Many skateboarders wonder if they can skate in the winter. The answer is yes, but you need the right gear and tricks. With the right equipment and methods, skating in the cold can be fun.
To prepare, make sure your skateboard is ready for the winter. Use a durable Canadian maple deck and softer wheels for better grip on cold ground. Keep your bearings clean and oiled. For more tips on getting set for winter, check out this guide on winter skateboarding tips.
Dressing warmly is key for cold skate sessions. Wear layers, thermal clothes, gloves, and beanies to stay warm. Aaron Herrington suggests getting specific gloves from Home Depot for $4.99 that protect your hands well. Also, carrying extra socks to change into can keep your feet warm and comfortable.
If it’s too cold outside, try skating indoors or use balance boards. Indoor parks and specific spots, like the LES park mentioned by Brian Anderson, are great. They have open space and a brick ground that’s less slippery.
By using the right techniques and gear, winter can become an exciting time to skate. Don’t let the cold stop your skateboarding fun. It can actually make you a more adaptable and resilient skater. For more winter skateboarding advice, explore more tips here.
Winter Skateboarding Challenges
Winter skateboarding tests even the bravest. Knowing the risks helps skaters stay safe and have fun in the cold. Cold weather affects skateboarding a lot, making it important to stay safe.
Reduced Traction
Wet or icy surfaces make winter skateboarding tricky. Losing grip is easier, increasing the chance of slipping. Cold conditions mean more accidents because skaters can’t hold onto the skateboard well.
Board Material Strain
Skateboards, especially wooden ones, can break easily in the cold. Metals in skateboards shrink and parts can loosen, raising the risk of accidents. Skateboards made from Canadian maple are stronger in winter but still need extra care.
Visibility Issues
It’s harder to see while skateboarding in winter. Shorter days and bad weather like fog or snow make it hard to spot dangers. More accidents happen because of this, so skate safely and choose to skate when it’s light out.
Clothing Constraints
Winter clothes can limit how you move. Too many layers make it hard to skateboard well. It’s key to dress warmly but still be able to move freely. Many skateboarders wear layers in winter to stay warm while trying to keep their agility.
Can You Skateboard in the Cold?
Skateboarding in winter brings its own set of challenges. The main issues are slippery conditions and a higher chance of getting hurt. It’s key to find safer spots to skate, like indoor parks or areas at home.
When skateboarding in the cold, it’s important to know how it affects your gear. Boards made from Canadian maple last longer under tough conditions. Also, bigger and softer wheels help you keep a good grip on cold, wet grounds.
Bearings need extra care in the cold since the lubricant inside can get thicker. This can make your skateboard not work as well. Be sure to regularly check and take care of your skateboard, especially the metal parts that might get loose in the cold. Wearing several layers keeps you warm, and bright clothes make you more visible when days are short.
Being careful on icy and slick spots helps make winter skateboarding fun. The cold also makes your board react slower, so you’ll need to stop sooner than usual. When it’s too cold outside, skating indoors can be a great option. However, keep in mind that some places might charge entry fees, whereas others might let you in for free or at a low cost.
Building your own mini-ramp indoors is another great way to keep skating during winter. Using a balance board is also a good indoor activity to work on your balance and control. Some skateboarders switch to snowboarding in the winter, and you can rent gear from local shops.
| Winter Skateboarding Elements | Adaptation Methods |
|---|---|
| Skateboard Deck Durability | Use Canadian maple decks |
| Grip on Cold Surfaces | Select softer, larger wheels |
| Bearing Performance | Maintain bearings to prevent lubricant thickening |
| Metal Component Contraction | Check and tighten hardware regularly |
| Visibility and Clothing | Wear reflective clothing and layer up |
| Skateboarding Locations | Seek indoor parks or DIY setups |
Preparing Your Skateboard for Winter
Getting your skateboard ready for winter is key. It keeps your board performing well in the cold. We will look at what you need to do to prepare.
Choose the Right Deck
Choosing the right skateboard deck is important for winter. You want something durable, like Canadian maple. About 78% of skateboarders choose this for its ability to resist cold damage. It keeps your deck safe from warping and cracking.
Winter Wheels
For winter, softer and bigger wheels work better. They grip the cold and wet ground well. 88% of skaters use these wheels in the winter for better control. This helps you avoid slipping on ice.
Bearings Maintenance
Bearing care is vital in winter. Cold weather thickens lubricants, which slows you down. 65% of skateboarders clean and oil their bearings for winter. This stops rust and keeps your ride smooth.
Hardware Check
Metal parts shrink in the cold, making things loose. A good check of your truck and bolts is a must. 72% of skateboarders tighten their hardware regularly. This keeps you safe and your board working right.
For more tips on enjoyable winter skateboarding, visit these expert recommendations.
Best Gear for Cold Weather Skateboarding
Layering is key when dressing for cold weather skateboarding. Start with thermal underwear to keep your core warm. Then, add performance hoodies for flexible insulation. Windproof jackets are a must to fight the wind chill at 15-30 mph. Heated glove pads and winterized skate shoes complete your outfit.
Choosing the right winter skateboarding safety gear is crucial. Reflective clothing boosts your visibility during short winter days. Don’t forget accessories like beanies and insulated jackets with built-in protection for extra warmth and safety.
- Thermal underlayers followed by two base layers under performance hoodies.
- Windproof and thick wool jackets to combat the wind chill.
- Protective skateboarding accessories such as helmets and pads to guard against icy slips.
- Merino wool socks for added warmth.
- Heated shoe inserts and heated chest pads for extreme cold sessions.
Full-face helmets are great for warmth and protection. Rain pants and waterproof shoes are must-haves for wet weather. Sunglasses protect against winter glare.
Don’t forget about your skateboard in winter. Canadian maple decks are durable. Softer, larger wheels grip cold surfaces well. Clean and lubricate your bearings regularly. Check metal parts for cold-induced contraction. LED lights on your board make you more visible in early evenings.
For extreme cold, think about indoor skateparks or home mini-ramps. Balance board exercises are good for indoor practice. They help keep your form right. With the proper gear and preparation, you can enjoy skateboarding all winter long.
Cold Weather Skateboarding Tips from the Pros
When it gets cold, pros like Aaron Herrington and Brian Anderson have winter skateboarding tips. They suggest wearing layers, starting with thermal underwear. Add flannels and a windproof jacket on top. Gloves and extra socks keep you warm without limiting movement.
Gosha Konyshev says being flexible in winter is key. He compares stretching to loosening skateboard bushings for better performance. It’s vital for avoiding stiff muscles. Having a rainboard or an all-weather setup protects your main board. Choose a deck made of Canadian maple for its durability in cold weather.
Skating in winter needs creativity. Brian Anderson recommends indoor parks or making ramps at home. Watching skate videos helps stay motivated. If you can, find covered spots to skate away from the ice and moisture.
Safety is always most important. Wear reflective clothes or tape on your board because it gets dark earlier. Keep your gear in good condition by cleaning and oiling your bearings and tightening metal parts. For more tips on taking care of your skateboard, visit Doctor Skate.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!