When I was starting out as a skateboarder I always got confused about the questions like Can skateboards get wet? Can I skate when it is raining and what would happen to the grip tape of my skateboard deck? After spending a few years as a skater I will be sharing the most useful tips and ideas about what to do when your skateboard gets wet.
When skating in rain or on wet surfaces the deck of your skateboard gets wet easily and as it is made of wood it will become softer and will also deform a bit. So even if the deck gets dried up after some time the riding experience with that skateboard won’t be the same as it used to be.
In this article, I will be sharing my tried and tested tips that will help you in such situations. So let’s get started.
Can Skateboards Get Wet?
A skateboard that gets wet won’t last very long. The following happens when your skateboard is wet:
- Skateboard decks become waterlogged and lose their pop.
- Decks of low quality may warp or delaminate over time.
- It is mainly your axles, axle buts, cup washers, and kingpin nuts that will rust.
- Rusting will cause bearings to lose their function.
- Your truck’s hardware will rust and weaken as time goes by, but it’s usually not a problem.
- There is a possibility that grip tape will become less sticky over time.
So Avoid riding skateboards in the rain and if you do, seek medical attention. Take a look at the rest of the post and do your best to fix the issues.
What Happens When Your Skateboard Gets Wet?
It is not possible to wet the skateboard like a surf board. A water-based application is not possible. Your skateboard bearings will need to be cleaned of the oil that lubricates them. Your board’s adhesive will weaken as moisture accumulates between the epoxy layers. In addition to warping, your board will become more brittle.
A board that dries out is the worst possible outcome. Nevertheless, it is possible to clean, lubricate, and save bearings. It is possible to clean moisture from iron-containing components of steel trucks, as they won’t rust.
You won’t be able to use your board like when you bought it when it was new if it becomes waterlogged. Soggy and damp will be the feeling. You will notice that your board becomes heavier and does not pop much. You will notice that your skateboard’s wood becomes weaker and more prone to fracture. The damage to your board occurs here.
So Keep your skateboard away from wet surfaces and make sure you don’t skate under the rain while skateboarding. Skateboarding on wet surfaces will make you regret it.
What To Do When Your Skateboard Gets Wet?
Most skateboarders will inevitably get their boards wet. There is no need to worry about a splash of water from a puddle or a drizzle if it’s just a splash. You must maintain your skateboard in the event of a storm, a heavy rain or a large puddle. I will show you how!
The following steps should be taken if your skateboard gets wet:
- The source of water should be removed from it.
- Pat your skateboard’s exterior, including the grip tape, dry with a dry towel if it is visibly wet.
- Disconnect the hardware and trucks from the deck. It would help if you patted dry the board where the hardware attaches with your towel a second time.
- You can dry your skateboard by using the sun’s heat. Nevertheless, if the sun is hiding and it is still raining, open your garage door and let it air out. It would help to avoid using a heat dry because it can damage the glue.
- You will need to remove the skateboard’s wheels and bearings from its hardware. Roll the bearings and wheels in some paper towels to dry them out. Use an old toothbrush to ensure your directions are lubricated with WD-40 or skate-specific bearing lubricant. As a result, your bearings will remain safe from damage in the future.
- You should let your board and components dry for a while. As long as the local humidity isn’t too high, it should be fine for a couple of days.
- Get out there to skate again after you put your skateboard’s parts in the right place. Keep your skateboard dry by trying your best to prevent it from getting wet.
It’s that simple! You only need to follow these steps when your skateboard gets wet. Follow these steps because they are essential. Leaving your board and accessories to water for a long period will increase their vulnerability.
Can Grip Tape Get Wet?
Yes. You should still be able to get traction on your feet and the board after moisture exposure, but adhesion may be lost over time. The manufacturer recommends that you replace the grip tape if this happens.
Prevention is Best
It is best to avoid getting wet: do not get wet. Make sure you take a route with no rain (if possible) so that your board doesn’t get wet and you don’t have to do extra work and care.
Before going outside, you should also check the weather forecast. The best way to avoid being caught by rain is to know when to expect it.
How to Fix Wet Skateboard Bearings?
