How To Avoid Speed Wobbles Longboard

Have you ever experienced the terrifying sensation of speed wobbles while riding your longboard? It’s enough to make even the most experienced riders break out in a cold sweat. But fear not, because I’m here to help you avoid speed wobbles and stay safe on your longboard. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tips will keep you cruising smoothly.

Speed wobbles occur when the wheels of your longboard start to shake uncontrollably, making it difficult to maintain your balance. It’s a common problem that can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening or minimize its effects. By understanding the causes of speed wobbles and implementing the right techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth and stable ride every time.

In this article, I’ll share with you some valuable tips on how to avoid speed wobbles on your longboard. From choosing the right equipment to maintaining proper body positioning, these strategies will give you the confidence to ride at high speeds without fear. So, let’s dive in and conquer those speed wobbles once and for all!

What Are Speed Wobbles

Speed wobbles are a common occurrence in longboarding that can cause loss of control and lead to dangerous accidents. They are characterized by an uncontrollable shaking or oscillation of the board at high speeds. Speed wobbles typically occur when a slight sideways movement of the board triggers the rear truck to oscillate.

When riders experience speed wobbles, their instinct is to counter the shaking with quick turns in an attempt to regain control. However, this reactive movement only amplifies the wobbling, making it even more difficult to stabilize the board. Ultimately, if not properly managed, the board can run off from under the rider’s feet, resulting in a fall.

To avoid speed wobbles, riders should focus on several key factors. Firstly, maintaining a stable center of gravity is crucial. Riders should distribute their body weight properly and avoid improper weight displacement, especially toward the rear foot. Additionally, foot placement on the board is important, as keeping the feet in the right position can help maintain balance and control.

Another key aspect is ensuring the trucks of the longboard are properly set up. Loose trucks can contribute to wobbling, so adjusting the tightness of the truck hanger and tightening the truck can help improve stability. Furthermore, experimenting with different truck angles and using trucks with appropriate degree baseplates can contribute to a more stable ride.

What Causes Speed Wobbles: A Quick Breakdown

Speed wobbles can be a terrifying experience for longboard riders, but understanding the causes behind them can help you avoid this dangerous situation. Here are the key factors that can trigger speed wobbles:

1. Uncontrolled Speed: Speed wobbles typically occur when you’re traveling at high speeds. Whether you’re riding downhill or racing, excessive speed can increase the likelihood of wobbling and make it harder to maintain control.
2. Loose Trucks: The trucks on your longboard play a crucial role in its stability. Loose trucks, especially in the rear, can contribute to speed wobbles. It’s not just about the looseness of the trucks but also about finding the right balance of sensitivity between the front and rear trucks. If the front truck is tighter or looser than the rear truck, it can cause violent fishtailing and throw you off the board.
3. Wrong Foot Placements: Many riders, especially beginners, have a tendency to place their feet on the back of the board when riding at high speeds. This can lead to speed wobbles. When all the pressure is placed on the rear truck, it compresses the bushing. Eventually, the compressed bushing can trigger wobbling, similar to the effect of loose trucks.

What to prepare

To avoid speed wobbles on your longboard, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare. Here’s a list of items and equipment you should have on hand:

• T-tool or Tools for Adjustments: A T-tool is a versatile tool that every skateboarder should have. It includes socket wrenches, an Allen wrench, and a Phillips head screwdriver. If you don’t have a T-tool, make sure to have a hexagon socket, a hand wrench, and a screwdriver for adjusting the kingpin and truck mounts.
• Proper Bushings: Bushings are crucial for preventing speed wobbles. These replaceable components help stabilize the trucks of your skateboard. The stiffness of the bushings should vary based on the rider’s weight. For example, if you weigh at least 195 lbs, using 100a bushings might be the best option to maintain stability.

Ways to Control Speed Wobbles on a Longboard

1. Adjusting the truck’s tightness: One of the main causes of speed wobbles is loose trucks. By tightening the kingpin nut, you can increase the stability of your longboard. Use a T-tool or wrench to adjust the tightness of your trucks based on your riding style and personal preference.
2. Installing the right bushings: Bushings play a crucial role in preventing speed wobbles. Choose bushings that match your weight and riding style. Heavier riders may need stiffer bushings to maintain stability, while lighter riders may prefer softer options. Experiment with different durometer ratings to find the perfect balance for your longboard.
3. Moving the right way: To maintain control and stability, keep your upper body relaxed and stable while riding. Avoid sudden movements and unnecessary jerks, as they can lead to speed wobbles. Focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent riding motion.
4. Having the right position: Proper foot placement is essential in controlling speed wobbles. Keep your rear foot closer to the back trucks to enhance stability. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet and maintain a slightly crouched position to lower your center of gravity.
5. Distributing your weight: Maintaining proper weight distribution is crucial in preventing speed wobbles. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as it can shift your center of gravity and destabilize the longboard. Keep your body centered and balanced over the board to stay in control.
6. Slowing down: If you feel speed wobbles starting to occur, gradually reduce your speed. This can be done by carving or performing a controlled speed check. The key is to avoid sudden braking or jerky movements that could worsen the wobbles.

