry place to skate. Luckily there are plenty of places you can utilize when it’s cold out.
An empty parking lot or basketball court is always a great option for those who want to commute, as well as any dry areas that might be available at a skate park.
Warm up Slowly Before Each Session
It is important to stretch and warm up properly if you want to longboard during colder times. To do this, start by pushing your skate slowly around until your bones become loose and flexible.
If you’re in a skate park or spot, try pumping back and forth in the transitions before dropping into anything more challenging. Take your time here as it’s important to ensure that you don’t overdo it and remain injury free. Slowly does it!
Longboarding in Snow
Longboarding in snow can be a bit daunting, so make sure to check the weather forecast before deciding to hit the roads! It’s best to wear extra layers of cold-weather clothing and plenty of protective gear such as helmets. A little bit of snow is manageable, but if you find any patches of ice on the road, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Ice means sliding, which leads to unpredictable conditions where you can easily lose control and become subject to mother nature’s will. The best wheels for grip won’t help once you hit a patch of invisible black ice – so scope out your route beforehand and make sure there are no potential hazards.
Cleaning and Maintenance for Your Longboard
Longboarding in the winter requires diligent maintenance and cleaning of your board. It is highly likely that your board will be exposed to rain or snow, making it essential to get it dry as quickly as possible to ensure its longevity.
To do this, you must field strip everything – disassemble the hardware, trucks, screws, nuts, and all other related parts. Wipe everything down with a cloth and check the bearings for any signs of damage or wear. Clean them thoroughly if necessary as this is important for ensuring the wheels spin properly.
This whole process should take no more than an hour, but by taking care to maintain your longboard in this way you can protect it from any long-term damage that could occur due to exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Warnings
Longboarding in winter is extremely risky and should not be taken lightly. It is important to keep in mind that wet or snowy conditions can be very dangerous for longboarders, as the potential for serious injury or even death is incredibly high. Each year, many longboarders are impacted by serious injuries related to their sport.
It is critical to take additional precautions when riding in rain or snow because visibility can be significantly reduced, making it even more difficult to longboard safely.
To ensure your safety, always have someone with you when you ride, and wear clothes that you feel comfortable and secure in. With the right preparation, you may still be able to longboard during the winter months — just remember that safety must come first!
Advice
If you are considering longboarding in the winter, it’s important to take proper maintenance measures so as not to damage your board. While this can be time consuming, there is a solution – you can use a “beater board” or “throw-away deck” when you know your board will get wet.
Just quickly wipe down with a towel after every use, and if possible bring a small towel with you in your pack for quick drying sessions. This way, your board will last longer and stay in good condition!
FAQs
Yes, you can longboard in cold weather, just make sure to wear warm clothes.
It’s fine to longboard in cold weather; however, if you leave your board in cold or humid climates for extended periods of time, it could have a negative effect as the wood contracts which increases the risk of it weakening over time.
It is important to protect your longboard bearings from moisture when riding in wet conditions, in order to keep them in top condition.
Longboard bearings can freeze in cold or humid climates if exposed for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, longboarding in the winter is possible with the right precautions and the right gear. Cold temperatures and snow don’t mean you can’t still go out and enjoy one of your favorite activities.
With a little bit of preparation and planning, you’ll be able to continue your longboarding adventures in even the coldest months of the year.
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