Once you’ve caught the speed bug, there’s no turning back. Every moment on your skateboard or longboard becomes a quest to push your limits and discover how to go faster. If that sounds like you, this guide offers some key adjustments you can make to your setup to unleash your inner speed demon.
How to Increase Your Skateboard or Longboard Speed
Upgrade Your Wheels
Your wheels are the primary point of contact between your board and the ground, making them the most logical place to start when seeking a performance upgrade. Here are a few wheel-related changes that can significantly boost your speed:
Choose Larger Wheels
While smaller wheels offer quick acceleration, larger wheels boast a higher top speed. In a race scenario, a skateboarder with smaller wheels might initially pull ahead, but a longboarder with larger wheels will eventually overtake them thanks to their superior top-end velocity.
The physics behind this are complex, but the core concept is that larger wheels cover more distance per rotation, leading to higher speeds. For an in-depth explanation, check out this Quora article.
So, what are some good options for fast longboard and skateboard wheels?
- For longboarding, the Seismic 78a, 75mm Alphas are a great choice. These wheels are made with a dense, fast-rolling urethane that provides both speed and decent acceleration. You can find them here on Amazon.com. Just be mindful of potential wheelbite.
- Another solid longboard option is the Orangatang Durian. These 75mm wheels excel at reaching and maintaining a high top speed, though they may take a moment to get going. Check them out here on Amazon.com.
- For skateboarding, the Powell-Peralta G-Bones, at 64mm, are a good example of a larger wheel that can increase speed. You can find them here on Amazon.com. As with any larger wheel, be cautious of wheelbite.
Larger wheels also possess greater momentum, allowing them to roll for longer periods, which is perfect for cruising. If you’re after maximum speed, consider the massive 80mm Orangatang Kegel wheels. While they require more effort to push, their momentum is unmatched.
A close-up of a longboard wheel, highlighting its size and urethane material
Invest in High-Quality Wheels
Cheap wheels often use low-grade urethane that is prone to sagging, poor rebound, and slow rolling, all while lacking a solid core. High-quality wheels utilize premium urethane with excellent rebound and a strong core, which translates to faster speeds, increased durability, and a better overall skating experience.
A close-up of a high-quality longboard wheel, showing its construction and urethane
The Seismic Alpha wheels are a prime example of high-quality wheels, using the same urethane that was used to set the downhill skateboarding speed record of 91.17MPH at L’Ultime Descente.
The quality of your wheel’s urethane and core significantly affects your speed. A low-quality wheel is like a deflated tire – slow and sluggish – while a high-quality wheel, like an inflated tire, rolls efficiently and maintains momentum.
Here are some high-quality wheel options:
- For skateboarding, the 63mm Seismic Booster Wheels stand out. They feature Seismic’s premium pool/park formula and a unique, weight-saving EC hub for guaranteed quality. Check them out here on Amazon.com.
A detailed view of the Seismic Booster skateboard wheel, showcasing its unique hub design. - Also for skateboarding, the Seismic Encore wheels offer superior cushioning and roll speed across various terrains. Though primarily designed for longboard dancing, they will perform better than basic skateboard wheels. Find them here on Amazon.com. While these might not be the traditional choice for skateboarders, their quality is undeniable.
- Longboarders should consider the Seismic Speed Vents, at 73mm. These wheels are a popular choice amongst downhill and long-distance skaters because of their speed and nimble turning. You can find them on Amazon.com here.
Instagram Post showing a skater going fast on Seismic Wheels
Select Harder Wheels
Remember the tire analogy? Harder wheels are like fully inflated tires. Softer wheels compress more against the road, absorbing energy and killing momentum. Harder wheels, on the other hand, have greater rebound, reflecting energy and maintaining speed.
A close-up of a skateboard wheel, showing its durometer and the texture of the urethane
If you want to increase your speed, opt for a higher durometer when selecting your wheels. For instance, if you like the Orangatang Durians, choose the 83a (purple) version over the 80a (orange) for a faster roll. The same principle applies to skateboarding: instead of a 97a wheel, go for a 100a wheel.
Keep in mind, harder wheels transfer more road vibration, making rough surfaces feel even bumpier. To mitigate this, seek out smoother skating locations.
Choose Smoother, Steeper Roads
Even the best skateboard can be hampered by its environment. Rough roads with tiny bumps slow you down because your wheels need to constantly roll over these obstacles.
A road sign for a steep hill with a skater in the background
Larger wheels can help smooth out the ride on rougher roads, making them more comfortable and easier to navigate. Longboarders should look for 75mm+ wheels, while skateboarders might consider 60mm+ wheels, keeping wheelbite in mind.
The ideal location for speed is a smooth, steep surface. A combination like a steep and smooth highway is perfect for hitting higher speeds. For example, check out Thiago Lessa easily hitting high speeds in the Instagram clip below:
Instagram post showing a skater going fast on a smooth steep road
However, achieving top speeds is not just about the right location. Aerodynamics also plays a significant role.
Improve Your Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics makes a big difference in how fast you can go. To reduce air resistance, longboarders often use a “tuck” position. This involves bending over, bringing your chest close to your knees, and minimizing air pockets. A proper tuck can increase speed from 30mph to 50mph on the same hill.
A longboarder in a tuck position, minimizing air resistance
While the tuck position can be awkward on a traditional skateboard, simply crouching or bending at the hip will reduce your surface area and increase your speed.
Refresh Your Bearings
While some might argue that bearings don’t matter all that much, well-maintained bearings will always outperform neglected ones. Also, new bearings will always roll smoother and faster than old ones.
Old bearings filled with gunk and dirt generate heat, hindering your speed. Rather than cleaning old bearings, replacing them with a fresh set will be much easier.
Consider Loaded Jehu-bearings, which are known for their reliability when skating at high speeds.
A pyramid of skateboard and longboard bearings, demonstrating different bearing types
Avoid Excessive Movement
A straight line is always the fastest path. Shifting from side to side as you skate increases the distance you travel, reducing your speed. While carving is useful for controlling your speed, it’s not ideal for achieving maximum velocity.
A skater carving down a hill
A longboarder carving down a hill
To minimize side-to-side movement, use stable, high-quality trucks. If high-end trucks aren’t an option, focus on setting up your board for maximum stability.
Get Lucky with a Tailwind?
The world downhill skateboarding record of 90+mph set at L’utlime descent in 2017 is a good example of how tailwinds can impact speed. The top speeds on that road usually max out at 80mph. The only reason riders reached those record-breaking 90mph+ speeds was the 10mph tailwind.
A tailwind can add a few miles per hour to your speed. While you may not reach 90mph, a tailwind will still be a significant boost.
What Will You Try?
Now that you’ve learned how to increase your speed, it’s essential to know how to slow down. This guide explains how longboarders and skaters reduce speed when going fast.
Which of these methods will work best for you? If you’re looking for an immediate impact, upgrading your wheels will make the biggest difference. In addition to that, becoming more aerodynamic will get you going faster, but this method requires more skill and practice.