By following these tips and practicing good riding techniques, you can greatly reduce the risk of speed wobbles on your longboard. Remember to always wear appropriate protective gear and gradually build your riding skills to improve control and stability.

Step 1: Adjusting the truck’s tightness

To avoid speed wobbles on your longboard, it is important to properly adjust the tightness of your trucks. This can be done by following these simple steps:

1. Use a skate tool or socket wrench: The only way to tighten or loosen your skateboard’s trucks is through their kingpins. These are the thick, long bolts that connect the baseplate to the hanger. Use a skate tool or socket wrench that fits the size of your kingpin.
2. Align the kingpin’s tip: Begin by aligning the tip of the kingpin with the slot in your wrench or skate tool.
3. Tighten gradually: To tighten the truck, rotate the handle of your skate tool or socket wrench clockwise. Do this gradually in quarter turns to aim for the optimum tightness. It’s important to tighten both the front and back trucks to the same level to maintain stability.
4. Assess tightness: After each adjustment, rock both trucks back and forth to ensure they have the same level of tightness. If one truck is looser than the other, it can cause the skateboard to veer off in that direction.
5. Keep tightening until firm: Continue tightening the trucks until they are stiff enough to turn while skating. However, be careful not to overtighten, as this can lead to restricted maneuverability.

Adjusting the tightness of your longboard’s trucks is an important step in preventing speed wobbles. By properly tightening them, you can ensure a stable and controlled ride.

Step 2: Installing the right bushings

To avoid speed wobbles on your longboard, it is crucial to have the right bushings installed on your trucks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install the right bushings for a stable and less shaky ride:

1. Begin by loosening the nuts of the trucks’ kingpins using a T-tool or wrench. This will allow you to remove the old bushings.
2. Once the nuts are loose, pull out the first bushing, followed by the hanger and the second bushing. By removing these components, you have access to clean and ensure the neatness of the truck’s parts, which can contribute to longer service lives.
3. After cleaning the truck’s components, it’s time to install the new bushings. Start with placing large washers on the baseplate, followed by the large bushings.
4. Next, install the hangers on top of the large bushings and then insert the small bushings.
5. To secure the bushings in place, add small washers on top of the small bushings.
6. Finally, tighten the nuts of the kingpins to adjust the tightness of the trucks. Aim for a stable and less shaky level, ensuring that both front and back trucks have the same level of tightness.

By installing the right bushings on your longboard trucks, you can create a more restrictive setup that limits the trucks from pivoting too much, leading to a stable and controlled ride, and reducing the risk of speed wobbles.

Step 3: Moving the right way

When it comes to avoiding speed wobbles on your longboard, it’s not just about having the right equipment and stance, but also moving in the correct manner. Here are some tips on how to move the right way to maintain stability and control on your longboard:

1. Start with the Speed Tuck Stance: As mentioned earlier, the Speed Tuck stance is crucial for downhill skating. This stance helps distribute your weight evenly on the board, allowing for better balance and control. Remember to have your front foot slightly diagonal over the width of the deck, with the tip pointing towards the front truck bolts. Your rear foot should be positioned behind the front foot, with the heel pointed towards the rear truck bolts. Bend your knees, lean your upper body slightly forward, and tuck your body in for optimum stability.
2. Distribute Your Weight: Proper weight distribution is essential for maintaining balance and avoiding speed wobbles. Aim to have about 60% of your weight in front of the skateboard and 40% at the back. Avoid putting too much weight on the back trucks, as this can lead to instability. Practice shifting your weight smoothly and keeping it balanced throughout your ride.
3. Slow Down with Control: Slowing down is an effective way to prevent speed wobbles. There are two primary techniques you can use: controlled slides and foot braking. Controlled slides involve making a 180-degree turn while keeping your feet on the board and bending your knees. This technique is useful for both straight paths and curved ends. Foot braking involves using your back foot as the brake by lightly sliding it against the ground. Increase the friction to slow down gradually, and when you’re ready to come to a complete stop, press your back foot firmly against the ground.

