Skateboarding in the rain can be an exhilarating experience for riders who love a challenge. However, it is important to consider the potential risks and effects it can have on your skateboard. When you skate in the rain, your skateboard gets wet, which can affect the performance of the wheels and the deck.
Riding in the rain can make the board slippery, reducing traction and making it harder to maintain control. Moreover, if you get caught in the rain, moisture can seep into the bearings and hardware, leading to rust and damage.
Quick Answer: Skateboarding in the rain can damage your board and make surfaces slippery, posing safety risks. It's advisable to avoid wet conditions to ensure both your safety and the longevity of your skateboard.
Why You Might Want to Avoid Skateboarding in the Rain
Damaging Your Board
Skateboarding in wet conditions can seriously damage your skateboard. Components of the board, like the grip tape, may start to peel when it gets wet. The wooden part of your board can become waterlogged, compromising its integrity and lifespan. It's especially important to avoid riding through a puddle, as this can quickly get your bearings wet and rusted, leading to the need to replace them.
Safety Concerns:
Wet concrete or wet roads can be extremely slippery, increasing the chances of falling off your board. When grip tape gets wet, it loses its effectiveness, and skate shoes may not provide the better grip they typically would on dry grounds. This can make it dangerous to skate on wet surfaces.
Post-Rain Maintenance:
If you decide to skateboard while it’s raining, you'll likely need to spend some time afterward drying and cleaning your board. If your board gets wet, you might face the hassle of needing a new skateboard or replacing specific skateboard parts that were damaged by moisture.
Skateboarding in Light Rain vs. Heavy Rain
In light rain, the ground is wet but not flooded, making it somewhat safer than in heavy downpours. However, even in light rain, wet shoes and wet skateboard surfaces can be risky. Heavy rain, with puddles and wet grounds everywhere, is more hazardous for both the skater and the skateboard. If caught in the rain, it's recommended to wait for the rain to stop or find shelter immediately.
Tips for Skateboarding in Wet Weather
For those daring souls who decide to skateboard when it’s raining or when the ground is wet, here are some pointers:
Use Specialized Gear
There are skateboards designed for wet conditions, and some rain wheels can offer better grip on wet surfaces. Using a penny board, which is made of plastic, can be more resistant to water than traditional wooden boards.
Skate in Safe Places
When the weather is wet, avoid skating on busy roads. Look for safe places to skate, like a covered skateboarding facility or areas with less traffic. This minimizes the risks associated with skating around vehicles on wet roads.
Always Have a Skate Tool
A skate tool will allow you to make quick adjustments or disassemble parts of your board if needed. If it’s wet, and you need to make a quick fix, having this tool is invaluable.
Know When to Stop
If it's raining outside or if the rain gets heavier, it's crucial to know when to stop. Always prioritize your safety and the longevity of your skateboard.
Final Thoughts
Skateboarding in the rain or on wet grounds is something many skateboarders will be tempted to do at some point. While the thrill might be tempting, it’s essential to look at why skateboarding in such conditions might not be the best idea. The risks to both the skateboarder and the board are real.
However, if you're well-prepared and aware of the challenges, and you take necessary precautions, you can mitigate some of these risks. Still, if you can avoid skateboarding in the rain altogether, your board will thank you for it. And remember, after the rain may come a perfect day with ideal conditions to ride your best skateboard on dry and safe terrains.