When you’re looking for an extreme adventure, can’t get enough speed, and want to feel the wind whipping through your hair, you might want to consider grabbing a skateboard.
But have you ever wondered just how fast a skateboard can go downhill? I’ll explore the factors that affect skateboarding speeds as well as some of the top stunts used by experienced riders.
So hold on tight because it’s time to take off on your journey into uncovering just how much speed a board can reach racing down slopes.
Can skateboards go downhill?
Yes, skateboards can go downhill. Skateboarders often use this type of terrain to perform tricks and tests their skills as they ride along the slopes. This type of skateboarding is known as “downhill” skating and it requires a certain amount of skill and safety precautions such as wearing protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, helmets, and other safety gear.
When going downhill, skateboarders need to make sure that they are going at a speed that they are comfortable with while also having complete control over their board. It is important to maintain balance while riding at higher speeds down hills because the slightest mistake can lead to disastrous results.
Downhill skateboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its exhilarating feeling of adrenaline-filled speed combined with technical maneuvers on the board. There are a variety of different board styles and shapes that riders use when traveling down hills which allows them to take advantage of certain features such as increased stability or ability to maneuver quickly around tight turns.
Additionally, there are many different types of wheels available for downhill skateboarders which allow them to customize their setup for better performance on specific types of terrain or riding styles. Ultimately, with enough practice and the right setup, anyone can learn the basics of downhill skateboarding and experience the thrill of speeding down a hill on a board.
How fast does the average skateboard go?
Skateboarding is a popular pastime for people of all ages and it’s also one of the fastest means of transportation.
When it comes to speed, the average skateboard will travel at a maximum of 12 miles per hour. This however can increase drastically depending on different factors such as the terrain and size of wheels being used.
An experienced rider who is going downhill on the right type of board will be able to reach 50 mph or even more.
So while the average speed can range between 5-12 mph, if you have all the right pieces in place then you can reach extreme speeds when skateboarding.
How fast do skateboards go downhill?
Skateboards can travel at incredible speeds on a steep downhill slope.
Depending on the surface and the rider’s skill, they can reach 90 mph (145 km/h) or more. Skateboarding down a hill is known as “bombing”, which has become quite popular in recent years.
To gain this much speed, riders need to find a variety of hills that give them enough speed to make their ride enjoyable and thrilling.
Riders should wear protective gear when bombing and exercise caution to prevent accidents.
How do I make my skateboard go faster downhill?
To make your skateboard go faster while descending a hill, there are several approaches you can take:
Get the Right Gear
You want to make sure that your skateboard has all the right components to get your wheels spinning fast, such as ABEC-rated bearings and high-quality wheels.
Having quality gear will ensure that you can reach maximum speed without sacrificing safety. Make sure that your trucks are adjusted properly so that they don’t restrict your turning abilities or cause wheel bite.
Additionally, if you choose to ride with a helmet and pads, make sure that they fit correctly and are not too bulky which could slow you down.
Practice on Flat Ground
Before taking on any big hills, it’s important to practice on flat ground first in order to get comfortable with pushing off and maintaining balance at high speeds.
This will help build up muscle memory so that when it comes time for downhill rides, you won’t have to think about what motions need to be made; instead, it will come naturally.
Practicing on flat ground will also help build up endurance which is essential for long runs down steep hillsides.
Push Off Early
When approaching a hillside, start pushing early in order to gather momentum before hitting the incline where gravity takes over and helps propel you further downwards (just make sure there isn’t any debris or sand in your way!).
Pushing off early will help get you going in no time and also allow for some extra acceleration at the end of each run while still allowing plenty of room for braking before reaching the bottom of the hillside.
Lean Back & Bend Your Knees
As soon as your board starts gaining speed downhill, it’s important to lean back slightly while bending both knees slightly in order to keep balanced at high speeds while also increasing stability during turns or bumps in the road/street/sidewalk/etc.
This technique should be practiced until perfected because leaning back too much could cause a wipeout whereas not leaning back enough could lead to less than ideal speed due to drag from wind resistance against an upright body position.
Pumping / Carving
One of the most effective ways of getting speed out of any terrain is through pumping/carving which involves riding along large curved lines as opposed to doing straight runs down a hillside (this can be visualized like waves).
Pumping requires both riders arms and legs working together in unison with each other in order to create movement which leads directly into increased speed rather than having them work independently from one another (which would lead into decreased speed).
This technique should be practiced over and over again until perfected because only then can maximum efficiency be achieved when running down the hillside at top speeds!
Conclusion
Skateboards can go incredibly fast when going downhill, but the speed is determined by a variety of factors.
The weight of the rider, the type of skateboard, and even the terrain all play a role in how quickly a skateboard can travel.
With proper technique and preparation, though, anyone can safely enjoy flying down a hill on their skateboard.
Just remember to practice safety first and always wear protective gear such as a helmet and elbow/knee pads in order to prevent accidents.
FAQs
What’s the fastest downhill skateboard record?
The current world record for the fastest downhill skateboard is held by Mischo Erban who reached a speed of 97.8 mph (157 km/h) on a longboard in 2012. This beats the previous record of 96 mph (154 km/h) set by Jamie Thomas in 2010. To achieve this high speed, Mischo had to reach a top speed of about 50 mph (80 km/h) before starting his descent down the hill. He then used a combination of aerodynamic positioning and gravity to maintain his speed all the way to the finish line.
How fast do downhill riders go?
Answer: Downhill mountain biking is all about speed. How fast you go is controlled by a variety of factors, including your weight, the steepness of the slope, your bike’s gearing and suspension, and your own skill and experience. That said, on a very steep slope with perfect conditions, experienced riders can reach speeds of up to 90 mph (145 km/h). Most riders will average speeds in the 30-50 mph (48-80 km/h) range.