By moving the right way and following these techniques, you can have a more stable and controlled ride, minimizing the risk of speed wobbles on your longboard. Remember to always wear protective gear and practice regularly to improve your skills and muscle memory.

Other Helpful Tips

Aside from the technical aspects mentioned earlier, there are some additional tips that can help you avoid speed wobbles on your longboard:

1. Move with confidence: Maintaining a confident and stable stance will help you stay in control. Avoid sudden movements or jerky motions that can destabilize the board.
2. Relax and keep your knees bent: Keeping your body relaxed and your knees slightly bent will allow for better absorption of bumps and vibrations, keeping your board more stable.
3. Try low-angled trucks: Low-angled trucks can help improve stability and reduce the likelihood of speed wobbles. Experiment with different truck angles to find the setup that works best for you.

Remember, avoiding speed wobbles is not just about equipment and stance, but also about your movement and technique. By following these tips and practicing good riding habits, you can enjoy a stable and controlled ride on your longboard.

How To Prevent Wobbles On An Electric Longboard

Riding an electric longboard can be an exhilarating experience, but speed wobbles can quickly turn that thrill into a dangerous situation. Here are some tips to help you prevent wobbles on your electric longboard:

• Choose the right trucks: Opt for stable trucks with a lower degree baseplate. This will provide a more stable ride and reduce the chances of wobbles.
• Tighten your trucks: Ensure that your trucks are tightened properly. Loose trucks can contribute to wobbles, so make sure they are snug but still allow for smooth turning.
• Find the right foot placement: Experiment with your foot placement on the board. Distribute your weight evenly and keep your front foot pointing straight ahead to maintain stability.
• Maintain a low center of gravity: Bend your knees slightly and keep your body relaxed. This will help absorb vibrations and bumps, minimizing the risk of wobbles.
• Develop muscle memory: Practice regularly and develop good body control. This will allow you to react quickly and shift your weight when needed, reducing the chance of wobbles.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a stable and safe ride on your electric longboard without worrying about speed wobbles. Remember to always wear appropriate protective gear and ride within your skill level for a fun and secure experience.

Avoid The Deadly Speed Wobble!

Speed wobbles can be a terrifying experience for any longboard rider. They can occur suddenly, throwing you off balance and leading to a loss of control. However, with the right techniques and precautions, you can avoid these wobbles and enjoy a stable ride on your longboard.

One of the main causes of speed wobbles is loose trucks. Before hitting the road, always check and tighten your trucks to ensure stability. Tightening both front and back trucks, as well as checking and tightening your axle nuts, can prevent the wheels from becoming loose and causing wobbles.

Another important factor is your body positioning. Maintain a low center of gravity by bending your knees and keeping your upper body relaxed. Distribute your weight properly, with slightly more weight on your rear foot and your front foot acting as the steering foot.

Proper Practice Makes More Perfect

• Start Slow and Stay Within Your Limit: When it comes to longboarding, it’s important to start slow and gradually build up your speed as your skills improve. Begin by riding on hills that are within your comfort limits. Starting slow allows you to develop good habits and gain confidence in your abilities.
• Choose the Right Longboard Setup: For beginners, it’s advisable to use a setup that minimizes the chances of speed wobbles. Top mount longboards may be popular among professionals, but they can make it harder to control speed wobbles for beginners. Instead, consider using a dropped deck or a drop through setup. These setups position the rider closer to the trucks, providing more control and reducing the risk of overcorrecting.
• Practice Proper Weight Distribution: One of the main causes of speed wobbles is overcorrecting when encountering imperfections on the road. To avoid this, practice proper weight distribution. Distribute your weight evenly on the board and keep your front foot pointing straight ahead. This helps maintain stability and reduces the chances of overreacting to road irregularities.
• Maintain a Low Center of Gravity: To improve stability and control, maintain a low center of gravity. Bend your knees slightly and keep your body relaxed while riding. This allows your legs to absorb vibrations and bumps, making it easier to maintain balance and control the board.
• Develop Muscle Memory Through Practice: Regular practice is key to improving your longboarding skills and building up muscle memory. With practice, you develop better body control and quick reactions, allowing you to make precise weight shifts and adjustments when needed. By becoming more comfortable with speed, you’ll be able to overcome speed wobbles more effectively.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of avoiding speed wobbles on your longboard may seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right techniques, you can conquer it. Remember, it’s all about maintaining balance, controlling your speed, and having the confidence to ride with ease.

So, strap on your helmet, tighten those trucks, and ride fearlessly, knowing that you have the skills to glide smoothly and safely. Happy shredding!