10 Reasons Why Your Longboard is Slow (Solution with Pictures)

As a longboarder, you probably know that speed is at the heart of this exhilarating sport. But if you’re finding that your longboard just isn’t cutting it when it comes to speed, you’re probably wondering what could be causing this problem. 

Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to boost the speed of your ride. 

So, here we’ll explore 10 possible reasons why your longboard might be running a little slow and provide some tips on how to address each issue.

Remove Dirty bearings

Dirty bearings can be a real hassle when it comes to riding your longboard. They can slow down your board and make it more difficult to gain speed. However, cleaning your bearings is a fairly easy fix. 

It’s important to remember to remove your wheel and pop out the bearings with the edge of your axle before cleaning them. 

Dirty bearings are just one of the many reasons why your longboard may be slow, so make sure to keep an eye out for the other reasons listed to ensure a fast and smooth ride.

Tools Needed to Remove Dirty Bearings:

To complete the task you’ve mentioned, you’ll need a few tools and materials:

1. Thumbtack, razor blade, or toothpick – one of these will be used to poke holes in the plastic container lid.
2. Paper towel – this will be used to clean the skate bearings.
3. Plastic container with a lid – this will be used to hold the isopropyl alcohol and the skate bearings.
4. Isopropyl alcohol – this is the solution that will be used to clean the skate bearings.
5. A skate tool or 1/2″ wrench – this will be used to remove and replace the skate bearings.

Axle nut blocking the wheels

One of the most common reasons for a slow longboard is when the axle nut is blocking the wheels. This happens when the nut is overtightened, causing pressure against the bearings and not allowing the wheels to spin freely. On the other hand, if the nut is not tightened enough, the wheels can spin too freely and create drag. 

It’s essential to strike a balance between the two. Another issue that may occur is not having speed washers or spacers, which can lead to the bearings rubbing against the hanger or axle nut, damaging them. 

To fix this issue, one can loosen the axle nuts so the wheel has a small amount of room to move, but not too much so that it wobbles.

Unsuitable surface for wheels

If you’re trying to ride on a rough, bumpy, or uneven surface, you’re bound to experience some slowdown. Longboards work best on smooth surfaces, and choosing the right durometer size for your wheels can make a big difference in the quality of your ride. 

If you’re unsure which wheels to choose, aim for a durometer in the 77 to 82A range, as they help absorb impact from cracks and bumps. It’s important to remember that bigger wheels also make for a smoother ride, but softer wheels may not provide the speed you want.

Wrong wheel size

Bigger wheels will help you achieve high speeds, but smaller wheels will slow you down. However, having the wrong wheel size can also affect the speed of your longboard. Large wheels cover more ground with the same amount of spinning as smaller ones, while smaller wheels may accelerate faster because they can build speed quicker. 

It’s essential to choose the right wheel size for your longboard to achieve the desired speed. If you have the wrong wheel size, it can cause slow-spinning wheels, which is one of the six reasons mentioned earlier, causing difficulty in riding and reduced speed.

Wheel replacement is needed

Over time, skateboard wheels lose their shape, get flat spots, or become unevenly worn, leading to decreased speed and grip. If your longboard wheels are smooth or cracked, it’s time to invest in a new set that matches your riding style and terrain. 

Choosing the right wheels for your longboard is crucial, as they can impact your speed, stability, and overall control. Ensure you get the right size, durometer, and shape of wheels, and don’t forget to install speed washers to reduce friction, increase speed, and extend the life of your bearings. 

With new wheels, your longboard will glide smoothly and faster than before.

Low-quality longboard

Owning a low-quality longboard will ultimately hinder a rider’s potential for a better and faster longboard ride. So, investing in the best quality longboards can make all the difference in the overall performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Pushing with all your weight

It is crucial to distribute your weight evenly while riding your longboard. Putting too much pressure on your back foot while pushing can lead to your board moving forward without you. This mistake often leaves riders behind and slows down their longboard. 

It is essential to let at least one second pass between each push, where you balance all your weight on your front foot. This technique will help you maintain control and speed while riding. Additionally, remember to avoid leaning too far back as this can cause you to lose balance.

No speed washers

Speed washers are small, thin discs that play a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation of a skateboard or longboard. Without them, the wheels can rub against the bearings, causing friction and causing your board to slow down.

If you’re looking to replace your skateboard wheels, it’s a quick and easy process.

First off, you’ll need to make sure you have a set of 8 wheels to replace the old ones.

Once you have your new wheels ready, grab a speed washer and place it over the truck axle. Then, place the new wheel onto the axle, making sure it fits snugly. Add another speed washer over the wheel, and tighten the axle nut.

As you tighten the nut, you’ll start to feel some resistance. Once you feel this, stop turning your skate tool. But don’t worry – you’re almost there! To make sure your wheels can spin freely, turn your skate tool slightly counterclockwise.

And voila!

You’ve successfully replaced your skateboard wheels. It’s really that simple.

Push Mongo

The act of “Pushing Mongo” is often seen as a bad habit by experienced skateboarders. 

It involves pushing with the front foot while leaving the back foot on the board, and can affect a skater’s balance and overall speed. This is because pushing Mongo positions the skater’s weight in a way that challenges their balance and makes it more difficult to speed up. 

Additionally, mongo pushing is less efficient than pushing with both feet, meaning that it takes longer to properly position oneself on the board and ultimately slows the skater down.

Wrong bearings

Choosing the wrong bearings can also be a reason why your longboard is slow.

It’s important to choose bearings that are compatible with your longboard’s axle size and wheel type. Bones Bearings are a popular choice in the skateboarding world and have set a standard in terms of quality. If you suspect your bearings are the culprit, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible to ensure optimal performance.

Williams Jayson

I am a longboarding enthusiast and a blogger. On this blog, I share tips, tricks, and advice based on my experience. I am dedicated to helping newbies improve their skills and enjoy this fun activity to the fullest.