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Longboards offer a thrilling and efficient means of transportation, surpassing the speed of walking. Their superior speed can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, longboards boast a larger wheelbase and bigger wheels compared to skateboards. This design enables greater momentum and faster acceleration.
In terms of speed, longboarding can range anywhere from a leisurely 6 mph during cruising to an adrenaline-pumping 50-65 mph while downhill riding. However, it is important to note that actual speeds may vary depending on multiple factors.
Factors influencing longboard speed encompass one’s personal riding style, skill level, and ability to push and generate momentum. Additionally, the slope of the riding terrain, the rider’s weight, the specific longboard used, and the effective application of speed tucks play crucial roles in maximizing speed potential. Conversely, the rider’s proficiency in braking is essential for safety and control.
Longboards For Speed
When it comes to achieving speed on a longboard, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the type of board you choose plays a significant role. For beginners looking to go fast, a more stable board is recommended, such as a drop platform or drop-through deck. These boards have a lower center of gravity, providing greater stability at high speeds. Examples of popular options include the Landyachtz Evo and the Switchblade.
Another important aspect is the wheel size. Bigger wheels, typically ranging from 75mm to 85mm, allow for faster speeds. Additionally, sharper wheels provide better grip when riding at higher velocities.
While stability is crucial for speed, it’s also important to note that larger and heavier boards can be more challenging to turn, including for sliding. More experienced speed riders often opt for smaller boards with top-mount decks, and mounted trucks above the deck. This setup offers less stability but provides better responsiveness for making turns.
How Do I Increase My Longboard Speed?
If you’re looking to increase your longboard speed, there are several things you can do to improve your ride. Here are some tips to help you achieve faster and smoother longboard speeds:
- Adjust your axle nuts: The tightness of your axle nuts can affect your speed. If they are too tight, they can hinder the wheels from spinning freely. On the other hand, if they are too loose, the nuts might come off the axle. Find a balance by loosening them just enough so that the wheels can spin freely, allowing you to move from side to side without much effort.
- Pay attention to your bearings: Dirty bearings can create friction and slow down your longboard. Regularly clean and maintain your bearings to ensure optimal performance. Remove them from the wheels, wipe them clean with a cloth, soak them in cleaning liquid, and dry them before lubricating them with silicon-based lube. This will keep them rolling smoothly and increase your speed.
- Upgrade your bearings: If cleaning and lubricating your bearings doesn’t improve your longboard speed, it may be time to invest in new ones. Average longboards usually come with average bearings that may need upgrading. Look for quality bearings that have characteristics like curvature, plastic cage, and removable rubber seals for better performance.
- Get new wheels: Upgrading your wheels can significantly enhance your longboard speed. Choose larger wheels, as they are faster even on rough terrain. Additionally, opt for harder wheels with larger cores, as they have less compression and provide faster speeds, especially on smooth surfaces.
How Do You Measure Speed on a Longboard?
Measuring your speed on a longboard has never been easier with the Longboard SpeedMeter app. Available on both iOS and Android, this mobile app not only records your run but also accurately measures your top and average speed, distance traveled, and elevation drop.
Gone are the days of relying on complicated inventions to measure your longboard speed. With just a few taps on your phone, you can easily track and monitor your performance on the road or on the downhill. The Longboard SpeedMeter app uses advanced technology to provide precise measurements, giving you a clear understanding of your abilities and progress.
Simply download the app, start your session, and let it do the rest. As you cruise or race down the streets or slopes, the app will record your top speed, showcasing the fastest you’ve ever gone on your longboard. It also calculates your average speed, giving you insights into your overall performance.
Longboarding Speed Range
Longboarding speed can vary depending on various factors such as the terrain, rider skill level, and board setup. When using a longboard for transportation or casual cruising, average speeds typically range from 5 to 14 mph.
However, when it comes to downhill riding, where gravity plays a significant role, speeds can increase dramatically. Carving down a hill can easily push speeds to anywhere between 30 and 50 mph, depending on the steepness of the slope. More experienced riders who engage in downhill racing can push their speeds into the 50s and even reach up to 65 mph for the most serious competitors.
For extreme downhill riders who are highly skilled and seasoned, speeds can reach astonishing levels. Some riders have been able to achieve speeds in the 80s and even the 90s mph range, showcasing the impressive capabilities of both the rider and their equipment.
Longboarding Speed And weight
When it comes to longboarding speed, weight plays a significant role. While you may think that lighter means faster, in longboard racing, a heavier rider with experience actually has an advantage in straight lines. They may be able to outspeed lighter riders by as much as 10-15 mph.
The reason for this is that a heavier rider’s mass helps maintain more speed and counters air resistance, outweighing any additional friction from stronger wheels due to the increased weight. On a straight track, a heavier rider in the same tuck position is usually faster.
However, in curves, a heavier rider may lose speed compared to a lighter rider with equivalent skills. It becomes harder for them to hold the line without sliding out, which causes them to slow down. In terms of longboard weight itself, it is not a big determining factor in speed. Lighter riders sometimes choose heavier boards to partially compensate for their disadvantage against bigger riders.