Since many people are asking about this, I will answer it. You can fix your skateboard’s wet bearings by following these steps:
- Make sure your skateboard’s hardware is taken off.
- You should remove your skateboard’s bearings and wheels.
- Make sure your bearings are dry by using a dry towel.
- Make sure your bearings are lubricated with WD-40 or another lubricant.
- You can now skateboard tricks again after putting your board back together!
Skateboard bearings do not cost much to replace, but it is best to save them whenever possible. Make sure you don’t get lazy! You should not waste your money even if you have lots of it. Ensure your skateboard’s wheels are kept clean regularly, and don’t neglect them.
Are Wet Roads Safe For Skateboarding?
Skateboarding on wet roads is fine if you want to be honest with yourself. Your board is much more vulnerable to hydroplaning and losing control. In addition to being dangerous, skating on wet roads are enormous. It is also possible to damage your skateboard by getting it wet, as I have explain in this article multiple times.
Although skateboarding is possible on wet roads, it is generally not advisable. Due to the easy slipping of the wheels, you will fall more often on a skateboard. As a result of moisture soaking into your board and hardware, they are susceptible to damage. If the weather outside is wet, skate-parks indoors are the best option.
If the best skateboard to use in the rain is an old or cheap skateboard with no damage if you use it in the rain. To prevent wheels from slipping too quickly, skate on flat surfaces rather than coarse concrete.
Skating on half-pipes or bowls is impossible in the rain. Slipping out will result in you hurting yourself in the end. The chances of suffering a severe injury are high when you are unlucky. Several people believe skateboarding in the rain does only minimal damage.
However, it is extremely risky. In addition to your board, you should also take care of yourself. It is possible to fall and get hit in the head, as well as get your board wet.
Can Electric Skateboards Get Wet?
The fun of riding an electric skateboard is well known to anyone who has ever ridden one. However, what happens if you get caught in the rain? Is it possible to get wet on an electric skateboard?
Water can get on electric skateboards, yes. Keep your skateboard safe from water damage by taking some precautions.
You can keep these tips in mind during a downpour while riding your electric skateboard:
- You should avoid skating in water puddles because water can easily damage your skateboard’s electrical components. It is best to avoid riding through water pools if possible.
- If your skateboard gets wet, you should dry it off as soon as possible. Water can corrode the skateboard’s electrical components and damage it.
- Keep your skateboard dry when it’s not in use: Make sure you store your skateboard in a dry place when it’s not in use. Keeping the electrical components dry will prevent the water from damaging them.
If you follow these simple tips, you will be able to ride your electric skateboard regardless of the weather. If you want to prevent damaging your skateboard, follow some precautions.
FAQs
Is it possible to wash my skateboard with water?
Furthermore, water can thin out your bearing oil and cause it to dry over time, resulting in an exploding bearing. It doesn’t matter if trucks get wet, but you should wipe them down just to be safe (rust). Your deck and bearings are the essential parts.
How does water affect skateboard wheels?
Water can ruin your bearings with rust and clog your deck with sogginess. It would help to dry your wheels separately and then left them in the sun for several hours using a rag or paper towel.
When does my skateboard become waterlogged?
You can listen for the “snap” that a non-waterlogged board makes when you do ollies on a quiet street. It should sound clear and crisply. You will feel like you are dragging cardboard as you lift a waterlogged board, and it will also sound dull. Alternatively, there may be a “creaking floorboard” noise.
Do You Prefer Skating in The Winter or Summer?
There’s no doubt that summer is the best time to skateboard. How come? Yes, of course! The weather is hot. Despite this, you and your skateboard are both safe. Rain or snow will not damage your skateboard, and wet surfaces will not cause you to slip and fall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yes! skateboards can easily get wet and deteriorate. You should therefore be cautious in the winter or during rainy seasons. If you don’t take precautions, your skateboard’s lifespan won’t be longer and it won’t provide a great riding experience. And be careful when skating in rain as the surface become slippery and you can get injuries.
However, staying indoors may be better than skating in water and risking damage to your deck. You should pay attention to your board’s aftercare if you end up skating in the rain. Following this habit will avoid future repairs and replacements that are more extensive and costly. It is always possible to use an old board if you don’t have a new one.