Winter can be a tough time for skateboarders. The cold, snow, and ice can make it seem impossible to keep skating. But with the right preparation and mindset, you can keep rolling all winter long. We spoke with experienced skaters Aaron Herrington, Brian Anderson, and Gosha Konyshev to get their tips on how to make the most of winter skating.
Layer Up for Warmth
Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable while skating in the cold. Start with a base layer, like thermals or long johns, to wick away moisture. Then, add insulating layers like a zip hoodie and a flannel with insulated sleeves. Finally, top it off with a windproof and water-resistant jacket.
Aaron Herrington emphasizes the importance of utilitarian gloves. He recommends rubbery, windproof gloves, like those from Home Depot, for better grip and protection. He also suggests bringing multiple pairs of socks to change mid-session and keep your feet dry and warm.
Brian Anderson is a fan of zip hoodies and flannels with insulated sleeves. He points out that wool is a great option for outerwear because it stays warm even when wet. He recommends layering a zip hoodie under a wool jacket, especially in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest.
Get Your Blood Pumping
Stretching and warming up are important all the time, but even more crucial in the winter when muscles tend to tighten up.
Aaron Herrington makes sure to stretch more during the winter months than he does in the summer because he feels his muscles and joints are tighter, similar to the trucks and bushings on a skateboard. He recommends getting the blood flowing with activities like jumping jacks and parkour-like movements before hitting the board.
Brian Anderson stretches frequently, focusing on his spine and hips. He’s a big advocate of using a foam roller to relieve pain in bones and muscles that can be exacerbated by cold barometric pressure.
Gosha Konyshev, prefers to warm up by pushing around and doing small tricks to get a feel for the conditions, adjusting his skating as needed.
Consider an Alternative Board Setup
Having a board set up specifically for winter conditions can make a big difference.
Brian Anderson keeps a rain board, which he spray paints for weather protection. He also uses WD40 or even olive oil on his bearings to keep them rolling smoothly.
Gosha Konyshev opts for softer wheels and a wider deck for more stability in snow and ice. He also uses a rubber doormat stapled to his deck for extra grip, replacing expensive snowskate grip.
Aaron Herrington has a creative solution for applying griptape in the cold. He scores the top of the board with a razor blade to give the griptape something to stick to. He also uses crazy glue to fill in any chips and keep his grip intact.
Scout the Right Spots
Finding good spots to skate in the winter is key. Covered spots or indoor parks are ideal. Under bridges and parking garages can also be good options. Salt can help clear away ice.
Gosha Konyshev uses cheap salt to clean up icy spots, often finding free salt from roadside piles left by salt trucks. He then uses a brush to clean up the rocks that may be left behind. He even built a kicker out of snow and ice, layering water to freeze it hard.
Brian Anderson likes LES park, with its brick ground for sliding. He says that when it’s very cold, he focuses on stalls and other basic tricks. He warns about frostbite and advises keeping hands warm inside gloves to maintain good circulation. He also suggests carrying a snow shovel and even a blow torch in your car to clear and dry off spots in more extreme conditions.
Embrace the Wet Board
Don’t worry too much about your board getting wet. It’s not the end of the world.
Aaron Herrington isn’t afraid to skate in light rain or wet conditions, especially on his cruiser board. He says he’ll skate a board for a while, so he’s not too worried about it getting damaged. He says he doesn’t believe in waterlogged boards, as long as you bring them inside and dry them out. He suggests matting your griptape with an old towel and placing the board near a heater for drying.
Gosha Konyshev agrees that water won’t ruin your board. He says that boards are easier to come by now, so changing them out more often is normal. While he skates in the rain, he understands if other skaters prefer to keep their boards dry.
Explore Alternative Activities
When the weather is just too bad to skate, it’s good to have other options for staying active and engaged.
Aaron Herrington has recently gotten back into indoor rock climbing. He sees similarities to skateboarding in terms of finding lines and challenges. He encourages everyone to dive into their hobbies during the winter months.
Brian Anderson has started playing guitar, drawing inspiration from his journal writing. He uses it as another creative outlet, as he embraces a lifestyle change with no alcohol.
Gosha Konyshev plays guitar for relaxation and also stays connected to skateboarding by working at his factory, pressing decks, and editing footage.
Winter skating can be challenging, but it is certainly possible with the right mindset, preparation, and some creativity. By layering up, stretching, setting up your board correctly, finding appropriate spots, and not being afraid of a little water, you can keep the wheels rolling all winter. When skating is simply not an option, explore other creative outlets to keep your mind and body active.
