Skateboarding is a popular outdoor sport, and there is something about it that just makes you want to go fast. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, it’s always tempting to push the limits and see how fast can a skateboard go!
It’s true that skateboarding requires skill and experience to ride fast. On average, a skateboard can travel at speeds of up to 5-8 miles per hour on flat ground. However, experienced riders can ride much faster and reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. When going downhill, the fastest speed a skateboarder has been clocked at 91.17 miles per hour!
So, let’s take a deep dive into the top speeds that skateboarders have achieved, from cruising down the street to bombing down hills at breakneck speeds.
Note: It is advised to wear proper safety gear like knee and wrist pads and a helmet while skating!
Skateboarding sport has grown a lot over the past decade. People skate in the streets, downhills and over big ramps.
Skaters are always trying to find ways to push the limits of their skateboards and see just how fast they can go. Today we will look into the average and fastest speeds of a skateboard;
The averagespeed of skateboarding on flat ground – up to 5-8 miles per hour.
The average speed of longboard cruising – up to 8-15 miles per hour.
Experienced riders can ride much faster and reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour.
The average speed of a skateboard on a steep downhill is about 25-30 miles per hour.
When going downhill, the fastest speed is recorded at 91.17 miles per hour! (That’s just wow)
Before you try to speed a skateboard, it is advised to follow the below tips to make it easier and safer;
Make sure your board is in good condition and that the wheels are not worn down.
Practice your stance and learn how to properly distribute your weight on the board.
Use your arms and legs to push off the ground and create momentum.
Tuck your knees and keep your lower body close to the board for added stability.
Relax and don’t try to tense up – it will only make it harder to balance.
Remember to practice safety first and always wear protective gear when skateboarding.
If your board is running slow, here are some tips on making a skateboard faster.
Here’s how you can make a skateboard go faster;
1. Get a Fast Skateboard
Obviously, if you want to go fast on your skateboard, you need a board that is designed for speed. There are many different types of fast boards on the market, so do your research to find the one that’s right for you. Indeed, the right board can make a big difference in your speed.
A longboard is generally better for racing and going fast, while a shortboard is more maneuverable. If you are just starting out to ride fast, look for a beginner-friendly longboard that is easy to control.
You can also see some cruiser boards for downhill rides.
2. Get the Right Wheels
The type of wheels you use can also affect your speed. Softer wheels will grip the ground better, while harder wheels will slide more easily. If you are just starting out, look for wheels with a lower durometer. As you get more experienced, you can try harder wheels for more speed.
3. Higher ABEC Bearings
The bearings in your wheels can also affect your speed. Higher-quality bearings will spin more smoothly, while lower-quality bearings will be more likely to slow you down. If you want to go fast, look for bearings with a higher ABEC rating.
4. Practice on Flat Ground
Start by practicing on flat ground first to get a feel for your speed. Then, try riding downhill in an open area. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and skate within your abilities.
5. Tuck Your Knees
To increase speed, tuck your knees into your chest and lean forward slightly. Push off with your back foot to gain speed and keep your balance.
6. Find a Good Hill
When you are ready to race, find a good hill with a smooth surface. Start at the bottom and ride up to the top, building up speed as you go. Then, tuck your knees and lean forward to pick up even more speed on the way down.
As you get more comfortable on your skateboard, you can start to experiment with different techniques to pick up speed. Remember to practice safety first, and always skate within your abilities. With a little practice, you’ll be zooming down the street in no time!
What is the Fastest Type of Skateboard?
The fastest type of skateboard is the longboard. Longboards are designed for speed and stability, and they can reach speeds of up to 91.17 miles per hour (recorded)!
If you are just starting out, however, a beginner-friendly board is a good choice. Once you get more experience, you can upgrade to a faster board.
Fast skateboards are equipped with hard wheels – a high durometer. This type of wheel has less friction, and less grip and they roll fast on the ground. But if you are still practicing to speed, ride with fewer durometer wheels. They are a bit softer and have more grip for better control over the board.
Is Skateboarding Better than Walking?
It all depends on your personal preference and what you are looking for. If you want to go fast and commute in a short time, then skateboarding is definitely better than walking. Skateboarding saves you a lot of time plus it is a faster means of travel compared to walking.
However, if you are just looking to get some exercise or enjoy the outdoors, then walking is probably a better choice because it involves whole-body movement!
Are Skateboards Faster Than Bikes?
No, skateboards are not faster than bikes. Bikes can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on flat surfaces. However, skateboards can ride faster than bikes on a downhill. The recorded fastest speed on downhill skateboarding is 91.17 miles per hour – that’s fast!
In addition, skateboards are more maneuverable than bikes, so they can be easier to ride in tight spaces to bypass traffic.
Wrapping Up
Skateboarding is a great way to exercise and have fun. And, if you are looking for a challenge, you can always try to go faster. The speed of your skateboard is not that easy to control and you might have been caught off-guard. It’s still important to be safe and have fun at the same time.
Luckily, the speed of skateboards is not something that is set in stone. You can speed up and slow down your board easily by changing the wheels and the trucks. The world’s fastest skateboards can go faster if pushed down a hill. They are great for cruising down the street, and they are also great for use on skate parks and ramps due to their lightweight design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a skateboard?
On average, a skateboard will travel at speeds of 8-12 miles per hour on flat ground. However, experienced riders can reach speeds of up to 91.17 miles per hour when going downhill! Remember to practice safety first and always wear protective gear when skating. With a little practice, you’ll be zooming down the street in no time!
How can I make my skateboard go faster?
There are many different techniques you can use to pick up speed on your skateboard. Try tucking your knees into your chest and leaning forward slightly to increase your speed. You can also try using softer wheels for more grip or harder wheels for more speed. Remember to practice safety first and always skate within your abilities. With a little practice, you’ll be zooming down the street in no time!
How fast is too fast on a skateboard?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It is important to always skate within your abilities and practice safety first. Remember to wear protective gear and be aware of your surroundings. Stick to open areas where you can see obstacles in your path.
How fast can a skateboard go downhill?
A skateboard can go extremely fast on a downhill. On average, a skateboard will go fast at speeds of 25 – 30 miles per hour on a downhill. The fastest speed of a downhill riding skateboard has been recorded at 91.17 miles per hour.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
