How fast can a skateboard go? [Factors Explanation]

For centuries, skating has been a pastime that offers thrill-seekers of all ages an excellent and exhilarating way to get around…but how fast can you really go on a skateboard?

Many people think the answer is “not very fast” – however, we are here today to challenge this long-held misconception.

From professional downhill skaters reaching top speeds close to 60 miles per hour, to everyday boarders scooting through their neighborhoods with ease; there’s no denying just how impactful riding a skateboard can be when performed safely and correctly.

So let’s take some time to explore just what kinds of speeds can be reached on different types of boards, discuss safety considerations for high speed boarding and uncover the secrets behind achieving breakneck velocities.

How fast can a skateboard go?

The speed of a skateboard depends on different factors such as the type of terrain, the wheels’ size, and the rider’s skill level.

Typically, skateboards can travel between 5 to 12 miles per hour. Nonetheless, skilled skateboarders can hit speeds up to 91 mph.

Professional skateboarders usually travel 1-2 miles on flat surfaces at an average speed of 7-8 mph. Meanwhile, going downhill can raise speeds to a range of 30-40 mph with regular skate wheels. In 2016, a skateboarder established a record by reaching a speed of 95.83 km/h (59.55 mph).

No matter how fast you choose to ride your skateboard, it’s important to always wear safety gear and practice caution while riding.

What factors affect skateboard speed?

Skateboarding is a thrilling and fascinating sport, and one thing that all skaters strive for is speed. But have you ever wondered what factors affect skateboard speed? Is it only about the skill of the rider or are there other variables involved? Dive deep into the various factors that impact skateboard speed and discuss their significance.

Skateboard Quality:

The quality of your skateboard is one of the primary drivers of speed.

A lightweight skateboard with smooth wheels will offer less resistance, less friction, and acceleration, leading to higher speeds.

High-quality bearings and trucks also play a crucial role in enhancing the speed of your skateboard.

Investing in a high-quality skateboard will help you save energy and effort, allowing you to retain your speed for a longer time.

Rider’s Skill:

The rider’s skill and experience level contribute significantly to skateboard speed.

Expert riders may use their body muscles and weight shift to generate more speed when pushing off, maneuvering, or carving.

Similarly, a skilled rider will know how to cut corners, make sharp turns, and reduce wind resistance, leading to faster speeds.

A beginner or novice rider, on the other hand, may need to push more strenuously and may not be able to control their skateboard as precisely, hence reducing their speed.

Terrain:

The terrain and conditions you skate on affects skateboard speed.

Smooth surfaces such as asphalt or concrete offer the least resistance, hence promoting faster speeds, while bumpy or rough terrain can slow you down or pose the risk of tripping.

Uphill terrain will reduce your speed, and downhill terrain can increase your speed and momentum. Therefore, the choice of terrain affects the rider’s speed and performance.

Weather Conditions:

Weather conditions such as wind, rain, or snow can affect skateboard speed.

Wind resistance can reduce the speed, making it harder to maintain momentum or control the skateboard.

In contrast, tailwinds may increase your speed, leading to more momentum and acceleration. Weather elements such as rain or snow may pose a safety risk and should be avoided at all times.

Riding Stance:

Your stance and posture while riding your skateboard can impact your speed.

Suppose you have a comfortable grip and positioning on the deck, that means you can shift your weight more easily, allowing you to generate more momentum and speed.

Incorrect stances may lead to reduced speed and fatigue, as the rider may have to push more strenuously, using more energy and effort.

How can I improve my skateboard’s speed?

The challenge is, though, that there’s a limit to how fast you can go, and you need all the help you can get. Luckily, there are several improvation techniques that can help you to boost your skateboard speed.

Choose the right bearings:

Skateboard bearings play a crucial role in determining your speed. Upgrading your bearings to high-quality ones will undoubtedly boost your speed.

It is essential to choose bearings that are suitable for high speeds and with less friction than the average ones.

Moreover, the material of the bearings is also essential. If you’re looking for an excellent racing bearing, the ceramic ball bearings are the way to go.

They produce less friction and keep your skateboard moving fast.

Check your wheels:

The wheels of your skateboard also play a crucial role in determining how fast you can go.

If you have small-sized wheels, it probably won’t help you to go too fast, especially if you’re a heavy rider. The larger size wheels provide more speed, even with fewer pushes.

Moreover, hardness of wheels also comes into play here. The harder the wheel is, the smoother the ride is at higher speeds.

Reduce your weight:

Reducing your weight will also help you achieve faster speeds on your skateboard.

If you’re a heavy rider, it will put more pressure on your board, which will make it slower. However, if you’re lightweight, it will be easier for you to gain speed and maintain it.

So, losing some weight would be the best option to improve your skateboard speed.

Wear the right shoes:

Wearing the right type of shoes is also important for speeding up your skateboard.

Skateboard shoes are specially designed to help you with better control and speed over your skateboard.

These shoes have a unique grip that helps you keep your feet on the board while moving fast.

They have thick soles that give you a good cushion on landing and smooth out rough surfaces, which can sometimes slow you down.

Practice your technique:

Finally, your skating technique also matters a lot to improve your skate’s speed.

By having proper body posture, pumping and carving will also improve the speed of your skateboard.

Always maintain a low center of gravity and lean forward while going down a slope to build maximum velocity.

Pumping method is a great technique to gain momentum, even without pushing too often.

Why is speed important in skateboarding?

Mastering the art of skateboarding is not just about performing tricks or jumping.

One of the most essential elements of this sport is speed. Achieving high speed on your skateboard is important because it enables you to accomplish more complex maneuvers while minimizing the risk of falling or wiping out.

Speed allows skateboarders to conquer bigger ramps, carve through tight turns, and fly past obstacles with ease.

In addition to the benefits in trick execution, speed also adds to the overall excitement of the sport. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of wind rushing past as you speed through a skatepark or down the street.

How fast can you go on a skateboard downhill?

Skateboarding downhill can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to know the speed limits.

On average skateboard can reach speeds of around 15 miles per hour on a smooth, downhill surface.

However, experienced riders can push their skating speed to 30 miles per hour or more with the right technique and equipment.

When it comes to downhill skateboarding, the goal is to reach the highest possible speed while maintaining complete control of your board.

To do this, you’ll need a good set of wheels and bearings that are designed for high speeds and stability.

You should also practice proper form and technique so that you can stay in control while going fast.

Conclusion

Speed can do more than just give thrill ride, it’s also something that can easily be manipulated and used to your advantage as a skateboarder.

Now you know how fast you can safely go on a skateboard and what tricks and movements to be aware of when picking up speed.

When used correctly, skateboarding at high speeds can land some impressive tricks with the help of speed and momentum.

Just remember, don’t let speed get the best of you. Take precautions like wearing the appropriate safety gear and start out slow until you feel comfortable before picking up some speed. Skate responsibly.

FAQs

How do I measure my skateboard’s speed?

You can measure your skateboard’s speed by using a Raspberry Pi to track your speed and distance while skateboarding. To do this, you need to drill a hole into one of the wheels and insert a magnet. You can also use a speedometer fixed underneath the skateboard, or calculate the speed using the formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time.

What is the fastest skateboard speed ever recorded?

The fastest skateboard speed ever recorded is 146.73 km/h (91.17 mph) by Peter Connolly (UK), at Les Éboulements in Quebec.