The Speed Boarding Tuck: Maximizing Speed on Your Longboard
When it comes to achieving faster speeds on your longboard, one technique that can make a significant difference is the tuck. Properly executing the tuck can help minimize your body’s air resistance, making you more aerodynamic and allowing you to reach higher speeds. Here’s everything you need to know about the speed boarding tuck:
1. The Basics of the Tuck:
The most effective tuck for reducing your frontal profile and increasing speed involves tucking your back knee behind your front knee while leaning into your front thigh. Additionally, keeping your arms tucked behind your back can further streamline your body and reduce air resistance.
2. Variations of the Tuck:
While the traditional tuck is highly efficient, there are variations that you can experiment with to find what works best for you. These include tucking your back knee behind your front ankle or against your front calf. Another option is placing your back knee onto the board deck behind your front knee, which may not be as effective for reducing air resistance but can provide some relief during longer rides.
3. Mastering the Tuck:
Achieving maximum speed through the tuck requires practice and fine-tuning. Experiment with different variations and find the position that allows you to maintain stability and comfort while minimizing air resistance.
4. Additional Gear for Speed:
In addition to mastering the tuck, wearing an elongated helmet and a good leather speed suit can further enhance your speedboarding experience. These gears help reduce air friction and improve overall speed while providing essential protection.
Gaining speed on flat ground
Gaining speed on a longboard when riding on flat ground requires a combination of pushing and pumping techniques. Here’s how to maximize your speed on flat land:
1. Effective Pushing Technique:
To gain initial speed on flat ground, perform an efficient push. Keep your back straight and face forward while pushing off with your lower foot. This stable body position helps generate power and momentum.
2. Master the Art of Pumping:
Pumping is a technique that involves shifting your weight from one rail (edge) to the other, making successive turns to generate power and speed. By mastering pumping, you can maintain and build up speed without touching the ground. Practice shifting your weight smoothly and rhythmically to achieve optimal results.
3. Braking at Speed:
Stopping quickly and reliably is crucial when riding at faster speeds. Foot braking can be effective at lower speeds, but it’s not reliable for downhill or high-speed riding. Consider learning sliding techniques to safely reduce speed and stop. Slide braking involves pushing your longboard sideways, allowing the wheels to skid and lose speed quickly.
4. Dealing with Speed Wobbles:
Speed wobbles can be a common problem when riding at higher speeds. To minimize wobbling, avoid overcorrecting your course after slight turning caused by bumps or cracks. Focus on controlling your front truck, as it initiates turning. Lean forward, lower your center of gravity, and distribute your weight towards the front truck for better control and stability.
FAQs
On average, the cruising speed of a longboard on flat ground is around 6 miles per hour, although it can range between 5 to 14 miles per hour. Achieving higher speeds requires effective longboarding techniques, such as pushing and pumping.
Serious downhill riders can reach speeds ranging from 50 to 65 miles per hour, and sometimes even faster. The actual speed depends on factors like the steepness of the hill and the terrain topography.
Yes, longboarding is faster than walking. Even those who walk fast can’t match the speed of a longboard. The wheelbase and larger wheels of a longboard provide greater speed, allowing riders to reach their destinations faster and travel greater distances.
Studies have shown that the average cruising speed of a longboard is about two to four times faster than walking. With an average speed of 6 miles per hour, it’s no wonder many people prefer using longboards for transportation.
No, bikes are generally faster than longboards in most terrains. While longboards can match the speed of bikes when going downhill, bikes have better gears and maneuverability, making them faster and more suitable for longer distances.
To achieve greater speed, downhill longboards like drop platforms or drop-through decks are the best options. These boards offer stability and turning ability, which are crucial for high-speed downhill riding. Their lower center of gravity also enhances stability at high speeds.
Yes, longer longboards tend to be faster due to their bigger wheels. Longer boards provide more space for larger wheels that not only accelerate quickly but also maintain speed better. In contrast, shorter boards like penny boards usually have smaller wheels, which don’t hold speed as well.
Electric longboards typically reach speeds between 18 to 83 miles per hour, with top models exceeding 40 mph. The actual speed depends on factors such as the rider’s weight, wheel size, motor power, and the terrain being skated on.
The NEXTBoards, which were customized by Next Generation Vehicles, currently hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest electric longboard. The record was set by skater Mischo Erba in 2016 at the Slovenian airport, with a speed of 95.83 kilometers per hour or 55.55 miles per hour.
Longboarding can be both safe and dangerous, depending on how it’s approached. While safety gear can minimize risks, it’s important to recognize that certain disciplines within longboarding carry a higher risk factor. Ultimately, the responsibility for safety lies with the rider, who should wear appropriate protective gear and be mindful of their surroundings.
Unfortunately, there have been recorded cases of deaths related to longboarding. These incidents occurred due to accidents and severe injuries sustained during longboarding activities. It is crucial for riders to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to minimize risks.
Controlling speed on a longboard can be challenging, especially for beginners. Learning to control speed starts with mastering how to stop the board, especially during high-speed situations. Pushing the board gradually and learning proper braking techniques are essential for speed control.
Conclusion:
The speed and thrill of longboarding are unmatched. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the exhilaration of gliding through the streets on a longboard is an experience like no other. So, grab a board, hit the pavement, and let the wind carry you to new heights of excitement.
Remember, with longboarding, the only limit is your own courage. So, embrace the speed, embrace the freedom, and let your longboard take you on the ride of a lifetime!
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